Patent Publication Number: US-7909922-B2

Title: Dehumidifier

Description:
This application is a national phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2006/004346, filed Oct. 24, 2006, and claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0100257, filed Oct. 24, 2005 and Korean Patent Application 10-2006-007324, filed Jan. 24, 2006; each of the above-identified applications is incorporated by reference hereto in their entireties. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a dehumidifier, and more particularly, to a dehumidifier that can detect an amount of condensed water stored in a bucket. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Generally, a dehumidifier is an apparatus for sucking indoor humid air into a cabinet, removing moisture from the humid air by allowing the humid air to pass through a heat exchanger having a condenser and a vaporizer along which refrigerants flow, then discharging the air from which the moisture is removed to an indoor room. 
     The humidifier includes a cabinet defining an outer appearance, a compressor installed in the cabinet and compressing refrigerants, a condenser for condensing the refrigerants compressed by the compressor by heat-exchanging the refrigerants with air, an expansion valve for expanding refrigerants condensed by the condenser, and a vaporizer for vaporizing the refrigerants expanded by the expansion valve by heat-exchanging the refrigerants with air, and a blower fan for forcedly directing the air into the cabinet. 
     With the above structure of the conventional dehumidifier, when the blower fan operates, the indoor air is sucked into the cabinet. The sucked air passes through the vaporizer. Then, the moisture contained in the air is condensed on a surface of the vaporizer, thereby removing the moisture from the indoor air. Then, the air whose moisture is removed is discharged out of the cabinet. During this process, the condenser water is stored in a bucket disposed in the cabinet and the user periodically empties the bucket. 
     However, in the conventional dehumidifier, the user has to identify by himself/herself an amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket. 
     If the user cannot identify the bucket fully filled with the condensed water or if the user cannot quickly empty the bucket fully filled with the condensed water, the condensed water stored in the bucket may overflow. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a dehumidifier that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier that can detect an amount of level of the condensed water stored in a bucket. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier that can allow the user to empty a bucket in advance the bucket is fully filled with the water by letting a user to visually identify the water level of the condensed water filled in the bucket. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier having a bucket that can be easily handled so that the user can easily empty the bucket. 
     Technical Solution 
     Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a dehumidifier including: a cabinet defining an outer appearance; a barrier installed in the cabinet to collect condensed water removed from air; a bucket assembly for storing the condensed water directed from the barrier; and a condensed water detecting unit for detecting an amount or level of the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dehumidifier including: a base defining a bottom of the dehumidifier; a barrier installed on the base to collect condensed water removed from air; a bucket assembly for storing the condensed water directed from the barrier; a weight detecting unit for detecting an amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly; and a display unit for displaying an amount or level of the condensed water, which is detected by the weight detecting unit. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dehumidifier including: a base defining a bottom of the dehumidifier; a barrier installed on the base to collect condensed water removed from air; a bucket assembly for storing the condensed water directed from the barrier; a level detecting unit for detecting a water level of the bucket assembly by contacting the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly; and a display unit for displaying the water level detected by the water level detecting unit. 
     ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS 
     According to the present invention, since an amount or level of the condensed water stored in the bucket by a level detecting unit or a weight detecting unit and a detected result is displayed on the display unit, the user can easily identify the amount or level of the condensed water stored in the bucket. 
     In addition, since the level of the condensed water stored in the bucket is visually transmitted to the user, the user can remove the condensed water out of the bucket before the bucket is fully filled with the condensed water. 
     Furthermore, since the weight detecting unit is installed on a bucket guide or a base to which load of the condensed water is directly transmitted, the measuring error can be minimized. 
     In addition, since the rotation of the floater connected to the bucket by a hinge is detected by a detecting unit installed on a barrier, an amount of the condensed water can be accurately detected. 
     Meanwhile, since the bucket assembly storing the condensed water is designed to pivot frontward of the barrier, the drain of the condensed water can be easily realized. 
