Dehumidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case comprising a suction part through which air is sucked in and a discharge part through which air is discharged; dehumidification members disposed inside the case and made of polymer film material to separate moisture from humid air; a partition plate supporting the dehumidification members and partitioning the inner space of the case into multiple spaces; and a case cover disposed at one end of the case and through which moist air separated from the dehumidification members is discharged.

Description

dehumidifier

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device.

[0002] A dehumidifier is a type of home appliance that lowers the humidity in a desired space by sucking in air from a desired space, removing the moisture contained in the air, and discharging the dehumidified air into the desired space.

[0003] Conventional dehumidifiers remove moisture by sucking in air from a desired space and passing it through a heat exchanger consisting of a condenser and an evaporator, thereby exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the condenser and the air passing through the evaporator.

[0004] The evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding air by evaporating the liquid refrigerant, and the condenser releases heat by condensing the gaseous refrigerant, thereby transferring heat to the surrounding air. In other words, the air passing through the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the refrigerant as it passes through the evaporator, thereby lowering its humidity, and the air with reduced humidity exchanges heat with the refrigerant as it passes through the condenser, thereby undergoing a drying process.

[0005] The dried air passing through the above heat exchanger is discharged to the desired space, thereby lowering the humidity in the air of the desired space.

[0006] These conventional dehumidifiers had the problem of causing discomfort to the user due to the temperature of the discharged air rising.

[0007] Information on prior literature is as follows.

[0008] (1) First patent document

[0009] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0083058 (Publication date: June 9, 2023)

[0010] Title of the invention: Air circulation system including membrane dehumidification module

[0011] (2) Second patent document

[0012] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1328447 (Registration date: November 6, 2013)

[0013] Title of the invention: Dehumidifying duct using a hollow fiber membrane module

[0014] (3) Third patent document

[0015] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1980257 (Registration date: May 14, 2019)

[0016] Title of the invention: Hybrid dehumidifying air conditioning device including a separation membrane

[0017] (4) Patent Document No. 4

[0018] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1980284 (Registration date: May 14, 2019)

[0019] Title of the invention: Dehumidification system using a membrane installed in a duct pipe

[0020] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device capable of achieving constant temperature dehumidification without increasing the temperature of an indoor space by selectively separating moisture in the air through a dehumidifying module including a membrane without operating a refrigeration cycle.

[0021] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device that can prevent a large pressure loss and ensure smooth air flow by using a hollow fiber membrane.

[0022] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device in which the contact surface area between air and a dehumidifying module can be increased.

[0023] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device in which water vapor separated from humid air passing through a dehumidifying module can flow and be discharged through a single vacuum line.

[0024] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device in which a plurality of dehumidifying members can be stably fixed.

[0025] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device capable of increasing the dehumidifying amount of a dehumidifying member by increasing the residence time of air flowing inside a case.

[0026] A dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case including an intake portion through which air is sucked in and an exhaust portion through which air is discharged, a dehumidifying member disposed inside the case and provided with polymer membrane fibers for separating moisture from humid air, a partition plate supporting the dehumidifying member and dividing the internal space of the case into a plurality of spaces, and a case cover disposed at an end of the case and through which water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member is discharged.

[0027] The suction portion and the discharge portion may be arranged diagonally so that diagonal airflow occurs inside the case.

[0028] The above suction portion may be formed at the lower portion of the case, and the above discharge portion may be formed at the upper portion of the case.

[0029] The above partition plate can be placed between the suction portion and the discharge portion.

[0030] The above suction portion may be formed at the lower front portion of the case, and the above discharge portion may be formed at the upper rear portion of the case.

[0031] The case may include a lower case that accommodates a lower portion of the dehumidifying member and an upper case that accommodates an upper portion of the dehumidifying member.

[0032] The above partition plate can be placed between the lower case and the upper case.

[0033] The suction portion may be formed in one of the lower case and the upper case, and the discharge portion may be formed in the other of the lower case and the upper case.

[0034] The partition plate can be mounted on the upper part of the lower case.

[0035] The lower part of the upper case can be mounted on the partition plate.

[0036] The lower case, the upper case, and the partition plate can be fastened together by a fastening member.

[0037] The above partition plate can be formed horizontally to the ground to partition the internal space of the case into an upper space and a lower space.

[0038] A support hole through which the dehumidifying member is supported may be formed in the above-mentioned partition plate.

[0039] The above partition plate may have a plate joint formed thereon that is connected to the case by a connecting member.

[0040] The above plate joint may protrude outside the case.

[0041] The above dehumidifying device may further include a fixing ring for fixing the dehumidifying member to the support hole of the partition plate.

