A dehumidifier has a handle that is recessed inward from a top surface of a main body to open both side surfaces thereof and is disposed to stably move the main body of the dehumidifier without deteriorating an outer appearance of the dehumidifier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 and 35 U.S.C. § 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0040847 filed Apr. 5, 2014, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier.

A dehumidifier is an apparatus which suctions wet humid air within an indoor space into a case and allow the air to pass through a heat exchanger including a condenser and an evaporator, thereby reducing the humidity. The dehumidified air may be discharged again into the indoor space to reduce the humidity within the indoor unit. In recent years, large-scale and multifunctional dehumidifiers are being released to improve dehumidifying performance and user's convenience. Thus, high-capacity and large-scale humidifiers are greatly to be preferred.

A dehumidifier may absorb heat from surrounding air by evaporating a liquid refrigerant in the evaporator. The evaporator may decrease in temperature while the refrigerant is evaporated, and thus, the air passing through the evaporator may also decrease in temperature. Since the surrounding air of the evaporator decreases in temperature, moisture contained in the air may be condensed to form dew on a surface of the evaporator. The dehumidified air may be discharged into the indoor space to reduce the humidity within the indoor space.

A dehumidifier in which a lower portion of an evaporator has a basket shape to collect and store condensed water is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0083417. In the dehumidifier having the above-described structure, if a preset amount or more of water is collected into the basket, a user may withdraw the basket to discard water within the basket and then mount the basket again.

A structure of a dehumidifier in which a water tank is mounted on a recessed water tank mounting part of a main body, and the water is withdrawn in a state where the water tank rotates by manipulation of a water tank handle disposed on a front surface of the water tank is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0138478.

However, in the above-described prior arts, a handle for manipulating movement of the main body of the dehumidifier or a component similar to the handle is not provided. Also, in case of the large-scale dehumidifier, if the dehumidifier forcibly moves, the dehumidifier may fall down due to a high height of the dehumidifier to threaten the security of the user or damage the dehumidifier. In case of the large-scale dehumidifier, since the dehumidifier is heavy, it may be difficult to move the dehumidifier by only pulling or pushing the main body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment.FIG. 2is a rear perspective view of the dehumidifier.FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier.FIG. 4is a perspective view of a base pan assembly that is one component of the dehumidifier.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4, a main body defining a dehumidifier1according to an embodiment has a generally circular cross-section when viewed from an upper side and a cylindrical shape having a predetermined height. The dehumidifier1may have an outer appearance that is defined by a top cover assembly100defining a top surface, a base pan assembly10defining a bottom surface, front and rear cases200and300defining front and rear surfaces, and a side deco400defining a portion of each of both side surfaces.

The tap cover assembly100may define a top surface of the dehumidifier1and has an oval shape. A handle hole111into which a hand of a user is inserted to grasp the dehumidifier1when the dehumidifier1moves may be defined in each of both sides of the top cover assembly100.

A louver130is disposed in a front portion of the top cover assembly100. The louver130has a plurality of discharge holes131through which air dehumidified within the dehumidifier1is discharged. The louver130is rotatably mounted on the top cover assembly100. The louver130may rotate to expose the discharge holes131thereof when the dehumidifier1operates. On the other hand, when the dehumidifier1does not operate, the louver130may rotate to close or cover the discharge holes131. When dehumidifier1does not operate, the louver130may form the same plane as the top cover assembly100to define the outer appearance of the top surface of the dehumidifier1. The louver130may rotate by a motor132. When the dehumidifier1operates, the louver130may automatically rotate to open the discharge holes131, thereby adjusting a discharge direction of the dehumidified air.

A manipulation part114is disposed on the top cover assembly100. The manipulation part114may be manipulated by the user to manipulate the dehumidifier1. The manipulation part114may be provided in a rear space of the louver130. Also, the manipulation part114may be manipulated by the user and confirmed through the top surface of the top cover assembly100. The manipulation part114may include a capacitive-type touch sensor, a button, or a switch. Also, a display part113for displaying an operation state of the dehumidifier1may be further disposed on one side adjacent to the manipulation part151.

The base pan assembly10includes a base pan11defining the bottom surface of the dehumidifier1and a wheel12mounted on the base pan11. The base pan11may provide a surface on which a compressor20that is main component of the dehumidifier1and a plurality of components are disposed. For this, a plurality of reinforcing ribs that cross each other are disposed on the base pan11to prevent the base pan11from being deformed or damaged even though the plurality of components are mounted on the base pan11. The whole shape of the base pan11may have an oval shape to correspond to that of the top cover assembly100.

A base roller13is disposed on a front end of a top surface of the base pan11. The base roller13may contact a bottom surface of a tank drawer710and then rolled when the tank drawer710into which a water tank800is accommodated is withdrawn forward. When the tank drawer710is completely withdrawn, a weight center of the tank drawer710is defined at a relatively front side when compared to the base roller13. Thus, the tank drawer710may be tilted.

A buffer member14supporting the compressor20is disposed on the top surface of the base pan11. The buffer member14may be disposed on a portion on which the compressor20is seated to prevent vibration and noise generated when the compressor20is driven from occurring.

A wheel12may be disposed on a bottom surface of the base pan11to easily move the dehumidifier1. Particularly, when the user grasps the handle40of the dehumidifier1to move the dehumidifier1, the wheel12may be shaft-coupled to the bottom surface of the base pan11to rotate in a moving direction so that the user easily pushes or pulls the dehumidifier1.

A support15is disposed on a front end of a bottom surface of the base pan11. The support15extends downward. An extension end of the support15may be disposed above a lower end of the wheel12. The support15may prevent the dehumidifier1from being tilted or inverted when the water tank assembly700is withdrawn, or the dehumidifier1moves. The support15may be disposed at a front side of the withdrawal direction of the water tank assembly700to contact the ground when the weight center moves due to the withdrawal of the water tank assembly700, thereby preventing the dehumidifier1from being tilted or inverted.

The front case200and the rear case300define the front and rear outer appearances of the dehumidifier1. The front case200and the rear case300may be formed of plate-shaped materials and coupled to the bottom surfaces of the tap cover assembly100and the base fan11, respectively. Thus, the front case200and the rear case300may have curvatures corresponding to circumferences of the top cover assembly100and the base pan11, respectively.

A front extension part210extending backward is disposed on each of both left and right sides of an upper end of the front case200. The front extension part210may contact a rear extension part310of the rear case300to connect the front case200to the rear case300. The front extension part210is coupled along a circumference of the top cover assembly100.

A tank mounting part220on which the water tank assembly700is disposed is disposed below the front case200. The tank mounting part220may be opened in a shape corresponding to a shape of a tank drawer710constituting the water tank assembly700. A stepped part221having a stepped portion extends downward from an upper end of the tank mounting part220. When the tank drawer710is closed, the tank mounting part220may contact a back surface of the tank drawer710. Also, a latch hole222through which a locker724protruding from the tank drawer710is inserted or withdrawn is defined in a center of the stepped part221.

