DEHUMIDIFIER APPLIANCE HAVING A COILED WATER CONDUIT

Abstract

A dehumidifier appliance may include a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a collection tray, and an extended water conduit. The collection tray may be disposed below an evaporator of the refrigeration assembly to receive water condensation therefrom. The extended water conduit may be disposed within the cabinet downstream from collection tray.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to dehumidifier appliances, and more particularly to dehumidifier appliances having one or more features for water management therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dehumidifying appliances or dehumidifiers and other air treatment devices, such as air cleaners, and personal coolers (i.e., swamp coolers), are a common for use in the home and office. Typical dehumidifiers often include a refrigeration system having compressor, along with a collection bucket to gather water condensation that gathers at the refrigeration system. An air flow system, such as a fan and one or more ducts, draws in ambient air that dehumidified and expelled from the dehumidifier. Generally, water within the collection bucket must be emptied or replaced on a regular basis as water condensation fills the collection bucket.

Oftentimes, there is a balance that must be struck between multiple design constraints, including overall size, noise constraints, and operational constraints of the refrigeration system (e.g., at a compressor thereof). Although consumers generally prefer relatively small designs for a dehumidifier, a smaller design typically constrains the appliance's efficacy (e.g., by limiting either moisture removal rate or the size of the collection bucket). For instance, a limited collection bucket capacity increases the frequency with which the condensate collection bucket must be emptied. Additionally or alternatively, a limited rate of moisture removal means the dehumidifier may not be able to meet the consumer's needs in drying out a room, especially if it is a larger room or has higher humidity. Moreover, a relatively small design may limit the ability to use sound-absorbing materials that might otherwise limit the amount of noise generated during use. As a result, existing designs are often required to have a relatively large footprint or provide relatively poor performance.

Thus, there is a need for a dehumidifier appliance addressing one or more of the above issues. For instance, it may be advantageous to provide a design that efficiently manages space and heat to permit a relatively small footprint design. Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous to have one or more features for reducing sound emissions without reducing capacity of the dehumidifier appliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dehumidifier appliance is provided. The dehumidifier appliance may include a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a collection tray, and an extended water conduit. The cabinet may define an air inlet and an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet. The refrigeration assembly may be mounted within the cabinet. The refrigeration assembly may include a refrigeration loop, a compressor, and an expansion device. The refrigeration loop may be disposed along an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. The refrigeration loop may include an evaporator and a condenser in fluid communication. The compressor may be mounted within the cabinet and operably coupled to the refrigeration loop to motivate refrigerant therethrough. The expansion device may be operably coupled to the refrigeration loop. The collection tray may be disposed below the evaporator to receive water condensation therefrom. The extended water conduit may be disposed within the cabinet downstream from collection tray.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dehumidifier appliance is provided. The dehumidifier appliance may include a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a collection tray, an extended water conduit, and a water pump. The cabinet may define an air inlet and an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet. The refrigeration assembly may be mounted within the cabinet. The refrigeration assembly may include a refrigeration loop, a compressor, and an expansion device. The refrigeration loop may be disposed along an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. The refrigeration loop may include an evaporator and a condenser in fluid communication. The compressor may be mounted within the cabinet and operably coupled to the refrigeration loop to motivate refrigerant therethrough. The expansion device may be operably coupled to the refrigeration loop. The collection tray may be disposed below the evaporator to receive water condensation therefrom. The extended water conduit may extend about the compressor downstream from collection tray. The water pump may be mounted in fluid communication with the extended water conduit downstream from the collection tray to motivate water through the extended water conduit.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front elevation view of a dehumidifier appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a top perspective view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an outer panel and water bucket have been removed for clarity.

FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an outer panel has been removed for clarity.

FIG. 6 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an outer panel has been removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of the exemplary dehumidifier appliance of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 provide various views of an assembled dehumidifier appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, dehumidifier appliance 100 includes a cabinet 110 that defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to the other directions, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. As would be understood, cabinet 110 may include a frame 112 and one or more outer panels covering various portions of frame 112. As will be described in greater detail below, various components of dehumidifier appliance 100 may be housed therein. In particular, one more portions of a refrigeration assembly (e.g., refrigeration loop 130) are mounted within cabinet 110.

