U.S. patent application number 16/201662 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-30 for dehumidifier.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Jaeyoung Kim, Minhwan KIM, Sehyeon Kim, Yohan Lee.
Application Number | 20190162432 16/201662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66633968 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190162432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Minhwan ; et
al. |
May 30, 2019 |
DEHUMIDIFIER
Abstract
A dehumidifier including a condenser configured to condense a
refrigerant, an evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant,
and a heat transfer module configured to absorb heat from air
flowing into the evaporator and to transfer the heat to air
discharged from the evaporator, wherein the heat transfer module
includes a right module enclosing a right side of the evaporator
and a left module enclosing a left side of the evaporator, whereby
each of the right module and the left module includes a plurality
of side heat pipes formed in a U shape to seal a fluid therein, the
plurality of side heat pipes being vertically arranged; and a
plurality of side cooling fins connected to the plurality of side
heat pipes and horizontally arranged.
Inventors: |
KIM; Minhwan; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Sehyeon; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim;
Jaeyoung; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Yohan; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
66633968 |
Appl. No.: |
16/201662 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 3/153 20130101;
F24F 13/30 20130101; F24F 2003/1446 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/153 20060101
F24F003/153; F24F 13/30 20060101 F24F013/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 28, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0160861 |
Claims
1. A dehumidifier comprising: a condenser configured to condense a
refrigerant; an evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant;
and a heat transfer module configured to absorb heat from air
flowing into the evaporator, and to transfer the heat to air
discharged from the evaporator, wherein the heat transfer module
comprises: a right module enclosing a right side of the evaporator;
and a left module enclosing a left side of the evaporator, wherein
the right module and the left module each comprises: a plurality of
side heat pipes that are vertically arranged relative to a
direction of gravity, each of the side heat pipes having a U shape
to seal a fluid therein; and a plurality of side cooling fins
connected to the plurality of side heat pipes and are horizontally
arranged.
2. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
side cooling fins is formed as a corrugated fin.
3. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
side cooling fins is formed as a slit fin having a surface that is
partially cut and bent in an upward direction.
4. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer module
further comprises: a plurality of middle section modules disposed
at a middle portion of the heat transfer module between a front
surface and a rear surface of the evaporator, to connect the right
module with the left module.
5. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein each of the middle section
modules comprises a plurality of connection holes that are
vertically arranged and configured to receive end portions of the
plurality of side heat pipes of the right module and the left
module.
6. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein each of the middle section
modules comprises: a plurality of sleeves that are vertically
arranged, each of which is formed in a tubular shape and configured
to receive end portions of the plurality of side heat pipes of the
right module and the left module; and a plurality of dummy fins
that are horizontally arranged and connected to the plurality of
sleeves.
7. The dehumidifier of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of
dummy fins has the same shape as each of the plurality of side
cooling fins.
8. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein each of the middle section
modules comprises: a plurality of center heat pipes that are
horizontally arranged, each of which is configured to seal a fluid
therein; and a plurality of center cooling pipes that are
vertically arranged and connected to the plurality of center heat
pipes.
9. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein each of the middle section
modules further comprises a plurality of coupling frames, each of
which has a square rim shape, formed on all sides of the plurality
of center cooling fins, and configured to receive the end portions
of the plurality of side heat pipes of the right module and the
left module.
10. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the middle section module
comprises: an upper module enclosing an upper portion of the
evaporator; and a lower module enclosing a lower portion of the
evaporator.
11. A dehumidifier comprising: a condenser configured to condense a
refrigerant; an evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant;
and a heat transfer module configured to absorb heat from air
flowing into the evaporator, and to transfer the heat to air
discharged from the evaporator, wherein the heat transfer module
comprises: a right module enclosing a right side of the evaporator;
and a left module enclosing a left side of the evaporator, wherein
each of the right module and the left module comprises: a plurality
of side heat pipes each comprising two straight line parts, which
extend in a left and right direction of the heat transfer module
and are spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction
or the heat transfer module, and a connection part that connects
the two straight line parts; and a plurality of side cooling fins
connected to the plurality of side heat pipes and spaced apart from
each other in the left and right direction.
12. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of
side cooling fins is connected to the two straight line parts.
13. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein one of the two straight
line parts is disposed at a front side of the evaporator, and the
other one of the two straight line parts is disposed at a rear side
of the evaporator.
14. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein the connection part is
disposed on at least one of a left side and a right side of the
evaporator.
15. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein the heat transfer module
further comprises a plurality of middle section modules that are
disposed at a middle portion thereof between a front surface and a
rear surface of the evaporator, to connect the right module with
the left module.
16. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein each of the middle
section modules includes a plurality of connection holes that are
vertically formed and configured to receive end portions of the
plurality of side heat pipes of the right module and the left
module.
17. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein each of the middle
section modules comprises: a plurality of sleeves that are
vertically arranged, each of which is formed in a tubular shape and
configured to receive end portions of the plurality of side heat
pipes of the right module and the left module; and a plurality of
dummy fins that are horizontally arranged and connected to the
plurality of sleeves.
18. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of
dummy fins has the same shape as each of the plurality of side
cooling fins.
19. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein each of the middle
section modules comprises: a plurality of center heat pipes that
are horizontally arranged, each of which is configured to seal a
fluid therein; and a plurality of center cooling pipes that are
vertically arranged and connected to the plurality of center heat
pipes.
20. The dehumidifier of claim 19, wherein each of the middle
section modules comprises a plurality of coupling frames, each of
which has a square rim shape, formed on all sides of the plurality
of center cooling fins, and configured to receive the end portions
of the plurality of side heat pipes of the right module and the
left module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119 and 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 365 to Korean Patent Application
No. 10-2017-0160861, filed on Nov. 28, 2017, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a dehumidifier,
and more particularly to a dehumidifier to perform dehumidification
using a refrigeration cycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] A dehumidifier is a home appliance which reduces and
maintains the level of humidity in the air for household,
commercial, or industrial applications. More particularly, the
humidifier removes moisture from the air, and then discharges the
dehumidified air to maintain the air dry. Examples of the
dehumidifier include: a spray dehumidifier using sprayed water; a
desiccant dehumidifier using a moisture absorbing material; and a
mechanical dehumidifier using a refrigeration cycle.
[0004] The mechanical dehumidifier performs dehumidification by
condensing moisture when air passes through an evaporator. The air,
having passed through the evaporator, passes through a condenser to
be reheated. Cooling the air is not the purpose of the
dehumidifier, such that it is only needed to reduce the temperature
of air to a dew point. However, performance of the refrigeration
cycle is designed at a level which allows air to be sufficiently
cooled under high temperature and humidity conditions, such that
air may be cooled more than necessary (and may cool a room or
specific space). By contrast, in the case of reducing the
temperature of air flowing into the evaporator, the air
temperature, which is to be reduced to a dew point in the
evaporator, may be lowered. Accordingly, the present invention
constitutes a heat transfer module, which transfers cooled air,
having passed through the evaporator, to air flowing into the
evaporator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The foregoing embodiments provide a dehumidifier which may
reduce load on an evaporator by using a heat pipe type heat
transfer module having an integrally formed fin.
[0006] According to one embodiment, the above object can be
accomplished by providing a dehumidifier, including: a condenser
configured to condense a refrigerant; an evaporator configured to
evaporate the refrigerant; and a heat transfer module configured to
absorb heat from air flowing into the evaporator, and to transfer
the heat to air discharged from the evaporator. The heat transfer
module may be divided into: a right module enclosing a right side
of the evaporator; and a left module enclosing a left side of the
evaporator, wherein each of the right module and the left module
may include: a plurality of side heat pipes which are formed in a U
shape to seal a fluid therein, and are vertically arranged; and a
plurality of side cooling fins which are connected to the plurality
of side heat pipes and are horizontally arranged, thereby improving
heat transport efficiency.
[0007] Each of the plurality of side cooling fins may be a
corrugated fin.
[0008] Each of the plurality of side cooling fins may be a slit fin
having a surface which is partially cut and bent upward.
[0009] The heat transfer module may further include a plurality of
middle section modules which are disposed at a middle portion
between a front surface and a rear surface of the evaporator, to
connect a left end of the right module and a right end of the left
module.
[0010] The middle section modules, which are formed in a vertically
long plate shape, may include a plurality of connection holes which
are vertically formed, and into which end portions of the plurality
of side heat pipes of the right module and the left module are
inserted.
[0011] Each of the middle section module may include: a plurality
of sleeves, each of which is formed in a tubular shape and has both
sides, into which end portions of the plurality of side heat pipes
of the right module and the left module are inserted, and are
vertically arranged; and a plurality of dummy fins which are
connected to the plurality of sleeves and are horizontally
arranged.
