KR102366934B1 - Heat-exchanging module and Laundry-treating machine including the heat-exchange module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchange module that can be easily assembled according to the capacity required for a device, and a laundry treatment device in which the heat exchange module is disposed in an air passage.
The heat exchange module 100 according to the present invention is a Peltier element disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane and comprising a heat generating part formed on a surface facing the +Z axis direction and a heat absorbing part formed on a surface facing the -Z axis direction. (10); a first base 20 disposed in close contact with the heating unit; a second base 30 disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part; a plurality of first pins 25 protruding from the first base 20 in the +Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; a plurality of second pins 35 protruding from the second base 30 in the -Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and inserts 141 , 151 , 241,251 and receivers 143 , 153 , 243 and 253 formed on the first base 20 or the second base 30 .
Laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention, the outer tank (1) for storing wash water; an air passage (5) for guiding air to be introduced into the outer tank (1); and a plurality of heat exchange modules installed in the air passage 5 to exchange heat with air and arranged in a predetermined direction.

Description

Heat exchange module and laundry treatment device including same {Heat-exchanging module and Laundry-treating machine including the heat-exchange module}

The present invention relates to a heat exchange module and a laundry treatment device using a Peltier element, and more particularly, to a heat exchange module that can be easily assembled according to a capacity required for a device, and a laundry treatment device in which the heat exchange module is disposed in an air passage.

The laundry treatment device capable of drying laundry supplies heated air (hot air) to the laundry. Depending on how the laundry and the heat-exchanged air are treated, it can be divided into an exhaust-type drying system and a circulation-type drying system.

In the case of a circulating drying system, a device for dehumidifying and heating the air that is discharged from the outer tub and re-supplied to the outer tub is required. Do.

Various cooling means may be used for dehumidifying the air, and various heating means may be used for heating the air. The cooling means and the heating means may be implemented by utilizing a Peltier Effect Device using the Peltier effect. The Peltier element is an element in which a heating part and a heat absorbing part are simultaneously formed when a direct current in a certain direction flows by the Peltier effect.

The Peltier effect refers to a phenomenon in which heat is generated when a current in a specific direction flows at a contact point connecting two different metals or semiconductors, and heat is absorbed when a current in the opposite direction flows. This occurs when electrons move from one metal to another, converting energy equal to the potential difference between the electrons of the two metals and thermal energy. Thus, heat is generated when electrons move from a metal having a large electrical potential energy to a metal having a small electrical potential energy, and heat is absorbed when an electron moves from a metal having a small electrical potential energy to a metal having a large electrical potential energy.

In the prior art, a heat exchanger using a Peltier element is fixedly installed on the air passage of the laundry treatment device, water vapor is removed from the heat absorbing part and the temperature of the air is increased from the heat generating part.

In the prior art, in response to the heat exchange capacity required for a specific laundry treatment device model, a heat exchanger using a Peltier element is fixedly installed in the specific laundry treatment device model. Therefore, when the specific laundry treatment device model is changed and the required heat exchange capacity is changed, the heat exchanger using the Peltier element must be designed and manufactured again and then installed in the changed specific laundry treatment device model. Accordingly, there is a problem in that it is difficult to flexibly apply the conventional heat exchanger to various models of laundry treatment equipment. The first task is to solve these problems.

A second task is to provide a heat exchanger that can be widely used in various product groups that require heat exchangers as well as various models of laundry treatment devices.

In the prior art, since the heat exchanger using the Peltier element is fixed in a specific shape corresponding to a specific laundry treatment device model, there is a problem in that it is difficult to repair, replace, and recycle the heat exchanger. The third task is to solve these problems.

In the prior art, since the heat exchanger using the Peltier element is manufactured in a specific shape corresponding to a specific laundry treatment device model, when the heat exchanger exceeding the manufacturing quantity of the specific laundry treatment device is manufactured, the excess quantity of heat exchangers is utilized The problem is that it is difficult to do. For this reason, in the prior art, since the heat exchanger must be manufactured in consideration of the manufacturing plan of the specific laundry treatment device model, the heat exchanger manufacturing time, and the heat exchanger manufacturing defect rate, there is a problem in that it is cumbersome to establish a manufacturing plan. . The fourth task is to solve these problems.

The fifth task is to modularize the heat exchanger using the Peltier element to facilitate assembly and arrangement.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A heat exchange module according to the present invention for solving the above problems is disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane and includes a heat absorbing part formed on a surface facing the +Z axis direction and a heat absorbing part formed on a surface facing the -Z axis direction a Peltier device, a first base disposed in close contact with the heat generating part, a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part, and protruding from the first base in the +Z-axis direction to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction It includes a plurality of first pins, and a plurality of second pins protruding from the second base in the -Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

In the first embodiment, the first base or the second base is an insert that protrudes from a side end facing the X-axis direction, and a receiver that is recessed into a shape to be assembled with the insert at a side end opposite to the side end from which the insert is protruded includes In this case, the insert and the receiver may have the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees with the X axis as the rotation axis.