Along with housing various components, cabinet 110 defines an airflow passage between an air inlet 116 and an air outlet 118 spaced apart from the air inlet 116. In some embodiments, cabinet 110 defines air inlet 116 at a front grill that extends over a front face of cabinet 110. In additional or alternative embodiments, cabinet 110 defines air outlet 118 at a top grill (e.g., positioned at a top end of cabinet 110 or otherwise above air inlet 116). Thus, relative to the direction of airflow through cabinet 110, air outlet 118 may be defined downstream from air inlet 116 and thereabove. During use, ambient air may flow into air inlet 116 and through cabinet 110 (e.g., via natural convection or forced airflow motivated by an internal fan). Within cabinet 110, water vapor or moisture may be removed from the air (i.e., the air within cabinet 110 may be dehumidified). From the cabinet 110, such dehumidified air may be expelled (e.g., upward) through air outlet 118 and returned to the ambient environment.

In some embodiments, a water tank 120 defining a reservoir is mounted (e.g., removably mounted) to cabinet 110 to receive at least a portion of the water condensation. For instance, water tank 120 may be slidably mounted to cabinet 110 below an evaporator 124. Nonetheless, as would be understood—and except as otherwise indicated—dehumidifier appliance 100 may be provided without or adapted to function without a tank for collecting water and, instead, direct water condensation directly outside of cabinet 110 (e.g., through an outlet port 122) to the ambient environment or a separate drain line.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 through 8, FIGS. 4 through 7 provide various views of dehumidifier appliance 100 wherein various portions (e.g., outer casing or water tank 120) have been removed for clarity. FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of dehumidifier appliance 100 illustrating operable connections between various features.

As shown, a refrigeration loop 130 having a discrete evaporator 124 and condenser 126 may be included with dehumidifier appliance 100. Specifically, evaporator 124 may be disposed along the airflow path within cabinet 110. Relative to the flow of air, evaporator 124 may thus be mounted downstream from air inlet 116. In some embodiments, condenser 126 is further disposed along the airflow path within cabinet 110. For instance, relative to the flow of air, condenser 126 may be mounted between evaporator 124 and air outlet 118 (i.e., downstream from evaporator 124 and upstream from air outlet 118).

Refrigeration loop 130 may further include compressor 132 and an expansion device 134 mounted within cabinet 110 (e.g., below evaporator 124 or otherwise apart therefrom). As illustrated, compressor 132 and expansion device 134 may be in fluid communication with condenser 126 and evaporator 124 to flow refrigerant therethrough, as is generally understood. More particularly, refrigeration loop 130 may include various lines for flowing refrigerant between the various components of refrigeration loop 130, thus providing the fluid communication there between. Refrigerant may thus flow through such lines from evaporator 124 to compressor 132, from compressor 132 to condenser 126, from condenser 126 to expansion device 134, and from expansion device 134 to evaporator 124. The refrigerant may generally undergo phase changes associated with a refrigeration cycle as it flows to and through these various components, as is generally understood. One suitable refrigerant for use in refrigeration loop 130 is 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, also known as R-134A, although it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such example and rather that any suitable refrigerant may be used.

In some embodiments, compressor 132 is a variable speed compressor 132. In this regard, compressor 132 may be operated at various speeds depending on the dehumidification needs of the room (i.e., the room in which the appliance 100 is disposed) and the demand from refrigeration loop 130. For example, compressor 132 may be configured to operate at any speed between a minimum speed to a maximum rated speed. In some embodiments, use of variable speed compressor 132 enables efficient operation of refrigeration loop 130 (and thus dehumidifier appliance 100), minimizes unnecessary noise when compressor 132 does not need to operate at full speed, and ensures a comfortable environment within the corresponding room. During a dehumidification routine, moisture within the air may thus be condensed at the evaporator 124 without excessively reducing the temperature thereof.

