Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier and, more particularly, to a dehumidifier,
which is capable of increasing heat exchange efficiency and improving the flow of
fluid within a condensing heat exchanger for cooling reconditioning air by improving
the duct of the condensing heat exchanger.
Background of the Invention
[0002] In general, dehumidifiers can be classified according to their operation method as
dehumidifiers using a cooling cycle and dehumidifiers using a desiccant rotor.
[0003] Dehumidifiers using a cooling cycle are problematic in that a compressor must be
provided, and the compressor generates noise and occupies space. Accordingly, dehumidifiers
using a desiccant rotor are more common nowadays.
[0004] The desiccant rotor has the property of absorbing moisture in the air and dehumidifies
while transmitting indoor air therethrough. The desiccant which has absorbed the moisture
is reconditioned using hot air.
[0005] The air that has been used to recondition the desiccant rotor has high temperature
and high humidity and is discharged to the outside. Here a problem arises because
the dehumidifier must be placed outside a building or, if placed indoors, an additional
exhaust duct must be provided.
[0006] In the case where the hot, moist air that has reconditioned the desiccant is circulated
within the dehumidifier, there is no need to provide the additional exhaust duct.
There is another advantage in that the dehumidifier may be placed at a position desired
by a user.
[0007] In order to circulate the hot, moist air, the moisture needs to be removed. Accordingly,
a condensing heat exchanger for removing the moisture from the hot, moist air is generally
provided in a space between an indoor air intake port and the desiccant rotor. That
is, the humidity is lowered based on the principle that moisture within the hot, moist
air is condensed through heat exchange between the hot, moist air and normal-temperature
air.
[0008] Accordingly, in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the condensing
heat exchanger, the shape of a duct within the condensing heat exchanger is very important.
Accordingly, a plurality of heat exchange plates is used in order to increase the
heat exchange area.
[0009] However, although the heat exchange area is increased using the plurality of heat
exchange plates, the conventional condensing heat exchanger is problematic in that
the flow of fluid within the condensing heat exchanger is not regular.
Summary of the invention
[0011] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a dehumidifier in which a plurality of heat
exchange plates is connected to each other in parallel, thereby being capable of increasing
the heat exchange area of a condensing heat exchanger and also making uniform the
flow of fluid.
[0012] It is further desirable to provide a heat exchanger which makes uniform the flow
of air within a condensing heat exchanger by varying the area of the reconditioning
air introduction units of a plurality of heat exchange plates.
[0013] It is still further desirable to provide a dehumidifier in which the reconditioning
air duct of a condensing heat exchanger is differently formed depending on the position
of reconditioning air discharge units, thereby being capable of making uniform the
flow of fluid within a condensing heat exchanger.
[0014] The invention provides a dehumidifier as set out in claim 1.
[0015] A dehumidifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes
a main body, including a dehumidification passage in which indoor air is sucked in
and the sucked-in indoor air is dehumidified and a reconditioning passage in which
reconditioning air circulates, a dehumidification rotor, comprising a dehumidification
portion configured to dehumidify the indoor air and a reconditioning portion reconditioned
using the reconditioning air, and a condensing heat exchanger in which a plurality
of heat exchange plates, each comprising a plurality of condensing ducts, is arranged
in parallel. The condensing ducts are configured so that the reconditioning air passed
through the reconditioning portion is sucked in through upper parts of the condensing
ducts and the sucked-in reconditioning air is discharged through lower parts of the
condensing ducts.
[0016] The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the
drawings.
[0017] The dehumidifier having the above construction according to the present invention
has the following advantages.
[0018] First, the reconditioning air introduction units of the heat exchange plates connected
to each other in parallel are configured to communicate with each other. Thus, the
flow of air within each of the heat exchange plates can be made uniform, and the flow
of air within the condensing heat exchanger can be made uniform. Accordingly, there
are advantages in that the dehumidification performance can be improved and noise
generated by the flow of reconditioning air can be reduced.
[0019] Second, the reconditioning air discharge units of the condensing heat exchanger are
formed in the circumferential portion of the condensing heat exchanger. Accordingly,
there are advantages in that the heat exchange area can be maximized and the size
of a dehumidifier can be made thin.
[0020] Third, the area of the lower space is changed depending on the position of the reconditioning
air discharge units or the position of the reconditioning air introduction units is
variously formed. Accordingly, the flow of air within the condensing heat exchanger
can be uniformly maintained.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent
from the following description of some exemplary embodiments given in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of major elements of the dehumidifier according
to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a rear view of the condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a plan cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig.
3;
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig.
3;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a plan cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger according to
a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a rear view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a fifth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger according
to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that they can be readily implemented
by those skilled in the art. In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same parts, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the major
elements of the dehumidifier shown in Fig. 1.
[0024] The entire construction of the dehumidifier according to the first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention is described below with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
[0025] The dehumidifier according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig.
1, is configured to suck in indoor air, to absorb moisture from the indoor air, and
to discharge dehumidified indoor air. The dehumidifier includes air intake units 4
and an air discharge unit 6 formed in a main body 2.
[0026] The main body 2 includes, as shown in Fig. 2, a base 10, a rear casing 20 coupled
to the rear side of the base 10, a front casing 30 placed in front of the rear casing
20, and a front panel 40 coupled to the front casing 30.
[0027] The base 10 forms the bottom of the main body 2. Wheel assemblies 11 are placed within
the base 8. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel for helping the movement
of the dehumidifier and a wheel support to which the wheel is rotatably coupled.
[0028] The rear casing 20 is configured to form a rear outward appearance of the dehumidifier.