In the second embodiment, the first base or the second base is an insert that protrudes from a side end facing the Y-axis direction, and a receiver that is recessed into a shape to be assembled with the insert at a side end opposite to the side end from which the insert is protruded includes In this case, the insert and the receiver may have the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated by 180 degrees using the Y-axis as a rotation axis.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the first base or the second base includes an insert protruding from a side end facing the X-axis direction and a side end facing the Y-axis direction, and a side end from which the insert protrudes. It includes a receiver that is recessed into a shape to be assembled with the insert at the opposite side end.

The insert and the receiver may have the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees with the Z axis as a rotation axis.

The insert and the receiver may respectively protrude and sink in an overlapping shape at both edges of the first base and the second base.

A protrusion length of the first pin may be the same as a protrusion length of the second pin.

The first base and the second base may have a rectangular plate structure including a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Y-axis, and may be bonded to each other to be in close contact with the Peltier device. The first base or the second base may form a fixing part 60 for binding the first base and the second base to each other from a surface where the first base and the second base face each other.

The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above problems includes an outer tub for storing wash water, an air passage guiding air to be introduced into the outer tub, a fan for moving air in the air passage, and a fan in the air passage and a plurality of heat exchange modules that are installed to exchange heat with air and are arranged on the air passage.

The heat exchange module arranged in the laundry treatment device is disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, and is formed on a surface facing the other one and a heat generating unit formed on a surface facing any one of the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction A Peltier element including a heat absorbing part, a first base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part, a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part, and the heat emitting part protrude from the first base in a facing direction to each other in the Y-axis direction A plurality of first fins disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of second fins protruding from the second base in a direction in which the heat absorbing part is viewed, and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a Y-axis direction.

The plurality of heat exchange modules may include coupling portions formed to be coupled to each other between the plurality of heat exchange modules.

In the fifth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along the X-axis direction extending in the direction in which the air passage extends.

In the sixth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along a Y-axis direction orthogonal to an X-axis extending in a direction in which the air passage extends.

In the seventh embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged such that the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element are opposite to the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element of the adjacent heat exchange module.

In the eighth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged such that the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element are the same.

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

First, by modularizing the heat exchanger, there is an effect that the heat exchanger can be flexibly applied to various laundry treatment device models and various product groups.

Second, by binding the first base and the second base to each other, there is an effect of facilitating the assembly of the heat exchange module.

Third, by providing a coupling part at the side end of the heat exchange module, there is an effect that a plurality of heat exchange modules can be easily assembled with each other.

Fourth, by enabling the heat exchange module to be combined with other heat exchange modules even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees about a predetermined axis, the degree of freedom for assembling a plurality of heat exchange modules with each other is increased and combinations can be varied.

Fifth, by facilitating the assembly of the heat exchange module, there is an effect of making it easier to repair, replace, and recycle the heat exchange module in the product in which the heat exchange module is installed.

Sixth, by making the heat exchange module applicable to various products and product models, there is an effect that can be fully utilized even if the heat exchange module is first made in the manufacturing stage.

Seventh, even if various product models are manufactured, there is an effect of reducing the manufacturing equipment cost by unifying the production line of the heat exchange module without diversifying it.

Eighth, the effect of preventing the flatness of the first base and the second base from being deteriorated due to thermal deformation by making a portion that is not in close contact with the Peltier element of the first base and the second base as a free end there is Accordingly, there is an effect of preventing an increase in thermal resistance on the contact surfaces of the first base and the second base and the Peltier element, thereby preventing the performance from being deteriorated.

Effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view in which coupling parts (insert and receiver) are omitted in a heat exchange module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of arrow A; FIG.
3 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed in the direction of arrow B;
4 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow C;
5 (a) is a perspective view showing a heat exchange module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 (b) is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of Figure 5 (a) viewed in the direction of the arrow B.
6 is an elevation view showing a plurality of heat exchange modules of FIG. 5 are arranged and assembled along the X-axis and the Y-axis.
7A is a perspective view showing a heat exchange module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 (b) is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of Figure 7 (a) viewed in the direction of the arrow B.
8 is an elevation view illustrating that a plurality of heat exchange modules of FIG. 7 are arranged and assembled along the X and Y axes.
9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that a plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along an air passage in the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view E-E′ of the air passage of FIG. 9 .