[0012] Each of the plurality of dummy fins may have the same shape
as each of the plurality of side cooling fins.
[0013] Each of the middle section modules may include: a plurality
of center heat pipes, each of which includes a fluid sealed
therein, and which are horizontally arranged; and a plurality of
center cooling pipes which are connected to the plurality of center
heat pipes and are vertically arranged.
[0014] Each of the middle section modules may further include a
plurality of coupling frames, each of which has a square rim shape,
to be formed on all sides, including top, bottom, left, and right
sides, of the plurality of center cooling fins, and has both sides
into which the end portions of the plurality of side heat pipes of
the right module and the left module are inserted.
[0015] The middle section module may include: an upper module
enclosing an upper portion of the evaporator; and a lower module
enclosing a lower portion of the evaporator.
[0016] According to another embodiment, the above object can be
accomplished by providing a dehumidifier, including: a condenser
configured to condense a refrigerant; an evaporator configured to
evaporate the refrigerant; and a heat transfer module configured to
absorb heat from air flowing into the evaporator, and to transfer
the heat to air discharged from the evaporator, wherein the heat
transfer module includes: a right module enclosing a right side of
the evaporator; and a left module enclosing a left side of the
evaporator, wherein each of the right module and the left module
includes: a plurality of side heat pipes including two straight
line parts, which are extended in a left and right direction and
are spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction, and
a connection part which connects the two straight line parts; and a
plurality of side cooling fins which are connected to the plurality
of side heat pipes and are spaced apart from each other in the left
and right direction.
[0017] Each of the plurality of side cooling fins may be connected
to the two straight line parts.
[0018] One of the two straight line parts may be disposed on a
front side of the evaporator, and the other one may be disposed on
a rear side of the evaporator.
[0019] The connection part may be disposed on at least one of a
left side and a right side of the evaporator.
[0020] Details of other exemplary embodiments are included in the
detailed description and drawings.
[0021] As is apparent from the above description, the dehumidifier
according to embodiments of the present disclosure has one or more
of the following desirous effects.
[0022] First, by dividing the heat pipe type heat transfer module
having an integrally formed fin, heat transport efficiency may be
improved.
[0023] Second, the heat transfer module is divided into a right
module and a left module, thereby enabling efficient arrangement
with an evaporator.
[0024] Third, by providing a middle section module for connecting
the divided heat transfer module, modules may be connected
efficiently without disrupting the air flow.
[0025] The advantageous effects of the present disclosure are not
limited to the above, and other effects not described above will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the
purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described
herein.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating a dehumidifier
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer
module illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer
module illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer
module illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer
module illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a partial structural view of a heat transfer
module according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a partial structural view of a heat transfer
module according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0039] It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the
scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features illustrated here, and
additional applications of the principles of the inventions as
illustrated here, which would occur to a person skilled in the
relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be
considered within the scope of the invention.
[0040] The meaning of terms is clarified in this disclosure, so the
claims should be read with careful attention to these
clarifications. Specific examples are given, but those of skill in
the relevant art(s) will understand that other examples may also
fall within the meaning of the terms used, and within the scope of
one or more claims. Terms do not necessarily have the same meaning
here that they have in general usage (particularly in non-technical
usage), or in the usage of a particular industry, or in a
particular dictionary or set of dictionaries. Reference numerals
may be added in subsequent filings along with figures, but they are
not required to understand the present disclosure. The inventors
assert and exercise their right to their own lexicography. Quoted
terms are defined explicitly, but quotation marks are not used when
a term is defined implicitly. Terms may be defined, either
explicitly or implicitly, here in the Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments and/or elsewhere in the application file.
[0041] Throughout this document, use of the optional plural "(s)",
"(es)", or "(ies)" means that one or more of the indicated feature
is present. For example, "processor(s)" means "one or more
processors" or equivalently "at least one processor".
[0042] Throughout this document, unless expressly stated otherwise
any reference to a step in a process presumes that the step may be
performed directly by a party of interest and/or performed
indirectly by the party through intervening mechanisms and/or
intervening entities, and still lie within the scope of the step.
That is, direct performance of the step by the party of interest is
not required unless direct performance is an expressly stated
requirement. For example, a step involving action by a party of
interest with regard to a destination or other subject may involve
intervening action such as forwarding, copying, uploading,
downloading, encoding, decoding, compressing, decompressing,
encrypting, decrypting, authenticating, invoking, and so on by some
other party, yet still be understood as being performed directly by
the party of interest.
