KR20230149242A - Mold prevention device and air conditioner equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The mold prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention automatically starts the dehumidifying operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends, and dries the interior of the indoor unit and the evaporator using the dry air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter, thereby reducing the drying time. Not only can this be shortened, but it can also prevent the growth of mold or bacteria due to moisture inside the indoor unit. In addition, since air that has absorbed moisture is not discharged indoors during dehumidification operation, indoor air comfort can be maintained. In addition, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts, the regeneration operation is automatically started, the dehumidification filter is regenerated, and the hot and humid air coming out of the dehumidifying filter is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator, so that the hot and humid air is not discharged into the room. The comfort of indoor air can be maintained.

Description

Mold prevention device and air conditioner equipped with the same}

The present invention relates to a mold prevention device and an air conditioner equipped therewith, and more specifically, to a mold prevention device that is mounted on an indoor unit of an air conditioner and dehumidifies the inside of the indoor unit, and to an air conditioner equipped therewith.

In general, air conditioners for indoor cooling are also called air conditioners.

In a conventional air conditioner, during cooling operation, indoor air is cooled as it passes through the evaporator of the indoor unit, and condensate, which is moisture contained in the indoor air, forms around the evaporator. Accordingly, mold or bacteria are generated in the condensate remaining in the evaporator, and there is a problem in that mold spreads into the indoor air or a bad odor is generated.

Korean Patent No. 10-0784844

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a mold prevention device capable of efficiently dehumidifying the inside of an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner equipped therewith.

The mold prevention device according to the present invention is installed in the indoor unit of an air conditioner, and includes an intake chamber for sucking in air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and air passing through the dehumidification chamber. a dehumidifier case sequentially formed with an exhaust chamber for discharging the air toward the indoor unit; a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case; a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit; a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter; and a control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater, wherein when the indoor unit stops operating, the control unit operates the dehumidifier blower and stops the regenerative heater, so that the air inside the indoor unit is The dehumidifying operation is performed in which the air flows into the intake chamber and is dehumidified while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit.

During the dehumidifying operation, the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter is discharged toward the evaporator of the indoor unit to dry the evaporator.

When the indoor unit is restarted, the control unit operates both the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater, so that at least a portion of the air inside the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber, is heated in the regenerative heater, and then passes through the dehumidifying filter. The regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the dehumidifying filter, and discharge the high-temperature and humid air produced by regenerating the dehumidifying filter into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber.

During the regeneration operation, the high-temperature and humid air that comes out after regenerating the dehumidifying filter is discharged through the exhaust chamber toward the evaporator of the indoor unit to be cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator.

The dehumidifier case is installed inside the indoor unit below the evaporator of the indoor unit, and a dehumidifier intake port is formed on a side of the intake chamber toward the inside of the indoor unit to suck in air inside the indoor unit, and in the exhaust chamber. A dehumidifier exhaust port is formed on an inward-facing side of the indoor unit to discharge air toward the rear of the evaporator.

It is formed on one side of the exhaust chamber, and includes a dehumidifying exhaust port for discharging air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter toward the front of the evaporator of the indoor unit during the dehumidifying operation, and is formed on the other side of the exhaust chamber, and the regeneration device is formed on one side of the exhaust chamber. A regeneration exhaust port for discharging air produced after regenerating the dehumidifying filter during operation toward the rear of the evaporator is rotatably coupled to the exhaust chamber, and is rotatably coupled to the exhaust chamber according to an operation mode including the dehumidifying operation and the regeneration operation. It includes an exhaust damper that selectively opens and closes the outlet of the dehumidification chamber, the dehumidifying exhaust port, and the regeneration exhaust port.

It further includes a dehumidifying exhaust duct that connects the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator and guides air from the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator.

The dehumidifier case is installed below the evaporator on the inner side of the front panel of the indoor unit, the dehumidifying exhaust duct is installed long along the outer side of the front panel of the indoor unit, and the first duct formed on the front panel is It communicates with the exhaust chamber through an opening hole, and the other end is provided to face the front of the evaporator through a second opening hole formed in the front panel.

The control unit controls the exhaust damper to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the dehumidifying exhaust port and to block the regeneration exhaust port during the dehumidifying operation, so that the air discharged through the dehumidifying exhaust port is stored in the evaporator. The evaporator is dried while passing from front to back.

During the regeneration operation, the control unit controls the exhaust damper to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the regeneration exhaust port and to shield the dehumidification exhaust port, so that the high temperature and humid air discharged through the regeneration exhaust port is controlled. is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator while passing from the rear to the front of the evaporator.

It further includes a humidity sensor installed in the dehumidifier case to measure the humidity of the air inside the indoor unit, and the control unit operates the dehumidifier blower when the humidity measured by the humidity sensor exceeds a preset humidity range. The dehumidifying operation is performed, and if the humidity measured by the humidity sensor is less than the set humidity range, the dehumidifying operation is terminated.

A mold prevention device according to another aspect of the present invention is installed in an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and includes an intake chamber for intake of air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and the dehumidification chamber. a dehumidifier case sequentially formed with exhaust chambers for discharging the passed air into the interior of the indoor unit; a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case; a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit; a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter; It includes a control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater, wherein during the dehumidifying operation, the control unit operates the dehumidifier blower and stops the regenerative heater, so that the internal air of the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber. The air is introduced and dehumidified while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the air dehumidified in the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber to dry the evaporator of the indoor unit. During the regeneration operation, the dehumidifier blower and operating both the regenerative heater, so that at least a portion of the air inside the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber, is heated in the regenerative heater, and then passes through the dehumidifying filter to regenerate the dehumidifying filter, and regenerate the dehumidifying filter. The high-temperature and humid air released is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber and cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator.