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

In order to explain the present invention, the following description will be made on the basis of a spatial orthogonal coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other. Each axial direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) means both directions in which each axis extends. Adding a '+' sign in front of each axial direction (+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, +Z-axis direction) means a positive direction, which is one of the two directions in which each axis extends. Adding a '-' sign in front of each axial direction (-X-axis direction, -Y-axis direction, -Z-axis direction) means the other negative direction among both directions in which each axis extends. The XY plane means a specific plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis, and forms the same plane as the plane on which the plate-shaped Peltier element 10 is placed, as will be described below.

1 is a perspective view in which an insert and a receiver are omitted in a heat exchange module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of arrow A; FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed in the direction of arrow B; 4 is an elevation view of the heat exchange module of FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow C;

1 to 4, the heat exchange module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a Peltier element 10 disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane. In the Peltier element 10, a heating part (not shown) is formed on the surface facing the +Z axis direction by the Peltier effect, and a heat absorbing part (not shown) is formed on the surface facing the -Z axis direction. The heat exchange module 100 includes a first base 20 disposed in close contact with the heat generating part and a second base 30 disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part. The heat exchange module 100 includes a plurality of first fins 25 protruding from the first base 20 in the +Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the -Z axis in the second base 30 . and a plurality of second pins 35 protruding in the direction and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

The Peltier element 10 is arranged in a plate shape on the XY plane. That is, the XY plane crosses the center of the plate-shaped thickness of the Peltier element (10). This is to present the criteria for the following description.

Looking at an embodiment of the plate-shaped structure of the Peltier element 10 is as follows. The Peltier device 10 includes a plurality of P-type semiconductors (not shown) and a plurality of N-type semiconductors (not shown) sequentially arranged to form a circuit. A plurality of P-type semiconductors (not shown) and a plurality of N-type semiconductors (not shown) are arranged in a rectangular column shape, and both ends are attached to a circuit board (not shown) through which electricity is passed, respectively. The circuit board sequentially connects the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor to form an electric circuit. Both ends of the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor are respectively arranged to be included in one plane, and as a result, a plurality of the circuit boards coupled to the both ends are also arranged on the plane in which the respective ends are arranged. The circuit board is coupled to a non-conductive ceramic plate (not shown) by an adhesive layer (not shown) on the opposite side of the side to which the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor are attached. Since the circuit board is arranged at the both ends, the ceramic plate is also arranged at both ends. The two ceramic plates disposed at both ends form both sides of the plate-shaped structure of the Peltier element 10 , and the thickness of the plate-shaped structure of the Peltier element 10 is formed between the two ceramic plates.

When a current in a specific direction flows through the Peltier element 10, one side of both sides of the Peltier element 10 generates heat by the Peltier effect to form the heat generating part, and the other side forms the heat absorbing part that absorbs heat. In order to present a description standard of one heat exchange module 100, the side direction in which the heat generating part is formed is viewed as the +Z axis direction, and the side direction in which the heat absorption part is formed is viewed as the -Z axis direction. However, in the description of the plurality of heat exchange modules, it is considered that the heat absorbing part is formed on the surface facing any one of the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction and the heat absorbing part is formed on the surface facing the other one.

The first base 20 is disposed in close contact with the heat generating part, and the second base 30 is disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part. The first base 20 receives the heat from the heating part and transfers it to the first fin 25 . The second base 30 receives heat from the second fin 35 and transfers it to the heat absorbing part.

The first base 20 and the second base 30 have a rectangular plate structure including a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Y-axis. Through this, it is possible to effectively adhere to the heating part and the heat absorbing part, and it is possible to increase the efficiency of heat conduction across the thickness of the plate structure. The first base 20 and the second base 30 have two side ends facing the X-axis direction and two side ends facing the Y-axis direction, respectively.

The area of the first base 20 and the second base 30 may be the same as the area of one side of the Peltier element 10, respectively, but in this embodiment, the area is sufficient to cover the entire area of the Peltier element 10 and remain. The areas of the first base 20 and the second base 30 are large.

The first base 20 and the second base 30 are each in close contact with the Peltier element 10 by binding to each other. The first base 20 or the second base 30 pulls the first base 20 and the second base 30 from each other on the surfaces where the first base 20 and the second base 30 face each other. A fixing part 60 for binding while giving is formed. In this embodiment, since the area of the first base 20 and the second base 30 is larger than the area of the Peltier element 10, respectively, the first base 20 and the second base 30 are facing each other. The fixing part 60 is formed on the surface that does not come into contact with the Peltier element 10 of the surface.