The air discharge unit 6 for discharging indoor air, dehumidified within the main
body 2, to the outside of the main body 2 is formed in the rear casing 20.
[0029] The front casing 30 is configured to form the front face of the dehumidifier. Air
intake holes 35 for sucking in the indoor air into the main body 2 are formed in the
front casing 30. Further, a control unit 36, including a control portion for operating
and manipulating the dehumidifier and a display unit for displaying the information
of the dehumidifier, is placed on the top plate of the front casing 30.
[0030] The front panel 40 is configured to form a front outward appearance of the dehumidifier.
The air intake units 4 for sucking the indoor air into the main body 2 (in particular,
the air intake holes 35 of the front casing 30) are formed in the front panel 40.
[0031] That is, the indoor air sequentially passes through the air intake units 4 of the
front panel 40 and the air intake holes 35 of the front casing 30 and then enters
the main body 2. The indoor air is dehumidified within the main body 2 and is then
discharged to the outside through the air discharge unit 6 of the rear casing 20.
[0032] Nothing is formed on the front face of the front panel 40 in order to improve the
beauties of the dehumidifier, and the air intake units 4 is formed in places other
than the front face of the dehumidifier.
[0033] A ventilator 50, a dehumidification rotor 60, a reconditioning fan 90, a reconditioning
heater 100, and a condensing heat exchanger 200 are placed within the main body 2.
[0034] The ventilator 50 sucks in the indoor air through the air intake units 4 and then
discharges the indoor air to the air discharge unit 6 via the main body 2. The ventilator
50 includes a fan housing 53, a fan motor 54, and a fan 55.
[0035] The rear face of the fan housing 53 is perforated so that the fan housing 53, together
with the rear casing 20, form a ventilation duct. Air intake holes are formed in the
front face of the fan housing 53. A discharge unit is perforated in the top surface
of the fan housing 53. The fan motor 54 may be placed in either the fan housing 53
or the rear casing 20. The fan 55 (hereinafter referred to as a 'dehumidification
fan') is coupled to the rotation shaft of the fan motor 54 and is rotated between
the fan housing 53 and the rear casing 20.
[0036] The dehumidification rotor 60 functions to adsorb moisture in the indoor air sucked
in by the ventilator 50 and to recycle the absorbed moisture at low temperature. The
dehumidification rotor 60 is placed between the ventilator 50 and the condensing heat
exchanger 200.
[0037] The dehumidification rotor 60 includes a desiccant 61 and a desiccant wheel 62 to
which the desiccant 61 is fixed. The desiccant 61 adsorbs moisture within the indoor
air while the indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor 60 and recycles
the absorbed moisture. The desiccant wheel 62 surrounds the circumference of the desiccant
61.
[0038] The desiccant 61 is generally configured to have a circular plate and is surrounded
by the desiccant wheel 62. A fixing hole for fixing the desiccant 61 to the center
of the dehumidification rotor 60 is formed in the desiccant 61.
[0039] The desiccant 61 is alternately wound up in a cylindrical shape using paperboard
and corrugated paper made of ceramics fiber and may be made of meso-silica (Si02),
such as nano-carbon balls (NCBs). The NCBs have excellent hygroscopic properties owing
to well-developed pores and surface area, and are capable of being reconditioned at
a low temperature of about 60°C or less.
[0040] NCBs have a spherical carbon structure 200nm to 500nm in diameter that includes a
spherical hollow core unit and a mesoporous carbon cell unit. NCBs include fine pores
each having a diameter of 2nm to 50nm. The pores of typical activated carbon have
a wide surface area (BET), a wide mesoporous area, and do not clog.
[0041] The desiccant 61 is partitioned into a portion to which moisture within indoor air
is absorbed while the indoor air passes through the desiccant 61 (hereinafter referred
to as a 'dehumidification portion'), and a portion from which moisture is evaporated
into reconditioning air while the reconditioning air passes through the desiccant
61 (hereinafter referred to as a 'reconditioning portion'). The respective areas alternate
by rotation of the desiccant 61 so that moisture is absorbed and evaporated. The reconditioning
portion is opposite to the reconditioning heater 100 and is configured to transmit
reconditioning air therethrough. Portions other than the reconditioning portion become
the dehumidification portion through which the indoor air passes.
[0042] The desiccant wheel 62 includes an edge unit configured to have a ring shape and
to surround the circumference of the desiccant 61, a fixing unit configured to fix
the desiccant 61, and a connection unit configured to connect the edge unit and the
fixing unit and radially formed between the edge unit and the fixing unit.
[0043] A rotor supporter 68 for rotatably supporting the dehumidification rotor and a rotor
frame 69 on which the rotor supporter 68 is mounted are placed within the main body
1.
[0044] The rotor frame 69 functions as a kind of barrier for partitioning the inside of
the main body 2 into a rear-side space in which the ventilator 50 is placed and a
front-side space in which the condensing heat exchanger 200 is placed. A perforation
unit 75 through which the rotor supporter 68 perforates is perforated in the rotor
frame 69 in front of the air intake holes of the ventilator 50.
[0045] The rotor frame 69 has aperture units formed in front of the reconditioning fan 90.
The aperture units of the rotor frame 62 function to make a duct 280, allowing air
introduced therein to be introduced into the reconditioning fan 90, communicate with
the reconditioning fan 90. A control unit 78 for controlling the dehumidifier is placed
in the rotor frame 69.
[0046] Meanwhile, the dehumidifier according to the present exemplary embodiment further
includes a dehumidification rotor motor 87 for rotating the dehumidification rotor
60.