[0043] Various terminology used herein can imply direct or
indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or
inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being
"on," "connected" or "coupled" to another element, then the element
can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or
intervening elements can be present, including indirect or direct
variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element,
there are no intervening elements present.
[0044] Likewise, as used herein, a term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless
specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, features described with respect to certain embodiments
may be combined in or with various other embodiments in any
permutational or combinatory manner. Different aspects or elements
of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a
similar manner.
[0045] The term "combination", "combinatory," or "combinations
thereof" as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations
of listed items preceding that term. For example, "A, B, C, or
combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of: A, B,
C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular
context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing
with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain
repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC,
AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. A skilled artisan will
understand that typically there is no limit on a number of items or
terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the
context.
[0046] Similarly, as used herein, various singular forms "a," "an"
and "the" are intended to include various plural forms as well,
unless context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, a term "a"
or "an" shall mean "one or more," even though a phrase "one or
more" is also used herein.
[0047] Moreover, terms "comprises," "includes" or "comprising,"
"including" when used in this specification, specify a presence of
stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or
components, but do not preclude a presence and/or addition of one
or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, or groups thereof. Furthermore, when this disclosure
states that something is "based on" something else, then such
statement refers to a basis which may be based on one or more other
things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated
otherwise, as used herein "based on" inclusively means "based at
least in part on" or "based at least partially on."
[0048] Additionally, although terms first, second, and others can
be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,
layers, or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers,
or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms.
Rather, these terms are used to distinguish one element, component,
region, layer, or section from another element, component, region,
layer, or section. As such, a first element, component, region,
layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer, or section without departing from this
disclosure.
[0049] Words such as "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit
the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the
reader through the description of the methods.
[0050] Although process flow diagrams may describe the operations
as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations
may be re-arranged. A process may correspond to a method, a
function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a
process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond
to a return of the function to the calling function or the main
function.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating a dehumidifier
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] The dehumidifier exemplified in FIG. 1 includes: a case 161
which forms or defines an exterior of the dehumidifier; a
compressor 120 which compresses a refrigerant; a condenser 130
which condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 120;
an expander 140 which expands the refrigerant condensed by the
condenser 130; an evaporator 110 which evaporates the refrigerant
expanded by the expander 140; and a heat transfer module 170 which
absorbs heat from air flowing into the evaporator 110 and transfers
the heat to air discharged from the evaporator 110.
[0053] The case 161 forms an exterior of the dehumidifier. The case
161 includes, on one side, an inlet 165 formed therein through
which air is introduced from the outside, and an outlet 167 formed
therein through which the dehumidified air is discharged.
[0054] A blower fan 150, which circulates air, is disposed adjacent
to the outlet 167 in the case 161. A water tank 180, which stores
water condensed by the evaporator 110, is disposed below the
evaporator 110 inside the case 161. The water tank 180 may be
removably attached inside the case 161. The blower fan 150 blows
air, which is dehumidified by the evaporator 110 and is heated by
the condenser 130, so that it is discharged to the outside of the
case 161 through the outlet 167. The evaporator 110 and the
condenser 130 are disposed inside the case 161 and arranged along
an air flow direction. The compressor 120 and the expander 140 are
also disposed inside the case 161.
[0055] The compressor 120 is connected to the evaporator 110 and
compresses a refrigerant which is evaporated by the evaporator 110.
The compressor 120 is connected to the condenser 130, and the
compressed refrigerant flows into the condenser 130.
[0056] The condenser 130 is connected to the compressor 120 and
condenses the refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 120, by a
heat exchange process with air. The condenser 130 heats air
dehumidified by the evaporator 110. The air heated by the condenser
130 is discharged by the blower fan 150 through the outlet 167 to
the outside of the case 161. The condenser 130 is connected to the
expander 140, and the refrigerant, condensed by the condenser 130,
flows into the expander 140.
[0057] The expander 140 is connected to the condenser 130 and
expands the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 130. The
expander 140 is connected to the evaporator 110, and the
refrigerant, expanded by the expander 140, flows into the
evaporator 110.