     Furthermore, since a lower portion of the bucket assembly is designed to pivot, the user can separate the bucket assembly by one motion. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a bucket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a partly cut, perspective view of an operation state of a weight detecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a front panel assembly displaying a weight of condensed water according to the operation of the weight detecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a water level detecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the water level detecting unit of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a view illustrating an operation state of the water level detecting unit of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an operational view for illustrating a separating process of the bucket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an operational view for illustrating a separating process of the filter assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating an operation of the dehumidifier of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a bucket assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a weight detecting unit; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of a bucket assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a weight detecting unit; 
         FIG. 16  is a view illustrating an operation of a level detecting unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a view illustrating a level detecting unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a humidifier of the present invention includes a cabinet  60  defining an outer appearance, a compressor  10  installed in the cabinet  60  and compressing refrigerants, a condenser  20  for condensing the refrigerants compressed by the compressor by heat-exchanging the refrigerants with air, an expansion valve  30  for expanding refrigerants condensed by the condenser  20 , and a vaporizer  40  for vaporizing the refrigerants expanded by the expansion valve  30  by heat-exchanging the refrigerants with air, and a blower fan assembly  50  for forcedly directing the air into the cabinet. 
     The dehumidifier of the present invention further includes a base  70  formed a bottom of the cabinet  60 , a barrier  80  vertically installed on the base  70  and dividing the base into front and rear portions, a bucket assembly  90  installed on the barrier  80  to store the condensed water condensed on a surface of the vaporizer, and a filter assembly installed on an upper portion of the barrier  80  to filtering off foreign off foreign objects contained in air introduced into the cabinet  60  and directed to the blower fan assembly  50 . 
     Describing in more detail, wheels  71  are installed on a bottom of the base  70  and the barrier  80  is installed on the base  70 . With reference to the barrier  80 , the bucket assembly  90  is installed on the front portion of the base  70  and the compressor  10  is installed on the rear portion of the base  70 . 
     In addition, the filter assembly, vaporizer  40 , condenser  20 , and blower fan assembly  50  are installed o the barrier  80  from the front portion to the rear portion in this order. 
     Here, the vaporizer  40  and the condenser  20  are spaced apart from each other and integrally coupled to each other. In order for the condensed water condensed by the vaporizer  40  to be effectively collected at the barrier  80 , a drain pan  83  is formed on a top surface of the barrier  80 . The vaporizer  40  and the condenser  20  are mounted on the drain pan  83 . 
     Furthermore, an installation unit  84  formed at a higher location that the drain pan  83  is formed on the top surface of the barrier  80  and the blower fan assembly  50  is mounted on the installation unit  84 . 
     The blower fan assembly  50  includes a housing  52  installed on the barrier  80 , a centrifugal pan  54  installed in the housing  52 , a driving motor  55  for driving the centrifugal pan  54 , and a housing cover  56  assembled with the housing g 52  to guide air discharged from the centrifugal pan  54 . 
     The housing  52  is provided with an air inlet  52   a  through which the air is sucked. The air accelerated by the centrifugal pan  54  after passing through the air inlet  52   a  is guided upward by the housing  52  and the housing cover  56 . 
     The housing  52  divides an interior of the cabinet into front and rear portions so that the air introduced from the interior room can be directed to the centrifugal pan  54  through only an air inlet  52   a.    
     Furthermore, the vaporizer/condenser  40 / 20  and the housing  52  are assembled with each other, and a control box  130  for controlling the humidifier is installed above the vaporizer/condenser  40 / 50  and the housing  5 . 
     Meanwhile, the cabinet  62  includes a side panel  62  defining a side appearance, a rear panel  65  defining a rear appearance, a top panel  68  defining a top appearance, and a front panel assembly  140  defining a front appearance. 
     The side panel  62  is provided with an inlet through which the air is introduced. The rear and front panels  65  and  68  are provided with respective air outlet  66  and  68   a  through which the air is discharged. 
     A louver  64  for controlling an induction direction of the air is installed in the inlet  63  of the side panel  62  and louvers  67  and  69  for controlling a discharging direction of the air are installed in the respective outlets  66  and  68   a  of the top panel  68 . 
     Here, the louvers  64  and  67  installed on the respective side and rear panels  62  and  66  are designed to be adjusted by a user. The louver  69  installed on the panel  68  is designed to be controlled by a controller or the user. 
     At this point, the louver  69  is connected to the top panel  68  by a fin  69   a  so that it can pivot upward and downward. A motor (not shown) or a power transmission mechanism (not shown) may be installed on the top panel  67  so that the louver  69  can pivot by the control unit. 
     Meanwhile, the front panel assembly  140  includes a front frame  142  connected to the side panel  62  to pivot frontward, and a front panel  144  installed on a front surface of the front frame  142  so that it can be exposed to the user. 
     The peripheries of the front panel  144  and the front frame  142  are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the indoor air can be introduced into the cabinet  60  through a gap formed between the peripheries of the front panel  144  and the front frame  142 . 
     A panel guide  146  is interposed between the front panel  144  and the front frame  142  at upper and lower ends. 
     In order for the air flows toward the filter assembly disposed in rear of the front frame  142 , the front frame  142  is provided with a plurality of holes  142   a  and slits  142   b.    
     Furthermore, a bracket  145  is installed on an edge of the front frame  142  so that the front frame  142  can be connected to the side panel  62  by a hinge. The bracket  145  is formed at each of upper and lower ends of the side edge of the side panel  62  so that the front panel assembly  140  can be opened and closed in a hinge motion. 
     The following will describe the bucket assembly  90  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the bucket assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the bucket assembly  90  of this embodiment includes a bucket guide  92  hingedly connected to the base  70  to pivot frontward and a bucket  94  storing the condensed water and pivoting frontward together with the bucket guide  92 . 
     That is, a pin-shaped hinge  92   a  protrudes from both ends of the bucket guide  92  and is coupled to the bracket  74  of the base  70 . Therefore, the bucket guide  92  can pivot about the hinge  92   a.    
     The bucket guide  92  includes first and second guide units  93   a  and  93   b  protruding upward to guide the accurate seating of the bucket  94 . 
     Here, the first guide unit  93   a  is aligned with a groove  94   a  formed on a front-lower end of the bucket  94  and the second guide unit  93   b  is aligned with a groove  94   b  formed on a rear surface of the bucket  94 . 
     The guide units  93   a  and  93   b  allows a water collecting hole ( 83   c  of  FIG. 5 ) of the barrier  80  to be accurately aligned with an inflow hole  94   c  of the bucket  94 . 
     In addition, a handle  95  is formed on an upper end of the bucket  94  so that the user uses the handle  95  when he/she intends to lift the bucket  94 . 
     Therefore, when the user pulls frontward the handle  95  of the bucket  94 , an upper end of the bucket  92   a  is pivoted frontward about the hinge  92   a . Then, after the upper end of the bucket  94  moves out of a receiving portion ( 81  of  FIG. 5 ) of the barrier  80 , the user lifts the bucket  94  so that the bucket  94  can be completely separated from the bucket guide  92 . 
     Here, although now shown in the drawing, the bucket guide  92  may be installed to be hingedly coupled to the barrier. 
     Meanwhile, a weight detecting unit  150  for detecting the weight of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  is installed on a lower portion of the bucket  94 . 
     That is, the weight detecting unit  150  includes a load cell that is a kind of weight detecting sensors. The load cell  152  is installed on a lower portion of the bucket guide  92 . 
     The bucket guide  92  is provided with a flexible member  154  for transmitting the load to the load cell  152 . The bucket  94  is provided with a protruding portion  96  protruding downward. Therefore, as the flexible member  154  is bent downward by being pressed by the protruding portion  96  of the bucket  94 , the load is transmitted to the load cell  154 . 
     Here, the flexible member  154  is integrally formed with the bucket guide  92  and has a first end  154   a  having a flat surface placed on a plane identical to the top surface of the bucket guide  92 . When the flexible member  154  is pressed by the protruding portion  96 , it is bent as a second of the flexible member  154  moves upward and downward. 
     In addition, the flexible member  154  has an area larger than the protruding portion  96  so that it can effectively contact the protruding portion  96 . 
     Particularly, the flexible member  154  is provided to reduce the rigidity thereof so that it can largely bent according to the load of the bucket  94 . A rib  156  is formed on an inner surface of the flexible member  154  to provide proper elastic force to the flexible member  154 . 
     In addition, the hole  155  and rib  156  can provide a thickness reduction effect for easily forming the shape of the flexible member  154  during the manufacture of the bucket guide  92 . 
     Here, the load cell  152  is a device that can numerically display the weight. That is, when the load is applied, the road cell  152  detects deformation generated while contraction and expansion by the load as an electric signal and transmits the electric signal. Therefore, the load cell  152  detects the load applied from the flexible member  154  and transmits a data value to the control unit. The control unit calculates the data value to convert the same into weight unit. 
     Here, a location alignment of the flexible member  154  and the protruding portion  96  is realized by the guide units  93   a  and  93   b  formed on the bucket guide  92  and the grooves  94   a  and  94   b  of the bucket  94 . 
     Meanwhile, a water level detecting unit ( 110  of  FIG. 2 ) may be further installed on the bucket assembly  90  to detect the water level of the bucket  94 . The water level detecting unit  110  will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings later. 
       FIG. 4  is a partly cut, perspective view of an operation state of the weight detecting unit and  FIG. 5  is a front view of the front panel assembly displaying a weight of condensed water. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the condensed water collected through the drain pan  83  is stored in the bucket  94 . As an amount of the condensed water increases, the weight (load) of the bucket  94  increases. 
     As described above, when the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  increases, the protrusion portion  96  of the bucket  94  transmits the load of the bucket  94  and the condensed water via the flexible member  154 . Then, the flexible member  154  is bent downward to transmit the load to the load cell  152  and the load cell  152  transmits the data value to the control unit according to the load transmitted through the flexible member  154 . 
     Then, the control unit calculates the data value transmitted through the load cell  152  to calculate the weight of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94 . Then, the water level of the bucket  94  is calculated according to the calculated weight of the condensed water. The calculated water level is displayed on the display unit  135 . 
     Then, the user can identify the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  through the graph or number displayed on the display unit  135 . 
     Since the user identifies the water level in advance, the user can empty the bucket  94  storing the condensed water, when, for example, he or she intends to leave home for a long time. Therefore, a case where the dehumidifier is not operated due to the bucket fully filled with the condensed water can be prevented. 
     Meanwhile, the display unit  135  turns on LEDs  135  divided into a predetermined number of levels according to the weight of the condensed water so that the user can identify the water level of the bucket  94 . 
     Alternatively, the display unit  135  can display the water level of the bucket  94  as a percent-unit with reference to 100% (representing that the bucket  94  is fully filled with). 
     In addition, the control unit calculates a time taken for fully filling the bucket  94  with the condensed water by calculating a storing speed of the condensed water in the bucket  94  and displays the time taken for fully filling the bucket  94  with the condensed water from now. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the barrier of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the barrier  80  of this embodiment includes a receiving portion  81  for receiving the bucket assembly  90 , a drain pan  83  formed on an upper portion to collect the condensed water, an installation portion  84  formed in rear of the drain pan  83  to support the blower fan assembly  50 . 
     That is, a water collection hole  83   c  through which the condensed water collected in the drain pan  83  is directed to the inflow hole  94   c  of the bucket  94 . Here, the water collection hole  83   c  is formed at a location corresponding to the inflow hole  94   c  of the bucket  83 . 
     In addition, the drain pan  83   c  is provided with a plurality of ribs  82  for guiding the condensed water collected in the drain pan  83  to the water collecting hole  83   c.    
