DEHUMIDIFIER

Disclosed herein is a dehumidifier having an outer case having a first inlet hole, a second inlet hole, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole, a first draft fan to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole, a second draft fan to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole, an evaporator to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole, a compressor to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator, a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan, a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan, and an expansion apparatus to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser or the second condenser.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0022536, filed on Feb. 13, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dehumidifier configured to be used as to lower the humidity of an indoor space.

BACKGROUND

In general, a dehumidifier is an apparatus configured to remove moisture in air. The dehumidifier may be largely distinguished into a drying-type dehumidifier and a cooling-type dehumidifier. The drying-type dehumidifier is a type of the dehumidifier configured to perform a dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing the moisture in the air by using dehumidifying agent, while the cooling-type dehumidifier is configured to condense the moisture in the air by cooling the temperature of the air below dew point by use of a cooling cycle apparatus.

The cooling-type dehumidifier, at an inside of a case forming an exterior appearance, includes components of the cooling cycle, such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion apparatus, and an evaporator, and a draft fan configured to have air at an indoor space move through the case by generating inlet force and draft force. By having the air of the indoor space pass through the evaporator at an inside of the case, the moisture included in the air is condensed on a surface of the evaporator, and thus the dehumidification is performed.

In the dehumidifier in general, the air that is dehumidified after passing through the evaporator is provided to pass through the condenser configured to condense refrigerant. The air that is dehumidified is heated by absorbing heat from the refrigerant of the condenser while passing through the condenser, and thus the air of the indoor space is provided with reduced humidity and higher temperature at the same time while passing through the evaporator and the condenser at an inside of a housing.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object to provide, for use in a dehumidifier having a structure configured to adjust the temperature of the air being outlet from an outlet hole of the dehumidifier.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a dehumidifier having a structure configured to increase a dehumidification efficiency of the dehumidifier. Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a dehumidifier includes an outer case having a first inlet hole, a second inlet hole, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole, a first draft fan to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole, a second draft fan to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole, an evaporator to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole, a compressor to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator, a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan, a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan, and an expansion apparatus to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser or the second condenser.

An exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser may be connected by use of a first conduit having a first compressor-exit-valve, the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser may be connected by use of a second conduit having a second compressor-exit-valve, an exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser may be connected by use of a third conduit having a first condenser-exit-valve, the exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus may be connected by use of a fourth conduit having a second condenser-exit-valve, an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus may be connected by use of a sixth conduit, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator may be connected by use of a seventh conduit.

During a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve may be open while the second compressor-exit-valve may be closed, during a general dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve may be closed while the second compressor-exit-valve may be open, and during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the first condenser-exit-valve may be closed while the second compressor-exit-valve and the second compressor-exit-valve may be open.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a dehumidifier includes an outer case having a first inlet hole, a second inlet hole, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole, a first draft fan to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole, a second draft fan to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole, an evaporator to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole, a compressor to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator, a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan, a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan, a water container at which condensation water generated at the evaporator is collected, a third condenser disposed below the water container and configured to heat-exchange with the condensation water, and an expansion apparatus to expand the refrigerant that is condensed at the first condenser, the second condenser, or the third condenser.

In addition, a first compressor-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting an exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser, a second compressor-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser, a first condenser-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting an exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser, and a second condenser-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus may be included, and an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus may be connected by use of a conduit, an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor may be connected by use of a conduit, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator may be connected by use of a conduit.

During a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve may be open while the second compressor-exit-valve may be closed, during a general dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve may be closed while the second compressor-exit-valve may be open, and during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the first condenser-exit-valve may be closed while the second compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve may be open.

The third condenser may be formed as the conduit connecting the exit of the first condenser or the exit of the second condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus is disposed to pass under the water container. The first outlet hole of the dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may be disposed at a front surface, a side surface, or an upper surface of the dehumidifier, and the second outlet hole may be disposed at a rear surface or a side surface of the dehumidifier. The second condenser and the second draft fan according to an aspect of the present disclosure may be disposed at an inside of an inner case. The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a filter unit. The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a humidifying element, and may further include a water container to collect the condensation water generated at the evaporator or to store the humidification water to be supplied to the humidifying element. The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include an outlet pipe connected to the second outlet hole. The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a drain pipe to drain the condensation water generated at the evaporation apparatus.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a dehumidifier may include an outer case, a first inlet hole provided at a front surface of the outer case, a first outlet hole provided at an upper surface of the outer case, a second inlet hole provided at a side surface of the outer case, a second outlet hole provided at a rear surface of the outer case, a first draft fan to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole, a second draft fan to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole, an evaporator to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole, a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan, a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan, an expansion apparatus to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser or the second condenser, and an inner case to isolate the second condenser and the second draft fan.

