Dehumidifier

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a dehumidifier, including a dehumidification rotor (30) which becomes moist while indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor and which is reconditioned while reconditioning air passes through the dehumidification rotor, and a heat exchange plate (120), comprising a plurality of introduction units (122,124) into which the reconditioning air passed through the dehumidification rotor is dispersed and introduced, a plurality of reconditioning air ducts (126) in which the reconditioning air passed through the introduction units is dispersed and circulated, indoor air ducts (128) formed between the respective reconditioning air ducts, and a discharge unit (134) configured to discharge the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts. According to the present invention, the flow of fluid within the condensing heat exchanger becomes uniform, and a heat exchange area is widened. Accordingly, the dehumidification capability of a dehumidifier can be improved and noise, generated when a dehumidifier is driven, can be reduced.

Description

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

[0010] It would therefore be desirable to provide a dehumidifier including the plurality of introduction units of a condensing heat exchanger into which reconditioning air is introduced, thereby being capable of making easy the flow of the reconditioning air within the condensing heat exchanger.

[0011] It would also be desirable to provide a dehumidifier in which reconditioning air ducts and a dispersion unit for dispersing reconditioning air are placed depending on the position of the discharge unit of the condensing heat exchanger, thereby being capable of making uniform the flow of the reconditioning air and also securing a sufficient time for the heat exchange of the reconditioning air.

[0012] It would also be desirable to provide a dehumidifier including a fastening structure capable of simply fastening a plurality of heat exchange plates.

[0013] To achieve the above objects, a dehumidifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a dehumidification rotor which becomes moist while indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor and which is reconditioned while reconditioning air passes through the dehumidification rotor, and a heat exchange plate, comprising a plurality of introduction units into which the reconditioning air passed through the dehumidification rotor is dispersed and introduced, a plurality of reconditioning air ducts in which the reconditioning air passed through the introduction units is dispersed and circulated, indoor air ducts formed between the respective reconditioning air ducts, and a discharge unit configured to discharge the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts.

[0014] To achieve the above objects, a dehumidifier according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a dehumidification rotor which becomes moist while indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor and which is reconditioned while reconditioning air passes through the dehumidification rotor, and a heat exchange plate, comprising a plurality of introduction units into which the reconditioning air passed through the dehumidification rotor is dispersed and introduced, a plurality of reconditioning air ducts in which the reconditioning air passed through the introduction units is dispersed and circulated, indoor air ducts formed between the respective reconditioning air ducts, and a discharge unit configured to discharge the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts. A plurality of the heat exchange plates may be arranged in parallel.

[0015] The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0016] The dehumidifier discussed above has the following advantages.

[0017] First, the plurality of introduction units of the condensing heat exchanger into which reconditioning air is introduced is provided, thereby making smooth the flow of the reconditioning air in the condensing heat exchanger. Accordingly, there are advantages in that the condensing capability of the condensing heat exchanger can be improved and noise generated by the flow of reconditioning air can be reduced.

[0018] Second, the shape of the reconditioning air duct can be changed in various ways depending on the positions of the plurality of introduction units and the discharge unit, thereby making uniform the flow of reconditioning air discharged through respective discharge units. Accordingly, there are advantages in that the condensing capability of the condensing heat exchanger can be improved and noise generated by the flow of reconditioning air can be reduced.

[0019] Third, the plurality of heat exchange plates can be fixed despite not using additional fastening means. Accordingly, there are advantages in that the number of parts can be reduced when the plurality of heat exchange plates is fixed, and a task process can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The above and other objects, 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 an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing major elements of the dehumidifier shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a front perspective view of a heat exchange plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the heat exchange plate shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the heat exchange plate shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange plate taken along line X-X of Fig. 3 according to the present exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a condensing heat exchanger and an exhaust duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger taken along line Y-Y of Fig. 7 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0021] 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.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing major elements of the dehumidifier shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] The overall structure of the dehumidifier according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0024] The dehumidifier according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is configured to suck in indoor air, adsorb moisture from the indoor air, and discharge the dehumidified indoor air. To this end, a main body includes air intake units for sucking in air and an air discharge unit for dehumidifying and discharging the sucked-in indoor air. In the present exemplary embodiment, the air intake units are placed on the left and right sides of the main body and over the air discharge unit.

[0025] A front panel 8, the front surface of a bucket 10, left and right panels 4 and 6, an upper panel 2, a base 12, an upper rear panel 18, and a lower rear panel 16 constitute the external appearance of the main body.

[0026] The front panel 8 forms the external appearance of the upper front portion of the main body. A groove on which a filter can be slidingly mounted is formed in the rear surface of the front panel 8. The filter for purifying the indoor air passed through the air intake units is also placed in the front panel 8.

[0027] The left and right panels 4 and 6 form the side faces of the main body and include handles for enabling a user to manually move the dehumidifier.

[0028] A hole is formed at a position where the bucket 10 to be described later is placed, which belongs to the bottom of the side panels 4 and 6, so that an additional horse for discharging water, accommodated in the bucket 10, to the outside can be coupled to the hole.

[0029] The upper panel 2 forms the upper part of the main body. An air discharge unit, and a display unit and a manipulation unit for enabling a user to check the operation state of the dehumidifier and to input the operation of the dehumidifier are placed in the upper panel 2.

[0030] The rear panels 16 and 18 form the rear portion of the main body. In particular, the lower rear panel 16 is detachably coupled to the main body. A power code fixing unit (not shown) for fixing a power code, supplying electric power to the main body, is placed within the lower rear panel 16.

[0031] The base 12 forms the bottom of the main body. A wheel assembly is placed within the base 12. The wheel assembly includes a wheel for helping the movement of the dehumidifier and a wheel support to which the wheel is rotatably coupled. The top surface of the base 12 is open, and a drain fan 14 is placed on the top surface of the base 12. The bucket 10 is slidingly and detachably coupled to the base 12.

[0032] A condensing heat exchanger 100, a rotor frame 43, a ventilator 20, and so on are placed over the drain fan 14. One or more holes through which condensed water, condensed in the condensing heat exchanger 100 and discharged therefrom, is discharged to the bucket 10 under the drain fan 14 are formed in the drain fan 14.

[0033] The bucket 10 forms a space for collecting the condensed water introduced via the drain fan 14. In the case where the bucket 10 is slidingly coupled to the base 12 and condensed water is collected in the bucket 10, a user detaches the bucket 10 from the base 12 and empties it outside.

[0034] A ventilator 20, a dehumidification rotor 30, a reconditioning fan 50, a reconditioning air heating member 60, and the condensing heat exchanger 100 are placed within the main body.

[0035] The ventilator 20 sucks in indoor air through the air intake units and discharges the indoor air to the air discharge unit via the main body. The rear surface of the ventilator 20 is opened so that the ventilator 20 together with the upper rear panel 18 forms a ventilation duct. An air intake hole is formed in the front surface of the ventilator 20. An open outlet unit is formed on the top surface of the ventilator 20. A fan motor and a fan coupled to the rotation shaft of the fan motor are included within the ventilator 20.

[0036] The dehumidification rotor 30 functions to adsorb moisture in the indoor air sucked in by the ventilator 20 and to recycle the adsorbed moisture at low temperature. The dehumidification rotor 30 is placed between the ventilator 20 and the condensing heat exchanger 100.

[0037] The dehumidification rotor 30 includes a desiccant 35 and a desiccant wheel 33 to which the desiccant 35 is fixed. The desiccant 35 adsorbs moisture within the indoor air while the indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor 30 and recycles the adsorbed moisture. The desiccant wheel 33 surrounds the circumference of the desiccant 35.