A mold prevention device according to another aspect of the present invention is installed in an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and includes an intake chamber for intake of air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and the dehumidification chamber. a dehumidifier case sequentially formed with exhaust chambers for discharging the passed air into the interior of the indoor unit; a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case; a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit; a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter; a control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater; a dehumidifying exhaust port formed on one side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter toward the front of the evaporator of the indoor unit during the dehumidifying operation; a regeneration exhaust port formed on the other side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air generated from regenerating the dehumidifying filter during the regeneration operation toward the rear of the evaporator; an exhaust damper rotatably coupled to the exhaust chamber to selectively open and close an outlet of the dehumidification chamber, the dehumidification exhaust port, and the regeneration exhaust port according to an operation mode including the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation; and a dehumidifying exhaust duct that connects the dehumidifying exhaust port and the front of the evaporator and guides air from the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the exhaust damper during the dehumidifying operation. The outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the dehumidifying exhaust port are controlled to be open and the regeneration exhaust port is shielded, so that the air dehumidified in the dehumidifying filter is discharged through the dehumidifying exhaust port and the dehumidifying exhaust duct, and the regeneration exhaust port is controlled to be blocked. The evaporator is dried while passing from the front to the rear, and during the regeneration operation, the exhaust damper is controlled to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the regeneration exhaust port and to block the dehumidification exhaust port, thereby forming the dehumidification filter. The regenerated high-temperature and humid air is discharged through the regeneration exhaust port, and is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator as it passes from the rear to the front of the evaporator.

An air conditioner equipped with a mold prevention device according to the present invention includes a cabinet that forms the exterior of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and has an open front surface; a front panel installed on the open front of the cabinet and having an indoor unit intake port for sucking in indoor air on one side and an indoor unit exhaust port for discharging cold air into the room on the other side; an evaporator disposed at an angle inside the cabinet; It is installed inside the cabinet, and includes an intake chamber for intake of air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and a device for discharging the air passing through the dehumidification chamber into the interior of the indoor unit. A dehumidifier case in which exhaust chambers are sequentially formed; a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case; a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit; a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter; and a control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater, wherein when the indoor unit stops operating, the control unit operates the dehumidifier blower and stops the regenerative heater, so that the air inside the indoor unit is The dehumidifying operation is performed such that the air flows into the intake chamber and is dehumidified while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the air dehumidified in the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber to dry the evaporator, and the indoor unit When restarting, both the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater are operated so that at least a portion of the indoor air introduced into the interior of the cabinet through the indoor unit intake port flows into the intake room, is heated in the regenerative heater, and then is removed from the dehumidifying filter. The dehumidifying filter is regenerated while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the high-temperature and humid air released from the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber to be cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator.

The mold prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention automatically starts the dehumidifying operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends, and dries the interior of the indoor unit and the evaporator using the dry air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter, thereby reducing the drying time. Not only can this be shortened, but it can also prevent the growth of mold or bacteria due to moisture inside the indoor unit.

In addition, since air that has absorbed moisture is not discharged indoors during dehumidification operation, indoor air comfort can be maintained.

In addition, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts, the regeneration operation is automatically started, the dehumidification filter is regenerated, and the hot and humid air coming out of the dehumidifying filter is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator, so that the hot and humid air is not discharged into the room. The comfort of indoor air can be maintained.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during dehumidification operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the mold prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention during dehumidification operation.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during dehumidification operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the mold growth prevention device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed in the indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner, and dehumidifies the air inside the indoor unit 10 to prevent mold growth in the indoor unit 10. (10) It is a small dehumidifier that can prevent mold or bacteria from growing due to moisture inside.

The indoor unit 10 includes a cabinet 11 that forms an exterior and has an open front, a front panel 12 detachably coupled to the open front of the cabinet 11, and the front panel 12. an indoor unit intake port 14 formed on the lower side of the front panel 12 for sucking in indoor air, and an indoor unit exhaust port 16 formed on the upper side of the front panel 12 for discharging cold air cooled by internal heat exchange with the refrigerant into the room; It includes an evaporator 20 disposed inclined toward the indoor unit exhaust port at the upper inner side of the cabinet 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the positions of the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 can be changed and applied in various ways. Additionally, an indoor blower (not shown) is installed inside the cabinet 11 to suck in indoor air and blow it.

A first damper 15 that can be opened and closed according to the operation mode of the air conditioner is installed at the indoor unit intake port 14. A second damper 17 that can be opened and closed according to the operation mode of the air conditioner may be installed in the indoor unit exhaust port 16.

The evaporator 20 is a heat exchanger for cooling indoor air introduced into the indoor unit intake port 14 by exchanging heat with a refrigerant.

The mold growth prevention device 100 includes a dehumidifier case 110, a dehumidifier blower 120, a dehumidifying filter 130, a regenerative heater 140, and a control unit (not shown).

The dehumidifier case 110 will be described as an example installed on the inner surface of the front panel 12 inside the indoor unit. The dehumidifier case 110 is installed between the indoor unit intake port 14 and the evaporator 20, and is preferably arranged so that the air discharged from the mold growth prevention device 100 is directed toward the evaporator 20. do. In this embodiment, the dehumidifier case 110 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, elongated in the air flow direction, and elongated in the vertical direction so that the air flow direction is upward on the inner side of the front panel 12. For example, the dehumidifier exhaust port 160, which is installed and described later, is arranged to face the rear of the evaporator 20.