The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a water container at which the condensation water generated at the evaporator is collected, and a third condenser disposed below the water container and configured to heat-exchange with the condensation water, and the expansion apparatus is configured to expand the refrigerant that is condensed at the first condenser, the second condenser, or the third condenser.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier configured to provide a warm air dehumidification mode and a general dehumidification mode according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier configured to provide a warm air dehumidification mode and a general dehumidification mode according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier configured to provide a warm air dehumidification mode and a general dehumidification mode according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier configured to provide a warm air dehumidification mode, a general dehumidification mode, and a cool air dehumidification mode according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a dehumidifier configured to provide a warm air dehumidification mode, a general dehumidification mode, and a cool air dehumidification mode according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior appearance of a dehumidifier according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective from a different angle illustrating an exterior appearance of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the dehumidifier of FIG. 8 after separating an outer case from the dehumidifier according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the dehumidifier of FIG. 10 after separating an inside housing and an inner case from the dehumidifier according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating disassembled main components of the dehumidifier of FIG. 11 according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the dehumidifier according to the seventh embodiment after separating an outer case and a water container from the dehumidifier according to the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 13, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged humidifier. Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional dehumidifier 10 includes a case 11 having an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13, a compressor 90 to compress refrigerant, a condenser 40 to condense the refrigerant and radiate latent heat to an outside, a cooling cycle apparatus having an expansion apparatus 91 to expand the refrigerant and an evaporator 20 to absorb the latent heat of the outside by evaporating the refrigerant and condense the moisture in the surrounding air, and a draft fan 50 to inlet air through an inlet hole 12 and move the inlet air to be outlet through the outlet hole 13 after dehumidified through the evaporator 20 and then heated while passing through the condenser 40.

The dehumidifier is provided such that the air 80 entered through the one inlet hole 12 is outlet to the one outlet hole 13 after passing through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 40, and thus heat Q transferred from the condenser is concentrated at the one outlet hole 13. Therefore, a user may feel inconvenience by the air 80 being outlet at higher temperature than the surrounding temperature.

Referring to FIG. 2, a dehumidifier 100 includes an outer case 111 having a first inlet hole 112, a first outlet hole 113, a second inlet hole 114 (FIG. 9), and a second outlet hole 115. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 includes a compressor 190 to compress refrigerant, a first condenser 140 and a second condenser 141 to condense refrigerant and radiate latent heat to an outside, and a cooling cycle apparatus having an expansion apparatus 191 to expand refrigerant and an evaporator 120 to absorb latent heat of an outside by evaporating refrigerant and condense moisture of the surrounding air. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 includes a first draft fan 150 to inlet air through the first inlet hole 112 and move the inlet air to be outlet through the first outlet hole 113 after the inlet air is dehumidified through the evaporator 120 and then heated while passing through the first condenser 140, and a second draft fan 151 to inlet air through a second inlet hole 114 and move the inlet air to be outlet through the second outlet hole 115 after the inlet air is heated while passing through the second condenser 141.

As illustrated on FIG. 9, the second inlet hole 114 may be provided at a side surface of the dehumidifier 100, or may be provided at a random direction other than the direction that is identical to the second outlet hole 115. Although the second inlet hole 114 is not illustrated on FIG. 2 to FIG. 7, a second moving path 181 illustrated on FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 is provided to illustrate a moving path facing from the second inlet hole 114 provided at a side surface of the dehumidifier 100 toward the second outlet hole 115.

The dehumidifier 100 according to the present disclosure is provided such that the air that is inlet through the second inlet hole 114 is outlet through the second outlet hole 113 after passing through the second condenser 141, and the air that is inlet through the first inlet hole 112 is outlet through the first outlet hole 115 after passing through the first condenser 140, and thus energy is dispersed to two units of outlet holes Q1 and Q2. Therefore, as the temperature of the air being outlet from the first outlet hole 113 toward a user is lowered, the user may be provided with further comfortable atmosphere.

Furthermore, the dehumidifier 100 according to the present disclosure is configured to provide a driving condition of three modes including a warm air dehumidification mode, general dehumidification mode, and a cool air dehumidification mode so that a user may adjust the temperature of the air being outlet through the first outlet hole 113 as desired.