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the water level detecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the water level detecting unit,  FIG. 9  is a view illustrating an operation state of the water level detecting unit. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 through 9 , the water level detecting unit  110  according to this embodiment includes a floater  112  moving in response to the water level of the bucket  94 , a holder hingedly connected to the floater  112 , a gauge rotating by a predetermined angle in response to the movement of the floater  112 , a detecting unit  115  for detecting a position signal of the gauge  114  and transmitting the detected position signal to the control body  130 , and an elastic member biasing the gauge  114  to the floater  112 . 
     The bucket  94  is provided at an upper portion with a hole ( 94   d  of  FIG. 3 ) in which the floater  112  is inserted. The floater  112  is provided with a hinge shaft  112   a  inserted in the hinge hole  98   a.    
     Therefore, the floater  112  disposed in the bucket  94  moves upward downward while pivoting by a predetermined angle by the condensed water. 
     Meanwhile, the floater  112  has a first end  113   a  contacting the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  and a second end  113   b  exposed out of the bucket  94  and contacting the gate  114 . 
     Particularly, the second end  113   b  of the floater  112  moves upward when a relatively small amount of condensed water is stored in the bucket  94  and moves downward when a relatively large amount of the condensed water is filled in the bucket while pivoting about a hinge haft  112   a , thereby pivoting the gauge  114  pivot. 
     Therefore, the gauge  114  and the detecting unit  115  that rotate in response to the movement of the floater  112  are separated from the bucket  94 . In this embodiment, the detecting unit  115  and the gauge  114  are installed on the barrier  80 . 
     Electronic components for detecting the rotational angle of the gauge  114  are installed in the detecting unit  115 . The gauge  114  is rotatably installed on the detecting unit  115  and the elastic member (not shown) is installed on the rotational shaft  117  of the gauge  114  to support the gauge  114 . 
     Here, the gauge  114  has a first end  114   b  contacting the floater  112  and a second end  114   a  contacting one of electrodes  115   a  of the detecting unit  115 . 
     Especially, since the gauge  114  rotates about the rotational shaft  117 , the rotational angle of the second end  114   a  rotating about the rotational shaft  117  can be increased even when the amount of the movement of the floater  112  is small. 
     In addition, the detecting unit  115  is provided to detect the rotational angle of the gauge  114  rotating in response to an amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94 . That is, the detecting unit  115  transmits a signal corresponding to the amount of the condensed water to the control box  130  in response to the current generated by the contacting of the second end  114   a  of the gauge  114  with the electrode  115   a  installed on the detecting unit  115 . 
     Therefore, the detecting unit  115  is connected to the control box  130  through an electric wire (not shown). 
     In addition, although not shown in the drawing, an electrode is formed on the rotational shaft  117  installed on the gauge  114  so that the amount of the condensed water can be indirectly measured as the rotational shaft rotates. 
     In addition, a torsion spring is installed on the rotational shaft  117  to bias the gauge  114  pushed by the floater  112 , thereby preventing the gauge  114  from being excessively pushed by the floater  112  and thus improving the measurement accuracy of the condensed water. 
     Here, in order for the elastic member to be effectively compressed by the second end  113   b  of the floater  112 , it is preferable that the elastic force of the elastic force of the elastic member is less than the buoyancy generated by the floater  112 . 
     The following will describe the operation of the water level detecting unit  110 . 
     First, the condensed water condensed by the vaporizer and collected in the drain pan  83  is directed into the bucket  94  through the water collection hole  83   c  of the drain pan  83 . 
     Here, since the water level of the bucket  94  cannot be measured before a pre-determined amount of condensed water is stored in the bucket  94 . Therefore, before a predetermined amount of condensed water is stored in the bucket  94 , the water level of the bucket  94  is detected by the weight detecting unit  150 . 
     When the bucket  94  is filled with the condensed water above a predetermined level, the floater  112  installed in the bucket  94  floats by the condensed water while pivoting about the hinge shaft  112   a.    
     The second end  113   b  of the floater  112 , which is positioned out of the bucket  94  contacts the gauge  114  to rotate the gauge  114  counterclockwise and the detecting unit  115  connected to the gauge  114  detects the rotational angle of the gauge  114  and transmits the detected signal to the control body  130 . 
     Here, since the rotational angle of the gauge  114  increases in proportion to the ascended height of the floater  112 , the water level detecting unit  110  transmits an actually measured water level rather than a test value to the control body  130 . Then, the control body  130  turns on the LEDs (not shown) of the display unit  135  to let the user know the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94 . In addition, when the condensed water is stored in the bucket  94  above a predetermined water level, the water level detecting unit  110  detects this and transmits the detected signal to the control unit. Then, the control unit stops the operation of the compressor  10  to prevent the condensed water from overflowing the bucket  94 . 
     Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the detecting unit  115  of the water level detecting unit  110  or the gauge  114  may be installed to control the power applied from the control body  130  to the compressor  10 . 
     That is, a switch (not shown) may be installed on the gauge  114  or the rotational shaft  117  installed on the gauge  114 . When the rotational angle of the gauge  114  is an angle corresponding to a case where the bucket  94  is fully filled with the condensed water, the gauge  114  or the rotational shaft  117  operates the switch to directly cut off the power applied from the control box  130  to the compressor  10 . 
     The following will describe the separating process of the bucket assembly  90 . 
       FIG. 10  is an operational view for illustrating a separating process of the bucket assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the user opens the front panel assembly  140  to empty the bucket  94  storing the condensed water. Then, the front panel assembly  140  rotates about the bracket  145  of the side panel  62  to open the cabinet  60 . 
     In addition, the user pulls the handle  95  of the bucket  94  to separate the bucket  94  from the barrier  80 . 
     That is, since the bucket  94  is disposed on the bucket guide  92  and the bucket guide  92  rotates in a state where the hinge  92   a  is connected to the barrier  80 , the upper end of the bucket  94  pivots frontward by the user pulling the bucket  94 . 
     As described above, as the user pulls the handle  95  of the bucket  94 , the upper end of the bucket  94  is partly removed out of the barrier  80  to a location where the user can effectively lift the bucket  94 . That is, when the user lifts the handle  95 , the lower end of the bucket  94  is separated from the bucket guide  92 . 
     Therefore, since the bucket  94  can be separated by the user grasping the handle at once, the separation of the bucket  94  can be conveniently realized. 
     Meanwhile, since the assembling of the bucket  94  is done in a reverse order, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly and  FIG. 12  is an operational view for illustrating a separating process of the filter assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the filter assembly  120  of this embodiment includes a filter frame  122  assembled on the vaporizer  40 , a filter case  124  coupled to the filter frame and being capable of pivoting frontward, and a fixing member  126  for fixing the filter case  124  to the filter frame  122 . 
     A filter  128  for filtering off foreign objects contained in the air introduced into the humidifier is slidably installed in the filter case  124 . The filter case  124  is pivotally assembled on a lower end of the filter frame  122 . 
     The lower end of the filter case  124  is connected to the lower end of the filter frame  122  by a hinge  124   a . The filter case  124  is opened while pivoting frontward about the hinge  124   a.    
     Here, an elastic member such as a torsion spring is installed on the hinge  124   a  so that the filter case  124  pivots forward when the filter case  124  is separated from the filter frame  122 . 
     In addition, a sliding guide  124   b  is formed on a rear surface of the filter case  124  so that the filter  128  can be slidably mounted in a longitudinal direction. Here, the sliding guide  124   b  is lengthily formed on upper and lower portions of a rear surface of the filter case  124  in a horizontal direction so that the filter  128  can be mounted in or removed from the filter case  124  through a sliding motion. 
     Meanwhile, the fixing member  126  is installed on the filter frame  122  and the filter case  124  is provided at an upper end with a hook  127  corresponding to the fixing member  126 . 
     Here, the hook  127  is hooked and fixed on the fixing member  126  to fix the filter case  124  to the filter frame  122 . This hooking of the fixing member  126  can be realized in a one-though type. 
     The separating and coupling of the filter assembly  120  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . The user opens the front panel assembly  140  and separates the filter case  124  from the filter frame  122 . 
     In a state where the filter case  124  is coupled to the filter frame  122 , an upper end of the filter case  124  is pressed. Then, the hook  127  is pushed rearward of the fixing member  126  and returned to release the hook fixing state. Therefore, the upper end of the filter case  124  pivots frontward. Then, the filter  128  received in the filter case  124  gets out of the filter case  124 . 
     Meanwhile, when it is intended to couple the filter assembly  120 , the filter  128  is inserted in the filter case  124  through the sliding motion. Next, the upper end of the filter case  124  is pushed toward the filter frame  122 . Then, the hook  127  is inserted into the fixing member  126  and then hooked and fixed while being pushed by a pre-determined distance frontward. 
     The following will describe the operation of the humidifier of this embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a view illustrating an operation of the dehumidifier of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , when electric power is applied to the dehumidifier, the control unit installed in the control box  130  applies the power to the blower fan assembly  50  to introduce the indoor air into the cabinet  60  and discharge the introduced air to the room. 
     At this point, the indoor air is introduced through the air inlet  63  formed in the side panel  62 , and the hole  142   a  and slit  142   b  formed in the front frame  142 . The introduced air flows to the filter assembly  120  to filter off the foreign objects contained in the air. 
     Here, the foreign objects of the indoor air passing through the filter assembly  120  are filtered while the air passes through the filter  128 . The air passing through the filter  128  is heat-exchanged with the vaporizer  40  after passing through the filter frame  122 . 
     The filtered air heat-exchanges with discharge fins (not shown) formed on the vaporizer  40  and is thus cooled, in the course of which the moisture contained in the air is condensed on the surface of the vaporizer  40 . The condensed water on the vaporizer  40  is collected in the drain pan  83  disposed on a lower portion of the vaporizer  40 . 
     In addition, the air cooled while passing through the vaporizer is further heat-exchanged with the condenser  20  installed in rear of the vaporizer  40  to be heated again. 
     Here, since the condenser  20  emits heat during the condensing process of the vaporized refrigerants, the air from which the moisture is removed is heated to a temperature similar to that of the indoor air during the heat-exchanging process of the condenser  20 . 
     After then, the air passing through the condenser  20  is guided to the housing  52  of the blower fan assembly  50 . Then, the air guided into the housing  52  is accelerated by the centrifugal fan  54  installed in the housing  52  to be discharged to the room in a circumferential direction. 
     As described above, the dehumidifier of this embodiment sucks the air through the front and side surfaces and discharges the air through the top and rear surfaces. Therefore, the air can be directed in an every direction of the room in which the dehumidifier is installed. 
     Meanwhile, the control unit controls the air discharging direction and an amount of the air discharged by adjusting the rotational angle of the louver  69 . Therefore, when the air is discharged upper-frontward of the cabinet  60 , the louver  69  rotates rearward from the closed state to form the discharge hole frontward. When the air is discharged upper-rearward of the cabinet, the louver  69  rotates frontward from the closed state to form the discharge hole rearward. 
     Meanwhile, the condensed water condensed on the vaporizer  40  and collected in the drain fan  83  flows into the bucket  94  through the water collecting hole  83   c  of the drain fan  83 . 
     An amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  is detected by the water level detecting unit  110  or the weight detecting unit  150 . The control unit displays the amount of the condensed water in response to the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94 . 
     That is, the weight detecting unit  150  measures the weight of the condensed water and calculate the water level of the bucket  94  using a test formula. The water level is displayed on the display unit  135  so that the user can identify the water level. When the bucket  94  is fully filled with the condensed water, the LEDs (not shown) of the display unit  135  are turned on so as to let the user to know the water discharging timing. 
     Furthermore, when the condensed water is filled in the bucket above a pre-determined level, the water level detecting unit  110  detects this and transmits the same to the control unit. Then, the control unit stops the operation of the compressor  10  to prevent the condensed water from overflowing the bucket  94 . 
     Here, when the condensed water is filled in the bucket below a predetermined level, the amount of the condensed water will be detected by the weight detecting unit  150 . When the condensed water is filled in the bucket above the predetermined level, the amount of the condensed water will be detected by both of the weight detecting unit  150  and the water level detecting unit  110 . 
     At this point, when the amount of the condensed water is detected by both of the weight detecting unit  150  and the water level detecting unit  110 , the control unit can compares the amounts detected by the respective weight detecting unit  150  and the water level detecting unit  110 . Therefore, the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket  94  can be accurately detected. 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a bucket assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a weight detecting unit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a weight detecting unit  250  of this embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment except that the flexible member is omitted but only the load cell  252  is installed. 
     Here, the load cell  252  is installed on a top surface of the bucket guide  92  to directly contact the protrusion  96  of the bucket  94 . 
     Since the operation of the weight detecting unit of the second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of a bucket assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a weight detecting unit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , this embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that a bucket of a bucket assembly and a bucket guide are integrally formed and a weight detecting unit  350  is installed on the base of the cabinet. 
     Here, since the bucket and bucket guide are integrally formed, a hinge  392  is formed on both sides of the lower end the bucket assembly  390  so that the bucket assembly pivots frontward. 
     The bucket assembly  390  is installed on an inner surface of the barrier  80  and is provided with a groove  382  defining a moving path of the bucket assembly  390 . The hinge  392  is installed in the groove  282 . 
     Therefore, the bucket assembly  390  pivots in a state where it seats on the groove  382 . When the user intends to separate the bucket assembly  390 , the bucket assembly  390  is separated from the barrier  80  while sliding frontward along the groove  382 . 
     Meanwhile, the weight detecting unit  350  is installed on the base  70  such that it contacts the protruding portion  396  of the bucket assembly  390 . 
     Since the operation of the weight detecting unit of the second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. 
       FIG. 16  is a view illustrating an operation of a level detecting unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , this embodiment is same as the first embodiment except that the floater  112  detects the water level while the floater  112  directly contacts the detecting unit  215 . 
     That is, an electrode is formed on the detecting unit  215  of this embodiment. A circuit of the detecting unit  215  is coupled to detect the water level as the second end  113   b  of the floater  112 . 
     As described above, when the floater  112  transmits the signal by directly contacting the detecting unit  215 , the number of components is reduced and the installation can be easily realized. 
     Here, although the electrode is formed on the detecting device  215  in this embodiment, it will be also possible to form the electrode on the second end  113   b  of the floater  112 . 
     Since other structures of the fourth embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. 
       FIG. 17  is a view illustrating a level detecting unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , this embodiment is same as the first embodiment except that the first end  113   b  of the floater  112  is installed on a magnet  119  and the detecting unit  115  detects the magnet  119 . 
     Here, the detecting unit  315  is provided with a hole sensor  317  detecting the magnet  119  and transmits the signal to the control box  130  by the interaction between the magnet  119  and the hole sensor  317  when the magnet  119  moves relatively close to the hole sensor  317 . 
     As described above, the water level detecting device  110  of this embodiment transmits the signal using a non-contact method by the magnet  110  and the hole sensor  317 . Therefore, the detection can be realized without contacting the floater  112  with the detecting unit  315 . Therefore, the assembling of the components of the water level detecting unit  110  can be easily realized. 
     Since other structures of the fifth embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     According to the dehumidifier of the present invention, the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket is detected by the water level detecting unit and the weight detecting unit and the detecting amount is displayed on the display unit, the user can easily identify the amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket. In addition, since the level of the condensed water stored in the bucket is visually transmitted to the user, the user can empty the bucket before the bucket is fully filled with the condensed water. Therefore, the industrial applicability of the present invention is very high.