[0058] The evaporator 110 is connected to the expander 140 and
evaporates the refrigerant, expanded by the expander 140, by a heat
exchange process with air. The evaporator 110 functions to cool and
dehumidify the air. The air, cooled and dehumidified by the
evaporator 110, flows into the condenser 130. The evaporator 110 is
connected to the compressor 120, and the refrigerant, evaporated by
the evaporator 110, flows into the compressor 120. One portion of
the heat transfer module 170 is disposed on a front surface of the
evaporator 110, through which air is introduced, and the other
portion of the heat transfer module 170 is disposed on a rear
surface of the evaporator 110, through which air is discharged.
[0059] The heat transfer module 170 is disposed on the front
surface (surface where air is introduced) of the evaporator 110,
and on the rear surface (surface where air is discharged) of the
evaporator 110. The heat transfer module 170 cools the air flowing
into the evaporator 110, and heats the air discharged from the
evaporator 110. The heat transfer module 170 is preferably
configured as a heat pipe having an integrally formed fin, which
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and the
following figures.
[0060] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a
partial structural view of the heat transfer module illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0061] The exemplary heat transfer module 170 shown in FIG. 2 may
include: a right module 170b which encloses a portion of the front
surface, a right surface, and a portion of the rear surface of the
evaporator 110; and a left module 170a which encloses a portion of
the front surface, a left surface, and a portion of the rear
surface of the evaporator 110; and a middle section module 190
which is disposed vertically at a middle portion between the front
surface and the rear surface, and connects a left end of the right
module 170b and a right end of the left module 170a.
[0062] In the embodiments of the present invention, the vertical
direction and a longitudinal direction refer to the direction of
gravity. A front direction refers to a direction in which air flows
into the evaporator 110, and a rear direction refers to a direction
in which air is discharged from the evaporator 110. That is, the
front and rear direction refers to a direction, in which air flows,
in a horizontal direction (transverse direction). The left and
right direction refers to a direction, which is perpendicular to
the front and rear direction with respect to the evaporator 110, in
the horizontal direction (transverse direction).
[0063] In the embodiment, the evaporator 110, which has an
approximately cuboid shape, may be disposed upright (not limited
thereto), and may be disposed so that the front and the rear
surfaces of the evaporator 110 are perpendicular to the air flow
direction (front and rear direction) which is a horizontal
direction.
[0064] The right module 170b may have a transverse section which is
formed in an approximately staple shape (e.g., pronged shape), and
may be disposed to enclose the right side of the evaporator 110.
The right module 170b absorbs heat from air flowing to the right
side of the evaporator 110 and is configure to transfer the heat to
air discharged from the right side of the evaporator 110.
[0065] The left module 170a may have a transverse section which is
formed in an approximately staple shape (e.g., pronged shape), and
may be disposed to enclose the left side of the evaporator 110. The
left module 170a absorbs heat from air flowing to the left side of
the evaporator 110 and is configured to transfer heat to air
discharged from the left side of the evaporator 110.
[0066] The left module 170a and the right module 170b may be heat
pipe heat-exchangers having an integrally formed fin, and are
desirably formed in the same shape.
[0067] Each of the right module 170b and the left module 170a may
include: a plurality of side heat pipes 171 which are vertically
spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of side cooling fins
which are connected to the plurality of side heat pipes 171, and
are horizontally spaced apart from each other.
[0068] Each of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 may have a
fluid which is sealed therein. The plurality of side heat pipes 171
may rapidly transfer heat with a phase change in the fluid sealed
therein. Each of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 may be formed
in a U shape, and may be disposed horizontally.
[0069] Each of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 may include:
two straight line parts 171b which are disposed to face each other;
and a connection part 171a which connects the two straight line
parts 171b. The longitudinal direction of the straight-line parts
may be oriented in a horizontal direction. The straight-line parts
may be disposed on the front surface and the rear surface of the
evaporator 110.
[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, two straight line parts
171b may be spaced apart from each other in the front and rear
direction, and are extended in the left and right direction. One of
the two straight line parts 171b may be disposed on the front side
of the evaporator 110, and the other may be disposed on the rear
side of the evaporator 110.
[0071] Each connection part 171a may be disposed on a lateral side
of the evaporator 110. The connection part 171a may be disposed at
least either one of the left side or the right side of the
evaporator 110. The connection part 171a may connect ends of the
straight-line parts 171b, and may have a curved or bent
portion.
[0072] The straight-line parts 171b of each of the plurality of
side heat pipes 171 may pass through the plurality of side cooling
fins 173, to be connected to the plurality of side cooling fins
173. Ends of the straight-line parts 171b of each of the plurality
of side heat pipes 171 may be connected to the middle section
module 190 disposed between the left and right modules 170a and
170b.