The fixing part 60 may be formed on only one of the first base 20 and the second base 30 , or may be formed on both the first base 20 and the second base 30 .

In this embodiment, the fixing part 60 is a structure in which the embossed part protruding in the other direction from any one of the first base 20 and the second base 30 is coupled in contact with the other one. The part in contact with the embossed part in the other may form an engraved part that is combined with the embossed part, and may form a second embossed part protruding in the direction of the embossed part, and the embossed part or the second embossed part is flat without being formed. You may. The fixing part 60 includes the embossed part, the second embossed part, and the engraved part.

The embossed portion is disposed on both sides of the Peltier element 10, and the side facing the Peltier element 10 among the sides of the embossed portion may serve to fix the Peltier element so that it does not flow to both sides. This role may also be played by the second embossing unit. Specifically, when the embossed portion is disposed on both sides of the X-axis direction of the Peltier element 10, the X-axis direction flow of the Peltier element 10 can be prevented. In addition, when the embossed portion is disposed on both sides of the Y-axis direction of the Peltier element 10, the Y-axis direction flow of the Peltier element 10 can be prevented.

The fixing method of the portion where the first base 20 and the second base 30 are coupled by the embossed part is various, such as a screw method, a bolt-nut method, or a hook method.

The first pin 25 protrudes from the first base 20 in the +Z-axis direction. The first fin 25 has a rectangular plate structure comprising a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Z-axis. A plurality of first fins 25 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction to form an air flow path in the X-axis direction with the spaced gap. The first fin 25 receives heat from the first base 20 and transfers heat to the air moving through the air passage.

The second pin 35 protrudes from the second base 30 in the -Z-axis direction. The second fin 35 has a rectangular plate structure comprising a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Z-axis. A plurality of second fins 35 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction to form an air flow path in the X-axis direction with the spaced gap. The second fin 35 receives heat from the air moving through the air passage and transfers the heat to the second base 30 .

At the side ends of the first base 20 or the second base 30, coupling portions formed so as to be engageable with other adjacent heat exchange modules are provided. The coupling part has various means that a person skilled in the art can employ. 5 to 8 , in the present embodiment of Fig., the coupling part means inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , 251 and receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , and 253 .

The first base 20 or the second base 30, the inserts (141, 151, 241, 251) protruding from any side end, and the inserts (141, 151, 241, 251) from the opposite side end of the protruding side end Inserts (141, 151, 241, 251) and includes a receiver (143, 153, 243, 253) that is recessed into a shape to be assembled. 6 and 8, the inserts 141, 151, 241, and 251 are inserted into and coupled to the receivers 143, 153, 243, and 253 formed in other adjacent heat exchange modules, and the receivers 143, 153, and 243 , 253) can be coupled by inserting the inserts (141, 151, 241, 251) formed in other adjacent heat exchange modules.

The inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , and 251 may include a hook portion in which the protruding distal end is bent or widened. The receiver (143, 153, 243, 253), the distal end of the recessed portion may be bent or widened in a shape to be combined with the hook portion to form a jaw. When the inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , 251 are inserted into the receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , and 253 , the hook part is caught on the jaw and the inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , 251 and the receivers 143 and 153 , 243, 253) are hooked together.

The receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , and 253 may be formed in the form of a groove at a side end of the first base 20 or the second base 30 . In this case, the inserts 141, 151, 241, 251 are inserted into the receivers 143, 153, 243, 253 along the Z-axis direction or separated from the receivers 143, 153, 243, 253 along the Z-axis direction. However, it becomes difficult to insert or separate the inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , and 251 from the receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , 253 in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction because of the hook part and the chin. Through this, when the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are coupled to each other, the convenience of assembly is provided and the heat exchange modules 100 are not easily separated from each other after assembly.

An imaginary line connecting the positions of the inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , and 251 and the positions of the receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , and 253 corresponding thereto to the opposite end is parallel to the X-axis or the Y-axis. Through this, when the plurality of heat exchange modules are coupled along the X-axis or Y-axis direction, they may be arranged parallel to the X-axis or the Y-axis.

The first to fourth embodiments are presented according to the arrangement of the inserts 141, 151, 241, and 251 and the receivers 143, 153, 243, and 253. 5 and 6 are views illustrating a heat exchange module according to a third embodiment. 7 and 8 are views illustrating a heat exchange module according to a fourth embodiment. The first embodiment and the second embodiment can be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .

In the first embodiment, the first base 20 or the second base 30 is a side end of the inserts 141 and 241 protruding from the side end facing the X-axis direction, and the inserts 141 and 241 protruding from the side end. It includes receivers (143, 243) that are recessed into the shape to be combined with the inserts (141, 241) at the opposite side end. That is, in FIGS. 5 to 8 , the inserts 151 and 251 and the receivers 153 and 253 are not formed at both side ends facing the Y-axis direction. The heat exchange module of the first embodiment is combinable with other heat exchange modules adjacent in the X-axis direction.

In the second embodiment, the first base 20 or the second base 30 includes the inserts 151 and 251 protruding from the side ends facing the Y-axis direction, and the side ends from which the inserts 151 and 251 protrude. It includes receivers (153, 253) that are recessed into the shape to be combined with the inserts (151, 251) at the opposite side ends. That is, in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the inserts 141 and 241 and the receivers 143 and 243 are not formed at both side ends facing the X-axis direction. The heat exchange module of the second embodiment is combinable with other heat exchange modules adjacent in the Y-axis direction.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the first base 20 or the second base 30 has inserts 141 and 151 protruding from both the side end facing the X-axis direction and the side end facing the Y-axis direction. , 241, 251), and the insert (141, 151, 241, 251) at the opposite side end of the protruding side end of the insert (141, 151, 241, 251) and the receiver (143, 153, 243) that is recessed into a shape combined with 253).

In the third embodiment (see Fig. 5), the inserts 141, 151 and the receivers 143, 153 are arranged at the center of the side ends. In the fourth embodiment (see Fig. 6), the inserts 241, 251 and the receivers 243, 253 are arranged at an off-center position of the side end.

The heat exchange modules according to the third and fourth embodiments can be combined with other heat exchange modules adjacent in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

6 and 8 are elevation views showing a plurality of heat exchange modules are coupled and arranged. In FIG. 6 , the insert 141 and the receiver 143 are assembled and coupled (C) while the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are arranged along the X-axis direction, and the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are formed along the Y-axis direction. While being arranged, the insert 151 and the receiver 153 are assembled and combined (D). In FIG. 8 , the insert 241 and the receiver 243 are assembled and coupled (C1, C2) while the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are arranged along the X-axis direction, and the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are arranged along the Y-axis direction. ) is arranged, the insert 251 and the receiver 253 are assembled and combined (D1, D2). In this coupling method, in the first embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are coupled and arranged along the X-axis direction, and in the second embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are coupled along the Y-axis direction. It can be applied even when arranged.

Hereinafter, in the first to fourth embodiments, the degree of freedom in which a plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged and assembled will be described. It is assumed that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis pass through the center of the heat exchange module 100 and will be described below.

In the first embodiment, as in the case of the embodiment in which the insert 151 and the receiver 153 are not formed at both side ends facing the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5, the insert 141 and the receiver 143 are X It may be formed to have the same shape even when the heat exchange module 100 is rotated 180 degrees with the axis as the rotation axis. In this case, since the heat exchange module 100 can be inverted and combined with another heat exchange module 100 adjacent thereto by using the X axis as the rotation axis, the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part are different from each other to arrange a plurality of heat exchange modules 100 . It provides the freedom to assemble.

In the first embodiment, as in the case of the embodiment in which the insert 251 and the receiver 253 are not formed at both side ends facing the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7, the insert 241 and the receiver 243 are Z It may be formed to have the same shape even when the heat exchange module 100 is rotated 180 degrees with the axis as the rotation axis. In this case, since the heat exchange module 100 can be turned over and combined with another heat exchange module 100 adjacent thereto by using the Z-axis as the rotation axis, the heat exchange module 100 already assembled in the X-axis direction of the heat exchange module 100 . Provides the degree of freedom to engage either side end

In the second embodiment, as in the case of the embodiment in which the insert 141 and the receiver 143 are not formed at both side ends facing the X-axis direction in FIG. 5, the insert 151 and the receiver 153 are Y It may be formed to have the same shape even when the heat exchange module 100 is rotated 180 degrees with the axis as the rotation axis. In this case, since the heat exchange module 100 can be inverted and combined with another heat exchange module 100 adjacent thereto by using the Y-axis as the rotational axis, a plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are arranged by making the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part different from each other. It provides the freedom to assemble.