[0047] The reconditioning fan 90 functions to ventilate air for reconditioning the dehumidification
rotor 60 (hereinafter referred to as 'reconditioning air') to the dehumidification
rotor 60. The reconditioning fan 90 includes a fan housing 91, a fan 92 rotatably
placed in the fan housing 91, an orifice 93 placed in the fan housing 91 and configured
to introduce the air sucked in by the fan 92, and a fan motor 94 placed in the fan
housing 91 and configured to rotate the fan 92.
[0048] The reconditioning heater 100 functions to heat air ventilated to the dehumidification
rotor 60 by the reconditioning fan 90 and to supply the air of a high temperature
to the dehumidification rotor 60. The reconditioning heater 100 includes an electric
heater 101, a heater cover 102 configured to cover the electric heater 101 and to
communicate with the reconditioning fan 90, and a blocking film 103 coupled to the
heater cover 102 so that the blocking film 103 is placed between the heater cover
102 and the dehumidification rotor 60.
[0049] The blocking film 103 is a kind of air guide for preventing air, heated by the electric
heater 101, from leaking to the surroundings between the electric heater 101 and the
dehumidification rotor 60 so that the air is moved toward the dehumidification rotor
60. An aperture unit is formed in a face of the blocking film 103, which faces the
dehumidification rotor 60.
[0050] The condensing heat exchanger 200 functions to condense the reconditioning air that
has reconditioned the dehumidification rotor 60 through heat exchange with the indoor
air sucked in by the ventilator 50. The condensing heat exchanger 200 includes a plurality
of heat exchange plates 220, 240, and 260 which are arranged front and rear in a direction
where the indoor air is sucked in.
[0051] The condensing heat exchanger 200 include condensing ducts 226, 246, and 256 through
which the reconditioning air that has reconditioned the dehumidification rotor 60
passes and heat absorption ducts 232, 253, and 272 through which the indoor air sucked
in by the ventilator 50 passes. The condensing heat exchanger 200 is made of synthetic
resin material in order to facilitate the shaping of the condensing ducts 226, 246,
and 266.
[0052] The construction of the condensing heat exchanger 200 is described in detail below.
[0053] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a rear view of the condensing
heat exchanger shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a plan cross-sectional view of the condensing
heat exchanger shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the
condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig. 3.
[0054] The construction of the condensing heat exchanger 200 according to the first exemplary
embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6.
[0055] The dehumidifier of the present invention includes the condensing heat exchanger
200 for removing the moisture of reconditioning air. The condensing heat exchanger
200 of the present exemplary embodiment includes the plurality of heat exchange plates
220, 240, and 260 and a duct 280.
[0056] Hereinafter, the construction of each of the heat exchange plates 220, 240, and 260
and the duct 280 is described, and a combination of the condensing heat exchanger
200 and the flow of air therein are described.
[0057] The heat exchange plates 220, 240, and 260 include a first heat exchange plate 220,
a second heat exchange plate 240, and a third heat exchange plate 260. It is however
to be noted that the number of heat exchange plates may vary depending on the state
of reconditioning air.
[0058] The first heat exchange plate 220 includes a first reconditioning air introduction
unit 222, a first reconditioning air channel unit 234, a plurality of first condensing
ducts 226, a plurality of first heat absorption ducts 232, a first lower space 230a,
a first condensed water discharge unit 230, and first reconditioning air discharge
units 224.
[0059] The first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 is perforated in a face into which
the reconditioning air is introduced, which belongs to the first heat exchange plate
220, and is configured to function as an introduction unit for introducing the reconditioning
air, passed through the reconditioning portion of the dehumidification rotor 61, into
the condensing heat exchanger 200.
[0060] In more detail, the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 has a shape which
is opposite to the position of the reconditioning portion of the dehumidification
rotor 61 and is configured to have a width increasing in proportion to an increasing
distance from the center 222a of the condensing heat exchanger 200. Here, the center
222a of the condensing heat exchanger 200 refers to a position on the condensing heat
exchanger 200 corresponding to the center of the desiccant 61.
[0061] The dehumidification rotor 60 is configured to generally have a circular shape and
is configured to dehumidify the indoor air and to be reconditioned by the reconditioning
air while rotating. Therefore, the reconditioning portion in which the reconditioning
air reconditions the desiccant 61 has a fan shape. Consequently, the reconditioning
air introduction unit 222 of the first heat exchange plate 220 has a fan shape in
response to the shape of the reconditioning portion, thereby making smooth the suction
of reconditioning air. Accordingly, the flow of reconditioning air within the condensing
heat exchanger 200 can become uniform, and the condensing efficiency of the reconditioning
air can be increased.
[0062] Meanwhile, the reconditioning portion of the desiccant 61 may be formed in various
positions on the circular desiccant 61. In the present exemplary embodiment, however,
it is illustrated that the reconditioning portion is placed in the upper center of
the desiccant 61. The first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 is placed in
the upper center of the first heat exchange plate 220 based on the reconditioning
portion placed in the upper center of the desiccant 61. Accordingly, the reconditioning
air introduced through the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 can be uniformly
distributed and flown to the plurality of first condensing ducts 226 to be described
later.
[0063] The first reconditioning air channel unit 234 is perforated in a face opposite to
the face where the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 is formed, which
belongs to the first heat exchange plate 220. The first reconditioning air channel
unit 234 is configured to communicate with a second reconditioning air introduction
unit 242 to be described later and is configured to discharge a part of the reconditioning
air, introduced through the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222, to the
second reconditioning air discharge units 244 of the second heat exchange plate 240
to be described later.