As shown, expansion device 134 may be disposed within the cabinet 110 in fluid communication between the evaporator 124 and the condenser 126 relative to the flow of refrigerant. In some embodiments, expansion device 134 is an electronic expansion valve that generally enables controlled expansion of refrigerant. More specifically, electronic expansion device 134 may be configured to precisely control the expansion of the refrigerant to maintain, for example, a desired temperature differential of the refrigerant across the evaporator 124. In other words, electronic expansion device 134 selectively throttles the flow of refrigerant based on the reaction of the temperature differential across evaporator 124 or the amount of superheat temperature differential, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant is in the gaseous state entering compressor 132. In alternative embodiments, expansion device 134 may be a capillary tube or another suitable expansion device configured for use in a thermodynamic cycle.

In optional embodiments, a blower fan 138 may be mounted within cabinet 110 and directed at evaporator 124 to encourage or motivate the flow of air across evaporator 124. For instance, blower fan 138 may be positioned downstream of evaporator 124 relative to the airflow path through cabinet 110, as shown, to pull air through evaporator 124. Alternatively, though, blower fan 138 may be positioned upstream of evaporator 124 along the airflow path, and may operate to push air through evaporator 124.

The operation of dehumidifier appliance 100, including compressor 132, blower fan 138, expansion device 134, or other components of refrigeration loop 130 may be controlled by a processing device, such as a controller 136. Controller 136 may be operably coupled (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the dehumidifier appliance 100. By way of example, the controller 136 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive storage media) and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of dehumidifier appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

In some embodiments, dehumidifier appliance 100 includes a control panel 140 and one or more user inputs 142, which may be included in control panel 140. The user inputs 142 may be operably coupled to the controller 136. A user of the dehumidifier appliance 100 may interact with the user inputs 142 to operate the dehumidifier appliance 100, and user commands may be transmitted (e.g., as command signals) between the user inputs 142 and controller 136 to facilitate operation of the dehumidifier appliance 100 based on such user commands. In particular, a unit may select a humidity input or relative amount of dehumidification at control panel 140. A display 144 may additionally be provided in the control panel 140, and may be operably coupled to the controller 136. Display 144 may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display 144 screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the dehumidifier appliance 100.

As noted above, water condensation collects on or at evaporator 124 during use. As shown, a collection tray 146 is disposed below the evaporator 124 to receive at least a portion of such water. An elevated rim may extend above a bottom wall such that water can gather within collection tray 146. Collection tray 146 is thus generally open along the vertical direction V to receive water as it falls. A tray outlet (not pictured) may be defined through the bottom wall and thus permit water to flow therefrom (e.g., to a separate line or portion of cabinet 110).

In some embodiments, an extended water conduit 150 is disposed within the cabinet 110 downstream from collection tray 146. As an example, extended water conduit 150 may be coiled (e.g., as a helix) within cabinet 110 such that multiple passes (e.g., three or more segments that each wrap 360° and) extend about a central void. Thus, water may flow from collection tray 146 and about the central void as it flows downward and downstream. In some such embodiments, extended water conduit 150 may be disposed against (e.g., in conductive thermal communication with) compressor 132. For instance, extended water conduit 150 may directly contact compressor 132. Additionally or alternatively, extended water conduit 150 may be coiled about compressor 132. In other words, compressor 132 may occupy at least a portion of the central void about which extended water conduit 150 extends. Optionally, three or more passes of extended water conduit 150 extend about compressor 132 (e.g., in contact therewith).

Advantageously, extended water conduit 150 may exchange heat with compressor 132 during use. In particular, heat from compressor 132 may be conducted through extended water conduit 150 and to water therein. Thus, compressor 132 may notably be maintained at a reduced temperature, helping to extend the life or performance of compressor 132 generally. Additionally or alternatively, extended water conduit 150 may absorb vibrations or sound waves generated at compressor 132, thereby reducing the operational noise of dehumidifier appliance 100 without requiring dedicated sound damping material.