[0042] The above fixing ring is fitted to the dehumidifying member, and at least a portion of the above fixing ring can be inserted into the inside of the support hole of the above partition plate.

[0043] The above-mentioned fixed ring may include a ring body having a through hole formed therein through which the dehumidifying member passes, and a ring extension portion extending downward along an edge of the through hole and inserted into the support hole.

[0044] The above dehumidifying device may further include a potting part formed by solidifying a potting liquid to fix an end of the dehumidifying member, and a potting cap forming a space in which the potting part is placed.

[0045] An end of the dehumidifying member is exposed to the outside of the potting cap, and the exposed end of the dehumidifying member can be shielded by the case cover.

[0046] The case cover may be provided with a connection port for discharging water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member to the outside.

[0047] A dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a dehumidifying module including a dehumidifying member having a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture from humid air, a first case that accommodates a part of the dehumidifying module and includes a suction portion through which air is sucked in, a second case that accommodates another part of the dehumidifying module and includes a discharge portion through which air is discharged, and a case cover that is disposed at an end of the first case or the second case and through which water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member is discharged.

[0048] The above dehumidifying module may support the dehumidifying member and include a partition plate that partitions the first case and the second case.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, constant temperature dehumidification can be achieved without increasing the temperature of an indoor space by selectively separating moisture in the air through a dehumidification module including a membrane without operating a refrigeration cycle.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification module using a membrane (hollow fiber membrane) is provided, which has the advantage of increasing the contact surface area between air and a dehumidification member and reducing pressure loss.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water vapor separated from wet air can flow and be discharged through a single vacuum line, so that pressure control can be easily achieved and air leakage can be minimized.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a partition plate supporting a plurality of dehumidifying members and a fixing ring fixing each of the plurality of dehumidifying members to the partition plate are provided, so that the plurality of dehumidifying members can be stably supported.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a partition plate is provided between the lower case and the upper case that accommodate the dehumidification module to partition the internal space of the lower case and the internal space of the upper case, so that air introduced into the interior of the lower case can move into the interior of the upper case only through the interior of the membrane, so that the residence time of air flowing inside the case is increased, and the dehumidification amount of the dehumidification member can be improved.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the air intake and air discharge portions are arranged diagonally, a diagonal air flow can be formed within the case. Accordingly, the residence time of the air flowing within the case increases, thereby improving the dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifying element.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the upper cover and the lower cover being separated in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the upper case and the lower case being separated in a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a partition plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a retaining ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the assembly process of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the flow direction of air and moisture in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a side perspective view showing the flow direction of air and moisture in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a description of a related, known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an upper cover and a lower cover being separated in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an upper case and a lower case being separated in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partition plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of a fixing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a dehumidifying device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a three-dimensional shape in which the height in the vertical direction is greater than the width in the front-back direction.

[0070] Define the direction.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 2, the direction in which the suction portion (211) of the case (200) faces outward is defined as the front, and the direction in which the discharge portion (221) of the case (200) faces outward is defined as the rear. The above-mentioned front-back direction may be called the “first direction.”

[0072] Based on Fig. 2, the height direction of the case (200), i.e., the longitudinal direction in which the dehumidification module (100) extends, is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction may be referred to as the “second direction.”

[0073] Based on Fig. 2, the direction in which the side of the case (200) faces outward is defined as the lateral or left-right direction. The lateral direction may be referred to as the "third direction."

[0074] The above dehumidifying device (10) may be configured to separate and discharge moisture from the humid air sucked in through the suction unit (211) and then discharge the dehumidified air after the moisture has been separated through the discharge unit (221). The suction and discharge directions of the air and the discharge direction of the separated moisture may be different from each other.

[0075] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include a dehumidifying module (100) that comes into contact with humid air to separate moisture from the humid air, and a case (200) that accommodates the dehumidifying module (100) and forms the exterior of the dehumidifying device (10).

[0076] The case (200) may include a lower case (210) that accommodates the lower portion of the dehumidifying module (100) and forms the lower outer surface of the dehumidifying device (10), and an upper case (220) that accommodates the upper portion of the dehumidifying module (100) and forms the upper outer surface of the dehumidifying device (10).

[0077] The above lower case (210) may be named “first case” and the above upper case (220) may be named “second case”.

[0078] The first case can accommodate a portion of the dehumidification module (100), and the second case can accommodate the remaining portion of the dehumidification module (100).

[0079] The lower case (210) and the upper case (220) are arranged in a vertical direction and can be connected to each other. An intake portion for sucking air may be formed in one of the lower case (210) and the upper case (220), and an exhaust portion for exhausting air may be formed in the other.