[0064] The first reconditioning air channel unit 234 may have the same shape as that of
the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 so that it is opposite to the first
reconditioning air introduction unit 222. In this case, there is an advantage in that
the flow of reconditioning air becomes uniform because the flow of the reconditioning
air can be introduced in a straight line. Here, at least one of the shapes of the
second reconditioning air introduction unit 242, a second reconditioning air channel
unit 254, and a third reconditioning air introduction unit 262 to be described later
may have the same shape as that of the first reconditioning air introduction unit
222 so that it is opposite to the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222.
Further, each of the first, second, and third reconditioning air introduction units
222, 242, and 262 and the first and second reconditioning air channel units 234 and
254 may have the area which gradually decreases in a direction where reconditioning
air proceeds. Accordingly, the flow of reconditioning air can become smooth, and the
heat exchange area of reconditioning air and indoor air can be increased.
[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment, however, it is illustrated that the first reconditioning
air channel unit 234 is configured to have a long streamline shape in the left and
right directions based on the shape of the upper edge portion of the first heat exchange
plate 220. In other words, the shape and position of the first reconditioning air
channel unit 234 correspond to those of the second reconditioning air introduction
unit 242 to be described later, so reconditioning air can well flow from the first
heat exchange plate 220 to the second heat exchange plate 240.
[0066] The plurality of first condensing ducts 226 respectively has a long pipe shape in
the length direction and includes inlet units 226a into which reconditioning air is
introduced and outlet units 226b from which the reconditioning air is discharged.
[0067] Air other than the air flowing through the second heat exchange plate 240, which
belongs to the reconditioning air introduced through the first reconditioning air
introduction unit 222, flows into the plurality of first condensing ducts 226.
[0068] The position of the inlet unit 226a of each of the first condensing ducts 226 may
vary depending on the position of the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222.
However, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first reconditioning air introduction
unit 222 has a fan shape. Therefore, the inlet units 226a are placed on a line extending
from the line of a radius 222b having the fan shape. Accordingly, the air introduced
through the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 can smoothly flow downward
along the first condensing ducts 226.
[0069] Further, the first condensing ducts 226 formed at both ends, which belong to the
first condensing ducts 226, are placed on a line that is downward bent on the line
of the radius 222b because, if the inlet units 226a are placed on the line of the
radius 222b having the fan shape, reconditioning air may not well enter the inlet
units 226a. Accordingly, the line where the inlet units 226a are placed generally
has an M shape.
[0070] Meanwhile, baffle ducts 228 may be formed between the first condensing ducts 226.
Plural columns of the first condensing ducts 226 are placed in parallel on a plane
in the upper and down directions.
[0071] In the case where the first reconditioning air discharge units 224 are placed in
the right and left circumferential portions of the lower end of the first heat exchange
plate 220, there is a difference in the distance between the plurality of first condensing
ducts 226 and the first reconditioning air discharge units 224. Accordingly, there
occurs a difference in the distance of flow until the reconditioning air introduced
into the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222 passes through the plurality
of first condensing ducts 226 and is then discharged through the first reconditioning
air discharge units 224. In this case, there occurs imbalance in the flow of the entire
reconditioning air flowing through the first heat exchange plate 220.
[0072] Thus, if the baffle ducts 228, making the first reconditioning air discharge units
224 communicate with the first condensing ducts close to the first reconditioning
air discharge units 224, are formed, the velocity of reconditioning air flowing through
the first condensing ducts close to the first reconditioning air discharge units 224
can be lowered. Accordingly, the flow of the entire reconditioning air flowing through
the first heat exchange plate can become uniform.
[0073] The baffle ducts 228 may be formed in various ways. In the present exemplary embodiment,
however, it is illustrated that baffle ducts, connecting all the first condensing
ducts 226 while passing through the center 222a of the first heat exchange plate,
and a pair of baffle ducts, connecting a part of the first condensing ducts 226 on
the upper and lower sides of the above-described baffle duct, are formed.
[0074] In the case where the reconditioning air discharge units 224 are placed in the right
and left circumferential portions of the lower end of the first heat exchange plate
220, the above-described imbalance occurs in the flow. Accordingly, a mesh plate in
which a plurality of holes through which reconditioning air can flow is perforated
may be placed in inlet units placed on the line of the radius 222b of the fan shape
close to the reconditioning air discharge units 224, which belong to the inlet units
226a. In this case, the velocity of reconditioning air introduced into the inlet units
226a close to the reconditioning air discharge units 224 becomes slow, and the velocity
of the flow of reconditioning air on the plurality of first condensing ducts can become
uniform.
[0075] The respective outlet units 226b are formed under the first condensing ducts 226.
The air passed through the first condensing ducts 226 is discharged through the plurality
of outlet units 226b. The outlet units 226b may be arranged in various shapes. That
is, the outlet units 226b may be arranged in a straight line or may be arranged on
an upward tilted line on the basis of the first condensed water discharge unit 230
to be described later.
[0076] The plurality of first heat absorption ducts 232 are formed between the plurality
of first condensing ducts 226. In other words, the first condensing ducts 226 are
perforated in the front and rear directions between the first condensing ducts 226
such that the indoor air can flow between the first heat absorption ducts 232. Accordingly,
the indoor air can be subject to heat exchange with high-temperature and high-humidity
reconditioning air, passed through the first heat absorption ducts 232, while the
indoor air passes through the first condensing ducts 226. Moisture within the reconditioning
air is condensed through the heat exchange between the high-temperature and high-humidity
reconditioning air and the indoor air of normal temperature.