[0073] Each of the plurality of side cooling fins 173 may be formed
in a plate-like shape (not limited thereto). As shown in FIG. 2,
the side cooling fin 170 is preferably formed such that it is
vertically long and thin. Each of the plurality of side cooling
fins 173 may have surfaces which are disposed horizontal to the air
flow direction, such that air may flow through the plurality of
side cooling fins 173.
[0074] Each of the plurality of side cooling fins 173 may be
connected to the straight-line parts 171b. The straight-line parts
171b of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 pass through the
plurality of side cooling fins 173, to be connected to the
plurality of side cooling fins 173. Some of the plurality of side
cooling fins 173 are disposed on the front surface of the
evaporator 110, and other of the plurality of side cooling fans 173
are disposed on the rear surface of the evaporator 110. The
plurality of side cooling fins 173, disposed on the front surface
of the evaporator 110, absorb heat flowing into the evaporator 110,
and are configured to transfer the heat to the plurality of side
heat pipes 171 which are connected to the side cooling fins 173.
The plurality of side cooling fins 173, disposed on the rear
surface of the evaporator 110, are configured to transfer the heat
of the plurality of side heat pipes 171, which are connected to the
side cooling fins 173, to the air discharged from the evaporator
110.
[0075] The middle section module 190 may be connected to the left
end of the right module 170b and the right end of the left module
170a, to connect the right module 170b with the left module 170a.
The middle section module 190 may be formed in various shapes which
allow connection of the right module 170b and the left module 170a.
For example, as shown, the middle section module 190 may be formed
in a plate-like shape which is vertically long and thin (not
limited thereto). The middle section module 190 has surfaces which
are disposed horizontal to the air flow direction, and are
horizontally spaced apart from the plurality of side cooling fins
173. Preferably, the middle section module 190 has the same width
and length as each of the side cooling fins 173. Further,
preferably, the middle section module 190 is formed in the same
shape as the side cooling fins 173 with the only difference being
the width, so as not to disrupt the air flow.
[0076] In the embodiment disclosed herein, the middle section
module 190 may include a plurality of connection holes 190h formed
in a vertical direction thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, end portions
of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the right module 170b
and the left module 170a are alternately inserted into the
plurality of connection holes 190h. In the embodiment, the
plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the right module 170b and the
plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the left module 170a are
disposed alternately in a vertical direction. In the embodiment,
two middle section modules 190 are provided, with one being
disposed on the front surface of the evaporator 110 and the other
being disposed on the rear surface of the evaporator 110.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is
a partial structural view of the heat transfer module illustrated
in FIG. 4.
[0078] The heat transfer module 270 disclosed in the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 includes the right module 170b and the
left module 170a, which are the same as the right module 170b and
the left module 170a according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2
and 3 and described above, such that detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
[0079] A middle section module 290 of the heat transfer module 270
may include: a plurality of sleeves 294 having both sides, into
which end portions of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the
right module 170b and the left module 170a are inserted; and a
plurality of dummy fins 293 which are connected to the plurality of
sleeves 294 and are arranged horizontally.
[0080] Each of the plurality of sleeves 294 may be formed in a
tubular-like shape (not limited thereto). A longitudinal direction
of each of the plurality of sleeves 294 may be oriented in a
horizontal direction. The plurality of sleeves 294 may be
vertically spaced apart from each other. The plurality of sleeves
294 may be connected, on the right side, to end portions of the
plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the right module 170b; and are
connected, on the left side, to end portions of the plurality of
side heat pipes 171 of the left module 170a. The plurality of
sleeves 294 may pass through the plurality of dummy fins 293, to be
connected to the plurality of dummy fins 293. Some of the plurality
of sleeves 294 may be vertically arranged at a center portion of
the front surface of the evaporator 110, and other of the plurality
of sleeves 294 may be vertically arranged at a center portion of
the rear surface of the evaporator 110.