[0080] In this embodiment, it is exemplarily explained that a suction part is formed in the lower case (210) and a discharge part is formed in the upper case (220).

[0081] However, it is not limited to this, and a suction part may be formed in the upper case (220) and a discharge part may be formed in the lower case (210).

[0082] The lower case (210) may be formed in a hollow cylinder shape. The lower case (210) may be formed in a cylinder shape with open upper and lower surfaces. The lower case (210) may accommodate the lower portion of the dehumidifying module (100) and form an internal space (210a) through which air flows.

[0083] The lower case (210) may be formed with a suction portion (211) through which air is sucked. The suction portion (211) may be formed on the front surface of the lower case (210). For example, the suction portion (211) may be formed on the lower front surface of the lower case (210). The suction portion (211) may be formed by cutting off at least a portion of the lower front surface of the lower case (210).

[0084] A lower coupling portion (212) for coupling with the upper case (220) may be formed in the lower case (210). The lower coupling portion (212) may be coupled to the upper case (220) by a coupling member.

[0085] The lower coupling portion (212) may be formed at the upper end of the lower case (210). The lower coupling portion (212) may extend outward along the upper end edge of the lower case (210). For example, the lower coupling portion (212) may extend radially outward from the upper end edge of the lower case (210).

[0086] A fastening hole (213) through which a fastening member penetrates may be formed in the lower joint portion (212). The fastening hole (213) may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the lower joint portion (212).

[0087] The lower coupling portion (212) may be provided in multiple pieces. The multiple lower coupling portions (212) may be spaced apart and arranged along the upper edge of the lower case (210). For example, the multiple lower coupling portions (212) may be formed one each on the front, left side, right side, and rear side of the lower case (210) along the upper edge of the lower case (210).

[0088] The upper case (220) may be formed in a hollow cylinder shape. The upper case (220) may be formed in a cylinder shape with open upper and lower surfaces. The upper case (220) may accommodate the upper portion of the dehumidifying module (100) and form an internal space (220a) through which air flows.

[0089] The upper case (220) may be formed with a discharge portion (221) through which air is discharged. The discharge portion (221) may be formed on the rear surface of the upper case (220). For example, the discharge portion (221) may be formed on the upper rear surface of the upper case (220). The discharge portion (221) may be formed by cutting off at least a portion of the upper rear surface of the upper case (220).

[0090] In this embodiment, the suction unit (211) and the discharge unit (221) may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the dehumidifying module (100). Specifically, in order to form a diagonal air flow inside the case (200), the suction unit (211) and the discharge unit (221) may be arranged diagonally with respect to each other.

[0091] When diagonal airflow occurs inside the case (200), the straight-line distance between the suction portion (211) and the discharge portion (221) increases, so that the residence time of the air flowing through the dehumidifying module (100) may increase. Accordingly, the surface area of ​​the dehumidifying member (110) in contact with the air may increase, and the flow rate of the air in contact with the dehumidifying member (110) may increase, so that the dehumidification amount may increase.

[0092] An upper coupling portion (222) for coupling with the lower case (210) may be formed in the upper case (220). The upper coupling portion (222) may be fixed to the lower case (210) by a fastening member.

[0093] The upper coupling portion (222) may be formed at the lower end of the upper case (220). The upper coupling portion (222) may extend outward along the lower end edge of the upper case (220). For example, the upper coupling portion (222) may extend radially outward from the lower end edge of the upper case (220).

[0094] A fastening hole (223) through which a fastening member passes may be formed in the upper connecting portion (222). The fastening hole (223) may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the upper connecting portion (222).

[0095] The upper coupling portion (222) may be provided in multiple pieces. The multiple upper coupling portions (222) may be spaced apart and arranged along the lower edge of the upper case (220). For example, the multiple upper coupling portions (222) may be formed one each on the front, left side, right side, and rear side of the upper case (220) along the lower edge of the upper case (220).

[0096] The above dehumidifying device (10) may further include a case cover (310, 320) placed at an end of the case (200). The case cover (310, 320) may be coupled to both ends of the case (200).

[0097] The above case cover (310, 320) may include a lower cover (310) placed at an end of the lower case (210) and an upper cover (320) placed at an end of the upper case (220).

[0098] The above lower cover (310) may be named “first cover” and the above upper cover (320) may be named “second cover”.

[0099] The lower cover (310) can cover the open lower surface of the lower case (210). The lower cover (310) can be coupled to the lower end of the lower case (210) to seal the lower side of the lower case (210). The lower cover (310) can be coupled to surround the lower edge of the lower end of the lower case (210).

[0100] A flow space (312) in which moisture separated from the dehumidifying member (110) flows may be formed inside the lower cover (310). The flow space (312) may be connected to the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210).

[0101] The upper cover (320) may cover the open upper surface of the upper case (220). The upper cover (320) may be coupled to the upper end of the upper case (220) to seal the upper side of the upper case (220). The upper cover (320) may be coupled to surround the upper edge of the upper end of the upper case (220).

[0102] A flow space (322) in which moisture separated from the dehumidifying module (100) flows may be formed inside the upper cover (320). The flow space (322) may be connected to the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220).

[0103] Either the lower cover (310) or the upper cover (320) may be provided with a connection port for discharging moisture separated from the dehumidifying member (110) to the outside.

[0104] In this embodiment, a connection port is formed in the upper cover (320) as an example. However, this is not limited to this, and a connection port may be formed in the lower cover (310) instead of the upper cover (320).

[0105] The upper cover (320) may be provided with a connection port (321) that discharges moisture separated from the dehumidifying member (110) to the outside.

[0106] The above connection port (321) may be formed on the upper surface of the upper cover (320). The connection port (321) may be formed in a protruding or recessed shape from the upper surface of the upper cover (320). The connection port (321) may be in communication with the fluid space (322) of the upper cover (320).

[0107] The above connection port (321) can be connected to a vacuum pump. A connection pipe connected to a vacuum pump can be inserted into the connection port (321). When the vacuum pump is operated with the connection pipe inserted into the connection port (321), a pressure difference occurs between the outside and inside of the dehumidifying member (110), and moisture (water vapor) in the air passing through the dehumidifying member (110) can be moved to the upper side of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0108] The water vapor moved to the upper side of the dehumidifying member (110) can be moved to the flow space (322) of the upper cover (320) and then discharged to the outside through the connection port (321).

[0109] The water vapor discharged through the above connection port (321) is sucked into a vacuum pump and, in the process of being compressed at high pressure, is transformed into water and can be stored in a water tank. As another example, the water vapor discharged from the vacuum pump can be passed through an additionally equipped sensible heat exchanger to be condensed into water and stored in a water tank.

[0110] The above dehumidification module (100) can be accommodated inside the case (200). The above dehumidification module (100) can have a shape that extends vertically.

[0111] The above dehumidification module (100) may include a dehumidification member (110) capable of selectively separating moisture from humid air.

[0112] The above dehumidifying member (110) may include a membrane.

[0113] The above-mentioned dehumidifying member (110) may include a polymer membrane fiber having a hollow fiber structure with excellent selectivity for moisture. The polymer membrane fiber may be cut to a predetermined length and used. The polymer membrane fiber may be referred to as a "hollow fiber membrane."

[0114] The above polymer membrane fibers can be configured to have a diameter of, for example, about 400 to 420 μm.

[0115] The above polymer membrane fiber may be composed of, for example, polysulfone or polypropylene material.

[0116] A coating layer may be provided on the surface of the above polymer membrane fiber to increase the selectivity of moisture in the air. The coating layer may be composed of a polyamide material.

[0117] The above polymer membrane fibers can be provided in multiple strands.

[0118] The above dehumidifying member (1100) may further include a packing member (not shown) that surrounds the plurality of polymer film fibers to fix the polymer film fibers composed of the plurality of strands.

[0119] The plurality of polymer membrane fibers can be formed into a bundle by the above-described packing member. The bundle of dehumidifying members (110) can form a single dehumidifying member. The dehumidifying module (100) can be provided with a plurality of such dehumidifying members (110).

[0120] The above dehumidifying module (100) may further include a potting part (111, 112) that fixes the ends of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) and a potting cap (140, 150) that fills the potting part.

[0121] The above potting portions (111, 112) may be filled in a liquid form inside the potting cap (140, 150) and hardened to fix the positions of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110). For example, the potting portions (111, 112) may be made of urethane or epoxy material.

[0122] The above potting portion (111, 112) fills the space between the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) to fix the dehumidifying members, and the ends of the dehumidifying members (110) can be exposed to the outside of the potting portion (111, 112).

[0123] The above potting part (111, 112) may include a first potting part (111) for fixing one end of the dehumidifying member (110) and a second potting part (112) for fixing the other end.

[0124] The first potting part (111) may be provided at the lower end of the dehumidifying member (110), and the second potting part (112) may be provided at the upper end of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0125] The above potting cap (140, 150) can be prepared by cutting off a portion after the potting portion (111, 112) is filled and hardened inside. The above potting cap (140, 150) can support both ends of the potting portion (111, 112).