The interior of the dehumidifier case 110 is sequentially divided into an intake chamber (A), a dehumidification chamber (D), and an exhaust chamber (E) in the direction of air flow, and are formed to communicate with each other.

The intake chamber (A) is an area formed to intake air inside the indoor unit. A dehumidifier intake port 150 is formed in the intake chamber (A).

The dehumidifier intake port 150 will be described as being formed at the rear of the dehumidifier case 110 as an example. The dehumidifier intake port 150 is formed on a side of the intake chamber A facing the inside of the cabinet 11 and is an intake port for sucking in air inside the cabinet 11. The dehumidifier intake port 150 is described as an opening hole, but the dehumidifier is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to install a separate opening and closing member or a ventilation grill.

The exhaust chamber (E) is an area formed to discharge again the air that flows into the intake chamber (A) and is used for dehumidification or regeneration. A dehumidifier exhaust port 160 is formed in the exhaust chamber (E).

The dehumidifier exhaust port 160 is described as being formed at the rear of the dehumidifier case 110 as an example. However, it is not limited to this, and the dehumidifier exhaust port 160 can be located anywhere that can discharge air toward the rear of the evaporator 20. For example, the dehumidifier exhaust port 160 may be formed on the top or the top and rear of the dehumidifier case 110. The dehumidifier exhaust port 160 may be formed to gradually expand its cross-sectional area in the outlet direction, or may be formed to be inclined or bent in the direction toward the evaporator 10. The dehumidifier exhaust port 160 is described as an opening hole, but it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to install a separate opening and closing member or a ventilation grill.

The dehumidification chamber (D) is in communication between the intake chamber (A) and the exhaust chamber (E), dehumidifies the air sucked from the intake chamber (A) from the inside and guides it to the exhaust chamber (E). is formed In this embodiment, the dehumidification chamber D is described as being formed in the shape of a passage or duct.

Inside the dehumidification chamber (D), the regenerative heater 140, the dehumidification filter 130, and the dehumidifier blower 120 are arranged in a row.

The dehumidifier blower 120 moves air within the dehumidifier case 110. That is, the dehumidifier blower 120 is a fan that sucks the air inside the cabinet 11 into the intake chamber (A) and blows it in a direction toward the exhaust chamber (E). In this embodiment, the dehumidifier blower 120 is described as installed inside the dehumidifier case 110, but is not limited to this and may be installed outside the dehumidifier case 110 or capable of flowing air. It can be applied to any location.

The dehumidifying filter 130 is disposed in the dehumidifying room (D). The dehumidifying filter 130 is a filter that absorbs moisture in the air passing through the dehumidifying chamber (D) during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit. The dehumidifying filter 130 includes a dehumidifying agent for adsorbing moisture.

The dehumidifier is made of a material that can be sufficiently regenerated even at low temperatures of about 60°C or lower, thereby minimizing the increase in the cooling load of the air conditioner due to high-temperature exhaust during regeneration operation. The dehumidifier described in Korean Patent No. 10-0963116 may be used as the dehumidifier, but the present invention is not limited to this and various dehumidifiers may be used.

The dehumidifier has a moisture absorption capacity of 20 wt% or less when the temperature of the surrounding air is in the range of 10 ℃ to 30 ℃ and the relative humidity of the surrounding air is 20% or less, and the temperature of the surrounding air is in the range of 10 ℃ to 30 ℃ and the relative humidity of the surrounding air is 20% or less. When the humidity is over 50%, a moisture absorption capacity of over 40wt% is used. This is because the efficiency of the dehumidifier during dehumidifying operation is high only when the change in moisture absorption is large up to 50%, which is the general set humidity, when the water content of the dehumidifier is lowered after regeneration and natural cooling of the dehumidifier. In addition, the dehumidifier having a moisture absorption capacity of 20 wt% or less is used when the temperature of the surrounding air is in the range of 40°C to 60°C and the relative humidity of the surrounding air is 20% or less. This is because, in order to ensure good regeneration during the regeneration operation, a dehumidifier with a low moisture absorption capacity, i.e., an equilibrium water content at 20% or less, which is the relative humidity of air, must be used when regenerating the dehumidifier.

The regenerative heater 140 is disposed upstream of the dehumidification filter 130 in the dehumidification chamber (D). The regeneration heater 140 is a heating device that heats the air introduced from the intake chamber (A) and causes it to flow into the dehumidification filter 130 during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter 130.

The control unit (not shown) controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower 120 and the regenerative heater 140 according to the operation mode including dehumidifying operation and regenerative operation of the mold growth prevention device 100. The control unit (not shown) is an air conditioner control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner to control the operation of the dehumidifier blower 120 and the regenerative heater 140 in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner. ,Wireless communication can be performed.

Meanwhile, the mold growth prevention device 100 may further include a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the air and a plurality of humidity sensors for measuring the humidity of the air.

Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensors include an intake air temperature sensor (not shown), a regeneration air temperature sensor (not shown), and an exhaust air temperature sensor (not shown) installed inside the dehumidifier case 110. It is explained with an example as including.

The intake air temperature sensor is installed on the inlet side of the dehumidification chamber (D) and measures the temperature of the intake air sucked into the intake chamber (A). However, the intake air temperature sensor is not limited to this, and the intake air temperature sensor can of course be installed in the intake chamber (A), the outer surface of the dehumidifier case 110, or the inside of the cabinet 11.