The rear case300may define a rear outer appearance of the dehumidifier1and have a shape corresponding to that of the front case200. A rear extension part310may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of an upper portion of the rear case300and coupled to the front extension part210.

An accessory hole320is defined in an upper portion of the rear case300. The accessory hole320may be a hole through which an accessory connection part that will be described later passes. The accessory hole320may be opened in a shape corresponding to that through which the accessory connection part570passes to protrude to the outside.

A suction grill part330is disposed below the accessory hole320. The suction grill part330has a rectangular shape that is recessed inward. The suction grill part330has a shape corresponding to that of a heat exchange module30that will be described later. The suction grill part330has a plurality of suction holes331so that external air is introduced into the dehumidifier1.

A grill cover or filter340is mounted on a recessed outer portion of the suction grill part330. The grill cover340covers a recessed space of the suction grill part330and forms the same line as an outer surface of the rear case330. A plurality of holes may be defined in the grill cover340so that air flows through the suction grill part330.

The grill cover340is detachably disposed on the suction grill part330. A filter assembly341may be mounted between the suction grill part330and the grill cover340. The filter assembly341may filter foreign substances of the air introduced through the suction grill part330. The filter assembly341may be fixed to the suction grill part330or fixed to a back surface of the filter assembly341as illustrated inFIG. 3.

A cord fixing hole360and a cord holder350may be disposed below the suction grill part330. The cord holder350may be provided in a pair in each of both left and right sides. The cord holder350protrudes backward from the rear case300so that a power line for supplying a power to the dehumidifier1is wound around the pair of cord holder350and stored. The protruding end of the cord holder extends outward.

The cord holder360is disposed above the cord holder350. The cord holder360may be disposed at a central portion and recessed in a space corresponding to a socket so that a plug of an end of the power line is inserted. The power line may be wound around the cord holder350, and then the plug is inserted into the cord fixing hole360to effectively fix and store the power line.

The top cover assembly100and the base pan11may be fixedly mounted on upper and lower ends of the front case200and the rear case300, respectively. The side deco400may be mounted between the front case200and the rear case300to define the whole outer appearance of the dehumidifier1.

A housing assembly500including a blowing fan540and the motor530and the heat exchange module30heat-exchanged with the suction air may be disposed in an upper portion inside the front case200and the rear case300. Electronic components including a frame600supporting the housing assembly500and the heat exchange module30, the water tank assembly700for collecting condensed water generated in the heat exchange module30, and a compressor connected to the heat exchange module30to compress a refrigerant may be disposed in a lower portion inside the front case200and the rear case300.

The frame600may be mounted to a center of the base pan11. The frame600includes a vertical part610extending vertically and a horizontal part620extending horizontally from an upper end of the vertical part610.

The vertical part610may partition a lower space of the dehumidifier1into front and rear spaces to define the front space in which the water tank assembly700is mounted and the rear space in which the electronic components including the compressor20are mounted. A main guide630and a sub guide are disposed on both left and right sides of the vertical part610so that the tank drawer710is slidably inserted or withdrawn.

The horizontal part620may partition the inner space of the dehumidifier1into upper and lower spaces so that the housing assembly500and the heat exchange module30are seated. A passage for guiding the condensed water generated in the heat exchange module30to the water tank800is defined in the horizontal part620.

A specific shape of the frame600will be described below in more detail.FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between a top cover assembly that is one component of the dehumidifier and a main body.FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the top cover assembly.FIG. 7is a sectional view taken along line7-7′ ofFIG. 1. The top cover assembly100will be described in more detail with reference to referring toFIGS. 5 to 7. The top cover assembly100may include a cover plate110and a cover frame120.

The cover plate110defines an outer appearance of the top surface of the dehumidifier1. The cover plate110may have a plate shape and an oval shape corresponding to the whole shape of the top surface of the dehumidifier1.

A handle hole111in which a handle40of the dehumidifier1is formed is punched in each of both left and right side of the cover plate110. The handle hole111is configured so that the hand of the user is inserted to grasp both sides of the dehumidifier1. The handle hole111may have a size corresponding to that of an opening430of the side deco400.

A louver mounting hole112in which the louver130is disposed is defined in the cover plate110. The louver mounting hole112may have a size and shape corresponding to those of the louver130in the state where the louver130is closed. A top surface of the louver130may cover the louver mounting hole112in the state where the louver130is closed to form the same plane as the cover plate110. When the louver130is opened, the louver mounting hole112may also be opened.

A display part window113is disposed at a rear side of the louver mounting hole112. The display part window113may allow the display unit152to be exposed. The display part window113may be opened in a shape corresponding to the display unit152or be formed of a transparent material to cover the opened portion. Also, a printing part114for informing a position of the manipulation part151may be further disposed on the cover plate110adjacent to the display part window113. Thus, the printing part114may be touched to manipulate the manipulation part. Cover coupling parts115may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other along a circumference of a bottom surface of the cover plate110. The cover coupling part115may be a portion to which a screw S passing through the cover frame120is coupled. The cover plate110may be coupled to the cover frame120through the cover coupling part115.

A cover fixing part116coupled to the housing assembly500by using the screw S extends downward from each of both sides of a bottom surface of the cover plate110. The cover fixing part116may contact one side of a control box mounting part580of the housing cover520and be fixed by the screw S to allow the top cover assembly100to be fixedly mounted. SeeFIG. 14, 15

A manipulation unit fixing member or ribs117for fixedly mounting a manipulation unit150is disposed on the bottom surface of the cover plate110corresponding to the manipulation part151and the display unit152. The manipulation unit fixing member117has a rib shape. The manipulation unit fixing member117may be provided in plurality, and thus the plurality of manipulation unit fixing members117may be disposed at a predetermined distance along a circumference of the manipulation unit150. A hook may be disposed on an end of the manipulation unit fixing member117to restrain the circumference of the manipulation unit150by the manipulation unit fixing member117so that the manipulation unit150is fixedly mounted on the back surface of the cover plate110.

The manipulation unit or control module150may include the display unit or display module152and the manipulation part or input module151. A display and a plurality of switches or sensors may be disposed on one PCB591to form the display unit152and the manipulation part151so that the user manipulates an operation of the dehumidifier1or informs an operation state of the dehumidifier1to the outside. Alternatively, the manipulation unit150may be constituted by only the manipulation part151, and the display unit152may be independently provided as a separate part.

The manipulation unit150further includes a board case154accommodating the PCB153. A case hook part155in which the manipulation unit fixing member117is inserted to pass therethrough and is hooked thereto may be further disposed on a circumference of the board case154.

A handle hole rib118extending downward is disposed along a circumference of the handle hole111. The handle hole rib118may have a shape corresponding to an upper end of the side deco400so that the handle hole rib118and the upper end of the side deco400are coupled to each other to match each other. A rib stepped part119having a stepped portion may be disposed on the handle hole rib118and be coupled to a deco stepped part431(seeFIG. 12) disposed on the upper end of the side deco400to match the deco stepped part431. Thus, the side deco400may be fixed while being maintained in position on the cover plate110to form the handle40.