[0038] The desiccant 35 is generally configured to have a circular plate and is surrounded by the desiccant wheel 33. A fixing hole for fixing the desiccant 35 to the center of the dehumidification rotor 30 is formed in the desiccant 35.

[0039] The desiccant 35 may have a variety of shapes and materials. The desiccant 35 according to the present exemplary embodiment may have a shape in which paperboard and corrugated paper, made of ceramics fiber, are alternately wound up in a cylindrical shape. The desiccant 35 may also be made of meso-silica (SiO₂) such as nano-carbon balls (NCBs). 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 35 is partitioned into an area into which moisture within indoor air is absorbed while the indoor air passes through the desiccant 35 (hereinafter referred to as a 'dehumidification area'), and an area from which moisture evaporates into reconditioning air while the reconditioning air passes through the desiccant 35 (hereinafter referred to as a 'reconditioning area'). The respective areas alternate by rotation of the desiccant 35 so that moisture is absorbed and evaporated.

[0042] The reconditioning area generally has a fan shape. The reconditioning area is placed to face a reconditioning air heating member 60 to be described later.

[0043] The desiccant wheel 33 includes an edge unit configured to have a ring shape and to surround the circumference of the desiccant 35, a fixing unit configured to fix the desiccant 35, 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.

[0044] A rotor supporter 41 for rotatably supporting the dehumidification rotor and a rotor frame 43 on which the rotor supporter 41 is mounted are placed within the main body.

[0045] The rotor frame 43 partitions the inside of the main body into a rear space in which the ventilator 20 is placed and a front space in which the condensing heat exchanger 100 is placed. The front surface of the rotor frame 43 has an aperture formed therein, through which the indoor air and the reconditioning air passed through the desiccant 35 pass. An aperture unit 43a through which reconditioning air passed through an exhaust duct 80 to be described later passes is formed in the rotor frame 43.

[0046] A control box placement unit on which a control box 22 for controlling the dehumidifier is mounted is formed over the rotor frame 43.

[0047] The reconditioning fan 50 applies circulation force to induce circulation of reconditioning air within the main body. That is, the reconditioning fan 50 functions to suck in air passed through the exhaust duct 80 and discharge it to the reconditioning air heating member 60.

[0048] The reconditioning air heating member 60 heats the reconditioning air discharged from the reconditioning fan 50 and supplies hot reconditioning air to the dehumidification rotor 30. The reconditioning air heating member 60 includes heaters 63, a first heater cover 65 configured to cover the heaters 63 and communicate with the reconditioning fan 50, and a second heater cover 61 placed between the first heater cover 65 and the dehumidification rotor and coupled to the first heater cover 65.

[0049] The second heater cover 61 functions as a kind of air guide for preventing the air heated by the heaters 63 from leaking to the area between the heaters 63 and the dehumidification rotor 30 so that the air moves towards the dehumidification rotor.

[0050] The reconditioning air, heated while passing through the reconditioning air heating member 60, passes through the reconditioning area of the desiccant 35 and then enters the condensing heat exchanger 100. That is, the reconditioning air introduction units of the condensing heat exchanger 100 may be formed to communicate with the reconditioning area so that the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning area can be introduced into the condensing heat exchanger 100.

[0051] In the present exemplary embodiment, however, the condensing heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates. Accordingly, the dehumidifier of the present exemplary embodiment further includes a reconditioning air distribution member 90 for uniformly distributing the reconditioning air, passed through the reconditioning area, into the plurality of heat exchange plates.

[0052] The reconditioning air distribution member 90 is coupled to the rotor supporter 41 and is configured to have an opened rear surface, so that the intake units for sucking in the air passed through the reconditioning area of the desiccant 35 can be formed in the rear surface of the reconditioning air distribution member 90. The reconditioning air distribution member 90 includes discharge units for discharging the air sucked in by the intake units. The discharge units are formed at positions where they communicate with reconditioning air introduction units 122 and 124, 142 and 144, and 162 and 164 formed in respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 to be described later.