In the second embodiment, as in the case of the embodiment in which the insert 241 and the receiver 243 are not formed at both ends facing the X-axis direction in FIG. 7 , the insert 251 and the receiver 253 are Z It may be formed to have the same shape even when the heat exchange module 100 is rotated 180 degrees with the axis as the rotation axis. In this case, since the heat exchange module 100 can be turned over and combined with another heat exchange module 100 adjacent thereto by using the Z-axis as the rotation axis, the heat exchange module 100 already assembled in the Y-axis direction of the heat exchange module 100 . Either of the side ends provides the degree of freedom to engage.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inserts 241 and 251 and the receivers 243 and 253 are formed to have the same shape even when the heat exchange module 100 is rotated 180 degrees with the Z axis as the rotation axis. can be In this case, the heat exchange module 100 may be turned over by using the Z-axis as the rotation axis to be coupled to another heat exchange module 100 adjacent thereto. Therefore, the already assembled heat exchange module 100 is provided with a degree of freedom capable of being coupled to either side end of the other heat exchange module 100 in the X-axis direction to the side end in the X-axis direction, and the already assembled heat exchange module 100 is provided. to the side end in the Y-axis direction to provide a degree of freedom that can be coupled to any side end of both side ends in the Y-axis direction of the other heat exchange module 100 .

The coupling part (insert, receiver) may be formed only on either one of the first base 20 or the second base 30, and as in this embodiment, the first base 20 and the second base 30 It may be formed in all of them.

In FIG. 5( a ), an embodiment in which both the coupling parts 141a and 151a formed on the first base 120 and the coupling parts 141b and 151b formed on the second base 130 are provided, FIG. 7 . In (a), the embodiment in which the coupling portions 241a, 243a, 251a, 253a formed on the first base 220 and the coupling portions 241b, 243b, 251b, 253b formed on the second base 230 are all provided shows However, only one coupling part of the coupling parts 141a, 151a, 241a, 243a, 251a, 253a of the first base and the coupling parts 141b, 151b, 241b, 243b, 251b, 253b of the second base may be formed. may be

In this embodiment, the inserts 141 , 151 , 241 , 251 protrude from both edges of the first base 20 and the second base 30 in an overlapping shape, and the receivers 143 , 153 , 243 , 253 . is recessed in an overlapping shape at both the edges of the first base 20 and the second base 30 . Through this, it becomes possible to couple the heat exchange module 100 with another adjacent heat exchange module 100 by inverting the heat exchange module 100 by 180 degrees using the X-axis or the Y-axis as the rotational axis. Also, it is convenient to insert the inserts 141, 151, 241, and 251 into the receivers 143, 153, 243, and 253 in the Z-axis direction.

The shape of the heat exchange module 100 may not be a planar symmetric structure with respect to the XY plane. For example, the protrusion length or separation distance of the first pin 25 and the second pin 35 may be different from each other, and the edge shape of the first base 20 and the second base 30 may be different from each other. You can do it differently. In this embodiment, the shape of the heat exchange module 100 is a plane symmetric structure with respect to the XY plane.

In this embodiment, the protrusion length of the first pin 25 and the protrusion length of the second pin 35 are the same. Through this, when the plurality of heat exchange modules 100 are arranged and assembled, the overall appearance may be uniform even if the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part are arranged differently from each other.

9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that a plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along an air passage in the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view E-E′ of the air passage of FIG. 9 .

9 to 10, the description is limited to the front-loading washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, but may be changed to other types of laundry treatment apparatuses by those of ordinary skill in the art. .

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet (not shown), an outer tub 1 disposed inside the cabinet and storing wash water, and an inner tub 2 disposed inside the outer tub 1 and storing laundry ) is included. The washing machine includes an air passage (5) guiding air to be introduced into the outer tub (1), and a fan (6) moving air in the air passage (5). The washing machine includes a plurality of heat exchange modules installed in the air passage 5 to exchange heat with air. The plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along a predetermined direction on the air passage (5).

In this embodiment, the air passage 5 is a circulation passage 5 that guides the air inside the outer tub 1 to be re-supplied to the outer tub 1 after being dehumidified or heated. In another embodiment, the air passage 5 may be an inlet passage (not shown) that guides the air outside the cabinet to be supplied to the outer tank 1 .

Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules includes a Peltier element 10 , a first base 20 , a second base 30 , a first fin 25 , and a second fin 35 , and the plurality of heat exchange modules It may include a coupling portion formed to be coupled to each other between the modules. The coupling unit can be implemented by various means that can be employed by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The Peltier element 10 is arranged in a plate shape on the XY plane. The Peltier element 10 includes a heat absorbing portion formed on a surface facing any one of the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction, and a heat absorbing portion formed on the surface facing the other.