When assembled, extended water conduit 150 may be disposed upstream from water tank 120. Thus, water may flow from extended water conduit 150 to water tank 120. In optional embodiments, extended water conduit 150 is sized to hold a significant volume of water therein. For instance, extended water conduit 150 may be near in volumetric capacity to water tank 120. In some such embodiments, extended water conduit 150 defines a water retention volume equal to 50% or more than a water retention volume defined by the water tank 120. Advantageously, the water retention of capacity of dehumidifier appliance 100 may be increased without increasing the overall footprint of appliance 100.

In optional embodiments, a water pump 160 is disposed in fluid communication with extended water conduit 150. Specifically, water pump 160 may be mounted within cabinet 110 downstream from collection tray 146 to motivate water through extended water conduit 150. In some embodiments, water pump 160 may be disposed downstream from extended water conduit 150 or water tank 120. Moreover, water pump 160 may be disposed upstream from an outlet port 122 through cabinet 110. Outlet port 122 may be defined through cabinet 110 (e.g., at a selectively actuated valve 162 or outlet line, generally) and directed outside of cabinet 110 (e.g., to the ambient environment or a connected extension line). Thus, water pump 160 may be selectively activated (e.g., by controller 136 in operable communication with water pump 160) to motivate water from water tank 120, or appliance 100 generally.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier appliance comprising: a cabinet defining an air inlet and an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet;a refrigeration assembly mounted within the cabinet, the refrigeration assembly comprising a refrigeration loop disposed along an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, the refrigeration loop comprising an evaporator and a condenser in fluid communication,a compressor mounted within the cabinet and operably coupled to the refrigeration loop to motivate refrigerant therethrough, andan expansion device operably coupled to the refrigeration loop;a collection tray disposed below the evaporator to receive water condensation therefrom; andan extended water conduit disposed within the cabinet downstream from collection tray.

2. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 1, wherein the extended water is disposed against the compressor in conductive thermal communication therewith.

3. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 1, wherein the extended water conduit is disposed about the compressor.

4. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 3, wherein the extended water conduit forms three or more passes about the compressor.

5. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 1, further comprising a water tank removably attached to the cabinet downstream from the extended water conduit.

6. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 5, wherein the extended water conduit defines a water retention volume equal to 50% or more than a water retention volume defined by the water tank.

7. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 1, further comprising a water pump disposed in fluid communication with the extended water conduit downstream from the collection tray to motivate water through the extended water conduit.

8. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 7, wherein an outlet port is defined downstream from the water pump in fluid communication with the ambient environment to permit water thereto.

9. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration assembly further comprises a fan mounted within the cabinet and directed at the evaporator to motivate air thereacross.

10. A dehumidifier appliance comprising: a cabinet defining an air inlet and an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet;a refrigeration assembly mounted within the cabinet, the refrigeration assembly comprising a refrigeration loop disposed along an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, the refrigeration loop comprising an evaporator and a condenser in fluid communication,a compressor mounted within the cabinet and operably coupled to the refrigeration loop to motivate refrigerant therethrough, andan expansion device operably coupled to the refrigeration loop;a collection tray disposed below the evaporator to receive water condensation therefrom;an extended water conduit extending about the compressor downstream from collection tray; anda water pump mounted in fluid communication with the extended water conduit downstream from the collection tray to motivate water through the extended water conduit.

11. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 10, wherein the extended water is disposed against the compressor in conductive thermal communication therewith.

12. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 11, wherein the extended water conduit forms three or more passes about the compressor.

13. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 10, further comprising a water tank removably attached to the cabinet downstream from the extended water conduit, wherein the extended water conduit defines a water retention volume equal to 50% or more than a water retention volume defined by the water tank.

14. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 10, wherein an outlet port is defined downstream from the water pump in fluid communication with the ambient environment to permit water thereto.

15. The dehumidifier appliance of claim 10, wherein the refrigeration assembly further comprises a fan mounted within the cabinet and directed at the evaporator to motivate air thereacross.