A circumference160is disposed around a top surface of the cover plate110. The circumference160has an upward protruding shape. Also, the inside of the circumference160may have a roundly recessed shape. A chrome line may be printed on the circumference160of the cover plate110as if a separate member formed of a chrome material is coupled to the cover plate110. For this, the cover plate110may be injection-molded by using an in-mold labeling (IML) manner. That is, the cover plate110is injection-molded by using a plastic material. Here, a chrome film may be printed on the circumference160.

The cover plate110molded through the above-described manner may be unnecessary to having a coupling structure of a separate component formed of a chrome material. When the cover plate110is molded, the cover plate110together with the circumference160may be molded at the same time.

To mold the cover plate110by using the IML injection manner, the cover plate110may have to be simplified in structure. For this, it may be necessary to provide a cover frame120having a separate coupling structure for coupling the top cover assembly100to the front and rear cases200and300.

The top cover assembly100may be coupled to the front and rear cases200and300due to the coupling structure between the cover frame120and the cover plate110. The cover plate110may have a simplified structure due to the cover frame120coupled to the front and rear cases200and300, and thus, the cover plate110may be injection-molded by using the ILM manner.

The cover frame120may be mounted on a bottom surface of the cover plate110and have a ring shape with a size corresponding to that of the cover plate110. Frame coupling parts121disposed on the bottom surface of the cover plate110and spaced a predetermined distance from each other along a circumference of the cover plate110are disposed on the cover frame120.

A screw S for coupling, which is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the cover coupling parts115, may be coupled to the cover plate110. Here, the cover coupling part115extends downward. The extending cover coupling part115may be inserted into the frame coupling part121. When the screw S is coupled upward from a lower side, the screw S may pass through the frame coupling part121and then be coupled to the cover coupling part115. Thus, the cover frame120may be fixed to the cover plate110.

A deco fixing part122extending downward and through which the screw S coupled to the housing assembly500passes may be disposed on each of both left and right sides of the cover frame120. The deco fixing part122may be screw-coupled to a handle fixing part426of a side deco400that will be described below to maintain the fixed state of the top cover assembly100and the side deco400(seeFIG. 12).

A plurality of frame fixing hooks123may be disposed along a circumference of the bottom surface of the cover frame120. The top cover assembly100may be hooked with top cover coupling parts211disposed on the front case200through the frame fixing hooks123.

The cover frame120may be coupled to the front case200. Since the cover frame120is coupled to the cover plate110, the top cover assembly100and the front case200may have structures through which the top cover assembly100and the front case200are coupled and fixed to each other.

The top cover coupling parts to be coupled to the top cover assembly100are disposed on an upper portion of a back surface of the front case200. The top cover coupling parts211are disposed above the front case200and disposed along a circumference of the top cover assembly. Thus, the top cover coupling parts211may be provided in plurality at a predetermined distance and are respectively hooked with the frame fixing hooks123.

FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view illustrating coupling of the rear case that is one component of the dehumidifier.FIG. 9is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between the rear case and the cover frame.FIG. 10is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the rear case is coupled to the cover frame.

Referring toFIGS. 8 to 10, the rear case300may be inserted forward from a rear side and then fixedly mounted in a state where the front case200are fixedly mounted on the top cover assembly100and the base pan assembly10, and all of the frame600, the housing assembly500, the heat exchange module30, and the compressor20are mounted within the main body of the dehumidifier1. To fix the rear case300, a lower end of the rear case300is inserted into and fixed to the base pan10, and an upper portion of the rear case300is fixed to an upper portion of the cover frame120.

For this, a plurality of rear case restriction parts124, may be disposed on the cover frame120contacting the rear case300. The rear case restriction part124extends inward or downward from the cover frame120and is hooked with a rear case coupling part disposed on the rear case300. The rear case restriction part124may be provided in plurality and disposed at a position corresponding to the rear case coupling part311. If necessary, the rear case coupling part311may be hooked with the frame fixing part121.

The rear case coupling part311is disposed on a back surface of the rear case300and is provided in plurality with a predetermined distance at a height corresponding to that of the cover frame120. The rear case coupling part311may extend forward and have a shape with elasticity so that the rear case coupling part311is hooked with the rear case restriction part124.

The rear case coupling part311extends forward as illustrated inFIG. 10. A portion of the rear case coupling part311, which contacts the rear case restriction part124may be bent and thus elastically deformed. Thus, when the rear case300is assembled, the rear case300may be simply firmly coupled in a press-fit manner without using a separate coupling member such as a screw.

FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the side deco that is one component of the dehumidifier.FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view of the side deco.FIG. 13is a sectional view taken along line13-13′ ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 11 to 13, the side deco400may define a portion of a side surface of the dehumidifier1. The side deco400may be disposed between the top cover assembly100and the base pan11so that upper and lower ends of the side deco400are respectively fixed to the top cover assembly100and the base pan11. The side deco400may be disposed between the front case200and the rear case300so that a front end of the side deco400is coupled to the front case200, and a rear end of the side deco400is coupled to the rear case300.

A plurality of deco coupling parts312may be disposed along both ends of the back surface of the rear case300. The deco coupling parts312may be coupled to the side deco400and vertically spaced a predetermined distance from each other along a side end of the rear case300. Also, the deco coupling parts312may restrict both left and right ends of the side deco400to couple the rear case300to the side deco400.

The deco coupling parts312may be also disposed on both left and right sides of the front case200. The deco coupling parts312may have the same structure and shape except for its position. Thus, the deco coupling parts312may be disposed to have the same structure and shape on the front case200and the rear case300. Thus, all of the front case200and the rear case300may have structures that are coupled to being coupled and fixed to the side deco400.

The side deco400may have a vertically long plate shape and includes a deco member410and a handle member420. The deco member410may define a side shape of the dehumidifier1. The deco member410has an upper end contacting a bottom surface of the cover plate110and a lower end contacting the base pan11.

The handle member420may be coupled to an upper portion of the deco member410. An upper end of the handle member420may be coupled to the cover plate110and disposed on an inner side surface of the front extension part210and the rear extension part310to form the handle40.

In detail, the deco member410has a rectangular plate shape. When the side deco400is mounted, both left and right ends of the deco member410may be inserted into and restricted by the front case200and the rear case300. Thus, when the front case200and the rear case300are coupled to each other, both ends of the deco member410may be restricted between the front case200and the rear case300and then maintained in the restricted state. A lower end of the deco member410may be inserted into and fixed to the base pan11, and an upper end of the deco member410may be fixed to match the cover plate110.

An upper portion of the deco member410may be rounded inward, and the handle member420may be disposed on the upper end of the deco member410. Both side ends of the deco member410and handle member420may be coupled to each other to define an opening430in a space therebetween. Both side ends of the deco member410and handle member420may be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the handle hole111to form a portion of the handle40.

To couple the deco member410to the handle member420, a handle coupling protrusion412protruding in a direction of the handle member420may be disposed on each of both sides of the deco member410. An end of the handle coupling protrusion412may be bent and hooked with the handle member420.