[0077] The first lower space 230a is formed between the plurality of outlet units 226b and
the first reconditioning air discharge units 224. The first lower space 230a functions
to accommodate the air passed through the plurality of outlet units 226b and to discharge
the accommodated air through the first reconditioning air discharge units 224.
[0078] Meanwhile, the first condensed water discharge unit 230 in which the moisture condensed
in the first condensing ducts 226 drops down to the first lower space 230a and is
then discharged to the outside is formed in the first lower space 230a.
[0079] The bottom of the first lower space 230a is upward tilted on the basis of the first
condensed water discharge unit 230. Accordingly, the condensed water can be easily
discharged to the first condensed water discharge unit 230.
[0080] The first reconditioning air discharge units 224 function as exits from which the
air passed through the first lower space 230a is discharged to the outside. The first
reconditioning air discharge units 224 are formed on one side of the circumferential
portion of the first heat exchange plate 220. Accordingly, the thickness of the entire
condensing heat exchanger 200 can be reduced, and the outward appearance of the dehumidifier
can be made thin.
[0081] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first reconditioning air discharge units
224 are formed in the left and right circumferential portions of the lower end of
the first heat exchange plate 200.
[0082] The second heat exchange plate 240 is placed in the rear of the first heat exchange
plate 220 in a direction where the reconditioning air is introduced such that the
reconditioning air passed through the first heat exchange plate 220 can pass through
the second heat exchange plate 240.
[0083] The entire construction and functions of the second heat exchange plate 240 are similar
to those of the first heat exchange plate 220. Hereinafter, differences between the
second heat exchange plate 240 and the first heat exchange plate 220 are for the most
part described.
[0084] The second heat exchange plate 240 has the same construction as that of the first
heat exchange plate 220 except for the second reconditioning air introduction unit
242 and the second condensing ducts 246.
[0085] The second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 is perforated in a face in which
the reconditioning air is introduced into the second heat exchange plate 240 and is
configured to communicate with the first reconditioning air channel unit 234. Accordingly,
the second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 functions as an inlet into which
a part of the reconditioning air introduced into the first heat exchange plate 220
is introduced.
[0086] As described above, a plurality of condensing ducts is formed under the area occupied
by a reconditioning air introduction unit and is configured to introduce the flow
of reconditioning air up and down. Accordingly, in the case where the area of the
reconditioning air introduction unit is wide, the area of the condensing ducts is
inevitably small and, therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of the entire condensing
heat exchanger is lowered.
[0087] Therefore, the second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 according to the present
exemplary embodiment has a long streamline shape right and left based on the shape
of the upper circumferential portion of the second heat exchange plate 240, unlike
in the first reconditioning air introduction unit 222. In other words, the second
reconditioning air introduction unit 242 has the same shape as that of the first reconditioning
air channel unit 234 and communicates with the first reconditioning air channel unit
234. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the heat exchange area of indoor air
and reconditioning air is widened because the area occupied by the second condensing
ducts 246 to be described later is increased.
[0088] In the case where the second reconditioning air discharge units 244 to be described
later are placed on the right and left circumferential portions of the lower end of
the second heat exchange plate 240, there may occur imbalance in the flow of reconditioning
air flowing through the above-described second heat exchange plate 240. Therefore,
the area formed by the second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 may be wide
as the second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 becomes far from the second
reconditioning air discharge units 244. Accordingly, the flow of the reconditioning
air flowing through the second heat exchange plate 240 can become uniform.
[0089] Each of the plurality of second condensing ducts 246 has a long pipe shape in the
length direction. An inlet unit 246a into which the reconditioning air is introduced
and an outlet unit 246b from which the reconditioning air is discharged are formed
in each of the plurality of second condensing ducts 246.
[0090] The plurality of second condensing ducts 246 functions to perform heat exchange on
reconditioning air other than the reconditioning air flowing into the third heat exchange
plate 260, which belongs to the reconditioning air introduced through the second reconditioning
air introduction unit 242.
[0091] The position of the inlet unit 246a of each of the second condensing ducts 246 may
vary depending on the position of the second reconditioning air introduction unit
222. In the present exemplary embodiment, however, that, as described above, the second
reconditioning air introduction unit 242 has a long streamline shape in the right
and left directions. The inlet units 246a are placed on the line equal to the lower
end of the streamline shape.
[0092] In this case, the area occupied by the second condensing ducts 246 is greater than
that occupied by the first condensing ducts 226. Accordingly, the heat exchange area
of the second heat exchange plate 240 is greater than that of the first heat exchange
plate 220.
[0093] Meanwhile, the baffle ducts 228 may also be formed in the second condensing ducts
246, as in the first condensing ducts 226. The outlet units 246b have the same construction
and position as those of the outlet units 226b.
[0094] The third heat exchange plate 260 is placed in the rear of the second heat exchange
plate 240 in a direction where reconditioning air is introduced such that a part of
the reconditioning air passed through the second reconditioning air introduction unit
242 can be introduced into the third heat exchange plate 260. The entire construction
and functions of the third heat exchange plate 260 are similar to those of the second
heat exchange plate 240.
[0095] The entire construction of the third heat exchange plate 260 is identical to that
of the second heat exchange plate 240 except that the second reconditioning air channel
unit 254 is not formed in the third heat exchange plate 260. In more detail, reconditioning
air, which has been introduced into the third heat exchange plate 260 through the
second reconditioning air channel unit 254 without being subject to heat exchange
in the second heat exchange plate 240, is all subject to heat exchange in the third
heat exchange plate 260. Accordingly, a third reconditioning air channel unit placed
at a position corresponding to the third reconditioning air introduction unit 262
is not formed in the third heat exchange plate 260. The reconditioning air introduced
through the third reconditioning air introduction unit 262 is all introduced into
a plurality of third condensing ducts 266.