The regeneration air temperature sensor is installed on the discharge side of the regeneration heater 140 in the dehumidification chamber (D), and is heated from the regeneration heater 140 during the regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter 130. Measure the temperature of the regeneration air.

The exhaust air temperature sensor is installed on the outlet side of the dehumidification chamber (D) and measures the temperature of the exhaust air discharged through the exhaust chamber (E). However, the exhaust air temperature sensor is not limited to this and may be installed in the exhaust chamber (E).

The plurality of humidity sensors include an intake air humidity sensor (not shown) and an exhaust air humidity sensor (not shown).

The intake air humidity sensor is installed at the entrance of the dehumidification room (D) and measures the humidity of indoor air sucked into the intake room (A). However, it is not limited to this, and the intake air humidity sensor can of course be installed in the intake chamber (A), the outer surface of the dehumidifier case 110, or the inside of the cabinet 11.

The exhaust air humidity sensor is installed on the outlet side of the dehumidification chamber (D) and measures the humidity of the exhaust air discharged through the exhaust chamber (E). However, the exhaust air humidity sensor is not limited to this and may be installed in the exhaust chamber (E).

In addition, the mold growth prevention device 100 further includes a dew point temperature detection unit that detects the dew point temperature of the discharged air, and the control unit (not shown) performs a dehumidifying operation or operation according to the dew point temperature detected by the dew point temperature detection unit. It is also possible to control regenerative operation.

The dew point temperature detector (not shown) may be a dew point thermometer that measures the dew point temperature of the discharged air, or may be a derivation unit that derives the dew point temperature using the temperature and humidity of the discharged air. In addition, the control unit (not shown) can of course directly derive the dew point temperature using the temperature and humidity of the discharged air.

The operation of the mold prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described as follows.

The dehumidifying operation and regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device 100 can be selectively operated depending on whether the indoor unit is operating, that is, whether the air conditioner is in cooling operation, and the temperature of the air inside the cabinet 11 or It can be performed depending on the humidity, it can be performed when the user directly inputs a start signal for dehumidification operation or regeneration operation, and it can also be performed according to the operation period preset by the user.

First, with reference to FIG. 1 , the dehumidifying operation of the mold growth prevention device 100 will be explained as an example of being performed for a preset dehumidifying time when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends and the indoor unit stops operating.

The control unit (not shown) starts the dehumidifying operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends. At this time, the control unit (not shown) may receive a signal that the cooling operation has ended from the air conditioner control unit (not shown).

For example, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is terminated, both the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 are in a shielded state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends, at least one of the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 may be opened for a predetermined period of time.

During the dehumidification operation, the control unit (not shown) operates the dehumidifier blower 120 and stops the operation of the regenerative heater 140.

When the dehumidifier blower 120 operates, the air inside the indoor unit 10 is sucked into the intake chamber A through the dehumidifier intake port 150.

The air sucked into the intake chamber (A) flows into the dehumidification chamber (D).

As the air introduced into the dehumidification chamber (D) passes through the dehumidification filter 130, moisture is removed. The air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter 130 flows into the exhaust chamber (E).

The dehumidified air flowing into the exhaust chamber (E) is discharged toward the evaporator 20 through the dehumidifier exhaust port 160.

As dry air is discharged through the dehumidifier exhaust port 160, moisture condensed on the surface of the evaporator 20 can be dried.

The air that has absorbed the moisture in the evaporator 20 may be sucked in again through the dehumidifier intake port 150 and dehumidified in the dehumidification filter 130.

When the dehumidification time elapses, the control unit (not shown) ends the dehumidification operation.

However, the method is not limited to this, and if the humidity of the intake air measured by the intake air humidity sensor is less than or equal to a preset set humidity, the controller (not shown) may terminate the dehumidification operation.

Additionally, if the rate of change of the discharged air temperature measured by the discharged air temperature sensor is less than or equal to a preset rate of change, the controller (not shown) may end the dehumidifying operation. If the change in temperature of the discharged air passing through the dehumidifying filter 130 is within a preset first temperature difference for a set time, it is determined that the dehumidifying filter 130 is saturated with moisture and the dehumidifying operation may be terminated. Here, the set time is 1 minute, and the first temperature difference is 1°C. That is, as moisture in the air is adsorbed while passing through the dehumidifying filter 130, the humidity of the air decreases and the temperature of the air increases due to the release of adsorption heat. As the dehumidifying filter 130 is saturated with the adsorbed moisture, the moisture removal rate increases. When this decreases, the temperature change and humidity change almost disappear, so the dehumidification operation can be ended.

In the dehumidifying operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is terminated and the indoor unit is stopped, the air inside the indoor unit 10 is sucked in and dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter 130. By discharging the air toward the evaporator 20, moisture in the air inside the indoor unit 10 can be removed and moisture in the evaporator 20 can also be dried.

Accordingly, since the interior of the indoor unit 10 can be maintained in a dry state, mold or bacteria can be prevented from growing inside the indoor unit 10.

In addition, when the indoor unit 10 is stopped, the interior of the indoor unit 10 is dried while the interior of the indoor unit 10 is shielded, so the drying time is longer than when drying while the indoor unit 10 is operating. There is an advantage to this being shortened.

In addition, the moisture removed during the dehumidification operation is stored in the dehumidification filter 130 and is not discharged indoors, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor air condition.