[0081] Each of the plurality of dummy fins 293 may be formed in a
plate-like shape which is vertically long and thin (such as shown)
(not limited thereto). Preferably, each of the plurality of dummy
fins 293 is formed having the same shape as the side cooling fins
173. Each of the plurality of dummy fins 293 may have surfaces
which are disposed horizontal to the air flow direction, such that
the plurality of dummy fins 293 are horizontally spaced apart from
each other along with the plurality of side cooling fins 173. A
space between the plurality of dummy fins 293 may be equal, or
substantially equal, to a space between the plurality of side
cooling fins 173. The plurality of sleeves 294 may pass through the
plurality of dummy fins 293 to be connected thereto. Some of the
plurality of dummy fins 293 may be disposed on the front surface of
the evaporator 110, and the other of the plurality of dummy fins
293 may be disposed on the rear surface of the evaporator 110.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
7 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer module
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0083] The exemplary heat transfer module 370 such as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 may include the right module 170b and the left module
170a, which are the same as the right side module 170b and the left
side module 170a according to the embodiments of the present
invention described above, such that detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
[0084] The heat transfer module 370 may include a middle section
module 390, having a transverse section formed in an approximately
in a square-like shape (not limited thereto), so as to enclose the
front, rear, top, and bottom sides of a longitudinal center portion
of the evaporator 110.
[0085] The middle section module 390 of the heat transfer module
370 may include a plurality of center heat pipes 391 that are
horizontally arranged; a plurality of center cooling fins 393 that
are connected to the plurality of center heat pipes 391 and are
vertically spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of
coupling frames 397 that are formed on all sides, including the
top, bottom, left, and right sides, of the plurality of center
cooling fins 393, and which are coupled to the right module 170b
and the left module 170a.
[0086] Each of the plurality of center heat pipes 391 may have a
fluid sealed therein. The plurality of center heat pipes 391 may
rapidly transfer heat with a phase change in the fluid sealed
therein. Each of the plurality of center heat pipes 391 may be
formed in a rectangular-like shape with rounded edges or in a
trapezoidal shape (not limited thereto), and be disposed upright.
Each of the center heat pipes 391 has a long side which may be
disposed vertically. Each of the center heat pipes 391 may have a
long side which is disposed vertically at a center portion of the
front surface and the rear surface of the evaporator 110. Each of
the center heat pipes 391 may have a short side which is disposed
at the top and the bottom of the evaporator 110. Each of the
plurality of center heat pipes 391 may have a long side which
passes through the plurality of center cooling fins 393 to be
connected to the plurality of center cooling fins 393. The
plurality of center heat pipes 391 may pass through a top surface
and a bottom surface of each of the plurality of coupling frames
397, to be connected to the plurality of coupling frames 397.
[0087] Each of the plurality of center cooling fins 393 may be
formed in a plate-like shape which is horizontally long and thin
(such as shown, but not limited thereto). Each of the center
cooling fins 393 may have surfaces which are disposed horizontal to
the air flow direction, such that air may flow through the
plurality of center cooling fins 393. A long side of each of the
plurality of center heat pipes 391 may pass through the plurality
of center cooling fins 393, to be connected thereto. Some of the
plurality of center cooling fins 393 may be arranged vertically at
a center portion of the front surface of the evaporator 110, and
the other of the plurality of center cooling fins 393 may be
arranged vertically at a center portion of the rear surface of the
evaporator 110. The plurality of center cooling fins 393, disposed
on the front surface of the evaporator 110, are configured to
absorb heat of air flowing into the evaporator 110, and transfer
the heat to the plurality of center heat pipes 391 which are
connected to the plurality of center cooling fins 393. The
plurality of center cooling fins 393, disposed on the rear surface
of the evaporator 110, are configured to transfer the heat of the
plurality of center heat pipes 391, which are connected to the
plurality of center cooling fins 393, to air discharged from the
evaporator 110.
[0088] Each of the plurality of coupling frames 397 may be formed
in a square rim-like shape (not limited thereto), and disposed
upright. Each of the plurality of coupling frames 397 may be
disposed to be opened in an air flow direction (front and rear
direction). Two coupling frames 397 may be provided, with one being
disposed vertically at a center portion of the front surface of the
evaporator 110, and the other of the coupling frames 397 may be
disposed vertically at a center portion of the rear surface of the
evaporator 110. A top surface and a bottom surface of each of the
coupling frames 397 may be disposed at the top and the bottom of
the plurality of center cooling fins 393 which are vertically
arranged; and a left surface and a right surface of each of the
coupling frames 397 may be disposed at the left side and the right
side of the plurality of center cooling fins 393. The plurality of
center heat pipes 391 may pass through the top surface and the
bottom surface of each of the plurality of coupling frames 397, to
be connected thereto.