A deco fixing part415extending in a lateral direction may be disposed on each of both sides of the deco member410. The deco fixing part415may be coupled to the handle coupling part424. Here, the deco fixing part415and the handle coupling part424may be fixed by the screw S that is coupled to pass through the handle coupling part424and the deco fixing part415.

A seating rib (see reference numeral440ofFIG. 3) extending in a horizontal direction and protruding inward may be further disposed on a back surface of the deco member410. The seating rib440may protrude from the back surface of the deco member410and be disposed at a position corresponding to an upper end of the horizontal part620of the frame600. Thus, when the deco member410is mounted, the seating rib440may be seated on and supported by the upper end of the horizontal part620.

Both ends of the handle member420may be coupled to the deco member410. Also, each of both ends of the handle member420may be rounded to have a curvature corresponding to that of the handle hole111. Thus, both ends of the handle member420may form a space therebetween, into which the user's hand is inserted when the handle member420is coupled to the deco member410.

A round part421having a curvature in a vertical direction may be disposed on the handle member420. The round part421may protrude outward toward a lower side thereof so that the user is inserted to grasp an inner surface of the handle member420. A handle support422extending upward to contact the inner surfaces of the front extension part210and rear extension part310may be further disposed on a lower end of the handle member420. Thus, even though the user grasps the handle40, the handle40may be stably maintained without being damaged.

A handle coupling hole423into which the handle coupling protrusion412is inserted may be defined in each of both left and right ends of the handle member420. The handle coupling hole423may be lengthily defined in a vertical direction so that the handle coupling protrusion412moves downward after being inserted into the handle coupling hole423to restrict the handle member420by the handle coupling protrusion412.

The handle coupling part424extending bilaterally may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of the handle member420. The handle coupling part424may be disposed at a position corresponding to the deco coupling part415, and the screw S may pass through the handle coupling part424.

The handle member420may have a vertical width corresponding to the front extension part210and the rear extension part310. Also, the lower end of the handle member420may have a curvature corresponding to that of a lower end of each of the front extension part210and the rear extension part310. Thus, when the front case200and the rear case300are coupled to each other, the handle40may be stably formed without being exposed to the outside.

The handle member420and the deco member410may be coupled to each other to allow the upper end of the side deco400to form the opening430. The opening430has a shape corresponding to that of the handle hole111. Also, the opened circumference of the handle hole111may extend to be rounded downward. The rib stepped part119is disposed on a lower end of the handle hole111. The deco stepped part431may be disposed on the upper end of each of the deco member410and the handle member420, which corresponds to the rib stepped part119may be disposed so that the deco stepped part431and the rib stepped part119match each other.

Thus, the coupling structure between the front case200and the rear case300and between the side deco400and the cover plate110may provide the stable handle structure as well as the fixing of the side deco400.

FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view of the housing assembly that is one component of the dehumidifier. The motor530and blowing fan540for forcibly blowing air are mounted on the housing assembly500. The housing assembly500is seated on an upper portion of the horizontal part620of the frame600. The housing assembly500includes a housing case510and a housing cover520. The housing cover520and the housing case510may be coupled to each other to form a space in which the blowing fan540is accommodated and a space through which air flows.

The housing case510has a shape of which a rear surface is opened to form the space in which the blowing fan540is accommodated, and a top surface is opened to allow the louver130to be mounted. Also, the opened entire rear surface of the housing case510may be covered by the housing cover520having a shape corresponding thereto.

A motor accommodation part511for accommodating the motor530is recessed from a front surface of the housing case510. A rotation shaft of the motor530may pass through the housing case510to extend inward. A BLDC motor having a relatively long life-cycle and easily controlled in rotation rate may be used as the motor530for rotating the blowing fan540. The motor530may be fixedly mounted on the housing case510by the motor bracket531.

The blowing fan540that axially suctions air to radially discharge the suctioned air may be disposed in an inner space of the housing case510. A sirocco fan having less noises and superior blowing performance may be used as the blowing fan540. Air introduced into the housing case by the rotation of the blowing fan540may flow along the inner surface of the housing case510and then be discharged to the outside through the louver130.

The inner surface of the housing case510may have a curved shape to improve the flow of the air. A curved part540having a curvature corresponding to that of the inside may be disposed on one side surface of both side surfaces of the housing case510. The curved part540may be formed from a lower end of the housing case510to a louver mounting part550on which the louver130is mounted. A capacitor mounting part560on which a capacitor595is mounted may be exposed between the curved part540and the louver mounting part550. The curved part540of the housing case510may be formed along the curvature of the inner surface of the housing case510to form the capacitor mounting part560.

The housing cover520may have a plate shape corresponding to that of the housing case510. An orifice521defining a passage through which the air is suctioned may be defined to be opened in the housing cover520. The accessory connection part570may be disposed on a portion of an upper portion of the housing cover520. The accessory connection part570may have a shape to allow the inside of the housing case510on which the louver130is mounted to communicate with an external space. The accessory connection part570may have an end with a shape corresponding so that the end passes through the accessory hole320and is exposed to the outside.

A connection part cap571is detachably mounted on the end of the accessory connection part570. The connection part cap571covers the opened end of the accessory connection part570to prevent the air from leaking to the outside. A rotation coupling part572may be disposed on an end of the accessory connection part570to couple the connection cap571to the accessory connection part570. The connection cap571may rotate to detach the rotation coupling part572from the accessory connection part570. After the connection cap571is separated, an extension hose or other accessories may be simply coupled to the rotation coupling part572through rotation manipulation thereof.

A control box mounting part580may be disposed above the orifice521. The control box mounting part580may extend backward from a back surface of the housing cover520to vertically partition the space in which the heat exchange module30is disposed. Thus, a control box590for controlling an operation of the dehumidifier1may be mounted on the control box mounting part580.

The control box mounting part580may be disposed at a position corresponding to that of the capacitor mounting part560. Thus, the capacitor595may be disposed at the same height as the control box590and connected to the control box590at the shortest distance.

The heat exchange module30is disposed below the control box mounting part580. The heat exchange module30is seated on the horizontal part620of the frame600and has a size corresponding to a space defined between the control box mounting part580and the horizontal part620.

The heat exchange module30may include an evaporator31connected to the compressor20and heat-exchanged with air introduced into the dehumidifier1and a condenser32connected to the evaporator31and in which a refrigerant flowing therethrough is heat-exchanged with the air passing through the evaporator31. The evaporator31and the condenser32are installed in parallel and disposed in a front/rear direction. Thus, the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant while passing through the evaporator31may be heat-exchanged again with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser32.

That is, the refrigerant supplied to the compressor20may flow toward the condenser32through the evaporator via an expansion unit and then be introduced again into the compressor20. Also, the air suctioned into the dehumidifier1may be introduced into the housing assembly500via the orifice521while successively passing through the evaporator31and the condenser32and then be discharged again to the outside. The indoor air suctioned through the suction hole331may be heat-exchanged while passing through the evaporator31to decrease in temperature. Moisture contained in the air may be liquefied and separated from the air to generate dehumidified air.

The air separated from the moisture while passing through the evaporator31may be heated while passing through the condenser32and then dried. The dried air may be discharged into the external space of the dehumidifier1through the discharge hole131in the state of the dehumidified air from which the moisture is removed. Since the evaporator31and the condenser32are arranged in parallel, the air passing through the suction hole331may be dehumidified while passing through the evaporator31and heated (dried) while passing through the condenser32.

The moisture separated from the air while passing through the evaporator31may be liquefied to change into a liquid state. The phase-changing condensed water may flow along a drain passage621defined in the horizontal part620of the frame600and then be collected into the water tank800. SeeFIG. 16. A lower end of the condenser32may be inserted into the horizontal part620, and the condensed water may flow via an area on which the condenser is mounted. When at least a portion of the lower end of the condenser32is accommodated into the inner space of the drain passage621, the condenser32may be cooled by the condensed water flowing along the drain passage621to improve efficiency of the condenser32.

FIG. 15is an exploded perspective illustrating a coupling structure of a PCB assembly that is one component of the dehumidifier. When the control box mounting part580is disposed on the housing assembly500, the control box590is mounted on the control box mounting part580. The control box mounting part580may be disposed at a rear side of the louver130mounted on the housing assembly500to form a seating surface581that extends backward. A pair of ribs582protruding upward is disposed on the seating surface581. Each of the ribs582lengthily extend in a front/rear direction to support a lower portion of the control box590.

A box fixing part583protrudes from one side of the seating surface581. The box fixing part583may be disposed at a position corresponding to a box coupling part592athat extends laterally from one side of the control box590. The screw S may pass through the box coupling part592aand then be coupled to fix the control box590. A box guide584is disposed on one side facing the box fixing part583. The box guide584is lengthily disposed in a front/rear direction so that a guide piece592bof the control box590is slidably inserted.

When the control box590is mounted, the guide piece592bof the control box590may move backward and be inserted into the box guide584. When the control box590completely moves, the box coupling part592amay be disposed at a position that overlaps the box fixing part583. In this state, the screw S may be coupled from an upper side to fixedly mount the control box590on the control box mounting part580. If a service for the control box590is required, the coupling of the screw S may be released, and then the control box590may be slid backward to easily separate the control box590.

The control box590includes the PCB591on which various devices for controlling the operation of the dehumidifier1are mounted, a board base592formed of a plastic material to accommodate the PCB591, and a board case surrounding upper and lower portion of the board base592. The board base592defines a space in which the PCB591is accommodated. The box coupling part592aand the guide piece592bprotrude outward from both ends of the board base592, respectively.

The board case154includes an upper case593and a lower case594. The board base592in which the PCB591is accommodated may be mounted in a space between the upper case593and the lower case594. The board case154is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. Even though fire occurs in the PCB591, the combustion may occur only within the board case154to prevent the fire from being spread to other component of the dehumidifier1.

The capacitor mounting part560is further disposed at a font side of the control mounting part580. The capacitor mounting part560is disposed adjacent to the control box mounting part580. The capacitor595is accommodated into the capacitor cover596having an accommodation space therein. The capacitor cover596may be coupled to the capacitor mounting part560.

The capacitor595may be fixed to the capacitor mounting part560. The capacitor cover596formed of a metal material such as stainless steel may completely surround the capacitor595to protect the capacitor595against the fire. The capacitor595may have a relatively high height. Thus, if the capacitor595increases in capacitance, the capacitor may further increase in size. Thus, since the capacitor595and the capacitor cover596are separated from the control box, the mounting space of the control box590may be more utilized, and also the inner space of the dehumidifier1may be efficiently used.

FIG. 16is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the water tank assembly that is one component of the dehumidifier.FIG. 17is a side view illustrating a structure of a guide assembly for guiding insertion/withdrawal of the water tank assembly. The water tank assembly700is disposed at a front side of the vertical part610of the frame600. A space in which a tank drawer710constituting the water tank assembly700is accommodated is defined in the front side of the vertical part610. When the water tank800is completely inserted, the tank drawer710may disposed on the same plane as a front surface of the cover plate110. SeeFIG. 18.

A latch650into which the locker724is inserted to selectively restrict the locker724is disposed on a central portion of the front surface of the frame600, particularly, a front end of the horizontal part620. The latch650is disposed at a position corresponding to the latch hole222. When the tank drawer710is closed, the latch650is hooked with the locker724to maintain the closed state of the tank drawer710. SeeFIG. 24.

When the latch650is inserted once, the latch650is hooked with the locker724. When the locker724moves again forward by an external force, the hooking between the latch650and the locker724may be released to allow the tank drawer710to be withdrawn. That is, the locking structure between the latch650and the locker724may be similar to a latching structure such as a general pushing manner.

The locking unit including the latch650and the locker724may have a locking structure different from the structures of the latch650and the locker724. Also, various structures for maintaining the closed state of the tank drawer710may be selectively applied.

A full level detection part660is disposed on the front surface of the vertical part610toward the tank drawer710. A pair of sensors are vertically disposed on the full level detection part660to determine a full level of water by detecting a position of a floater of the water tank800.

When a position of the floater830(seeFIG. 18) is detected by the sensor for detecting the full level of the water tank800, a lower water level sensor661of the pair of sensors transmits a full level signal to the display part152to inform the full level of the water tank800. When a position of the floater is detected by an upper safety sensor662of the pair of sensors, the operation of the dehumidifier1may be stopped to prevent the condensed water from being further collected into the water tank800. The full level may be informed to the outside to allow the user to empty the water tank800.

A lighting module670is mounted on one side of the vertical part610corresponding to a lateral side of the tank drawer710. The lighting module670irradiates light into the water tank800to visualize a water level of the water tank800and function as an indirect lighting. The light may be irradiated form one side toward the inside of the water tank800. The lighting module670may include a light emitting part671for emitting light and a scattering member672disposed at a front side of the light emitting member671to scatter the light emitted from the light emitting member671.

A device that is capable of emitting light such as an LED may be used as the light emitting member671. Alternatively, different materials that are capable of emitting light may be used. The light emitting member671may emit a plurality of colors. The light emitted from the light emitting member671may change in color according to a state of the dehumidifier1.

For example, the color of the light emitted from the light emitting member671may change according to the water level detected by the full level detection part660. That is, in case of a normal water level, lighting having a blue color may be emitted. In case of a full level, i.e., light having a yellow color may be emitted. In case of a dangerous level, light having a red color may be emitted. Thus, the user may recognize the water level by using the color seen through an identification window722to empty the water tank.

In the humidity of the air suctioned into the dehumidifier1, in case of normal humidity, a blue color may be expressed. In case of the normal humidity or more, a yellow color may be expressed. In case of high humidity at which the dehumidification is required, a red color may be expressed. For this, a humidity sensor370for detecting external humidity may be further disposed on one side of the dehumidifier1. The humidity sensor370, the lighting module, and the full level detection part660may be connected to the control box590to realize the visualization using the water tank800according to the state of the dehumidifier1.

The scattering member672may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit672passes through the scattering member672. The scattering member672may cover the light emitting member671to protect the light emitting member671.