In addition, the dehumidifying filter 130 is made of a material that has antibacterial and anti-fungal functions, so mold or bacteria do not grow in the dehumidifying filter 130.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, it was explained as an example that when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends, the dehumidifying operation is automatically started.

However, this is not limited to this, and regardless of whether an operation signal from the indoor unit of the air conditioner is received, when the indoor unit is stopped, the dehumidification operation is performed according to values measured by the plurality of sensors, for example, a wind speed sensor or a temperature sensor. It is also possible for the start and end of .

In addition, of course, it is possible to start and end the dehumidification operation according to the dehumidification operation timing or dehumidification operation cycle preset by the user. For example, the dehumidifying operation time may be set to a time when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is not operating.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device 100 will be described.

The regeneration operation is performed for a preset regeneration time when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is restarted and the indoor unit is restarted.

The control unit (not shown) starts the regeneration operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner begins. At this time, the control unit (not shown) may receive a signal that cooling operation has started from the air conditioner control unit (not shown).

When the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts, both the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 are opened, and indoor air is sucked into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the indoor unit intake port 14, and The air cooled inside the indoor unit 10 is discharged into the room through the indoor unit exhaust port 16.

During the regeneration operation, the control unit (not shown) operates both the dehumidifier blower 120 and the regeneration heater 140.

When the dehumidifier blower 120 operates, some of the air inside the indoor unit 10 is sucked into the intake chamber A through the dehumidifier intake port 150. At this time, the air inside the indoor unit 10 is air sucked from the room.

The air sucked into the intake chamber (A) flows into the dehumidification chamber (D).

The air introduced into the dehumidification chamber (D) is heated as it passes through the regenerative heater (140).

The high-temperature air heated in the regeneration heater 140 passes through the dehumidification filter 130 and removes moisture absorbed in the dehumidification filter 130, thereby regenerating the dehumidification filter 130.

The high-temperature and humid air that comes out after regenerating the dehumidifying filter 130 flows into the exhaust chamber (E).

The dehumidified air flowing into the exhaust chamber (E) is discharged toward the evaporator 20 through the dehumidifier exhaust port 160.

At this time, since the air conditioner is in cooling operation, air flows upward through the evaporator 20 inside the cabinet 11, so the high temperature and humid air discharged to the rear of the evaporator 20 also It passes through the evaporator 20.

Accordingly, moisture contained in the high-temperature and humid air discharged through the dehumidifier exhaust port 160 may be condensed and removed in the evaporator 20.

That is, the high-temperature and humid air released after regenerating the dehumidifying filter 130 is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit 10, and then passes through the evaporator 20 together with the internal air of the indoor unit 10 to cool and dehumidify. It can be.

Therefore, since the hot and humid air generated during the regeneration operation is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator 20 and then discharged into the room, it may not affect the temperature or humidity of the room. In other words, the phenomenon of humidifying indoor air or increasing the temperature of indoor air during regeneration operation can be prevented.

When the playback time elapses, the control unit (not shown) ends the playback operation.

However, the regeneration operation is not limited to this, and if the difference between the temperature of the regeneration air measured by the regeneration air temperature sensor and the temperature of the discharge air measured by the discharge air temperature sensor is within a preset minimum temperature difference, the regeneration operation may be terminated. do. Here, the minimum temperature difference is 1°C as an example. During the regeneration operation, if the temperature of the exhaust air measured by the exhaust air temperature sensor gradually increases and becomes almost similar to the temperature of the regeneration air from the regeneration heater 140, it means that the dehumidification filter 130 has been sufficiently regenerated. By making a decision, the regeneration operation can be terminated.

At the end of the regeneration operation, the control unit (not shown) stops the operation of the dehumidifier blower 120 and the regeneration heater 140.

The regeneration heater 140 may control output so that the temperature of the regeneration air does not exceed a preset maximum value, for example, 60°C.

Therefore, when the output of the regeneration heater 140 is increased to increase the temperature of the regeneration air, the temperature of the regeneration air is prevented from increasing excessively. By controlling the temperature of the regeneration air to rise only within a range below the maximum value, overheating and damage due to excessive rise of the regeneration air can be prevented.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, it has been explained as an example that when the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts and the indoor unit operates, the regeneration operation is automatically started.

However, this is not limited to this, and regardless of whether an operation signal from the indoor unit of the air conditioner is received, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner starts operating, the playback is performed according to values measured by the plurality of sensors, for example, a wind speed sensor or a temperature sensor. It is also possible to start and end the operation.

In addition, of course, it is possible to start and end the playback operation according to the playback operation time point or playback operation cycle preset by the user. At this time, the regeneration operation time may be set to the time when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is operating.

The regeneration operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is started during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, so that the hot and humid air released after regenerating the dehumidification filter 130 is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator and then discharged into the room. Since the indoor air is not humidified, the comfort of the indoor air can be maintained.

Meanwhile, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during dehumidification operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state during regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in the mold growth prevention device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifier exhaust port 260 of the dehumidifier case 210 includes a dehumidifying exhaust port 261 and a regeneration exhaust port. The configuration including (262) and further including the exhaust damper 270 and the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is different from the first embodiment, and the remaining configuration and operation are similar, so detailed information on similar configurations will be provided below. The explanation will be omitted and the explanation will focus on the differences.

The dehumidifier exhaust port 260 includes two dehumidifying exhaust ports 261 and the regeneration exhaust port 262.