[0053] In the present exemplary embodiment, the introduction units of the heat exchange plates are respectively formed in two directions, and two discharge units are formed in the reconditioning air distribution member 90. One of the discharge units communicates with the introduction units 122, 142, and 162 into which reconditioning air is introduced in a horizontal direction, and the other of the discharge units communicates with the introduction units 124, 144, and 164 into which reconditioning air is introduced in a vertical direction.

[0054] The condensing heat exchanger 100 performs heat exchange of the indoor air and the air passed through the reconditioning air distribution member 90. That is, the condensing heat exchanger 100 condenses the reconditioning air to which moisture has been absorbed, while the reconditioning air passes through the reconditioning area of the dehumidification rotor 30, using the indoor air and discharges the reconditioning air from which the moisture has been removed to the reconditioning fan 50 through the exhaust duct 80. Condensing water is discharged to the drain fan 14.

[0055] Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the condensing heat exchanger 100 includes the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160. Each of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 includes the introduction units 122 and 124, reconditioning air ducts 126, indoor air ducts 128, and a discharge unit 134.

[0056] The elements formed in the respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 have the same construction. Hereinafter, only the heat exchange plate 120 will be described as an example, and differences between the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 will be described later.

[0057] Fig. 3 a front perspective view of the heat exchange plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the heat exchange plate shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a front view of the heat exchange plate shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange plate taken along line X-X of Fig. 3 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, each of the introduction units 122 and 124 functions as an entrance into which the reconditioning air, discharged through the discharge unit of the reconditioning air distribution member 90, is introduced. Accordingly, the introduction units 122 and 124 are formed to communicate with the discharge unit of the reconditioning air distribution member 90.

[0059] The number and positions of introduction units 122 and 124 may vary depending on the flow of introduced reconditioning air. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is illustrated that two introduction units 122 and 124 are placed on the upper circumferential portion of the heat exchange plate 120.

[0060] The two introduction units 122 and 124 may be placed in various directions depending on the position of the discharge unit 134 and the shape and position of the plurality of reconditioning air ducts 126. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is illustrated that one introduction units 122 is formed in a horizontal direction to the circumferential portion of the heat exchange plate 120 and is configured to suck reconditioning air in a horizontal direction, and one introduction units 124 is formed in a vertical direction to the heat exchange plate 120 and is configured to suck reconditioning air in a vertical direction.

[0061] The discharge unit 134 is an exit from which reconditioning air which has been subject to heat exchange with indoor air, while the reconditioning air passes through the heat exchange plate 120, is discharged. The discharge unit 134 may be formed in various positions of the heat exchange plate 120.

[0062] It is illustrated, in the present exemplary embodiment, that the discharge unit 134 is formed on one side of the lower circumferential portion of the heat exchange plate 120. Accordingly, the heat exchange time and are can be increase because the flow distance of reconditioning air introduced through the introduction units 122 and 124 on the upper side is increased.

[0063] In the case where the discharge unit 134 is placed on one side of the right and lefts sides of the lower circumferential portion, there is an advantage in that the size of the entire dehumidifier can be made slim.

[0064] The reconditioning air ducts 126 are ducts through which reconditioning air passes through and are placed between the introduction units 122 and 124 and the discharge unit 134. Regenerated air is subject to heat exchange with indoor air, while passing through the reconditioning air ducts 126. In the present exemplary embodiment, the reconditioning air ducts 126 include a plurality of pipes formed in the upper and lower directions of the heat exchange plate.

[0065] That is, the reconditioning air ducts 126 are formed in a vertical direction such that air introduced through the introduction units 122 and 124 formed on the upper side can be easily discharged to the discharge unit 134 formed on the lower side. The respective indoor air ducts 128 to be described later are formed between the plurality of pipes.