[0126] The above potting cap (140, 150) may include a first potting cap (140) that supports the first potting portion (111) and a second potting cap (150) that supports the second potting portion (112).

[0127] The first potting cap (140) may form a space in which the first potting portion (111) is placed. The first potting cap (140) may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the first potting portion (111). The first potting cap (140) may have a frame shape with an open upper surface and a lower surface.

[0128] The first potting cap (140) may be placed at the lower end of the dehumidifying member (110). The first potting cap (140) may form the lower end of the dehumidifying module (100). The lower end of the dehumidifying member (110) may be exposed to the outside of the first potting cap (140) through the open lower surface of the first potting cap (140).

[0129] The second potting cap (150) may form a space in which the second potting portion (112) is placed. The second potting cap (150) may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the second potting portion (112). The second potting cap (150) may be formed in a frame shape with an open upper surface and a lower surface.

[0130] The second potting cap (150) may be placed on the upper end of the dehumidifying member (110). The second potting cap (150) may form the upper end of the dehumidifying module (100). The upper end of the dehumidifying member (110) may be exposed to the outside of the second potting cap (150) through the open lower surface of the second potting cap (150).

[0131] The above dehumidification module (100) may further include a partition plate (120) that supports the dehumidification member (110).

[0132] The above partition plate (120) can be placed between the lower case (210) and the upper case (220). The partition plate (120) can partition the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) and the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220).

[0133] Due to the configuration of the above partition plate (120), air introduced into the interior of the lower case (210) can move into the interior of the upper case (220) only through the interior of the dehumidifying member (110). That is, air in the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) can be prevented from moving upward through the gaps between the plurality of dehumidifying members (110).

[0134] The above partition plate (120) is connected to each of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) to prevent the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) from sagging or shaking downward due to gravity.

[0135] The above-mentioned partition plate (120) may be mounted on the upper portion of the lower case (210). The partition plate (120) may be formed to have an area that covers the open upper surface of the lower case (210). With the partition plate (120) mounted on the upper portion of the lower case (210), the lower portion of the upper case (220) may be mounted on the upper surface of the partition plate (120).

[0136] That is, the lower case (210), the partition plate (120), and the upper case (220) can be stacked and arranged in the vertical direction. In a state where the lower case (210), the partition plate (120), and the upper case (220) are stacked, the lower case (210), the partition plate (120), and the upper case (220) can be fastened together by a fastening member.

[0137] The partition plate (120) may be formed with a support hole (121) through which the dehumidifying member (110) is supported. The support hole (121) may be formed by penetrating from the upper surface to the lower side of the partition plate (120). The diameter of the support hole (121) may be formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0138] The above support holes (121) may be formed in multiple numbers on the upper surface of the partition plate (120). Each of the multiple dehumidifying members (110) may be inserted into each of the multiple support holes (121).

[0139] A plate coupling portion (122) for coupling with the lower case (210) and the upper case (220) may be formed on the above partition plate (120). The plate coupling portion (122) may be fixed to the lower case (210) and the upper case (220) by a fastening member.

[0140] The above plate joint (122) can protrude outside the case (200). That is, since the plate joint (122) is exposed to the outside of the case (200), it can be easily fastened by a fastening member.

[0141] The plate coupling portion (122) may be formed on the outer edge of the partition plate (120). The plate coupling portion (122) may extend outward from the outer edge of the partition plate (120). For example, the plate coupling portion (122) may extend radially outward from the outer edge of the partition plate (120).

[0142] A fastening hole (123) through which a fastening member passes may be formed in the above plate joint (122). The fastening hole (123) may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the plate joint (122).

[0143] The above plate joints (122) may be provided in multiple pieces. A plurality of plate joints (123) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the outer edge of the partition plate (120).

[0144] When the above partition plate (120) is in close contact between the lower case (210) and the upper case (220), the plate coupling part (122) can be in close contact between the lower coupling part (212) and the upper coupling part (222).

[0145] Accordingly, the fastening hole (213) of the lower coupling part (212), the fastening hole (123) of the plate coupling part (122), and the fastening hole (213) of the upper coupling part (222) are connected in the vertical direction and can be fastened together by a single fastening member.

[0146] The above partition plate (120) can form a boundary between the lower case (210) and the upper case (220). The partition plate (120), when combined with the plurality of dehumidifying members (110), can partition the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) and the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220).