[0096] The remaining elements have the same construction as those of the second heat exchange
plate 240.
[0097] The duct 280 functions to force the air, discharged through the reconditioning air
discharge units 224, 244, and 264, to flow into the reconditioning fan 90. Accordingly,
the duct 280 may have a pipe that connects the reconditioning air discharge units
224, 244, and 264 and the reconditioning fan 90. The duct 280 may have a variety of
shapes and constructions depending on the positions of the reconditioning air discharge
units 224, 244, and 264 and the reconditioning fan 90.
[0098] In more detail, in the present exemplary embodiment, the duct 280 includes inlet
units enough to accommodate all the reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and
264, and the respective inlet units are fit into the reconditioning air discharge
units 224, 244, and 264. The duct 280 is lengthily formed up and down in parallel
to the circumferential portion of the right or left side of the condensing heat exchanger.
[0099] Alternatively, the duct 280 may be formed to adjoin the circumferential portion of
the right or left side of the condensing heat exchanger 200. However, in the present
exemplary embodiment, the ducts formed in the condensing heat exchangers are spaced
apart one another at regular intervals. Accordingly, the respective heat absorption
ducts 232, 252, and 272 are formed between the ducts and the outermost condensing
duct forming the circumferential portion of the condensing heat exchanger 200, which
belongs to the plurality of condensing ducts 226, 246, and 266.
[0100] A process of condensing reconditioning air and a process of dehumidifying indoor
air in the dehumidifier constructed above according to the first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention are described below.
[0101] First, reconditioning air circulates through a reconditioning passage when the reconditioning
fan 90 is rotated. That is, the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning
fan 90 is heated by the reconditioning heater 100, thereby making the air have a high
temperature. The high-temperature reconditioning air reconditions the reconditioning
portion of the dehumidification rotor 60 and then enters the first reconditioning
air introduction unit 222 of the condensing heat exchanger 200.
[0102] A part of the reconditioning air introduced into the first reconditioning air introduction
unit 222 is introduced into the first condensing ducts 226, and the remaining is introduced
into the second reconditioning air introduction unit 242 through the first reconditioning
air channel unit 234. A part of the reconditioning air introduced into the second
reconditioning air introduction unit 242 is introduced into the second condensing
ducts 246 and the remaining is introduced into the third condensing ducts 266 via
the second reconditioning air channel unit 254 and the third reconditioning air introduction
unit 262.
[0103] The reconditioning air introduced into the first condensing ducts 226, the second
condensing ducts 246, and the third condensing ducts 266 downward flows along each
of the condensing ducts 226, 246, and 266 and is then subject to heat exchange with
the indoor air of each of the heat absorption ducts 232, 252, and 272 crossing the
respective condensing ducts 226, 246, and 256.
[0104] Moisture within the reconditioning air is condensed during the heat exchange process,
and the condensed moisture is introduced into a drain fan 140 through the condensing
ducts 226, 246, and 256 and the condensed water discharge units 230, 250, and 270
formed in the respective lower spaces.
[0105] The reconditioning air passed through each of the condensing ducts 226, 246, and
256 is introduced into the duct 280 through each of the reconditioning air discharge
units 224, 244, and 264 via the respective lower spaces 230a, 250a, and 270a. The
reconditioning air is introduced into the reconditioning fan 90 coupled to the duct
280. The reconditioning air introduced into the reconditioning fan 90 passes through
the reconditioning heater 100 and then circulates again while reconditioning the reconditioning
portion of the dehumidification rotor 60.
[0106] Indoor air is sucked in by the air intake units 4 of the main body 2 when the ventilator
50 is rotated. The indoor air is subject to heat exchange with the reconditioning
air while passing through the heat absorption ducts 232, 252, and 272 of the condensing
heat exchanger 200.
[0107] Moisture included in the indoor air is absorbed while the indoor air passes through
the dehumidification portion of the desiccant 61. The indoor air from which the moisture
has been removed passes through the ventilator 50 and is then discharged to the interior
of a room through the air discharge unit 6.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0108] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0109] The entire construction of the condensing heat exchanger according to the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to
Fig. 7. The entire construction of the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Differences between
the second exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment are chiefly described.
[0110] The first reconditioning air introduction unit 322 of a first heat exchange plate
320 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a shielded
portion, ranging from the center 322a of the condensing heat exchanger to an upward
portion of the center 322a at a specific interval. A dehumidification rotor 60 has
a rotation unit at its center. In this case, reconditioning air cannot be introduced
into the first reconditioning air introduction units 322 through a portion where the
rotation unit of the dehumidification rotor 60 is placed. Accordingly, the portion
where the rotation unit of the dehumidification rotor is placed, which belongs to
the first reconditioning air introduction units 322, is shielded. The area where the
reconditioning air is subject to heat exchange with indoor air can be increased by
raising the height of each of first condensing ducts 326 of the shielded portion.
In more detail, inlet units 326a of the first condensing ducts 326 are placed on a
shielding line 322c of the shielded portion.
[0111] Meanwhile, the lower end of each of condensing ducts 332, 352, and 372 has a straight
line. Lower spaces 330a, 350a, and 370a are formed at the respective lower ends of
the condensing ducts 332, 352, and 372 and the heat exchange plates 320, 340, and
360. In the present exemplary embodiment, the flow of the reconditioning air becomes
smooth by increasing the lower spaces 330a, 350a, and 370a on positions where respective
reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264 are placed. In more detail, the
sides where the lower spaces 330a, 350a, and 370a are wide have a low pressure, so
the velocity of the reconditioning air on the condensing ducts is relatively decreased.
The sides where the lower spaces 330a, 350a, and 370a are narrows have a high pressure,
so the velocity of the reconditioning air on the condensing ducts is fast. Accordingly,
the flow of velocity becomes uniform depending on the distance from the reconditioning
air discharge units 324, 344, and 364, thereby making smooth the flow of the reconditioning
air.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0112] Fig. 8 is a plan cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger according
to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] The entire construction of the condensing heat exchanger according to the third exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Fig. 8. The
entire construction of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Differences between the third exemplary
embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment are for the most part described.
[0114] In the case where each of the reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264
is placed on one of the right and lefts sides of the condensing heat exchanger, there
may be imbalance in the flow of air flowing through the condensing ducts. In more
detail, reconditioning air, passed through condensing ducts 426, 446, and 466 placed
close to the respective reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264, is rapidly
discharged to the reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264. Regenerated
air, passed through the condensing ducts 426, 446, and 466 placed far from the respective
reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264, is relatively slowly discharged
to the reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264. Accordingly, there occurs
imbalance in the flow of air between the condensing ducts 426, 446, and 466.
[0115] In the present exemplary embodiment, the cross area of each of the condensing ducts
426, 446, and 466 may be increased in proportion to the distance from each of the
reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264. In this case, a great amount
of air flows into the condensing ducts 426, 446, and 466 placed far from the respective
reconditioning air discharge units 224, 244, and 264, and a small amount of air flows
into the condensing ducts 426, 446, and 466 placed close to the respective reconditioning
air discharge units 224, 244, and 264. Accordingly, the entire flow of air can be
balanced.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0116] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0117] The entire construction of the condensing heat exchanger according to the fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to
Fig. 9. The entire construction of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Differences between
the fourth exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment are chiefly described.
[0118] A first reconditioning air introduction unit 522 according to the fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is rotated in an opposite direction to the first
reconditioning air discharge units 224 at a specific angle. Accordingly, imbalance
occurring in the flow in the case where the first reconditioning air discharge units
224 are placed on one of the right and left sides of a first heat exchange plate 520
as described above can be solved.
[0119] In more detail, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the difference in
the distance between the plurality of inlet units 526a of respective condensing ducts
526 and the first reconditioning discharge units 224 can be reduced. In this case,
a distance where reconditioning air introduced into the condensing ducts 526 through
the first reconditioning air introduction unit 522 passes through the reconditioning
air discharge units 224 is constant. Accordingly, the flow of the reconditioning air
of the first heat exchange plate 520 can become smooth.
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment
[0120] Fig. 10 is a rear view of a condensing heat exchanger according to a fifth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of
the condensing heat exchanger according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0121] In the dehumidifier according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs.
10 and 11, the first, second, and third reconditioning air introduction units 622,
642, and 662 of first, second, and third heat exchange plates 620, 640, and 660 are
formed on the upper parts of the first, second, and third heat exchange plates 620,
640, and 660, and first, second, and third reconditioning air discharge units 624,
644, and 664 of the first, second, and third heat exchange plates 620, 640, and 660
are perforated in the lower parts of the first, second, and third heat exchange plates
620, 640, and 660 (in particular, in a direction where air flows).
[0122] In other words, the first, second, and third reconditioning air discharge units 624,
644, and 664 of the first, second, and third heat exchange plates 620, 640, and 660
are perforated at the lower parts of the rear faces of the first, second, and third
heat exchange plates 620, 640, and 660.
[0123] A first discharging reconditioning air channel unit 634 and a second discharging
reconditioning air channel unit 654 are respectively perforated in such a way as to
be opposite to the second and third reconditioning air discharge units 644 and 664
on the respective front faces of the first heat exchange plate 620 and the second
heat exchange plate 640.
[0124] The first discharging reconditioning air channel unit 634 communicates with the second
reconditioning air discharge unit 644, and the second discharging reconditioning air
channel unit 654 communicates with the third reconditioning air discharge unit 664.
[0125] In other words, reconditioning air passed through the third condensing ducts 266
is introduced into a duct 680 via the third reconditioning air discharge unit 664,
the second discharging reconditioning air channel unit 654, the second reconditioning
air discharge unit 644, the first discharging reconditioning air channel unit 634,
and the first reconditioning air discharge unit 624.
[0126] Further, reconditioning air passed through the second condensing ducts 246 is introduced
into the duct 680 via the second reconditioning air discharge unit 644, the first
discharging reconditioning air channel unit 634, and the first reconditioning air
discharge unit 624.
[0127] Further, reconditioning air passed through the first condensing ducts 226 is introduced
into the duct 680 via the first reconditioning air discharge unit 624.
[0128] Meanwhile, the duct 680 is formed so that it communicates with the first reconditioning
air discharge unit 624. In more detail, the duct 680 is coupled to the first reconditioning
air discharge unit 624 so that it is inserted into the first reconditioning air discharge
unit 624 forward and backward. The duct 680 is bent in response to the lower part
and left and right circumferential portions of the first heat exchange plate 620.
[0129] While the present invention has been shown and described in connection with the exemplary
embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention
may be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the
present invention as defined in the following claims.