The dehumidifying exhaust port 261 is formed in the exhaust chamber (E) to communicate with the outside of the cabinet 11, so that during the dehumidifying operation, the air in the exhaust chamber (E) is supplied to the evaporator ( This is an exhaust port for discharge to the front of 20). The dehumidifying exhaust port 261 is described as an opening hole, but it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to install a separate opening and closing member or a ventilation grill.

The regeneration exhaust port 262 is formed to communicate with the rear of the evaporator 20 of the cabinet 11 in the exhaust chamber E, so that air from the exhaust chamber E is discharged from the cabinet 11 during the regeneration operation. This is an exhaust port for discharging to the rear of the evaporator 20 of 11). The regeneration exhaust port 262 is described as an opening hole, but it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to install a separate opening and closing member or a ventilation grill.

The exhaust damper 270 is provided inside the exhaust chamber (E) and operates through the dehumidifying exhaust port 261, the regenerative exhaust port 262, and It is a damper that selectively opens and closes the outlet of the dehumidification chamber (D). The exhaust damper 270 is rotatably installed in the inner center of the exhaust chamber (E) and is formed in a wing shape, and is connected to the three dehumidifying exhaust ports 261, the regeneration exhaust port 262, and the dehumidification chamber. It is a three-way damper that controls the direction of air discharge by selectively opening and closing at least some of the outlets in (D).

The dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is a duct for guiding air from the dehumidifying exhaust port 261 to the front of the evaporator 20 during the dehumidifying operation. One end of the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is connected to the dehumidifying exhaust port 261, and the other end is disposed to face the front of the evaporator 20.

The dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 will be described as an example of being installed long upward along the outer surface of the front panel 12.

That is, the lower end of the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 communicates with the dehumidifying exhaust port 261 through the first opening hole formed in the front panel 12, and the upper end communicates with the second opening hole formed in the front panel 12. It communicates with the front of the evaporator 20 through the opening hole.

In this embodiment, the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is described as being installed on the outer surface of the front panel 12, but the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is not limited thereto, and the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is installed on the outer surface of the front panel 12. ), and can be changed in various ways as long as it has a structure that allows dehumidified air to flow through the evaporator 20. In addition, the discharge port of the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 is described as being open, but it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to install a separate opening and closing member, grill, check valve, etc.

The operation of the mold growth prevention device according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as above will be described as follows.

The dehumidification operation and regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device 200 may be selectively operated depending on whether the air conditioner is in cooling operation or may be performed depending on the temperature or humidity of the air inside the cabinet 11. It can also be performed when the user directly inputs a start signal for the dehumidification operation or regeneration operation, and can also be performed according to the operation period preset by the user.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the dehumidifying operation of the mold growth prevention device 200 is explained as an example in which it is performed for a preset dehumidifying time when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends.

The control unit (not shown) starts the dehumidifying operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends. At this time, the control unit (not shown) may receive a signal that the cooling operation has ended from the air conditioner control unit (not shown).

For example, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is terminated, both the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 are in a shielded state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the cooling operation of the air conditioner ends, at least one of the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 may be opened for a predetermined period of time.

During the dehumidification operation, the control unit (not shown) operates the dehumidifier blower 120 and stops the operation of the regenerative heater 140.

In addition, the control unit (not shown) controls the exhaust damper 270 to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber (D) and the dehumidifying exhaust port 261, and to block the regeneration exhaust port 262. .

When the dehumidifier blower 120 operates, the air inside the indoor unit 10 is sucked into the intake chamber A through the dehumidifier intake port 250.

The air sucked into the intake chamber (A) flows into the dehumidification chamber (D).

As the air introduced into the dehumidification chamber (D) passes through the dehumidification filter 130, moisture is removed. The air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter 130 flows into the exhaust chamber (E).

The dehumidified air flowing into the exhaust chamber (E) sequentially passes through the dehumidifying exhaust port 261 and the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 and then is discharged toward the front of the evaporator 20.

Air discharged to the front of the evaporator 20 through the dehumidifying exhaust duct 280 passes through the evaporator 20. The dehumidified air may dry the evaporator 20 while passing through the evaporator 20 from front to back.

In this embodiment, the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter 130 passes through the evaporator 20, thereby drying the evaporator 20 more effectively.

The air that has absorbed the moisture in the evaporator 20 may be sucked in again through the dehumidifier intake port 250 and dehumidified in the dehumidification filter 130.

When the dehumidification time elapses, the control unit (not shown) ends the dehumidification operation.

As described above, the dehumidification operation is explained as an example in which the cooling operation of the air conditioner is automatically started when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is terminated. However, this is not limited to this, and the start and end of the dehumidification operation depends on whether or not a cooling operation signal of the air conditioner is received. Separately, it may be performed according to values measured by the plurality of sensors, or may be performed according to a user's manipulation signal.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the regeneration operation of the mold growth prevention device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The regeneration operation is performed for a preset regeneration time when the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts.

The control unit (not shown) starts the regeneration operation when the cooling operation of the air conditioner begins. At this time, the control unit (not shown) may receive a signal that cooling operation has started from the air conditioner control unit (not shown).

When the cooling operation of the air conditioner starts, both the indoor unit intake port 14 and the indoor unit exhaust port 16 are opened, and indoor air is sucked into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the indoor unit intake port 14, and The air cooled inside the indoor unit 10 is discharged into the room through the indoor unit exhaust port 16.

During the regeneration operation, the control unit (not shown) operates both the dehumidifier blower 120 and the regeneration heater 140.

In addition, the control unit (not shown) controls the exhaust damper 270 to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber (D) and the regeneration exhaust port 262 and to block the dehumidification exhaust port 261. .