The light emitted from the light emitting member671may be reflected or refracted by the scattering member672so that the light is uniformly smoothly emitted into the water tank800. The light emitted from the light emitting member671may light the whole water tank800.

The lighting module670may operate to light the whole inside of the water tank800. The light may be emitted to the outside through the identification window722to function as the indirection lighting. The operation state of the dehumidifier1may be identified at a long distance through the color identified through the identification window722. Although not shown, a lighting hole may be defined in a side surface of the tank drawer710or a position corresponding to the lighting module670to emit light into the water tank800in a state where the water tank800is accommodated into the tank drawer710.

The main guide630and the sub guide640are disposed on both left and right sides of the vertical part610, respectively. The main guide630and the sub guide640may guide the slidable insertion/withdrawal and tilting of the tank drawer710. The main guide630and the sub guide640may be disposed on both left and right sides of the vertical part610. The sub guide640may be disposed below the main guide630.

The main guide630may be disposed on an upper portion of the vertical part610to define a passage through which a rolling unit680that will be described below moves. The main guide630may include a lower part632defining a lower portion thereof and an upper part631defining an upper portion thereof. The upper part631and the lower part632may have tilts or curvatures corresponding to each other. Both ends of the upper part631and the lower part632may be connected to each other to form a close loop shape on the whole. The lower part632may include a downward tilted part633having a tilt that is gradually tilted downward toward a front side from a rear side and an upward tilted part634having a tilt that is gradually tilted upward toward a front side from an end thereof.

When the tank drawer710is closed, the rolling unit680may be disposed at the rearmost position of the main guide630and the highest position of the downward tilted part633. When the tank drawer710is opened and tilted, the rolling unit680may move along the main guide630. Also, when the tank drawer710is completely withdrawn and tilted, the rolling unit680may be disposed at the foremost position of the main guide630and the highest position of the upward tilted part634.

A gear part635is disposed inward form each of the downward tilted part633and the upper tilted part634. The gear part635has a rack structure. The gear part635may have a teeth shape so that a rolling gear681disposed on the rolling unit680moves along the gear part635.

The upper part631may contact a main roller682of the rolling unit680. When the tank drawer710moves, the main roller682may move along the upper part631in the state where the main roller682contact an inner surface of the upper part631. A plurality of reinforcing ribs636vertically extending from edges of the main guide630and the vertical part610may be disposed around an outer circumference of the main guide630. The plurality of reinforcing ribs636are disposed spaced a predetermined distance from each other to prevent the main guide630from being deformed by a load applied to the main guide630.

The sub guide640is disposed below the main guide630to accommodate a sub roller690that will be described below. The sub guide640has a diameter corresponding to that of the sub roller690. The sub guide640includes a withdrawal part641for guiding the withdrawal of the tank drawer710and a tilting part642for guiding the tilting of the tank drawer710at an end of the withdrawal part841. The withdrawal part641has a downward tilt, and the tilting part642has an upward tilt.

The water tank assembly700may collect condensed water generated in the heat exchange module30. The water tank assembly700is disposed in a space defined in a front side of the frame600. The water tank assembly700is connected to the frame600and slid to be inserted or withdrawn in a front/rear direction. When the water tank assembly700is completely withdrawn, the water tank assembly may rotate by using a lower portion thereof as a shaft and then be tilted to open a top surface thereof.

The water tank assembly700may include a water tank800for storing the condensed water and a tank drawer710in which the water tank800is accommodated and inserted/withdrawn so that the water tank800is easily mounted or separated.

The tank drawer710may define an outer appearance of a front surface of the water tank assembly700. The water drawer710may include a front surface part720defining a portion of the front surface of the dehumidifier1, i.e., a portion of the front case200and an accommodation part730opened upward from a rear side of the front surface part to accommodate the water tank downward from an upper side.

The accommodation part730may have a shape corresponding to that of the water tank800. The accommodation part730may be opened upward so that water is easily supplied, and the water tank800is easily inserted or withdrawn in the state where the water tank800is mounted.

The locker724extending backward is disposed on a central portion of an upper end of the front surface part720. The locker724may extend backward and be coupled and fixed to the latch650in a state where the water tank assembly700is completely inserted.

The identification window722for identifying a water level of the water tank800mounted on the accommodation part730through a naked eye may be further disposed on one side of the front surface part720. The identification window722is lengthily disposed in a vertical direction. Also, the identification window722may be disposed so that at least a portion of the water tank800is exposed. Thus, a water level of the water tank800may be identified from the outside through the identification window722.

The identification window722may be lean to one side of left and right sides of the front surface part720. The identification window722may be disposed on one side that is away from the lighting module670. Thus, when light is emitted from the lighting module670, locally strong light may not be irradiated through the identification window722, but be smoothly uniformly irradiated through identification window722in a state where the light is scattered by the water within the water tank800.

The identification window722may be formed by simply opening the front surface part720. As necessary, the identification window722may be covered by a transparent material so that the inside of the water tank800is seen from the outside. For using the light within the water tank800as an indirect lighting, a specific color or pattern may be disposed on the transparent material of the identification window722.

When the light is irradiated into the water tank800by the lighting module670, the light irradiated into the water tank800may leak to the outside through the identification window722so that the inside of the water tank800may be identified, and also, the light is used as the indirect lighting such as a mood lamp.

For this, an opened transmission part734may be disposed on a side surface of the accommodation part730. The transmission part may be opened at a position corresponding to the lighting hole and the lighting module670in the state where the tank drawer710is closed. Thus, when the lighting module670operates, the light emitted from the lighting module670may be irradiated into the water tank800from one side of the water tank800via the lighting hole and the transmission part to light the inside of the water tank800.

A detection hole731for detecting a water level is opened in a rear surface of the accommodation part730. The detection hole731is opened in a shape corresponding to that of the full level detection part660. The full level or dangerous level within the water tank800may be easily detected through the detection hole731.

An upper extension part732and lower extension part733, which extend backward may be provided in a pair on both sides of the accommodation part730. The upper extension part732may extend upward from the accommodation part730, and the lower extension part733may extend backward from the lowest portion of the accommodation part730.

The upper extension part732may further extend backward from the lower extension part733. The rolling unit680may be mounted on an end of the upper extension part732, and the sub roller690may be mounted on a rear end of the lower extension part733so that the tank drawer710is inserted/withdrawn and tilted.

The rolling unit680may be disposed on a rear end of the upper extension part732and engaged with the gear part635of the main guide630. The rolling unit680includes a rolling gear681moving along the gear part635, a damper683for buffering a rotation rate and impact of the rolling gear681, and a main roller682contacting the upper part631of the main guide630.

The rolling gear681and the main roller682may respectively contact the lower part632and the upper part631to allow the tank drawer710to be inserted/withdrawn or tilted. The rolling gear681may move along the gear part635of the lower part632, and the main roller682may contact an inner circumferential surface of the upper part631to support the upper part631.