1. Entfeuchter, der Folgendes aufweist:
einen Hauptkörper (2), der einen Entfeuchtungsdurchgang, in welchen Raumluft eingesaugt
wird und in welchem die eingesaugte Raumluft entfeuchtet wird, und einen Aufbereitungsdurchgang
aufweist, in welchem Aufbereitungsluft zirkuliert;
einen Entfeuchtungsrotor (60), der einen Entfeuchtungsabschnitt, der dazu ausgestaltet
ist, die Raumluft zu entfeuchten, und einen Aufbereitungsabschnitt aufweist, der unter
Verwendung der Aufbereitungsluft aufbereitet ist;
ein Aufbereitungsgebläse (90), das die Aufbereitungsluft zum Entfeuchtungsrotor bläst;
und
einen Kondensationswärmetauscher (200), in welchem eine Mehrzahl von Wärmetauschplatten
(220, 240, 260), die jeweils eine Mehrzahl von Kondensationsleitungen (226, 246, 266)
aufweisen, parallel angeordnet sind, wobei die Kondensationsleitungen dazu ausgestaltet
sind, dass die Aufbereitungsluft, die durch den Aufbereitungsabschnitt geleitet wurde,
durch obere Teile der Kondensationsleitungen eingesaugt wird, und die eingesaugte
Aufbereitungsluft durch untere Teile der Kondensationsleitungen abgelassen wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheiten (224, 244, 264) zum Ablassen der Aufbereitungsluft,
die durch den Entfeuchtungsrotor geleitet wurde, auf der rechten oder der linken Seite
der unteren Teile der Mehrzahl von entsprechenden Wärmetauschplatten gebildet sind,
und
wobei der Kondensationswärmetauscher eine Leitung (280) einschließt, die ein Rohr
aufweist, das die Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheiten und das Aufbereitungsgebläse verbindet,
und wobei die Leitung ausreichend Einlasseinheiten zur Aufnahme aller Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheiten
einschließt.
2. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten, in welche die Aufbereitungsluft, die durch den
Entfeuchtungsrotor geleitet wurde, eingeführt wird, auf einem oberen Teil einer jeden
der Mehrzahl von Wärmetauschplatten gebildet sind, und
die Mehrzahl von Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten miteinander verbunden sind.
3. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
die Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten so gebildet sind, dass sie einer Position des
Aufbereitungsabschnitts zugewandt sind, und
jede der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten eine Breite aufweist, die proportional
zu einer Distanz von einem Zentrum des Kondensationswärmetauschers zunimmt, das einem
Zentrum des Entfeuchtungsrotors entspricht.
4. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 3, wobei jede der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten eine
Gebläseform aufweist.
5. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Aufbereitungsabschnitt in einem Zentrum eines
oberen Teils des Entfeuchtungsrotors positioniert ist.
6. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 5, wobei:
Aufbereitungsluft-Kanaleinheiten, aus welchen die Aufbereitungsluft, die durch den
Entfeuchtungsrotor geleitet wurde, abgelassen wird, auf Rückflächen der Mehrzahl von
entsprechenden Wärmetauschplatten gebildet sind, und
die Mehrzahl von Aufbereitungsluft-Kanaleinheiten miteinander verbunden sind.
7. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 3, wobei ein unterer Abschnitt einer jeden der Aufbefeitungsluft-Einführeinheiten
umhüllt ist, wobei der untere Abschnitt von dem Zentrum des Kondensationswärmetauschers
bis zu einem bestimmten Punkt reicht.
8. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 7, wobei:
eine Rotationseinheit zum Rotieren des Entfeuchtungsrotors in einem Zentrum des Entfeuchtungsrotors
gebildet ist, und
der umhüllte Abschnitt eine Form aufweist, die einer Form der Rotationseinheit entspricht.
9. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 3, wobei eine Fläche einer jeden der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten
der Wärmetauschplatten in eine Richtung, in welche die Aufbereitungsluft eingeführt
wird, schrittweise abnimmt.
10. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 9, wobei jede der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten von
Wärmetauschplatten, die in die Richtung, in welche die Aufbereitungsluft eingeführt
wird, auf eine erste der Mehrzahl von Wärmetauschplatten folgen, eine lange Stromlinienform
in die rechte und die linke Richtung an einem oberen Teil des Kondensationswärmetauschers
aufweist.
11. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Aufbereitungsabschnitt in einem bestimmten
Winkel in Richtung einer Seite fern von den Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheiten gedreht
ist.
12. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
jede der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten von Wärmetauschplatten, die in die Richtung,
in welche die Aufbereitungsluft eingeführt wird, auf eine erste der Mehrzahl von Wärmetauschplatten
folgen, eine lange Stromlinienform in die rechte und die linke Richtung an einem oberen
Teil des Kondensationswärmetauschers aufweist, und
jede der Aufbereitungsluft-Einführeinheiten, von welchen jede die Stromlinienform
aufweist, eine Fläche aufweist, die gemäß einer zunehmenden Distanz von der Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheit
zunimmt.
13. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Mehrzahl von Kondensationsleitungen eine
Querschnittsfläche aufweist, die gemäß einer zunehmenden Distanz von der Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheit
zunimmt.
14. Entfeuchter nach Anspruch 3, wobei eine Aufbereitungsluft-Ablasseinheit zum Ablassen
der Aufbereitungsluft, die durch den Entfeuchtungsrotor geleitet wurde, in einer oder
mehreren Vorder- oder Rück-Seiten eines unteren Teils einer jeden der Mehrzahl von
Wärmetauschplatten gebildet ist.