[0066] Meanwhile, in the case where the discharge unit 134 is placed on the circumferential portion of one of the lower right and left portions of the heat exchange plate 120 as described above, a distance between the introduction unit 122 and the discharge unit 134 differs from a distance between the introduction unit 124 and the discharge unit 134. Consequently, a distance where the air passed through the introduction unit 122 circulates within the heat exchange plate 120 differs from a distance where the air passed through the introduction unit 124 circulates within the heat exchange plate 120. Accordingly, imbalance may occur in the flow of reconditioning air, introduced into the heat exchange plate 120, within the heat exchange plate 120.

[0067] A dispersion unit 130 and the reconditioning air ducts 126 for solving the imbalance in flow according to the present exemplary embodiment are described below.

[0068] The dispersion unit 130 is formed between the introduction unit 124, which is relatively close to the discharge unit 134 as compared with the introduction unit 122, and the discharge unit 134. The dispersion unit 130 functions to disperse the flow of air and also slow the flow velocity of reconditioning air. In more detail, the dispersion unit 130 includes baffles having a variety of shapes, which are formed in space between the introduction unit 124, which is relatively close to the discharge unit 134 as compared with the introduction unit 122, and the discharge unit 134 (hereinafter referred to as a 'dispersion space'). That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the dispersion unit 130 includes a plurality of circular baffles formed in the dispersion space.

[0069] Indoor air ducts 130a through which indoor air can pass may be formed in each of the circular baffles. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that reconditioning air passing through the dispersion space can be condensed because the indoor air can flow through the indoor air ducts 130a placed in the dispersion space.

[0070] Further, the dispersion unit 130 may be placed on the part of the introduction unit 124, which belongs to the space between the introduction unit 124 and the discharge unit 134. Accordingly, the dispersion unit 130 can slow the velocity of reconditioning air introduced through the introduction unit 124 and also diversify the flow of the reconditioning air introduced through the introduction unit 124. In other words, the dispersion unit 130 can make smooth the flow of reconditioning air within the heat exchange plate 120 by variously dispersing the reconditioning air, passed through one introduction unit 124, into the plurality of respective reconditioning air ducts 126.

[0071] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the dispersion unit 130 is placed on the part of the introduction unit 124, which is relatively close to the discharge unit 134 as compared with the introduction unit 122. However, in the case where the dispersion unit 130 is placed on the part of the introduction unit 122 or 124 irrespective of its distance from the discharge unit 134, there is an advantage in that the air introduced through the introduction units 122 and 124 can be dispersed into the plurality of respective reconditioning air ducts 126.

[0072] Alternatively, the reconditioning air ducts 126 placed between the introduction unit, close to the discharge unit 134, and the discharge unit 134 may be inclined at a specific angle in a vertical direction, and a part of the ducts in the upper and lower directions may be bent. In this case, equilibrium between the time that it takes to discharge reconditioning air introduced from the introduction unit 122, which is relatively far from the discharge unit 134 as compared with the introduction unit 124, and the time that it takes to discharge reconditioning air introduced from the introduction unit 124, can be maintained. Further, the time that it takes to sufficiently perform heat exchange between reconditioning air and indoor air can be secured because the velocity of the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts 126 can be reduced.

[0073] In the present exemplary embodiment, reconditioning air ducts 126a placed on the lower side of the dispersion space are inclined toward the discharge unit 134. Accordingly, indoor air ducts 128a placed between the respective inclined reconditioning air ducts 126a are also inclined. Consequently, the time that it takes to discharge reconditioning air can be lengthened because a distance where the reconditioning air moves is lengthened as compared with the case where the reconditioning air ducts 126a are placed in a vertical direction to the discharge unit 133.

[0074] Regeneration air ducts 126b that are partially bent in the upper and lower directions function to bend the flow of reconditioning air that downward flows in a vertical direction, thereby reducing the velocity of the reconditioning air. In more detail, in the present exemplary embodiment, the bent reconditioning air ducts 126b are placed under the inclined reconditioning air ducts 126a.