The water tank assembly700that is slidably inserted/withdrawn and tilted may not be vertically shaken, as wall as, the tank drawer710may not lean by the coupling between the gear part635and the rolling gear681. Thus, the water tank assembly700may be stably inserted or withdrawn.

The damper683is disposed on one side of the rolling gear681. When the rolling gear rotates, the damper683may reduce a rotation rate of the rolling gear681so that the tank drawer710stably rotates. An operation structure of the tank drawer710will be described below in more detail.

FIG. 18is a perspective view of the water tank that is one component of the dehumidifier. The water tank800may have a shape corresponding to an inner shape of the accommodation part730. The water tank800may include a lower transparent water collection part810and an upper water collection part cover820.

The water collection part810may be formed of a transparent acrylic or plastic material so that the inside of the water tank800is seen from the outside, and the water collection part810is easily molded. A floater accommodation part811for accommodating the floater830is disposed inside the water collection part810. The floater accommodation part811may be opened upward and define an independent space. The floater accommodation part811lengthily disposed in a vertical direction to secure a moving path of the floater830and maintain the same water level as the inside of the water tank800. The floater830is accommodated into the floater accommodation part811. The floater830may vertically move according to a water level.

The floater accommodation part811may be disposed at a position corresponding to the full level detection part660. A position of the floater830which includes a magnet therein and moves along the floater accommodation part811may be detected by a sensor of the full level detection part660. The opened top surface of the floater accommodation part811may be covered by the floater cover831to prevent the floater830from being lost and locate the floater830within the floater accommodation part811.

A pair of handle mounting part812is disposed within the water tank800. A tank handle840to be grasped by the user to move the water tank800may be disposed on the handle mounting part812. A mounting hole813lengthily defined in a vertical direction may be defined in the handle mounting part812.

A mounting protrusion841of the tank handle840has a structure that is inserted into the mounting hole813. The tank handle840may vertically move along the mounting hole813. When the user separates or move the water tank800, the tank handle840may be withdrawn upward. When the water tank800is mounted on the water drawer710, the tank handle840may move downward to insert the water handle840into the water collection part cover820.

The water collection part cover820may cover the opened top surface of the water collection part810. The water collection part cover820may include a cover part821covering the top surface of the water collection part810and an opening part822rotatably disposed on one side of the cover part821to open a portion of the top surface of the water collection part810. When the water filled into the water collection part810is discarded, the opening part822may rotate to discard the water within the water collection part810, or the water collection part cover may be separated to discard the water.

A handle hole823is defined in the water collection part cover820. The handle hole823may have a size corresponding to a horizontal size of the tank handle840to define a passage through which the tank handle840is inserted or withdrawn. The tank handle840may include a grasping part842to be grasped by the user and an extension part843extending downward from each of both ends of the grasping part842. A mounting protrusion841protruding inward may be disposed on a lower end of the extension part843. The mounting protrusion841may vertically move along the mounting hole813defined in the water collection part810.

When the tank handle840is not used, the tank handle840may move downward. In the state where the tank handle840is completely inserted, the tank handle840may be inserted so that a top surface of the tank handle840is disposed on the same plane as a top surface of the water collection part cover820.

A locker groove850recessed backward may be lengthily defined in a vertical direction in each of centers of the water collection part810and the water collection part cover820. When the water tank800is mounted, the locker724may be inserted into the locker groove850. The locker may be inserted into the locker groove850in the state where the water tank is mounted on the accommodation part730to prevent the water tank800from moving. When the water tank800is inserted or withdrawn, the locker724may move along the locker groove850.

Hereinafter, an operation of the dehumidifier having the above-described structure will be described. First, to operate the dehumidifier1, the user may locate the dehumidifier1in a space to be dehumidified. Since the dehumidifier1includes the wheel12on the bottom surface thereof and the handle40on both sides of the top surface thereof, the dehumidifier1may easily move even though the dehumidifier1has a large size.

The user may insert a hand thereof into the handle hole111defined in the top surface of the cover plate110to grasp the handle40through the space defined in a side of the side deco400, thereby stably moving the dehumidifier1.

When the dehumidifier1is placed on a specific position, the user manipulates the dehumidifier1to drive the dehumidifier1. As the dehumidifier1is manipulated, the compressor20and the motor530operate, and the louver130rotates to expose the discharge hole131to the outside.

As the compressor operates, the refrigerant flows through a refrigerant cycle. The compressor may discharge a high-temperature high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator31may be cooled by low-temperature cool air introduced into the evaporator31via the expansion unit. The refrigerant that is heat-exchanged with the external air in the evaporator31to changes in phase may flow toward the condenser32. The refrigerant may be heat-exchanged again in the condenser32to return to the compressor210. Thus, the evaporator may be continuously cooled, and the condenser32may be heated due to the above-described refrigerant cycle.

The blowing fan540may rotate by the operation of the motor530. Since the blowing fan540rotates, air of an indoor space in which the dehumidifier1is disposed may be forcibly suctioned into the dehumidifier1through the suction hole331. The suctioned air may pass through the evaporator31. While the air passes through the evaporator31, moisture contained in the air may be condensed while being heat-exchanged with the evaporator31to flow along the evaporator31. The air passing through the evaporator31may pass through the condenser32. The air heated by the condenser32may change into dried air and then be introduced into the orifice521. The air introduced into the orifice521may flow along the inner wall of the housing case510by the blowing fan540and be discharged again into the indoor space through the louver130.

This process may be repeatedly performed until the humidity of the indoor space reaches a preset humidity or according to the user's set. Generated condensed water of the evaporator31may be introduced into the water tank800through the drain passage621defined in the horizontal part620of the frame600. The condensed water introduced into the water tank800may be collected into the water collection part810. The condensed water may be continuously collected until reaching a preset water level.

When an amount of water collected into the water tank800increases to reach the preset water level, the floater830may move upward. When a position of the floater830is detected by the water level sensor661, the full level state may be informed by using the display part152so that the user discards the water within the water tank800. When a position of the floater830is detected by the safety sensor662, the operation of the dehumidifier1may be stopped to prevent the water within the water tank800from overflowing.

The lighting module670may operate by the user's manipulation or set during the operation of the dehumidifier1. When the lighting module670operates, the water tank800may emit light such as an indirect lighting so that the water level of the water collected into the water tank800is easily identified from the outside.

FIG. 19is a side view of the dehumidifier before the water tank assembly is withdrawn. Before the dehumidifier1normally operates to reach the full level of the water tank800, the tank drawer710may be maintained in the closed state. In the tank drawer710is closed, the front surface of the tank drawer710may be disposed on the same plane as the front case200to realize a sense of unity.

In this state, the rolling unit680may be disposed at the rearmost position of the main guide630, and the sub roller690may also be disposed at the rearmost position of the sub guide640. In the state where the locker724is inserted into the latch650, the tank drawer710may be maintained in the closed state by the restriction between the locker724and the latch650.