Referring to FIG. 3, the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to provide the warm air dehumidification mode and the general dehumidification mode. The exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having a first compressor-exit-valve 171, and the exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the second condenser 141 are connected by use of a conduit having a second compressor-exit-valve 172. In addition, the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit 163, and the exit of the first condenser 140 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit. In addition, the exit of the evaporator 120 and the entry of the compressor 191 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the expansion apparatus 191 and the entry of the evaporator 120 are connected by use of a conduit.

During the general dehumidification mode, heat exchange at high temperature may be performed first at the second condenser 141 by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 172 and by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171, as the heat exchange at high temperature is performed at the condenser at which refrigerant is directly received from the compressor. Through the above, as heat exchange at low temperature is performed at the first condenser 140 disposed at a moving path 180 of the air moved by use of the first draft fan 150, the air having moderately warm temperature is outlet from the first outlet hole 113. Meanwhile, during the warm air dehumidification mode, heat exchange is performed by use of only the first condenser 140 by opening the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the second compressor-exit-valve 172, and the air at high temperature is outlet through the first outlet hole 113.

Referring to FIG. 4, the dehumidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to provide the general dehumidification mode and the cool air dehumidification mode. The exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the second condenser 141 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having a first condenser-exit-valve 173. In addition, the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit having a second condenser-exit-valve 174, and the exit of the first condenser 140 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit. In addition, the exit of the evaporator 120 and the entry of the compressor 190 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the expansion apparatus 191 and the entry of the evaporator 120 are connected by use of a conduit.

During the general dehumidification mode, the air of a first moving path 180 may be provided to heat-exchange at low temperature at the first condenser 140 by opening the first condenser-exit-valve 173 and by closing the second condenser-exit-valve 174 so that the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 may be inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 after passing through the first condenser 140. Meanwhile, during the cool air dehumidification mode, the air at the first moving path 180 is outlet through the first outlet hole 113 in a cool state after passing through the evaporator 120, as the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 is inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 without passing through the first condenser 140 by closing the first condenser-exit-valve 172 and by opening the second condenser-exit-valve 174.

Referring to FIG. 5, the dehumidification mode 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to provide the warm air dehumidification mode and the cool air dehumidification mode. The exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having the first compressor-exit-valve 171, and the exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the second condenser 141 are connected by use of a conduit having the second compressor-exit-valve 172. In addition, the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the first condenser 140 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit. In addition, the exit of the evaporator 120 and the entry of the compressor 190 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the expansion apparatus 191 and the entry of the evaporator 120 are connected by use of a conduit.

During the warm air dehumidification mode, heat exchange is performed only by use of the first condenser 140 by opening the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the second compressor-exit-valve 172, and air at high temperature is outlet through the first outlet hole 113. Meanwhile, during the cool air dehumidification mode, the air at the first moving path 180 is outlet through the first outlet hole 113 in a cool state after passing through the evaporator 120, as the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 is inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 without passing through the first condenser 140 by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 172.

Referring to FIG. 6, the dehumidifier 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to provide the warm air dehumidification mode, the general dehumidification mode, and the cool air dehumidification mode. The exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having the first compressor-exit-valve 171, and the exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the second condenser 141 are connected by use of a conduit having the second compressor-exit-valve 172. In addition, the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having the first condenser-exit-valve 173, and the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit having the second condenser-exit-valve 174. In addition, the exit of the first condenser 140 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit, the exit of the evaporator 120 and the entry of the compressor 190 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the expansion apparatus 191 and the entry of the evaporator 120 are connected by use of a conduit.

During the warm air dehumidification mode, heat exchange is performed only by use of the first condenser 140 by opening the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the second compressor-exit-valve 172, and air at high temperature is outlet through the first outlet hole 113. During the general dehumidification mode, the air of a first moving path 180 may be provided to heat-exchange at low temperature at the first condenser 140 by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and the second condenser-exit-valve 174 so that the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 may be inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 after passing through the first condenser 140. Meanwhile, during the cool air dehumidification mode, the air at the first moving path 180 is outlet through the first outlet hole 113 in a cool state after passing through the evaporator 120, as the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 is inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 without passing through the first condenser 140 by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and the first condenser-exit-valve 173 and by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 172 and the second condenser-exit-valve 174.

Referring to FIG. 7, the dehumidifier 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer case 111 having the first inlet hole 112, the second inlet hole 114, the first outlet hole 113, and the second outlet hole 115, the first draft fan 150 to move from the first inlet hole 123 to the first outlet hole 113, the second draft fan 151 to move air from the second inlet hole 114 to the second outlet hole 115, the evaporator 120 to remove moisture included in the air that is inlet from the first inlet hole 112, the compressor 190 to compress refrigerant that is evaporated from the evaporator, the first condenser 140 disposed at the moving path 180 of the air that is moved by use of the first draft fan 150, the second condenser 141 disposed at a moving path 181 of the air that is moved by use of the second draft fan 151, a water container 130 at which condensation water generated at the evaporator 120 is collected, a third condenser 142 disposed below the water container 130 and to heat-exchange with the condensation water, and the expansion apparatus 191 to expand the refrigerant that is condensed at the first condenser 140, the second condenser 141, or the third condenser 142.

The fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present disclosure, similar to the fourth embodiment, is provided such that the exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having the first compressor-exit-valve 171, and the exit of the compressor 190 and the entry of the second condenser 141 are connected by use of a conduit having the second compressor-exit-valve 172. In addition, the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the first condenser 140 are connected by use of a conduit having the first condenser-exit-valve 173, and the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit having the second condenser-exit-valve 174. In addition, the exit of the first condenser 140 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 are connected by use of a conduit, the exit of the evaporator 120 and the entry of the compressor 190 are connected by use of a conduit, and the exit of the expansion apparatus 191 and the entry of the evaporator 120 are connected by use of a conduit.

Similar to the fourth embodiment as well, during the warm air dehumidification mode, heat exchange is performed only by use of the first condenser 140 by opening the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the second compressor-exit-valve 172, and air at high temperature is outlet through the first outlet hole 113. During the general dehumidification mode, the air of the first moving path 180 may be provided to heat-exchange at low temperature at the first condenser 140 by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 171 and by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and the second condenser-exit-valve 174 so that the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 may be inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 after passing through the first condenser 140. Meanwhile, during the cool air dehumidification mode, the air at the first moving path 180 is outlet through the first outlet hole 113 in a cool state after passing through the evaporator 120, as the refrigerant that is outlet from the second condenser 141 is inlet into the expansion apparatus 191 without passing through the first condenser 140 by closing the first compressor-exit-valve 171 and the first condenser-exit-valve 173 and by opening the second compressor-exit-valve 172 and the second condenser-exit-valve 174.

As shown on FIG. 7, the third condenser 142 may be formed as the conduit connecting the exit of the first condenser 140 or the exit of the second condenser 141 and the entry of the expansion apparatus 191 is disposed to pass under the water container 130. As the refrigerant that is outlet from the first condenser 140 or the second condenser 141 is passed through the third condenser 142 that is passed under the water container 130, additional heat exchange is performed by use of the heat of the condensation water collected at the water container. The efficiency of the dehumidifier 100 according to the present disclosure is increased by using the third condenser 142 configured to use the heat of the condensation water.

On FIG. 7, the water container 130 of the dehumidifier 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed at a lower portion of the dehumidifier 100. However, the dehumidifier 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with the water container 130 disposed at an upper portion of an inside of the outer case, or may be disposed at a random place.

The dehumidifier 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with the first outlet hole 113 disposed at a front surface, a side surface, or an upper surface of the dehumidifier 100 as to face a user, and may be provided with the second outlet hole disposed at a front surface, a side surface, or an upper surface of the dehumidifier 100 as not to face a user. The first inlet hole 112 and the second inlet hole 114 may be disposed at any surface of the dehumidifier 100.

The dehumidifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided such that the second draft fan 151 and the second condenser 141 are disposed at an inside of an inner case 116 so that the air that is inlet through the second inlet hole 114 by use of the second draft fan 151 may not be dispersed to other areas at an inside of the outer case 111.

The dehumidifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a filter unit structured by use of various filters, and may provide clean air along with a dehumidification function by filtering the indoor air. The dehumidifier having the filter unit may perform only a function of purifying air by driving only the first draft fan 150 in a state of not using the dehumidification function.

The dehumidifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a humidifying element configured to perform a humidification of air by supplied with and vaporizing humidification water, and may provide a function as a humidifier as well. The dehumidifier 100 having the humidifying element may utilize the water container 130 to collect condensation water during a dehumidification mode as the water container 130 to store the humidification water to be supplied to the humidifying element during a humidification mode.

The dehumidifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an outlet pipe connected to the second inlet hole 115. As air at high temperature is outlet from the second inlet hole 115, one end of the outlet pipe may be extended to an outdoor by connecting the outlet pipe to the second inlet hole 115 so that the air at high temperature may be outlet to the outdoor.

The dehumidifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drain pipe to directly outlet the condensation water generated at the evaporator 120 to an outside of the outer case 111 without storing the condensation water at the water container 130.

Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, the dehumidifier 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure includes the outer case 111, the first inlet hole 112 provided at a front surface of the outer case 111, the first outlet hole 113 provided at an upper surface of the outer case 111, the second inlet hole 114 provided at a side surface of the outer case 111, the second outlet hole 115 provided at a rear surface of the outer case 111, the first draft fan 150 to move air from the first inlet hole 112 to the first outlet hole 113, the second draft fan 151 to move air from the second inlet hole 114 to the second outlet hole 115, the evaporator 120 to remove moisture included in the air that is inlet through the first inlet hole 112, the first condenser 140 disposed at the moving path of the air that is moved by use of the first draft fan 150, the second condenser 141 disposed at the moving path of the air that is moved by use of the second draft fan 151, and the inner case 116 to isolate the second condenser 141 and the second draft fan 151.

Referring to FIG. 13, the dehumidifier 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure further includes the water container 130 at which the condensation water generated at the evaporator 120 is collected, and the third condenser 142 disposed below the water container 130 as to heat-exchange with the condensation water.

The dehumidifier according to the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment is provided such that the water container 1130 is detachably provided at an upper portion of the dehumidifier, and may include a pump 192 and a drain pipe as to collect the condensation water at the water container 130 as the condensation water is condensed by use of the evaporator 120. The water container 130 may be provided with a handle 131 as to easily detach the water container.

An inside of the outer case 111 may be provided with an inside housing 118 included thereto as the inside housing 118 is configured to support various components.

The first inlet hole 112 and the second inlet hole 114 each may be provided with a grill as to filter foreign substance, and the first outlet hole 113 provided at an upper surface of the outer case 111 may be provided with a louver 117 to adjust the direction of the air being outlet or open/close the first outlet hole 113. A front of the evaporator 120 and the first condenser 140 may be provided with a multi filter unit disposed thereto. The multi filter unit may be provided with at least one of various types of filters if needed. The expansion apparatus 191 configured to decompress refrigerant such that evaporation of the refrigerant may be easily performed at the evaporator 120 may be disposed, and the compressor 190 configured to compress refrigerant such that the condensation of the refrigerant may be easily performed at the condenser may be disposed.

However, the dehumidifier, other than the method of using the cooling cycle apparatus, may perform dehumidification by use of the method using adsorption material. As moisture is adsorbed at the adsorption material, the water adsorbed is vaporized by use of a heater, and the vaporized water may be condensed through the evaporator. As is apparent from the above, the dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a structure configured to adjust the temperature of the air being outlet from an outlet hole, and thus is configured to provide a user with an atmosphere to conveniently use the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a structure that is efficient in cooling refrigerant, and thus is capable of increasing humidifying efficiency of the dehumidifier.

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier, comprising:

an outer case having a first inlet hole, a second inlet hole, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole;
a first draft fan configured to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole;
a second draft fan configured to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole;
an evaporator configured to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole;
a compressor configured to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator;
a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan;
a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan; and
an expansion apparatus configured to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser or the second condenser.

2. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor, an exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser, the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser, an exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser, an exit of the first condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator each are connected by use of a conduit,
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the first condenser is provided with a first compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto, and
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the second condenser is provided with a second compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto.

3. The dehumidifier of claim 2, wherein:

during a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is open while the second compressor-exit-valve is closed, and
during a general dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is closed while the second compressor-exit-valve is open.

4. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor, an exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser, an exit of the second condenser and an entry of the first condenser, an exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus, an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator each are connected by use of a conduit,
the conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser is provided with a first condenser-exit-valve disposed thereto, and
the conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus is provided with a second condenser-exit-valve disposed thereto.

5. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein:

during a general air dehumidification mode, the first condenser-exit-valve is open while the second condenser-exit-valve is closed, and
during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first condenser-exit-valve is closed while the second condenser-exit-valve is open.

6. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor, an exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser, the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser, an exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus, an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator each are connected by use of a conduit,
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the first condenser is provided with a first compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto, and
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the second condenser is provided with a second compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto.

7. The dehumidifier of claim 6, wherein:

during a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is open while the second compressor-exit-valve is closed, and
during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is closed while the second compressor-exit-valve is open.

8. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor, an exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser, the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser, an exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser, the exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus, an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus, and an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator each are connected by use of a conduit,
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the first condenser is provided with a first compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto,
the conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and the entry of the second condenser is provided with a second compressor-exit-valve disposed thereto,
the conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser is provided with a first condenser-exit-valve disposed thereto, and
the conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus is provided with a second condenser-exit-valve disposed thereto.

9. The dehumidifier of claim 8, wherein:

during a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is open while the second compressor-exit-valve is closed,
during a general dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve are closed while the second compressor-exit-valve is open, and
during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the first condenser-exit-valve are closed while the second compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve are open.

10. A dehumidifier, comprising:

an outer case having a first inlet hole, a second inlet hole, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole;
a first draft fan configured to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole;
a second draft fan configured to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole;
an evaporator configured to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole;
a compressor configured to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator;
a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan;
a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan;
a water container at which condensation water generated at the evaporator is collected;
a third condenser disposed below the water container and to heat-exchange with the condensation water; and
an expansion apparatus configured to expand the refrigerant that is condensed at the first condenser, the second condenser, or the third condenser.

11. The dehumidifier of claim 10, comprising:

a first compressor-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting an exit of the compressor and an entry of the first condenser;
a second compressor-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting the exit of the compressor and an entry of the second condenser;
a first condenser-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting an exit of the second condenser and the entry of the first condenser; and
a second condenser-exit-valve disposed at a conduit connecting the exit of the second condenser and an entry of the expansion apparatus,
wherein an exit of the first condenser and the entry of the expansion apparatus are connected by use of a conduit,
an exit of the evaporator and an entry of the compressor are connected by use of a conduit, and
an exit of the expansion apparatus and an entry of the evaporator are connected by use of a conduit.

12. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein:

during a warm air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve is open while the second compressor-exit-valve is closed,
during a general dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve are closed while the second compressor-exit-valve is open, and
during a cool air dehumidification mode, the first compressor-exit-valve and the first condenser-exit-valve are closed while the second compressor-exit-valve and the second condenser-exit-valve are open.

13. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein:

the third condenser is formed as the conduit connecting the exit of the first condenser or the exit of the second condenser to the entry of the expansion apparatus is disposed to pass under the water container.

14. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

the first outlet hole is disposed at a front surface, a side surface, or an upper surface of the dehumidifier, and
the second outlet hole is disposed at a rear surface or a side surface of the dehumidifier.

15. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein:

the second condenser and the second draft fan are disposed at an inside of an inner case.

16. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising:

a filter unit.

17. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising:

a humidifying element; and
a water container configured to collect the condensation water generated at the evaporator in a dehumidification mode or to store humidification water to be supplied to the humidifying element in a humidification mode.

18. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising:

an outlet pipe connected to the second outlet hole.

19. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising:

a drain pipe configured to drain the condensation water generated at the evaporator.

20. A dehumidifier, comprising:

an outer case;
a first inlet hole provided at a front surface of the outer case;
a first outlet hole provided at an upper surface of the outer case;
a second inlet hole provided at a side surface of the outer case;
a second outlet hole provided at a rear surface of the outer case;
a first draft fan configured to move air from the first inlet hole to the first outlet hole;
a second draft fan configured to move air from the second inlet hole to the second outlet hole;
an evaporator configured to remove moisture included in the air inlet from the first inlet hole;
a compressor configured to compress refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator;
a first condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the first draft fan;
a second condenser disposed at a moving path of the air moved by use of the second draft fan;
an expansion apparatus configured to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser or the second condenser; and
an inner case configured to isolate the second condenser from the second draft fan.

21. The dehumidifier of claim 20, further comprising:

a water container at which the condensation water generated at the evaporator is collected; and
a third condenser disposed below the water container and configured to heat-exchange with the condensation water,
wherein the expansion apparatus is configured to expand the refrigerant condensed at the first condenser, the second condenser, or the third condenser.
Patent History
Publication number: 20160238269
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 12, 2016
Publication Date: Aug 18, 2016
Inventors: Jun Hyoun Kwon (Seoul), Yong Hyun Kil (Suwon-si), Sung Woo Kim (Suwon-si), Eom Ji Jang (Anyang-si)
Application Number: 15/043,124
Classifications
International Classification: F24F 11/00 (20060101); F24F 7/007 (20060101); F25B 6/02 (20060101); F24F 13/22 (20060101); F24F 13/28 (20060101); F24F 1/02 (20060101); F24F 13/20 (20060101);