[0147] Accordingly, the air in the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) can pass through the interior of the dehumidifying member (110) and move toward the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220). That is, the air can move upward along the longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0148] Meanwhile, the air sucked through the suction portion (211) may have an air flow in a diagonal direction toward the discharge portion (221). However, since the partition plate (120) has a structure that partitions the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) and the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220), the air flowing inside the lower case (210) can move to the interior of the upper case (220) only through the interior of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0149] According to this configuration, air drawn into the interior of the lower case (210) through the suction portion (211) can pass through the dehumidifying member (110) and flow into the interior of the upper case (220). That is, all wet air passes through the dehumidifying member (110) without leakage and makes contact, and in this process, the contact surface area between the wet air and the dehumidifying member (110) increases, so that moisture separation performance can be improved.

[0150] In addition, since a diagonal air flow is formed inside the case (200) from the suction part (211) to the discharge part (221), the residence time of the air passing through the inside of the case (200) increases, so that the dehumidification amount of the dehumidifying member (110) can be improved.

[0151] The above dehumidifying module (100) may further include a fixing ring (130) for fixing the dehumidifying member (110) to the partition plate (120). The fixing ring (130) may be formed of an elastically deformable material.

[0152] The above-mentioned fixing ring (130) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumference of the dehumidifying member (110). The above-mentioned fixing ring (130) may be fitted to the dehumidifying member (110), and at least a portion of the above-mentioned fixing ring (130) may be inserted into the support hole (121) of the partition plate (120).

[0153] The above fixed ring (130) may include a ring body (131) extending in a circumferential direction to surround the outer surface of the dehumidifying member (110), and a ring extension portion (132) extending downward from the ring body (131).

[0154] The above ring body (131) may be formed in a circular shape with a first diameter and a through hole (130a) formed on the inside. The dehumidifying member (110) may be inserted into the through hole (130a). The diameter of the through hole (130a) may be similar to or the same as the diameter of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0155] The above ring extension (132) may be formed to extend downward along the edge of the through hole (130a) of the ring body (131). The above ring extension (132) may be formed in a circular shape having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

[0156] The above ring extension (132) is inserted into the inner side of the support hole (121) of the partition plate (120), and the ring body (131) can be placed on the upper surface of the partition plate (120).

[0157] That is, the outer circumferential surface (132a) of the ring extension (132) is tightly coupled to the inside of the support hole (121) of the partition plate (120), and the lower surface (131a) of the ring body (131) can be supported by being seated on the upper surface of the partition plate (120). The dehumidifying member (110) can be stably fixed to the partition plate (120) by the elastic force (restoring force) of the fixing ring (130).

[0158] The above fixing rings (130) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the dehumidifying members (110). By using a plurality of fixing rings (130), a plurality of dehumidifying members (110) may be respectively placed in a plurality of support holes (121). Accordingly, the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) may be more stably fixed to the partition plate (120) by the plurality of fixing rings (130).

[0159] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the assembly process of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] First, referring to (a) of Fig. 8, a plurality of dehumidifying members (110) are prepared, and the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) are each coupled to the support holes (121) of the partition plate (120).

[0161] The diameter of the support hole (121) of the above-mentioned partition plate (120) may be slightly larger than the diameter of the above-mentioned dehumidifying member (110). For example, the above-mentioned partition plate (120) may be placed at a point corresponding to the middle height of the above-mentioned dehumidifying member (110).

[0162] The reason for arranging the partition plate (120) at the middle height of the dehumidifying member (110) may be to prevent the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) from sagging downward and to easily partition the internal space of the case (200) into an upper space and a lower space.

[0163] Referring to (b) of Fig. 8, when the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) are combined with the partition plate (120), a plurality of fixing rings (130) are each fitted to the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) and then inserted into the inner side of the support hole (121) of the partition plate (120). The fixing rings (130) can be combined by pushing them from the upper side to the lower side of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0164] At this time, the ring body (131) of the fixed ring (130) is supported on the upper surface of the partition plate (120), and the ring extension (132) of the fixed ring (130) can be inserted into the inside of the support hole (121) of the partition plate (120). The dehumidifying member (110) can be stably fixed to the partition plate (120) by the elastic force (restoring force) of the fixed ring (130).

[0165] Referring to (c) of Fig. 8, the lower part of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) is fixed using the first potting part (111) and the first potting cap (140).

[0166] For example, when the lower ends of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) are placed inside the first potting cap (140), the liquid first potting part (111) can be filled and solidified inside the first potting cap (140). The first potting part (111) can fill the space between the lower ends of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) to fix the plurality of dehumidifying members (110). The first potting part (111) can be made of a urethane or epoxy material.

[0167] When the first potting part (111) is completely hardened, a part (lower part) of the first potting cap (140) can be cut to expose the lower part of the dehumidifying member (110) to the outside of the first potting part (111).