When the dehumidifier blower 120 operates, some of the air inside the indoor unit 10 is sucked into the intake chamber A through the dehumidifier intake port 150. At this time, the air inside the indoor unit 10 is air sucked from the room.

The air sucked into the intake chamber (A) flows into the dehumidification chamber (D).

The air introduced into the dehumidification chamber (D) is heated as it passes through the regenerative heater (140).

The high-temperature air heated in the regeneration heater 140 passes through the dehumidification filter 130 and removes moisture absorbed in the dehumidification filter 130, thereby regenerating the dehumidification filter 130.

The high-temperature and humid air that comes out after regenerating the dehumidifying filter 130 flows into the exhaust chamber (E).

The dehumidified air introduced into the exhaust chamber (E) is discharged toward the rear of the evaporator 20 through the regeneration exhaust port 262.

At this time, since the air conditioner is in cooling operation, air flows upward through the evaporator 20 inside the cabinet 11, so the high temperature and humid air discharged to the rear of the evaporator 20 also It passes through the evaporator 20.

Accordingly, moisture contained in the high-temperature and humid air discharged through the regeneration exhaust port 262 may be condensed and removed in the evaporator 20.

Therefore, since the hot and humid air generated during the regeneration operation is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator 20 and then discharged into the room, it may not affect the temperature or humidity of the room. In other words, the phenomenon of humidifying indoor air or increasing the temperature of indoor air during regeneration operation can be prevented.

When the playback time elapses, the control unit (not shown) ends the playback operation.

As described above, the regeneration operation is explained as an example in which the regeneration operation is automatically started when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is started. However, this is not limited to this, and the start and end of the regeneration operation is independent of whether the air conditioner is in the cooling operation or not. It can be performed according to the values measured by the sensors or according to the user's manipulation signal.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, the mold growth prevention devices 100 and 200 have been described as installed lower than the evaporator 20, but are not limited to this and are installed above the evaporator 20. Of course it is possible. When the mold growth prevention device 100 or 200 is disposed above the evaporator 20, for example, on the downstream side of the evaporator 20, the area around the indoor unit exhaust port 16 can be dried better. , it is also possible to prevent mold or bacteria from growing around the indoor unit exhaust port 16.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the attached patent claims.

10: indoor unit 11: cabinet
12: Front panel 14: Indoor unit intake port
16: Indoor unit exhaust port 20: Evaporator
100,200: Mold prevention device
110: Dehumidifier case 120: Dehumidifier blower
130: Dehumidifying filter 140: Regenerative heater
150,250: Dehumidifier intake port 160,260: Dehumidifier exhaust port
261: exhaust port for dehumidification 262: exhaust port for regeneration
270: exhaust damper 280: exhaust duct for dehumidification

Claims (14)