In addition, the description of the Peltier element 10, the first base 20, the second base 30, the first fin 25, and the second fin 35 provided in each of the plurality of heat exchange modules, It is the same as the description of the heat exchange module 100 . Hereinafter, the relationship between the plurality of heat exchange modules arranged with each other will be mainly described.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in the fifth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 , 303 are arranged along the X-axis direction extending in the direction in which the air passage 5 extends. When the fan 6 operates, the air inside the air passage 5 may move while sequentially passing through the plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 , and 303 . The plurality of first pins 25 and the plurality of second pins 35 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the first pin 25 and the second pin 35 are moved while air moves through the spaced gap. heat exchange with

Referring to FIG. 10, in the sixth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules 401, 402 and 403 are arranged along the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis extending in the direction in which the air passage extends. In this embodiment, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the air passage 5 . When the plurality of heat exchange modules (401, 402, 403) are arranged to fill the cross section of the air passage (5), the entire amount of air inside the air passage (5) can move while passing through the plurality of heat exchange modules (401, 402, 403). The width in the Y-axis direction and the height in the Z-axis direction on the cross section of the air passage may be standardized to be a multiple of the length in the Y-axis direction and the length in the Z-axis direction of the heat exchange modules 401, 402, and 403, respectively.

In addition, the plurality of heat exchange modules may be arranged along the Z-axis direction.

When the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged along the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, the plurality of heat exchange modules may be coupled to each other (C, D) by the coupling part. In FIG. 9, the coupling parts are provided between the X-axis directions of the plurality of heat exchange modules 301, 302, and 303, respectively, so that the coupling parts can couple (C) the plurality of heat exchange modules 301, 302, 303 to each other. there is. In addition, in FIG. 10, the coupling parts are provided between the Y-axis directions of the plurality of heat exchange modules 401, 402, and 403, respectively, and the coupling parts couple the plurality of heat exchange modules 401, 402, 403 to each other (D) can do it

In the seventh embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules, the direction of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element 10 are adjacent to each other in the direction of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element 10 of another heat exchange module arranged to be opposite. For example, referring to FIG. 9 , the portion 301a facing the +Z axis direction of the first heat exchange module 301 has the first pin 25 positioned, and the +Z axis of the second heat exchange module 302 is A plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 , 303 may be arranged such that the second fin 35 is positioned in the portion 302a facing the direction. In addition, referring to FIG. 10 , the first fin 25 is positioned in the portion 401a facing the +Z-axis direction of the first heat exchange module 401, and the +Z-axis direction of the second heat exchange module 402 is positioned. A plurality of heat exchange modules 401 , 402 , 403 may be arranged in the facing portion 402a such that the second fin 35 is positioned. Through this, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of the plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 , and 303 .

In the eighth embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange modules, the direction of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element 10 are adjacent to each other in the direction of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element 10 of another heat exchange module arranged to be identical. For example, referring to FIG. 9 , the first fin 25 is located in all of the portions 301a, 302a, 303a facing the +Z axis of the plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 and 303 , and -Z A plurality of heat exchange modules 301 , 302 , and 303 may be arranged such that the second fins 35 are all located on the portions 301b , 302b , and 303b facing the axial direction. In addition, referring to FIG. 10 , the first fin 25 is located in all of the plurality of heat exchange modules 401 , 402 , and 403 facing the +Z axis direction ( 401a , 402a , 403a ) in the -Z axis direction. A plurality of heat exchange modules 401, 402, 403 may be arranged such that the second fins 35 are all located in the portions 401b, 402b, and 403b facing the . Through this, it is possible to clearly distinguish a flow path for heating air in the air passage 5 and a flow path for condensing water vapor in the air.

In the above, embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it is common in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications may be made by those having the knowledge of, of course, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

1: Outer group 2: Inner group
5: air passage 7: fan
100: heat exchange module 10: Peltier element
20: first base 25: first pin
30: second base 35: second pin
141, 151, 241, 251: insert
143, 153, 243, 253: Receiver
301, 302, 303: heat exchange modules arranged along the X-axis direction
401, 402, 403: heat exchange modules arranged along the Y-axis direction

Claims (21)