[0075] The bent reconditioning air ducts 126b may be bent in various directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, however, it is illustrated that the bent reconditioning air ducts 126b are bent in a direction where indoor air flows. The cross area of each of the reconditioning air ducts 126b after the reconditioning air ducts 126b are bent may be greater than that of each of the reconditioning air ducts 126 before the bending. Accordingly, a heat exchange area between indoor air ducts 128b, placed between the respective reconditioning air ducts 126b after being bent, and the reconditioning air ducts 126b is wider than a heat exchange area between the inclined reconditioning air ducts 126a and the indoor air ducts 128a placed between the inclined reconditioning air ducts 126a.

[0076] Further, the cross area of each of the plurality of reconditioning air ducts 126 formed in a vertical direction may be smaller toward the discharge unit 134. In other words, a small amount of reconditioning air flows in the reconditioning air ducts 126 close to the discharge unit 134, and a relatively great amount of reconditioning air flows in the reconditioning air ducts 126 far from the discharge unit 134. Accordingly, imbalance in the flow of reconditioning air, which may be generated because the discharge unit 134 is formed on one side of the heat exchange plate 120, can be prevented.

[0077] Meanwhile, baffle ducts 127 for reducing the flow velocity of reconditioning air flowing between all the reconditioning air ducts 126 of the heat exchange plate 120 may be formed in the right and left directions. In this case, the time that it takes for the reconditioning air to experience heat exchange with indoor air can be increased because the velocity of the reconditioning air that flows through the reconditioning air ducts 126 is decreased.

[0078] The indoor air ducts 128 are formed such that indoor air can flow through the plurality of reconditioning air ducts 126 of the heat exchange plate 120. Accordingly, reconditioning air that flows through the reconditioning air ducts 126 is subject to heat exchange with the indoor air. The indoor air ducts 128 remove the moisture of the reconditioning air by condensing the reconditioning air into which moisture has been absorbed, while the reconditioning air passes through the reconditioning area of the desiccant 130, using the indoor air.

[0079] The indoor air ducts 128 are lengthily opened in a vertical direction between the respective reconditioning air ducts 126. Each of the indoor air ducts 128a placed between the respective inclined reconditioning air ducts 126a as described above is inclined in a vertical direction at a specific angle and is also configured to have a wide area where indoor air is subject to heat exchange with reconditioning air, as compared with other indoor air ducts 128.

[0080] The dispersion unit 130 is opened as described above, thereby further forming the indoor air ducts 130a.

[0081] On the other hand, a discharge hole 132 for discharging condensed water condensed from reconditioning air is formed at the bottom of the heat exchange plate 120. The condensed water discharged through the discharge hole 132 is accommodated in the bucket 10 via the drain fan 14.

[0082] In the present exemplary embodiment, the condensing heat exchanger 100 includes the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160. The differences between the above-described heat exchange plate 120 and the heat exchange plates 140 and 160 and the fastening structure of the plurality of heat exchange plates are described in detail below.

[0083] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger and the exhaust duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the condensing heat exchanger shown in Fig. 7, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger taken along line Y-Y of Fig. 7 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, the condensing heat exchanger 100 includes the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160, and the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 are placed in parallel in the direction of indoor air.

[0085] As described above, the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 has a similar duct structure and shape. However, the bent reconditioning air ducts 126b of the first heat exchange plate 120 are quite different from those of the heat exchange plates 140 and 160. The front and rear surfaces of the reconditioning air ducts 126 of the second and third heat exchange plates 140 and 160 are all bent, but only the rear surfaces of the reconditioning air ducts 126 of the first heat exchange plate 120 are bent. Accordingly, the difference in the cross area of each of the reconditioning air ducts 126 before or after the first heat exchange plate 120 is bent is greater than the difference in the cross area of each of the heat exchange plates 140 and 160.

[0086] Meanwhile, the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 may be spaced apart one another at regular intervals. Accordingly, reconditioning air and a heat exchange area can be increased because the flow of indoor air flowing through the respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 can be diversified.

[0087] In the present exemplary embodiment, however, the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 are coupled to one another in the state where the front and rear surfaces of the respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 come in contact with each other. The heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 may be adhered together using adhesives or additional fastening members.

[0088] In more detail, a fixing projection is projected from the circumferential portion of each of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 to the outside. The heat exchange plates may be fixed using a fastening member in which grooves into which the respective fixing projections are inserted are formed. A plurality of the fixing projections and the fastening members may be placed in the circumferential portion of each of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160.

[0089] Further, the fastening members 121 and 161 are integrally formed with the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160, and the grooves are formed in the fastening members. In more detail, the fastening member 121 is integrally formed with the first heat exchange plate 120 in the direction of indoor air, and the grooves 121a are formed in the fastening member 121. The projections 145 and 165 to which the respective grooves 121a are coupled are formed in the two heat exchange plates 140 and 160 placed on the rear side of the first heat exchange plate 120. The fastening member 121 is formed so that it is bent at the circumferential portion of the heat exchange plate 120. Thus, the remaining heat exchange plates 140 and 160 are coupled to the first heat exchange plate 120, and the fastening member 121 is bent and then coupled to the projections 145 and 165.

[0090] A plurality of the fastening members 121 and 161 may be formed in the circumferential portion of each of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160. In more detail, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fastening member 161 is also formed in the heat exchange plate 160 which is placed at the end of a direction where indoor air is introduced. Projections 123 and 143 coupled to the fastening member 161 are formed in the respective heat exchange plates 120 and 140. The coupling of the fastening member 161 and the projections 123 and 143 is the same as that described above.

[0091] The exhaust duct 80 functions to discharge reconditioning air condensed in the condensing heat exchanger 100. In other words, one end of the exhaust duct 80 communicates with the discharge units 134, 154, and 174 of the respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160, and the other end of the exhaust duct 80 communicates with the aperture unit 43a of the rotor frame 43.

[0092] The plurality of discharge units 134, 154, and 174 is projected from the respective circumferential portions of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160, and the exhaust duct 80 is fit into the plurality of discharge units 134, 154, and 174. Accordingly, the exhaust duct 80 functions to fix the plurality of heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160 together.

[0093] Projections and grooves are formed in the exhaust duct 80 fit into the plurality of discharge units 134, 154, and 174 and are configured to firmly fix the plurality of discharge units 134, 154, and 174 together. In the present exemplary embodiment, projections 136, 156, and 176 and grooves 138, 158, and 178 are formed in the plurality of respective heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160. The projections 136, 156, and 176 are coupled to the respective grooves 138, 158, and 178 at their corresponding positions. A groove 82, corresponding to the projection 136, and a projection (not shown), corresponding to the groove 178, are formed in the exhaust duct 80 at a corresponding position.

[0094] A process of condensing the reconditioning air and a process of dehumidifying the indoor air of the dehumidifier constructed above according to the present invention are described below.

[0095] First, reconditioning air circulates through the reconditioning ducts when the reconditioning fan 50 is rotated. In other words, the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning fan 50 is heated in the reconditioning air heating member 60, thus having a high temperature. The reconditioning air of a high temperature reconditions the reconditioning area of the dehumidification rotor 30 and then enters the condensing heat exchanger 100 via the reconditioning air distribution member 90.

[0096] The reconditioning air introduced into the condensing heat exchanger 100 is subject to heat exchange with indoor air while flowing from the upper side to the lower side of each of the heat exchange plates 120, 140, and 160. Moisture within the reconditioning air is condensed during the heat exchange process. The condensed moisture is discharged from the condensing heat exchanger 100 and is then accommodated in the bucket 10 via the drain fan 14.

[0097] The condensed reconditioning air is again introduced into the reconditioning fan 50 via the exhaust duct 80 and the aperture unit 43a of the rotor frame 43. That is, the reconditioning air circulates in the main body according to the above cycle.

[0098] Meanwhile, indoor air is sucked in by the air intake units of the main body. The suck-in indoor air is subject to heat exchange with the reconditioning air flowing through the reconditioning air ducts, while the indoor air passes through the indoor air ducts of the condensing heat exchanger 100. The indoor air passed through the condensing heat exchanger 100 absorbs moisture, while passing through the dehumidification area of the desiccant 35, and experience dehumidification. The indoor air into which moisture has been absorbed passes through the ventilator 20 and is then discharged through the air discharge unit of the main body.

[0099] 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 spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims..

Claims

1. A dehumidifier, comprising:

a dehumidification rotor which becomes moist while indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor and which is reconditioned while reconditioning air passes through the dehumidification rotor; and

a heat exchange plate, comprising a plurality of introduction units into which the reconditioning air passed through the dehumidification rotor is dispersed and introduced, a plurality of reconditioning air ducts in which the reconditioning air passed through the introduction units is dispersed and circulated, indoor air ducts formed between the respective reconditioning air ducts, and a discharge unit configured to discharge the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts.

2. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the heat exchange plate further comprises a dispersion unit placed between the discharge unit and an introduction unit relatively close to the discharge unit, which belongs to the plurality of introduction units, and configured to disperse a flow of the reconditioning air introduced into the reconditioning air ducts.

3. The dehumidifier of claim 2, wherein the dispersion unit is placed on a part of the introduction units.

4. The dehumidifier of claim 2 or 3, wherein the indoor air ducts through which the indoor air passes are formed in the dispersion unit.

5. The dehumidifier of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein, from among the plurality of reconditioning air ducts, reconditioning air ducts placed between the discharge unit and an introduction unit relatively close to the discharge unit, which belongs to the plurality of introduction units, are bent.

6. The dehumidifier of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein, from among the plurality of reconditioning air ducts, reconditioning air ducts placed between the discharge unit and an introduction unit relatively close to the discharge unit, which belongs to the plurality of introduction units, are tilted in a vertical direction.

7. The dehumidifier of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of introduction units is spaced apart from each other so that the reconditioning air can be introduced into the introduction units in different directions.

8. The dehumidifier of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of introduction units is formed on an upper part of the heat exchange plate.

9. The dehumidifier of any of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge unit is formed on one of right and left sides of the heat exchange plate.

10. A dehumidifier, comprising:

a dehumidification rotor which becomes moist while indoor air passes through the dehumidification rotor and which is reconditioned while reconditioning air passes through the dehumidification rotor; and

a heat exchange plate, comprising a plurality of introduction units into which the reconditioning air passed through the dehumidification rotor is dispersed and introduced, a plurality of reconditioning air ducts in which the reconditioning air passed through the introduction units is dispersed and circulated, indoor air ducts formed between the respective reconditioning air ducts, and a discharge unit configured to discharge the reconditioning air passing through the reconditioning air ducts,

wherein a plurality of the heat exchange plates is arranged in parallel.

11. The dehumidifier of claim 10, wherein the plurality of heat exchange plates is spaced apart one another at regular intervals.

12. The dehumidifier of claim 10 or 11, further comprising an exhaust duct fit into the plurality of discharge units and configured to discharge the reconditioning air,
wherein the discharge units are projected from circumferential portions of lower parts of the plurality of respective heat exchange plates.

13. The dehumidifier of claim 12, wherein:

projections are formed in one of the exhaust duct and the plurality of discharge units, and

grooves for accommodating the respective projections are formed in the other of exhaust duct and the plurality of discharge units.

14. The dehumidifier of claim 10, wherein:

projections are formed in circumferential surfaces of the plurality of respective heat exchange plates, and

the dehumidifier further comprises a fastening member including fitting holes into which the respective projections are coupled.

15. The dehumidifier of claim 14, wherein the fastening member is integrally formed in at least one of the plurality of heat exchange plates.

Drawing