Installed in the indoor unit of an air conditioner, an intake chamber for sucking in air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air flowing in from the intake chamber, and an exhaust chamber for discharging air that has passed through the dehumidification chamber toward the indoor unit. A dehumidifier case formed in this order;
a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case;
a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit;
a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter;
A control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater,
The control unit,
When the indoor unit stops operating, the dehumidifier blower operates and the regenerative heater stops operating, so that the internal air of the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber and is dehumidified while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter A device for preventing mold growth in the indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that performs the dehumidifying operation by discharging into the interior of the indoor unit. In claim 1,
During the dehumidification operation,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that discharges air dehumidified from the dehumidifying filter toward an evaporator of the indoor unit to dry the evaporator. In claim 1,
The control unit,
When the indoor unit is restarted, both the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater are operated so that at least a portion of the air inside the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber, is heated in the regenerative heater, and then passes through the dehumidifying filter to regenerate the dehumidifying filter. A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that performs the regeneration operation so that the high-temperature and humid air produced by regenerating the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber. In claim 3,
During the regeneration operation,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier in which the hot and humid air released after regenerating the dehumidifying filter is discharged through the exhaust chamber toward an evaporator of the indoor unit to be cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator. In claim 1 or claim 3,
The dehumidifier case is installed inside the indoor unit below the evaporator of the indoor unit,
A dehumidifier intake port is formed on a side of the intake chamber facing the inside of the indoor unit to intake air inside the indoor unit,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier, wherein a dehumidifier exhaust port is formed on a side of the exhaust chamber facing the inside of the indoor unit to discharge air toward the rear of the evaporator. In claim 1 or claim 3,
a dehumidifying exhaust port formed on one side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter toward the front of the evaporator of the indoor unit during the dehumidifying operation;
a regeneration exhaust port formed on the other side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air generated after regenerating the dehumidifying filter during the regeneration operation toward the rear of the evaporator;
A dehumidifier including an exhaust damper rotatably coupled to the exhaust chamber and selectively opening and closing the outlet of the dehumidification chamber, the dehumidifying exhaust port, and the regenerative exhaust port according to an operation mode including the dehumidifying operation and the regenerative operation. A device to prevent mold from forming in the indoor unit of an air conditioner. In claim 6,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier, further comprising a dehumidifying exhaust duct that connects the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator and guides air from the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator. In claim 7,
The dehumidifier case is installed lower than the evaporator on the inner side of the front panel of the indoor unit,
The dehumidifying exhaust duct is installed long along the outer surface of the front panel of the indoor unit, communicates with the exhaust chamber through a first opening hole formed in the front panel, and the other end has a second opening hole formed in the front panel. A device for preventing mold growth in the indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier provided to face the front of the evaporator. In claim 6,
The control unit,
During the dehumidification operation, the exhaust damper is controlled to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the dehumidifying exhaust port, and to block the regeneration exhaust port,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that dries the evaporator while the air discharged through the dehumidifying exhaust port passes from the front to the back of the evaporator. In claim 6,
The control unit,
During the regeneration operation, the exhaust damper is controlled to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the regeneration exhaust port and to block the dehumidification exhaust port,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier in which the hot and humid air discharged through the regeneration exhaust port passes from the rear to the front of the evaporator and is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator. In claim 1 or claim 3,
It further includes a humidity sensor installed in the dehumidifier case to measure the humidity of the air inside the indoor unit,
The control unit,
When the humidity measured by the humidity sensor exceeds a preset humidity range, the dehumidifier blower is operated to perform the dehumidifying operation,
A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that terminates the dehumidifying operation when the humidity measured by the humidity sensor is less than the set humidity range. Installed in the indoor unit of an air conditioner, an intake chamber for sucking in air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and an exhaust for discharging the air that has passed through the dehumidification chamber into the interior of the indoor unit. A dehumidifier case in which threads are formed sequentially;
a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case;
a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit;
a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter;
A control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater,
The control unit,
During the dehumidification operation, the dehumidifier blower is operated and the regenerative heater is stopped, so that the air inside the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber and is dehumidified while passing through the dehumidification filter, and the air dehumidified by the dehumidification filter is It is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber to dry the evaporator of the indoor unit,
During the regeneration operation, both the dehumidifier blower and the regeneration heater are operated to allow at least a portion of the air inside the indoor unit to flow into the intake chamber, be heated in the regeneration heater, and then pass through the dehumidification filter to regenerate the dehumidification filter. A device for preventing mold growth in an indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier, wherein the high temperature and humid air released after regenerating the dehumidifying filter is discharged into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber and cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator. Installed in the indoor unit of an air conditioner, an intake chamber for sucking in air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and an exhaust for discharging the air that has passed through the dehumidification chamber into the interior of the indoor unit. A dehumidifier case in which threads are formed sequentially;
a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case;
a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit;
a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter;
a control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater;
a dehumidifying exhaust port formed on one side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter toward the front of the evaporator of the indoor unit during the dehumidifying operation;
a regeneration exhaust port formed on the other side of the exhaust chamber and configured to discharge air generated from regenerating the dehumidifying filter during the regeneration operation toward the rear of the evaporator;
an exhaust damper rotatably coupled to the exhaust chamber to selectively open and close an outlet of the dehumidification chamber, the dehumidification exhaust port, and the regeneration exhaust port according to an operation mode including the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation;
A dehumidifying exhaust duct connects the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator and guides air from the dehumidifying exhaust port to the front of the evaporator,
The control unit,
During the dehumidifying operation, the exhaust damper is controlled to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the dehumidifying exhaust port, and to block the regeneration exhaust port, so that the air dehumidified in the dehumidifying filter flows into the dehumidifying exhaust port and the dehumidifying exhaust port. It is discharged through the exhaust duct and passes from the front to the back of the evaporator, drying the evaporator,
During the regeneration operation, the exhaust damper is controlled to open the outlet of the dehumidification chamber and the regeneration exhaust port and to block the dehumidification exhaust port, so that the high temperature and humid air coming out of the dehumidification filter is discharged through the regeneration exhaust port. A device for preventing mold growth in the indoor unit of an air conditioner using a dehumidifier that is discharged through the evaporator and cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator while passing from the rear to the front of the evaporator. a cabinet that forms the exterior of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and has an open front;
a front panel installed on the open front of the cabinet and having an indoor unit intake port for sucking in indoor air on one side and an indoor unit exhaust port for discharging cold air into the room on the other side;
an evaporator disposed at an angle inside the cabinet;
It is installed inside the cabinet, and includes an intake chamber for intake of air inside the indoor unit, a dehumidification chamber for dehumidifying the air introduced from the intake chamber, and a device for discharging the air passing through the dehumidification chamber into the interior of the indoor unit. A dehumidifier case in which exhaust chambers are sequentially formed;
a dehumidifier blower that moves air within the dehumidifier case;
a dehumidifying filter disposed in the dehumidifying room and including a dehumidifying agent that absorbs moisture in the air flowing into the dehumidifying room from the intake room during a dehumidifying operation to dehumidify the air inside the indoor unit;
a regeneration heater disposed in the dehumidification chamber and heating air introduced into the dehumidification chamber from the intake chamber during a regeneration operation to regenerate the dehumidification filter;
A control unit that controls the operation of the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater,
The control unit,
When the indoor unit stops operating, the dehumidifier blower operates and the regenerative heater stops operating, so that the internal air of the indoor unit flows into the intake chamber and is dehumidified while passing through the dehumidifying filter, and the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying filter performs the dehumidifying operation to dry the evaporator by discharging it into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber,
When the indoor unit is restarted, both the dehumidifier blower and the regenerative heater are operated so that at least a portion of the indoor air introduced into the interior of the cabinet through the indoor unit intake port is introduced into the intake chamber, heated in the regenerative heater, and then dehumidified. A mold growth prevention device using a dehumidifier that regenerates the dehumidifying filter while passing through a filter, and discharges the high-temperature and humid air released from the regenerated dehumidifying filter into the interior of the indoor unit through the exhaust chamber to perform the regeneration operation. Air conditioner equipped with.