[0168] When the lower part of the dehumidifying member (110) is exposed to the outside of the first potting part (111), water vapor flowing inside the dehumidifying member (110) can move to the flow space (312) of the lower cover (310) through the lower part of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0169] Referring to (d) of Fig. 8, the upper part of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) is fixed using the second potting part (112) and the second potting cap (150).

[0170] For example, when the upper portions of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) are placed inside the second potting cap (150), the liquid second potting part (112) can be filled and solidified inside the second potting cap (150). The second potting part (112) can fill the space between the upper portions of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) to fix the plurality of dehumidifying members (110). The second potting part (112) can be made of a urethane or epoxy material.

[0171] When the second potting part (112) is completely hardened, a part (upper part) of the second potting cap (150) can be cut to expose the upper part of the dehumidifying member (110) to the outside of the second potting part (112).

[0172] When the upper part of the dehumidifying member (110) is exposed to the outside of the second potting part (112), water vapor flowing inside the dehumidifying member (110) can move to the flow space (322) of the upper cover (320) through the upper part of the dehumidifying member (110).

[0173] A dehumidifying module (100) can be manufactured through the processes (a) to (d) of FIG. 8 described above.

[0174] Referring to (e) of Fig. 8, a case (200) is coupled to the dehumidifying module (100). The case (200) can be separated into two parts to cover the upper and lower parts of the dehumidifying module (100), respectively.

[0175] The lower case (210) can move upward from the lower side of the dehumidification module (100) to accommodate the lower part of the dehumidification module (100). The lower case (210) can be introduced upward until it contacts the lower surface of the partition plate (120). At this time, the lower connecting portion (212) of the lower case (210) can contact the lower surface of the plate connecting portion (122) of the partition plate (120).

[0176] The upper case (220) can move from the upper side to the lower side of the dehumidification module (100) to accommodate the upper part of the dehumidification module (100). The upper case (220) can be introduced downward until it contacts the upper surface of the partition plate (120). At this time, the upper connecting portion (222) of the upper case (220) can contact the upper surface of the plate connecting portion (122) of the partition plate (130).

[0177] The above-described partition plate (120), lower case (210), and upper case (220) can be stacked and arranged in a vertical direction. At this time, the fastening hole (123) of the partition plate (120), the fastening hole (213) of the lower case (210), and the fastening hole (223) of the upper case (220) can be aligned and connected in a vertical direction. In addition, the fastening hole (123) of the partition plate (120), the fastening hole (213) of the lower case (210), and the fastening hole (223) of the upper case (220) can be fastened together using a fastening member.

[0178] Referring to (f) of Fig. 8, after the lower case (210), the upper case (220), and the partition plate (120) are combined, the case cover is combined. The case cover can be separated into two parts to cover the lower part of the lower case (210) and the upper part of the upper case (220), respectively.

[0179] The lower cover (310) is coupled to cover the open lower surface of the lower case (210). The lower cover (310) may cover a portion of the outer circumference of the lower case (210). At this time, a portion of the outer circumference of the lower case (210) may come into contact with the inner surface of the lower cover (310). The lower cover (310) may cover the lower portion of the dehumidification module (100).

[0180] The upper cover (320) is coupled to cover the open upper surface of the upper case (220). The upper cover (320) may cover a portion of the outer circumference of the upper case (220). At this time, a portion of the outer circumference of the upper case (220) may come into contact with the inner surface of the upper cover (320). The upper cover (320) may cover the upper portion of the dehumidifying module (100).

[0181] A vacuum pump for providing vacuum pressure may be connected to the connection port (321) of the upper cover (320). For example, a connection pipe connected to the vacuum pump may be inserted into the connection port (321).

[0182] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the flow direction of air and moisture in a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side perspective view showing the flow direction of air and moisture in a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the fan connected to the dehumidifier (10) is driven, air can be sucked into the interior of the dehumidifier (10) through the suction portion (211). For example, the fan can be provided on the discharge side of the dehumidifier (10).

[0184] The direction of suction through the above suction portion (211) can form a direction (front-back direction) that intersects the direction in which the plurality of dehumidifying members (110) extend, i.e. the up-down direction.

[0185] Air that is introduced into the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) through the above suction part (211) can move upward and into the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220).

[0186] At this time, the internal space (210a) of the lower case (210) and the internal space (220a) of the upper case (220) are partitioned by the partition plate (120), so that air can move upward through the interior of the plurality of dehumidifying members (110).

[0187] That is, the moist air passes through the dehumidifying member (110) without leakage and makes contact, and in this process, the contact surface area between the moist air and the dehumidifying member (110) can increase.

[0188] In addition, the air sucked through the suction portion (211) can move diagonally toward the discharge portion (221). Since the distance between the suction portion (211) and the discharge portion (221) becomes relatively long, the residence time of the air remaining inside the case (200) increases, so that the dehumidification amount of the dehumidifying member (110) can increase.

[0189] When the vacuum pump is operated, a negative pressure lower than the external pressure may be formed inside the dehumidifying member (110). As the humid air passes through the dehumidifying member (110), moisture contained in the air may come into contact with the surface of the dehumidifying member (110) and be adsorbed. Then, the adsorbed moisture may diffuse and then be desorbed from the surface, thereby being selectively separated from the humid air.

[0190] The separated moisture flows upward from the inside of the dehumidifying member (110) due to the pressure difference and can move to the flow space (320a) of the upper cover (320). The flow direction of the separated moisture (dotted arrow in FIG. 10) can intersect with the flow direction of air (solid arrow in FIG. 10).

[0191] Moisture that has entered the flow space (320a) of the upper cover (320) is discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier (10) through the connection port (321), and the discharged water vapor can be compressed by being sucked into the vacuum pump through the connection pipe. Water that has undergone a phase change during the compression process can be stored in a water tank (not shown).

Claims

1. A case including an intake part through which air is sucked in and an exhaust part through which air is discharged; A dehumidifying member disposed inside the case and having a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture from humid air; A partition plate that supports the above dehumidifying member and divides the internal space of the case into multiple spaces; and A dehumidifying device including a case cover disposed at an end of the case and through which water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member is discharged.

2. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the suction portion and the discharge portion are arranged diagonally so that diagonal airflow occurs inside the case.

3. In paragraph 1, The above suction part is formed at the bottom of the case, The above discharge portion is formed on the upper part of the case, The above partition plate is a dehumidifying device arranged between the suction portion and the discharge portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above suction part is formed on the lower front side of the case, The above discharge portion is a dehumidifying device formed on the upper rear surface of the case.

5. In paragraph 1, The above case is, A lower case that accommodates the lower portion of the above dehumidifying member; and Includes an upper case that accommodates the upper portion of the above dehumidifying member, The above partition plate is a dehumidifying device placed between the lower case and the upper case.

6. In paragraph 5, The suction portion is formed in one of the lower case and the upper case, A dehumidifying device in which the discharge portion is formed in the other of the lower case and the upper case.

7. In paragraph 6, A dehumidifier in which the partition plate is mounted on the upper part of the lower case.

8. In paragraph 7, The lower part of the upper case is a dehumidifying device mounted on the partition plate.

9. In paragraph 8, A dehumidifying device in which the lower case, the upper case, and the partition plate are fastened together by a fastening member.

10. In paragraph 1, The above partition plate is a dehumidifying device formed horizontally to the ground to partition the internal space of the case into an upper space and a lower space.

11. In paragraph 10, A dehumidifying device in which a support hole is formed in the above partition plate through which the dehumidifying member is supported.

12. In paragraph 10, A dehumidifying device in which a plate joint is formed on the above partition plate by the case and the fastening member.

13. In paragraph 12, The above plate joint is a dehumidifying device that protrudes outside the case.

14. In paragraph 11, A dehumidifying device further comprising a fixing ring for fixing the dehumidifying member to the support hole of the partition plate.

15. In paragraph 14, The above fixing ring is fitted into the above dehumidifying member, A dehumidifying device in which at least a portion of the above fixing ring is inserted into the inner side of the support hole of the above partition plate.

16. In paragraph 15, The above fixed ring is, A ring body having a through hole formed through which the dehumidifying member passes; and A dehumidifier comprising a ring extension extending downwardly along the edge of the above through hole and inserted into the above support hole.

17. In paragraph 1, A potting part formed by solidifying a potting liquid to fix the end of the above dehumidifying member; and A dehumidifying device further comprising a potting cap forming a space in which the potting portion is placed.

18. In paragraph 17, The end of the above dehumidifying member is exposed to the outside of the potting cap, A dehumidifier in which the end of the exposed dehumidifying member is shielded by the case cover.

19. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device having a connection port formed on the case cover to discharge water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member to the outside.

20. A dehumidifying module including a dehumidifying member having a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture in humid air; A first case that accommodates a portion of the above dehumidifying module and includes an intake portion through which air is sucked; A second case that accommodates another part of the above dehumidifying module and includes a discharge portion through which air is discharged; and A case cover is disposed at an end of the first case or the second case, and includes a case cover through which water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member is discharged. The above dehumidifying module supports the above dehumidifying member and is a dehumidifying device including a partition plate that partitions the first case and the second case.

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