FIG. 20is a side view of the dehumidifier in the state where the water tank assembly is withdrawn.FIG. 21is a side view of the guide assembly in the state where the water tank assembly is withdrawn. The tank drawer710may be slidably withdrawn forward till the state ofFIGS. 20 and 21.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, to discard the water within the water tank800, the user may push an upper portion of the tank drawer710backward and then release the pushing of the upper portion of the tank drawer710that is disposed to correspond to the locker724to release the restriction between the latch650and the locker724.

When the restriction between the latch650and the locker724is released, the rolling gear681of the rolling unit680may rotate while moving along the gear part635disposed on the main guide630. Here, since the rolling gear681moves along the downward tilted part633that is tilted downward, the tank drawer710in which the water tank800is accommodated may be automatically withdrawn by a self-weight thereof.

The damper683interlocked with the rolling gear681may prevent the rotation rate of the rolling gear681from significantly increasing so that the tank drawer710is withdrawn forward at a range of a constant rate. The main roller682may rolled along the upper part631in the state where the main roller682contacts the upper part631of the main guide630to prevent the tank drawer710from vertically moving so that the rolling gear681stably moves along the gear part635while the tank drawer710is withdrawn. The sub roller690may rolled along the sub guide640to move along the downward tilt of the withdrawal part641of the sub guide640.

FIG. 22is a side view of the dehumidifier in a state where the water tank assembly is tilted after being withdrawn.FIG. 23is a side view of the guide assembly in the state where the water tank assembly is tilted after being withdrawn. The tank drawer710may move forward at the maximum rate at a time point at which the rolling gear681gets out of the downward tilt. Then, the rolling gear681may move along the upward tilted part634due to an inertia that moves forward.

The rolling gear681may move in the state where the rolling gear681is continuously coupled to the gear part635of the upward tilted part634. The moving rate of the rolling gear681may gradually decrease due to the upward tilt of the upward tilted part634. Here, the main roller682may be rolled along the upper part631in the state where the main roller682continuously contacts the upper part631to prevent the rolling gear681from being separated. While the rolling gear681moves, the sub roller690may be inserted into the tilting part642and rolled. The moving distance of the tilting part642may be relatively shorter than that of the upward tilted part634.

The tank drawer710may be supported by the base roller13disposed on the base pan11. When the tank drawer710is maximally withdrawn, the weight center may be defined at a front side of a position of the tank drawer710that is supported by the base roller to generate a moment. The tank drawer710may be tilted while smoothly rotating.

Here, the rolling unit680and the sub roller690may guide the tilting of the tank drawer710while moving along the main guide630and the sub guide640. Also, the tank drawer710may be tilted to completely expose the opened top surface of the accommodation part730upward. When the tank drawer710is completely tilted, the states ofFIGS. 17 and 18may become. Here, the rolling unit680and the sub roller690may be disposed at the foremost positions of the main guide630and the sub guide640, respectively.

FIG. 24is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the water tank is separated from the water tank assembly. When the tank drawer710is completely tilted, the water tank800may be withdrawn from the accommodation part730. Then, the water tank800may be separated from the accommodation part730, and the opening part822of the water tank800may rotate to discard the water within the water tank800. To easily separate and move the water tank800, the tank handle840may be withdrawn upward. Thus, the user may separate or move the water tank800while grasping the tank handle840.

In the dehumidifier according to the embodiment, the handle that is recessed from the top surface of the main body of the dehumidifier may be provided to allow the user to easily move the dehumidifier. Particularly, even though the dehumidifier is heavy or has a high height, the dehumidifier may stably move.

The structure of the handle may act together with the wheel disposed on the bottom surface to more easily move the dehumidifier.

Also, since the handle has the recessed top surface, and the recessed portion is opened toward the left and right sides of the main body, the user may smoothly grasp the opened portion. Thus, the handle that does not protrude to the outside may be provided by using the external component of the dehumidifier to more improve the outer appearance of the dehumidifier.

In addition, since the handle is formed by coupling the members defining the outer appearance to each other, the manufacturing costs and the number of processes may be reduced.

Embodiments provide a dehumidifier in which a handle that is recessed inward from a top surface of a main body to open both side surfaces thereof is disposed to stably move the main body of the dehumidifier without deteriorating an outer appearance of the dehumidifier.

In one embodiment, a dehumidifier includes: a top cover assembly defining a top surface of a main body; a handle hole opened at each of both left and right sides of the top cover assembly; and a side deco coupled to the top cover assembly to define at least a portion of each of both left and right surfaces of the main body, wherein a handle connected to the handle hole and having an opening that is opened through a side surface of the main body to allow a user to grasp the handle is disposed on an upper end of the side deco.

The side deco may include: a deco member defining an outer appearance of each of both side surfaces of the main body; and a handle member coupled to the deco member to define the opening.

Both ends of the handle member may be coupled to both ends of each of the deco members, and the rest portions of the handle member except for both ends of the handle member may be spaced apart from the deco member.

A round part that contacts a hand of the user and is rounded with a predetermined curvature may be disposed on an inner side surface of the handle member.

The handle member may be covered by a front case and rear case which define outer appearances of front and rear surfaces of the main body.

A handle support supporting the front and rear cases may be further disposed on the handle member.

A handle fixing part protruding so that a screw coupled to the top cover assembly passes therethrough may be further disposed on an outer surface of the handle member.

Upper portions of the pair of deco members disposed on both left and right sides may be gradually closer to each other upward.

A frame supporting a heat exchange module that is heat-exchanged with suctioned air may be disposed inside the main body, and a seating rib protruding and seated on the frame may be further disposed on a back surface of the side deco.

A lower end of the handle hole and an upper end of the side deco may be stepped to match each other.

The side deco may be disposed between the front and rear cases that define outer appearances of front and rear surfaces of the main body to define an outer appearance of each of both side surfaces of the main body.

The side deco may contact and support a bottom surface of the top cover assembly and front and rear cases that define outer appearances of front and rear surfaces of the main body.

The side deco may be disposed between front and rear cases that define outer appearances of front and rear surfaces of the main body, and an upper portion of the side deco defining the handle may be covered by front and rear extension parts that respectively extend from the front and rear cases.

In another embodiment, a dehumidifier includes: a main body in which a compressor, a heat exchange module, and a fan are accommodated; a top cover assembly disposed on a top surface of the main body, the top cover assembly having a handle hole of which both left and right sides are opened; a side deco disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the main body, the side deco having an upper portion that is rounded toward the handle hole; front and rear cases respectively disposed on both sides of the side deco to define front and rear surfaces of the main body; and front and rear extension parts respectively extending from upper ends of the front and rear cases, the front and rear extension parts being connected to each other to cover the upper portion of the side deco, wherein the handle hole, the upper end of the side deco, and the front and rear extension parts are coupled to each other to define a handle to be grasped by a user.

In further another embodiment, a dehumidifier includes: a main body including a heat exchange module, a compressor supplying a high-temperature high-pressure compression refrigerant to the heat exchange module, and a fan motor forcibly blowing air passing through the heat exchange module; a cover plate defining a top surface of the main body; and a handle is defined by connecting an opening of each of both left and right surfaces of the cover plate to an opening of an upper portion of each of both left and right surfaces of the main body and is grasped by a user to move the main body.