On the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis Cartesian coordinates,
a Peltier device disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, the Peltier device including a heat generating unit formed on a surface facing the +Z axis direction and a heat absorbing unit formed on a surface facing the -Z axis direction;
a first base disposed in close contact with the heating unit;
a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part;
a plurality of first pins protruding from the first base in the +Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and
a plurality of second pins protruding from the second base in the -Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction;
The first base or the second base,
an insert protruding from the side end facing the X-axis direction; and
A heat exchange module comprising a; at a side end opposite to the side end from which the insert protrudes, a receiver recessed in a shape to be assembled with the insert. The method of claim 1,
The insert and the receiver,
A heat exchange module having the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees using the X axis as a rotation axis. On the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis Cartesian coordinates,
a Peltier device disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, the Peltier device including a heat generating unit formed on a surface facing the +Z axis direction and a heat absorbing unit formed on a surface facing the -Z axis direction;
a first base disposed in close contact with the heating unit;
a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part;
a plurality of first pins protruding from the first base in the +Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and
a plurality of second pins protruding from the second base in the -Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction;
The first base or the second base,
an insert protruding from the side end facing the Y-axis direction; and
A heat exchange module comprising a; at a side end opposite to the side end from which the insert protrudes, a receiver recessed in a shape to be assembled with the insert. 4. The method of claim 3,
The insert and the receiver,
A heat exchange module having the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees using the Y axis as a rotation axis. On the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis Cartesian coordinates,
a Peltier device disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, the Peltier device including a heat generating unit formed on a surface facing the +Z axis direction and a heat absorbing unit formed on a surface facing the -Z axis direction;
a first base disposed in close contact with the heating unit;
a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part;
a plurality of first pins protruding from the first base in the +Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and
a plurality of second pins protruding from the second base in the -Z-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction;
The first base or the second base,
an insert protruding from the side end facing the X-axis direction and the side end facing the Y-axis direction; and
A heat exchange module comprising a; at a side end opposite to the side end from which the insert protrudes, a receiver recessed in a shape to be assembled with the insert. 6. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein
The insert and the receiver,
A heat exchange module having the same shape even when the heat exchange module is rotated 180 degrees using the Z axis as a rotation axis. 6. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein
The insert is
It protrudes in an overlapping shape from both edges of the first base and the second base,
The receiver is
The heat exchange module is recessed into an overlapping shape at both edges of the first base and the second base. 6. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein
The protrusion length of the first fin and the protrusion length of the second fin are the same. 6. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein
The first base and the second base may have a rectangular plate structure including a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Y-axis. 6. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein
The first base and the second base,
A heat exchange module that is bound to each other and is in close contact with the Peltier element. 11. The method of claim 10,
The first base or the second base,
A heat exchange module for forming a fixing part (60) for binding the first base and the second base to each other on a surface of the first base and the second base facing each other. outer tub to store washing water;
an air passage guiding air to be introduced into the outer tank;
a fan for moving air in the air passage; and
a plurality of heat exchange modules installed in the air passage to exchange heat with air and arranged along the X-axis direction extending in the direction in which the air passage extends;
The heat exchange module,
On the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis Cartesian coordinates,
a Peltier element disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, the Peltier element including a heat absorbing part formed on a surface facing the other and a heat generating part formed on a surface facing any one of the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction;
a first base disposed in close contact with the heating unit;
a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part;
a plurality of first fins protruding from the first base in a direction in which the heating part is viewed, and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction;
a plurality of second fins protruding from the second base in a direction in which the heat absorbing part is viewed and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and
Laundry treatment apparatus including a coupling portion formed to be coupled to each other between the plurality of heat exchange modules. outer tub to store washing water;
an air passage guiding air to be introduced into the outer tank;
a fan for moving air in the air passage; and
a plurality of heat exchange modules installed in the air passage to exchange heat with air, and arranged along a Y-axis direction orthogonal to an X-axis extending in a direction in which the air passage extends;
The heat exchange module,
On the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis Cartesian coordinates,
a Peltier element disposed in a plate shape on the XY plane, the Peltier element including a heat absorbing part formed on a surface facing the other and a heat generating part formed on a surface facing any one of the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction;
a first base disposed in close contact with the heating unit;
a second base disposed in close contact with the heat absorbing part;
a plurality of first fins protruding from the first base in a direction in which the heating part is viewed, and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction;
a plurality of second fins protruding from the second base in a direction in which the heat absorbing part is viewed and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and
Laundry treatment apparatus including a coupling portion formed to be coupled to each other between the plurality of heat exchange modules. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
The air passage is
A laundry treatment apparatus as a circulation passage for guiding the air inside the outer tub to flow out of the outer tub and re-supplied to the outer tub. delete 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
The coupling part is a laundry treatment device formed on the first base or the second base. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13,
The coupling part,
A laundry treatment device having a structure in which an insert protruding from one of two adjacent heat exchange modules is assembled into a receiver formed in the other. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
In the plurality of heat exchange modules, the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element are arranged so that the directions of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element of the adjacent heat exchange module are opposite to each other. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13,
The plurality of heat exchange modules, the laundry treatment device is arranged so that the direction of the heat generating part and the heat absorbing part of the Peltier element are the same. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
The first base and the second base are a laundry treatment apparatus having a rectangular plate structure comprising a side parallel to the X-axis and a side parallel to the Y-axis. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13,
The first base and the second base,
Laundry treatment device that is bound to each other and in close contact with the Peltier element.

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