[0089] A plurality of connection holes 397h may be formed
vertically on the left surface and the right surface of each of the
plurality of coupling frames 397. End portions of the plurality of
side heat pipes 171 of the right module 170b may be inserted into
the plurality of connection holes 397h formed on the right surface
of the plurality of coupling frames 397. End portions of the
plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the left module 170a may be
inserted into the plurality of connection holes 397h formed on the
left surface of the plurality of coupling frames 397.
[0090] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat transfer module
according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial structural view of the heat transfer module
illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0091] A heat transfer module 470 according to still another
embodiment of the present invention may include the right module
170b and the left module 17a which are the same as the right module
170b and the left module 170a according to the embodiments of the
present invention described above, such that detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0092] The heat transfer module 470 according to the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 8 and 9 may include a middle section module 490,
which is formed by dividing the middle section module 390
illustrated in FIG. 6 into an upper portion and a lower portion,
and includes an upper module 490a and a lower module 490b.
[0093] The upper module 490a includes a transverse section which
may be formed in an approximately staple-like shape (not limited
thereto), so as to enclose an upper portion of a horizontal center
portion of the evaporator 110; and the lower module 490b has a
transverse section which is formed in an approximately staple-like
shape (not limited thereto), so as to enclose a lower portion of a
horizontal center portion of the evaporator 110.
[0094] Each of the upper module 490a and the lower module 490b of
the heat transfer module 470 may include: a plurality of center
heat pipes 491 that are horizontally arranged; a plurality of
center cooling fins 493 that are connected to the plurality of
center heat pipes 491 and are vertically spaced apart from each
other; and a plurality of coupling frames 497 that are disposed on
all sides, including the top, bottom, left, and right sides, of the
plurality of center cooling fins 493 and are connected to the right
module 170b and the left module 170a.
[0095] For example, the plurality of center heat pipes 491 may be
formed in a U shape (not limited thereto) and are vertically
disposed. Each of the plurality of center heat pipes 491 includes a
straight-line part, of which the longitudinal direction is
vertically oriented, and is disposed on the front surface and the
rear surface of the evaporator 110. Each of the plurality of center
heat pipes 491 includes a connection part 171a which is disposed on
the top surface or the bottom surface of the evaporator 110. In
each of the plurality of center heat pipes 491, an end portion of
the straight-line part 171b may be connected to the coupling frame
497.
[0096] Other descriptions of the plurality of center heat pipes
491, which are the same as the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6,
will be omitted to avoid repetition. Further, the plurality of
center cooling fins 493 are the same as the embodiments illustrated
in FIG. 6, such that detailed description thereof will be omitted
to avoid repetition.
[0097] In the embodiment, four coupling frames 497 may be provided,
with two being disposed vertically at a center portion of the front
surface of the evaporator 110, and the other two being disposed
vertically at a center portion of the rear surface of the
evaporator 110. Each of the plurality of coupling frames 497 may
have a left surface and a right surface, on which a plurality of
first connection holes 497h1 are vertically formed. End portions of
the plurality of side heat pipes 171 of the right module 170b may
be inserted into the plurality of first connection holes 497h1
formed on the right surface of the plurality of coupling frames
497; and end portions of the plurality of side heat pipes 171 of
the left module 170a may be inserted into the plurality of first
connection holes 497h1 formed on the left surface of the plurality
of coupling frames 497. Each of the plurality of coupling frames
497 may have a top surface and a bottom surface, on which a
plurality of second connection holes 497h2 are formed in the left
and right direction. End portions of the plurality of center heat
pipes 491 of the upper module 490a may be inserted into the
plurality of second connection holes 497h2 formed on the top
surface of the plurality of coupling frames 497; and end portions
of the plurality of center heat pipes 491 of the lower module 490b
may be inserted into the plurality of second connection holes 497h2
formed on the bottom surface of the plurality of coupling frames
497.
[0098] FIG. 10 is a partial structural view of a heat transfer
module according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0099] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, each of a
plurality of side cooling fins 573 may be formed as corrugated
fins. Each of the plurality of side cooling fins 573 may be formed
to be bent from a plurality of folding lines which are vertically
formed.
[0100] FIG. 11 is a partial structural view of a heat transfer
module according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0101] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, each of a
plurality of side cooling fins 673 may be formed as slit fins. Each
of the plurality of side cooling fins 673 may have a surface which
is partially cut and bent upward.
[0102] While the present disclosure has been shown and described
with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the
specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations may
be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended
claims, and the modified implementations should not be construed
independently of the technical idea or prospect of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *