Clothing processing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing device including: a tub having a tub inlet provided at a front side thereof; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; and a channel part including an exhaust channel communicating with the tub to receive air supplied from the inside of the tub, an air supply channel communicating with the tub to supply air into the tub, a heat exchange channel which is connected to the exhaust channel and in which a heat exchange part for heating and dehumidifying air is accommodated, and a blowing channel which connects the heat exchange channel and the air supply channel and in which a fan for moving air is provided, wherein the heat exchange channel includes a heat exchange duct to which the heat exchange part is mounted, and a filtration duct for connecting the exhaust channel and the heat exchange duct; the filtration duct includes an inlet provided in a bottom surface thereof to receive air delivered from the exhaust channel, a duct filter for filtering air introduced from the inlet, and an outlet provided in a rear surface thereof to discharge the air filtered through the duct filter to the heat exchange part; and the duct filter includes a first filter including a (1-1)th end fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct, and a (1-2)th end extending from the (1-1)th end and having at least a part disposed on a front surface of the filtration duct.

Description

[Technical Field] [1] The present disclosure relates to a clothing processing apparatus. [Background Art] [2] A clothing processing apparatus refers to a washing machine that launders items to be processed such as clothing through a washing cycle, and a dryer that dries items to be processed through a drying cycle. In general, a washing machine and a dryer may be provided as separate apparatuses. There are clothing processing apparatuses capable of performing washing and drying simultaneously to overcome space constraints and improve user convenience. [3] For execution of the washing cycle, a clothing processing apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub in which water is stored, a drum providing a space for accommodating items to be processed, a drive unit fixed to the tub to rotate the drum, a support arranged to support the tub, a water supply part arranged to supply water to the tub, and a drainage part arranged to drain water from the tub. [4] For execution of the drying cycle, the clothing processing apparatus includes a flow passage arranged to draw air from inside the tub and resupply the air to the tub, and a heat exchanger provided in the flow passage to sequentially perform dehumidification and heating of the air. [5] That is, there are conventional clothing processing apparatuses in which both an apparatus for a washing cycle and an apparatus for a drying cycle are provided inside the cabinet to selectively execute the washing cycle and the drying cycle according to the user’s convenience. [6] The above-described structure of conventional clothing processing apparatuses is difficult to apply to commercial clothing processing apparatuses that need to process large quantities of items frequently and quickly. [7] Commercial clothing processing apparatuses are generally configured to process a larger amount of clothes than a household clothing processing apparatus or to process heavy laundry such as blankets. [8] Accordingly, for commercial clothing processing apparatuses, a processing space for accommodating heavy and bulky laundry, and a heat exchanger for fast washing and drying of items to be processed are necessary, which makes it difficult to install both a washing apparatus and a drying apparatus in a cabinet with a limited volume. While it might be possible to install both the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus by designing a large-size cabinet, this presents difficulties in manufacturing and transportation. Therefore, for commercial clothing processing apparatuses, the coupling or arrangement of the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus is one of the important design considerations. [9] Furthermore, as drying cycles for large loads are performed, the increased flow rate of discharged and supplied hot air may lead to a higher accumulation of foreign substances, such as lint. Consequently, these substances may build up on the heat exchanger and reduce the effective heat transfer area, which may significantly degrade drying performance. This underscores the critical importance of high-performance filtration.

[10] However, given the demanding operational characteristics of commercial dryers, conventional filters provided in general dryers often lack the necessary structural robustness. Moreover, poor accessibility makes it difficult to periodically inspect and clean the filter.

[11] Therefore, developing a filter arrangement and coupling structure that facilitates easy replacement, attachment, and detachment is a crucial challenge in the present technical field. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[12] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter that is easy to replace and repair.

[13] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with improved structural robustness.

[14] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with improved maintainability by enabling the degree of lint accumulation to be visually checked and managed.

[15] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus in which multiple filters are optimally arranged to increase space utilization efficiency.

[16] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus that facilitates withdrawal and insertion of a filter.

[17] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus with improved maintainability.

[18] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with guaranteed filtration reliability.

[19] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with reduced production cost and improved processability.

[20] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter that is easy to clean and replace. [Technical Solution]

[21] Provided herein is a clothing processing apparatus including a tub having a tub inlet formed at a front side thereof, a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub, and a flow passage including a discharge flow passage communicating with the tub to receive air from inside the tub, an air supply flow passage communicating with the tub to supply air into the tub, a heat exchange flow passage connected to the discharge flow passage and accommodating a heat exchanger configured to heat and dehumidify air, and a blowing flow passage connecting the heat exchange flow passage and the air supply flow passage, the blowing flow passage being provided with a fan configured to move air. The heat exchange flow passage may include a heat exchange duct having the heat exchanger mounted therein, and a filtration duct connecting the discharge flow passage and the heat exchange duct. The filtration duct may include an inlet provided in a bottom surface of the filtration duct to receive air from the discharge flow passage, a duct filter arranged to filter air introduced through the inlet, and an outlet provided in a rear surface of the filtration duct to discharge air filtered through the duct filter to the heat exchanger. The duct filter may include a first filter including a first primary end fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct, and a first secondary end extending from the first primary end and having at least a portion disposed on a front surface of the filtration duct.

[22] The duct filter further may include a second filter configured to filter air filtered by the first filter.

[23] The second filter may be arranged in the duct filter at an inclination different from an inclination of the first filter with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct.

[24] The inclination of the second filter may be greater than the inclination of the first filter with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct.

[25] The second filter may include a second primary end fixed to the filtration duct, and a second secondary end disposed above the first secondary end of the first filter and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct.

[26] The second secondary end of the second filter may be arranged at an upper end of the front surface.

[27] The second primary end of the second filter may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct, wherein the second primary end may be positioned behind the first primary end.

[28] The second primary end of the second filter may be fixed above the first primary end of the first filter.

[29] The front surface of the filtration duct may be provided with an open surface communicating with an interior of the filtration duct.

[30] The filtration duct may include a filter door rotatably arranged to open and close the open surface.

[31] The duct filter may be detachably arranged in the filtration duct and be withdrawn and inserted through the open surface.

[32] The duct filter may include one surface receiving air introduced, and an opposite surface allowing air to be discharged therethrough, wherein the opposite surface may be detachably arranged in the filtration duct.

[33] The first filter and the second filter may be separately arranged, wherein the first filter and the second filter may each be detachably arranged in the filtration duct.

[34] The duct filter may be detachably arranged in the filtration duct, wherein the first primary end of the first filter and the second primary end of the second filter may be connected to each other. The second filter may be removed from the filtration duct when the first filter is removed from the filtration duct.

[35] The first filter and the second filter may be compatible with each other.

[36] The filtration duct may include a mounting sensor configured to sense whether the duct filter is attached.

[37] The first primary end of the first filter and the second primary end of the second filter may be connected to each other. The clothing processing apparatus may further include a mounting sensor configured to sense whether the second secondary end of the second filter is attached.

[38] The filtration duct may include a differential pressure sensor configured to sense clogging of the duct filter based on pressure downstream of the duct filter.

[39]

[40] The filtration duct may include a filter fixing portion fixed to the filtration duct to allow the duct filter to be detachably attached thereto.

[41] The duct filter may include one surface receiving air introduced, and an opposite surface allowing air to be discharged therethrough, wherein the opposite surface of the duct filter may be detachably attached to the filter fixing portion.

[42] The duct filter may include a frame portion forming an edge of the duct filter and accommodating a coupling magnet, and a filtration mesh fixed to the frame portion to filter air, wherein at least a portion of the filtration duct may be formed of a magnetic material such that the duct filter may be attached thereto.

[43] The discharge flow passage may include a first air discharge duct detachably arranged on the tub, and a second air discharge duct having one end communicating with the first discharge duct and an opposite end communicating with the inlet of the filtration duct.

[44] The second air discharge duct may be disposed in front of the first discharge duct to receive air from the tub, wherein a front surface of the second air discharge duct may be an inclined surface having an upper end positioned forward of a lower end thereof.

[45] The bottom surface of the filtration duct may include a first region connected to the open surface and defined by the inlet, and a second region disposed behind the first region as a remaining region the bottom surface, wherein the first primary end of the first filter may be fixed to a rear end of the second region.

[46] The clothing processing apparatus may further include a first cabinet accommodating the tub and the drum, and a second cabinet disposed on the first cabinet and accommodating the flow passage, wherein the second cabinet may include a support frame mounted on the first cabinet, a frame panel fixed to a front surface of the support frame, and a second front panel disposed in front of the frame panel and defining a front surface of the second cabinet. The second front panel may be rotatably arranged on the support frame or the frame panel. The front surface of the filtration duct may be provided with an open surface communicating with an interior of the filtration duct and disposed on the frame panel.

[47] The frame panel may include a filter door rotatably arranged to open and close the open surface.

[48] The first cabinet may include a first side panel defining a side surface, and a first front panel having an upper end positioned higher than the first side panel, the first front panel defining a front surface.

[49] The second cabinet may include a second side panel fixed to a side surface of the support frame and defining a side surface of the second cabinet, wherein an upper end of the second front panel and an upper end of the second side panel may be arranged at the same height.

[50] The heat exchange duct may be disposed biased toward one side in a width direction of the second cabinet.

[51] The heat exchange duct may be disposed biased toward one side in a front-rear direction of the second cabinet.

[52] The air supply duct and the air discharge duct may be disposed through the support frame and connected to the tub.

[53] The duct filter may include a first frame, a second frame coupled to the first frame, a filtration mesh fixed by coupling of the first frame and the second frame, and a shape maintaining member interposed between the first frame and the second frame to maintain a shape of the duct filter. [Advantageous Effects]

[54] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter that is easy to replace and repair.

[55] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with improved structural robustness.

[56] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with improved maintainability by enabling the degree of lint accumulation to be visually checked and managed.

[57] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus in which multiple filters are optimally arranged to increase space utilization efficiency.

[58] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus that facilitates withdrawal and insertion of a filter.

[59] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus with improved maintainability.

[60] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with guaranteed filtration reliability.

[61] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter with reduced production cost and improved processability.

[62] The present disclosure may provide a clothing processing apparatus including a filter that is easy to clean and replace. [Description of Drawings]

[63] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a clothing processing apparatus.

[64] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example of a first processing apparatus.

[65] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a tub, a drive unit, and a water supply part provided in the first processing apparatus.

[66] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of a tub support, a drainage part, and a sprayer.

[67] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a second processing apparatus.

[68] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a second cabinet provided in the second processing apparatus.

[69] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flow passage provided in the second processing apparatus.

[70] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a first flow passage and a second flow passage provided in the second processing apparatus.

[71] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an example of the second flow passage and a heat exchanger.

[72] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the first flow passage.

[73] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an air discharge flow passage and a heat exchange flow passage.

[74] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an example of a duct filter provided in a filtration duct.

[75] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of an arrangement of the duct filter provided in the filtration duct.

[76] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a filter fixing portion provided in the filtration duct.

[77] FIG. 20 is an example exploded view illustrating the duct filter provided in the filtration duct.

[78] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a process of manufacturing a frame of the duct filter.

[79] FIG. 22 is an example flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the frame of the duct filter.

[80] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a first frame of the duct filter.

[81] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a second frame of the duct filter.

[82] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a recessed groove portion of the duct filter.

[83] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a shape of the recessed groove portion.

[84] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of the frame of the duct filter.

[85] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of a shape maintaining portion of the duct filter.

[86] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of an assembly process of the duct filter.

[87] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of the duct filter.

[88] FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a cross section taken along line A-A' of FIG. 30.

[89] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of a cross section taken along line B-B' of FIG. 30.

[90] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of a cross section taken along line C-C' of FIG. 30. [Best Mode]

[91] The configuration or control method of the apparatus described below is intended solely to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Reference numerals are used consistently throughout the specification to refer to the same components.

[92] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, terms such as “comprise,” “include,” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof unless otherwise defined.

[93] Expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as “in a certain direction,” “along a certain direction,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “centered,” “concentric,” or “coaxial” are intended not only to strictly indicate such arrangements but also to indicate states of relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance that achieve substantially the same function.

[94] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” as used in the present specification may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Therefore, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly a second component may be named a first component.

[95] In addition, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front end,” “rear end,” “top,” and “bottom” as used in the present specification are defined based on the drawings or based on the arrangement / disposition state of components or between components, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[96] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a clothing processing apparatus and a control method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[97] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the clothing processing apparatus 100 may include a first processing apparatus (or processing module or washing module) 100a that provides a space for washing or drying items to be processed such as laundry, and a second processing apparatus (or drying module, heat exchange module, or detachable module) 100b detachably coupled to the first processing apparatus 100a for drying items to be processed that have been introduced into the first processing apparatus 100a.

[98] The first processing apparatus 100a may include a first cabinet 1, and the second processing apparatus 100b may include a second cabinet 6. As shown in the drawings, the second processing apparatus 100b may be positioned on the first processing apparatus 100a. In this case, the exterior of the clothing processing apparatus 100 may be defined by the first cabinet 1 and the second cabinet 6.

[99] The first processing apparatus 100a may be installed as a standalone unit to perform a washing cycle. When the second processing apparatus 100b is coupled thereto afterward, it may perform a drying cycle for removing moisture from the laundry.

[100] Accordingly, in the present disclosure, when the first processing apparatus 100a is arranged alone, the first processing apparatus 100a may be used as a washing machine. When the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b are provided together, the clothing processing apparatus 100 may be used as both a washing machine and a dryer.

[101] As a result, depending on the user’s situation and selection, only the first processing apparatus 100a may be installed, or the second processing apparatus 100b may be coupled to the first processing apparatus 100a and installed.

[102] In particular, when the first processing apparatus 100a is configured to process a large amount of laundry like a commercial clothing processing apparatus and thus the overall size thereof is larger than that of a household clothing processing apparatus, the option of selectively coupling the second processing apparatus 100b may be more useful for a user who may have installation space limitations.

[103] In addition, since the second processing apparatus 100b is provided separately from the first processing apparatus 100a, excessive increase in the size, volume, and weight of the first processing apparatus 100a may be prevented, and the manufacturing process of the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b and the process of installing or transporting the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b may also be facilitated.

[104] The first cabinet 1 may include a front panel (first front panel) 11 defining the front surface of the first processing apparatus 100a, a side panel (first side panel) 12 connected to the first front panel to define the side surface of the first processing apparatus 100a, and a rear panel (first rear panel) 13 disposed to face the first front panel 11 and define the rear surface of the first processing apparatus 100a.

[105] The first front panel 11 may be provided with a control panel 112 for controlling the clothing processing apparatus 100. The control panel 112 may be configured to control only one of the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b, or may be configured to control both the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b.

[106] As shown in FIG. 2, the first front panel 11 may include a first panel body 113 and a second panel body 114. The first panel body 113 may be provided as a panel fixed to the first processing apparatus 100a to define a mounting space for the control panel 112, and the second panel body 114 may be provided as a panel separable from the first processing apparatus 100a.

[107] The first panel body 113 may include a cabinet through-hole 111 communicating with the inside of the first processing apparatus 100a, and the second panel body 114 may be positioned to expose at least some of the components provided inside the first processing apparatus 100a to the outside of the first processing apparatus 100a.

[108] The second panel body 114 may be detachably arranged under the first panel body 113. Even when a wall or another home appliance is disposed on a side of the first cabinet 1, the second panel body 114 may be detached and coupled without being affected thereby.

[109] When the second panel body 114 is detached, at least some of the electrical components disposed inside the first cabinet 1 may be inspected, repaired, or replaced.

[110] FIG. 2 illustrates as an example the case where the first panel body 113 defines the upper region of the first front panel 11 and the second panel body 114 defines the lower region of the first front panel 11.

[111] The first side panel 12 may include a left panel (first left panel) 121 defining the left side surface of the first processing apparatus 100a (part of the left side surface of the clothing processing apparatus), and a right panel (first right panel) 122 defining the right side surface of the first processing apparatus 100a (part of the right side surface of the clothing processing apparatus).

[112] As shown in FIG. 2, the first processing apparatus 100a may be provided with a mounting space 15 to which the second processing apparatus 100b is fixed. The mounting space 15 may be provided as an open space formed in the top surface of the first cabinet 1. FIG. 2 illustrates as an example the case where the mounting space 15 is defined by the upper end of the first front panel 11, the upper end of the first left panel 121, the upper end of the first right panel 122, and the upper end of the first rear panel 13.

[113] The height of the first front panel 11 and the height of the first rear panel 13 may be set to be greater than the height of the first left panel 121 and the height of the first right panel 122 (by H). Setting the height of the first front panel 11 and the first rear panel 13 to be greater than that of the side panels 121 and 122 may be advantageous for positioning and fixing the second processing apparatus 100b in mounting the second processing apparatus 100b in the mounting space 15, while also reducing the overall height of the clothing processing apparatus 100.

[114] In addition, by setting the height of the first front panel 11 to be greater than that of the side panels 121 and 122, a space allowing other devices (such as a detergent storage unit) to be installed on the first front panel 11 may be formed, while minimizing the increase in height of the clothing processing apparatus 100. The bottom surface of the second cabinet 6 and the top surface of the first cabinet 1 may be directly coupled to each other without any gap therebetween.

[115] Accordingly, when the second cabinet 6 is seated on the first cabinet 1, the first cabinet 1 and the second cabinet 6 may be arranged in parallel in the height direction, and the second cabinet 6 may be seen as vertically extending from the first cabinet 1.

[116] In addition, moisture or outside air may be prevented from flowing into a coupling portion between the second cabinet 6 and the first cabinet 1.

[117] A first controller 19 configured to control at least one of the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b may be provided inside the first cabinet 1. The first controller 19 may be configured to receive a control signal from the input unit of the control panel 112 or to transmit a control signal requesting display of information to the display of the control panel 112. The controller may be fixed to the first rear panel 13.

[118] An accommodation part 3 defining a washing space or drying space for items to be processed may be provided inside the first cabinet 1. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, a case where the accommodation part 3 includes a tub 3a defining a water storage space and an air movement path, and a drum 3b rotatably arranged inside the tub to define a space in which items to be processed are accommodated.

[119] The tub 3a may include a tub body 30 that provides a space for storing water and is fixed inside the first cabinet 1 through a tub support 34.

[120] The tub body 30 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The tub body 30 may include a tub front surface 31 arranged on a side facing the first front panel 11, a tub rear surface 31a arranged on a side facing the first rear panel 13, and a tub circumferential surface 31b connecting the tub front surface 31 and the tub rear surface 31a.

[121] The tub front surface 31 may be provided with a tub inlet 311 communicating with the inside of the drum 3b, and a connection body 312 formed in a shape surrounding the tub inlet 311 and protruding from the tub front surface 31 toward the cabinet through-hole 111.

[122] That is, the connection body 312 may be provided as a cylinder protruding from the tub front surface 31 toward the first front panel 11, and the tub inlet 311 may be provided as a hole formed through the tub front surface 31 and positioned inside the connection body 312.

[123] The connection body 312 may not only provide a mounting space for a sprayer or tub air supply part 35a to be described later, but may also serve as a means to guide items to be processed that are introduced into the drum 3b through the cabinet through-hole 111, toward the tub inlet 311.

[124] When the door 2 is coupled to the first cabinet 1 to open and close the tub inlet 311, vibration of the tub 3a may be transmitted to the door 2 and the first cabinet 1. When the tub 3a is formed of a metal material and is heavy, and additionally contains a large amount of water and laundry, the door 2 and the first cabinet 1 may not stably withstand the force and vibration transmitted from the tub 3a.

[125] Accordingly, in the clothing processing apparatus of the present disclosure, the door 2 may be installed on the tub 3a. When the door 2 is coupled to the tub 3a, the door 2 may vibrate integrally with the tub 3a, thereby preventing the door 2 from being damaged or broken by the vibration of the tub 3a.

[126] In addition, since the position at which the door 2 opens and closes the tub inlet 311 is fixed, the door 2 may stably seal the tub inlet 311 even when the tub 3a vibrates.

[127] That is, the tub inlet 311 may be opened and closed by the door 2 rotatably fixed to the tub front surface 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the door 2 is rotatably fixed not to the first front panel 11 but to the tub body 30. Accordingly, the cabinet through-hole 111 may have a size and be positioned such that it does not interfere with rotation of the door 2 (rotation for opening or closing the inlet).

[128] When the tub inlet 311 is closed, the door 2 remains exposed to the outside of the first cabinet 1 through the cabinet through-hole 111. However, when the tub inlet 311 is opened, the door 2 may rotate outward from the first cabinet 1 through the cabinet through-hole 111.

[129] As shown in FIG. 3, in order to fix the door 2 to the tub front surface 31, the tub 3a may be provided with a door mounting part T / D. The door mounting part T / D may include a first mounting cover 32 fixed to the tub front surface 31 to surround the connection body 312, and a second mounting cover 33 fixed to the first mounting cover 32 and on which the hinge 27 of the door is mounted.

[130] In order to prevent the tub inlet 311 from being blocked by the door mounting part T / D, the first mounting cover 32 may be provided with a first inlet communication hole 322 communicating with the tub inlet 311, and the second mounting cover 33 may be provided with a second inlet communication hole 334 communicating with the tub inlet 311 and the first inlet communication hole 322.

[131] The tub 3a may be connected to the second processing apparatus 100b through the tub air supply part 35a and a tub air discharge part 35b. That is, the second processing apparatus 100b may be detachably connected to the tub air supply part 35a and the tub air discharge part 35b.

[132] The tub air supply part 35a may be configured to supply air into the tub body 30 through the connection body 312, and the tub air discharge part 35b may be configured to discharge air from the tub body 30 to the outside of the tub 3a through the tub circumferential surface 31b.

[133] The tub air supply part 35a may include a first air supply hole 351 and a second air supply hole 352 provided in the connection body 312, and a distribution pipe 353 guiding air to each of the air supply holes 351 and 352.

[134] The first air supply hole 351 and the second air supply hole 352 may be arranged through the connection body 312 to communicate with the tub inlet 311. The distribution pipe 353 may include a connection pipe 353a connected to the second processing apparatus 100b, a first branch pipe 353b guiding part of the air introduced into the connection pipe 353a to the first air supply hole 351, and a second branch pipe 353c guiding part of the air introduced into the connection pipe 353a to the second air supply hole 352.

[135] In order for the clothing processing apparatus 100 to perform washing or drying of a large amount of treatment objects, it is necessary to design the volume of the tub body 30 and the volume of the drum 3b to be large. Since the drum 3b must be supported by the tub rear surface 31a and rotatable inside the tub body 30, durability of the tub body 30 is important in order to design the drum 3b to have a large volume. Therefore, the tub body 30 may be made of a metal material.

[136] When the tub body 30 is made of a metal material, the connection body 312 is also preferably made of a metal material, whereas the distribution pipe 353 may be made of a material different from that of the connection body 312. The distribution pipe 353 having the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe described above may be more advantageous in terms of cost and time when molded from a material such as plastic rather than metal. Therefore, when the distribution pipe 353 and the connection body 312 are made of different materials, the first processing apparatus 100a may further include a bracket 354 connecting the distribution pipe 353 to the connection body 312.

[137] The distribution pipe 353 may be provided as a flow passage protruding from the connection body 312 toward the second processing apparatus 100b. The free end of the connection pipe 353a (i.e., the portion to which the second processing apparatus is connected) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside of the first processing apparatus 100a through the mounting space 15 of the first cabinet 1. That is, the free end of the connection pipe 353a may be arranged to be located at a point higher than the upper end of the first front panel 11. This is intended to facilitate the coupling of the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b.

[138] The tub air discharge part 35b may be provided as an air discharge pipe protruding from the tub circumferential surface 31b toward the second processing apparatus 100b. That is, the tub air discharge part 35b may be provided as an air discharge pipe protruding toward the mounting space 15 formed on the upper surface of the first processing apparatus 100a.

[139] The free end of the tub air discharge part 35b (the portion to which the second processing apparatus is connected) may be positioned at a point higher than the upper end of the side panel 12 or may be positioned at a point lower than the upper end of the side panel 12. The former case may facilitate coupling between the first processing apparatus 100a and the second processing apparatus 100b. The latter case may reduce the height of the clothing processing apparatus 100.

[140] As shown in FIG. 4, the door 2 may include a door frame 20 rotatably fixed to the hinge 27, a frame through-hole 20a formed through the door frame, and a door window 23 fixed to the door frame 20 to close the frame through-hole.

[141] The door frame through-hole 20a may be provided at a position corresponding to the tub inlet 311 (i.e., a position communicating with the inlet), and the door window 23 may be formed of a light-transmitting material. In this case, a user may be allowed to check the inside of the drum 3b from outside the first processing apparatus 100a.

[142] The door window 23 may include a first window (outer window) 23a fixed to the door frame 20 so as to be exposed to the outside through the cabinet through-hole 111, and a second window (inner window) 23b fixed to the door frame 20 so as to be positioned inside the connection body 312.

[143] The first window 23a may be provided as glass positioned in the cabinet through-hole 111 to form a part of the first front panel 11, and the second window 23b may be provided as glass protruding from the door frame 20 toward the tub inlet 311.

[144] The tub body 30 may be supplied with water through a water supply part 5, and the water inside the tub body 30 may be discharged to the outside of the clothing processing apparatus 100 through a drainage part 39.

[145] The drainage part 39 may include a drain pipe 391 that guides water inside the tub body 30 to the outside of the first cabinet 1. The drain pipe 391 may be provided as a hose with one end fixed to the lower space of the tub circumferential surface 31b (the area of the tub circumferential surface located below the horizontal line passing through the center of the inlet) and the opposite end extending through the first rear panel 13.

[146] The drain pipe 391 may be arranged to discharge water inside the tub body 30 to the outside of the first cabinet 1 by gravity, or may be arranged to discharge water inside the tub body 30 to the outside of the first cabinet 1 using a drain pump 393. FIG. 4 illustrates the former case as an example. In this case, the drainage part 39 may further include a drain valve 392 configured to control opening and closing of the drain pipe 391 according to a control signal from the first controller 19.

[147] The drainage part 39 may further include a drain filter that filters water flowing into the drain pipe 391. The drain filter may be arranged to be separable from the drain pipe 391. The drain valve 392 and the drain filter may be provided at a position where they are exposed to the outside when the second panel body 114 is separated from the first processing apparatus 100a.

[148] The drum 3b may include a drum body 36 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and positioned inside the tub body 30.

[149] A drum inlet 361 communicating with the tub inlet 311 may be formed in the front surface of the drum body 36, and multiple drum through-holes 363 allowing the inside of the drum body to communicate with the inside of the tub body 30 therethrough may be formed in the circumferential surface of the drum body 36.

[150] In addition, a lifter 362 may be provided inside the drum 3b, protruding from the inner surface of the drum body 36 toward the rotation center of the drum body 36 to assist movement of laundry accommodated in the drum 3b.

[151] As shown in FIG. 5, the drum body 36 is rotatable by a drum shaft 37 and a drive unit 38. The drum shaft 37 may be fixed to the rear surface of the drum body 36 and arranged through the tub rear surface 31a, and the drive unit 38 may be positioned outside the tub body 30 to rotate the drum shaft 37.

[152] The drive unit 38 may include a bearing housing 382 fixed to the tub rear surface 31a to rotatably fix the drum shaft 37 to the tub body 30, a motor 383 fixed to the tub support 34, and a power transmitter configured to transmit power of the motor to the drum shaft 37. The motor 383 may be controlled by the first controller 19.

[153] The bearing housing 382 may be fixed to the tub rear surface 31a through a drive unit support body 381. The drive unit support body 381 may include a hub to which the bearing housing 382 is fixed, and multiple hub fixing bars radially arranged from the hub.

[154] A tub rear surface through-hole is provided in the tub rear surface 31a, and a hub through-hole connected to the tub rear surface through-hole is provided in the hub. The drum shaft 37 is exposed to the outside of the tub body 30 through the tub rear surface through-hole and the hub through-hole. The drum shaft 37 exposed to the outside of the tub body 30 is rotatably fixed to the hub through the bearing housing 382.

[155] The power transmitter may include a first pulley 385 fixed to a rotating shaft 384 of the motor, a second pulley 386 fixed to the drum shaft 37, and a belt 387 connecting the two pulleys.

[156] As described above, the tub body 30 is fixed inside the first cabinet 1 through the tub support 34 and is supplied with water through the water supply part 5.

[157] The tub support 34 may include a first support body 341 defining a bottom surface of the clothing processing apparatus 100, and a second support body 345 disposed over the first support body 34 and providing a space in which the tub body 30 is fixed.

[158] The tub body 30 may be fixed to the second support body 345 through a tub fixing member 348. The tub fixing member 348 may include a first strap 348a and a second strap 348b for fixing the tub circumferential surface 31b to the second support body 345.

[159] The first strap 348a may be arranged to fix the front region of the tub circumferential surface 31b to the second support body 345, and the second strap 348b may be arranged to fix the rear region of the tub circumferential surface 31b to the second support body 345.

[160] In order to reduce vibration of the tub body 30, the second support body 345 may be connected to the first support body 341 through a damper 346 and a spring 347.

[161] In addition, to reduce vibration of the tub body 30, the first processing apparatus 100a may further include tub weights 349a and 349b. The tub weights 349a and 349b may include at least one of a first weight 349a fixed to the second support body 345 and a second weight 349b fixed to the tub circumferential surface 31b.

[162] The water supply part 5 is a means to guide water provided from a water source located outside the clothing processing apparatus 100 to the tub body 30. The water supply part 5 may be provided as a flow path that directly connects the water source and the tub body 30, or as a flow path along which detergent is supplied to the tub body 30 together with water supplied from the water source. FIG. 5 illustrates the latter case as an example.

[163] The water supply part 5 may include a detergent storage part 51 defining a space for storing detergent, a storage part water supply pipe 52 arranged to supply water from the water source to the detergent storage part 51, a water supply valve 54 (see FIG. 3) configured to control opening and closing of the storage part water supply pipe 52 according to a control signal from the first controller 19, and a tub supply pipe 56 arranged to supply liquid discharged from the detergent storage part 51 (water, or a mixture of water and detergent) to the tub body 30.

[164] The detergent storage part 51 may include a housing body 51a fixed to the first front panel 11 and positioned inside the first cabinet 1, and a housing cover 51b fixed to the housing body 51a to define the top surface of the detergent storage part 51. A drawer outlet may be provided in the first front panel 11 such that the drawer 51c may be withdrawn from the detergent storage part 51 to the outside of the first cabinet 1.

[165] A detergent storage space 516 provided in the drawer 51c may include multiple spaces to separately store detergents. Hereinafter, a case where the multiple spaces of the detergent storage space 516 include a first storage part 517, a second storage part 518, and a third storage part 519 will be described as an example.

[166] In this case, the storage water supply pipe 52 may include a first water supply pipe 521 arranged to supply water to the first storage part 517, a second water supply pipe 522 arranged to supply water to the second storage part 518, and a third water supply pipe 523 arranged to supply water to the third storage part 519.

[167] Water and detergent discharged from the drawer 51c to the housing body 51a may move to the outside of the housing body 51a through a housing outlet, and the water and detergent discharged from the housing body 51a may move to the tub body 30 through the tub supply pipe 55b.

[168] The housing cover 51b may further include a sprayer supply flow passage provided to supply water to a sprayer, which will be described later. In this case, the storage water supply pipe 52 may further include a fourth water supply pipe 524 connecting the water source and the sprayer supply flow passage.

[169] The first processing apparatus 100a may include a communication portion 59 (outside air communication portion) configured to supply outside air into the tub body 30 or to allow outside air to be supplied to the tub body 30.

[170] Water may remain in the tub body 30 and the drum body 36, and the clothing processing apparatus 100 including the communication portion 59 may reduce the possibility of water remaining in the tub body 30 and the drum body 36, thereby enabling hygienic management of the tub 3a and the drum 3b.

[171] In addition, the clothing processing apparatus 100 including the communication portion 59 may prevent the inside of the tub body 30 from being sealed even when the door 2 closes the tub inlet 311. Accordingly, the clothing processing apparatus 100 may prevent accidents that may occur due to sealing of the tub body 30.

[172] In order to prevent fluid (water, foam, or foreign substances) inside the tub body 30 from being discharged to the outside of the first cabinet 1 through the communication portion 59, the first processing apparatus 100a may further include a connector 56 connecting a flow passage formed by the water supply part 5 and a flow passage formed by the communication portion 59.

[173] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first processing apparatus 100a may include a sprayer 4a, 4b.

[174] The sprayer 4a, 4b may include at least one of a first washing unit 4a fixed to the connection body 312 to spray water toward the door 2, and a second washing unit 4b fixed to the connection body 312 to spray water into the drum 3b.

[175] Each of the first washing unit 4a and the second washing unit 4b may be configured to spray water supplied from the water source, or may be configured to spray water inside the tub body 30. The first washing unit 4a may be configured to spray water supplied from the water source, and the second washing unit 4b may be configured to spray water inside the tub body 30.

[176] When the first washing unit 4a is configured to spray water supplied from the water source, the first washing unit 4a may receive water through a nozzle supply pipe connected to the sprayer supply flow passage.

[177] The first processing apparatus 100a may include a temperature sensor 318 configured to perform temperature measurement, and the connection body 312 may include a mounting hole 317 in which the temperature sensor 318 is mounted.

[178] The temperature sensor 318 may be configured to measure at least one of the temperature inside the drum body 36, the temperature of items to be processed inside the drum body, and the temperature of air supplied from the second processing apparatus 100b. An infrared temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the items to be processed by sensing infrared rays emitted from the items to be processed may be an example of the temperature sensor 318.

[179] In order to measure the temperature inside the drum body 36, the temperature of the items to be processed, or the temperature of air supplied to the tub body 30, the temperature sensor 318 may be arranged in an upper region of the connection body 312.

[180] The second washing unit 4b may include a circulation pump 45 configured to move water inside the tub body 30, a circulation nozzle 46 fixed to the connection body 312 to spray water toward the drum inlet 361, and a circulation flow passage 47 connecting the circulation pump 45 and the circulation nozzle 46.

[181] The circulation pump 45 may include a pump chamber 451 provided to receive water inside the tub body 30 through the drain pipe 454, a pump discharge pipe 454 connecting the pump chamber 451 to the circulation flow passage 47, and a pump motor 453 configured to rotate a pump impeller positioned inside the pump chamber 451 to move water to the pump discharge pipe 454.

[182] The discharge pipe 454, the pump chamber 451, and the pump motor 453 may be positioned in a space defined between the first support body 341 and the second support body 345. Accordingly, when the second panel body 114 is separated from the first processing apparatus 100a, the pump chamber 451 and the pump motor 453 may be exposed to the outside of the first processing apparatus 100a. In terms of durability of the pump motor 453, the pump motor 453 may be fixed to the first support body 341 and positioned between the first support body 341 and the second support body 345.

[183] The circulation nozzle 46 may include a first nozzle 46a fixed to the connection body 312 and positioned on the left side of a vertical line passing through the center of the tub inlet 311, and a second nozzle 46b fixed to the connection body 312 and positioned on the right side of the vertical line.

[184] The first nozzle 46a may be fixed in an area positioned between the highest point of the mounting tube and a point 90 degrees counterclockwise therefrom on the circumferential surface of the connection body 312, and the second nozzle 46b may be fixed in an area positioned between the highest point of the mounting tube and a point at 90 degrees clockwise therefrom on the circumferential surface of the connection body 312. Since the items to be processed are usually positioned on the bottom surface of the drum body 36 during the washing cycle, washing performance may be improved by arranging each of the nozzles 46a and 46b to spray water toward the bottom surface of the drum body 36 from above a horizontal line passing through the tub inlet 311.

[185] The circulation flow passage 47 may include a connector 471 connected to the pump discharge pipe 454, a first circulating water supply pipe 476 arranged to guide water introduced into the connector 471 to the first nozzle 46a, and a second circulating water supply pipe 477 arranged to guide water introduced into the connector 471 to the second nozzle 46b.

[186] The connector 471 is a means to set the spray timing of the first nozzle 46a and the spray timing of the second nozzle 46b to be the same.

[187] The connector 471 may include a connector body 472 fixed to the second support body 345, a connector flow passage 473 provided inside the connector body 472 to receive water through the pump discharge pipe 454, a first connector discharge pipe 474 arranged to supply water inside the connector flow passage 473 to the first circulating water supply pipe 476, and a second connector discharge pipe 475 arranged to guide water inside the connector flow passage 473 to the second circulating water supply pipe 477.

[188] The connector body 472 may be fixed to one surface of the second support body 345 through a connector bracket so as to be positioned below the tub inlet 311. Since the second support body 345 is connected to the first support body 341 through the damper 346 and the spring 347, the second support body 345 moves together with the tub body 30 when the drum body 36 vibrates. Therefore, at least a portion of the pump discharge pipe 454 may be provided as a corrugated pipe.

[189] In order to mount the first nozzle 46a and the second nozzle 46b to the connection body 312, the connection body 312 may include a circulation nozzle mounting portion.

[190] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the second processing apparatus 100b.

[191] The second processing apparatus 100b may include a second cabinet 6, flow passages 7 and 8 provided inside the second cabinet 6, and a heat exchanger 9 provided in the flow passages and configured to remove moisture from air (dehumidify) or heat the air.

[192] The second cabinet 6 may include a support frame 61 mounted on the first cabinet 1, side panels (second side panels) 65 fixed to the support frame 61 to define side surfaces of the second cabinet, a rear panel (second rear panel) 64 fixed to the support frame 61 to define a rear surface of the second cabinet, and an upper panel 66 fixed to the support frame 61 to define a top surface of the second cabinet.

[193] The second rear panel 64 may be provided with a panel air discharge opening 641 that allows the inside of the second cabinet 6 to communicate with the outside. Accordingly, air inside the second cabinet 6 may be discharged to the outside through the panel air discharge opening 641, and outside air may be introduced into the second cabinet 6 through the port.

[194] A frame panel 62 may be provided on the front surface of the support frame 61. The frame panel 62 may define a space in which a part of the flow passage portions 7 and 8 is supported.

[195] Further, the support frame 61 may include a front panel (second front panel) 67 defining the front surface of the second cabinet. The second front panel 67 may be formed in a shape surrounding the frame panel 62 such that the frame panel 62 is not exposed to the outside. In addition, in order to allow a user to easily access the frame panel 62, the second front panel 67 may be rotatably fixed to the support frame 61 or the frame panel 62.

[196] When the second cabinet 6 is mounted on the first cabinet 1, a lower end of the second side panel 65 may be connected to an upper end of the first side panel 12 of the first processing apparatus, and a lower end of the second rear panel 64 may be connected to an upper end of the first rear panel 13. When the second cabinet 6 is mounted on the first cabinet 1, the second front panel 67 may be positioned in the same plane as the first front panel 11.

[197] The upper end of the second side panel 65 and the upper end of the second front panel 67 may be positioned at the same height to provide a seamless appearance when the second cabinet 6 is fixed to the upper portion of the first cabinet 1.

[198] The frame panel 62 may have the same height as the second front panel 67 and be disposed on the first front panel 11, or may be at least partially inserted into the first front panel 11 with a lower end thereof disposed below the second front panel 67.

[199] As shown in FIG. 9, the support frame 61 may include a lower frame 611 detachably coupled to the mounting space 15 of the first cabinet 1, an upper frame 617 positioned above the lower frame 611 and to which the upper panel 66 is fixed, and a connection frame 618 connecting the frames 611 and 617.

[200] The front surface of the support frame 61 may be closed by the frame panel 62, both side surfaces of the support frame 61 may be closed by the second side panels 65, the top surface of the support frame 61 may be closed by the upper panel 66, and the rear surface of the support frame 61 may be closed by the second rear panel 64.

[201] As mentioned above, the internal space of the first cabinet 1 communicates with the outside through the mounting space 15. In order to connect the internal space of the first cabinet 1 and the internal space of the support frame 61, a communication space 612 communicating with the mounting space 15 may be provided on the bottom surface of the support frame 61.

[202] The support frame 61 may be provided with a support panel 613 dividing the communication space 612 into an open surface and a closed surface. The closed surface may be defined as an area of the communication space 612 where the support panel 613 is positioned, and the open surface may be defined as an area of the communication space 612 where the support panel 613 is not positioned. Since the communication space 612 communicates with the mounting space 15, the mounting space 15 may also be regarded as being divided into an open surface and a closed surface by the support panel 613.

[203] The inside of the support frame 61 may be divided into a front space 6a where the frame panel 62 is positioned and a rear space 6b where the second rear panel 64 is positioned. The support panel 613 may be fixed to the lower frame 611 and positioned in the rear space 6b.

[204] The support panel 613 may be fixed to the lower frame 611 and arranged along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the clothing processing apparatus or the length direction (X-axis direction) of the clothing processing apparatus. FIG. 15 illustrates, as an example, a case where the support panel 613 is arranged along the width direction of the clothing processing apparatus.

[205] The support panel 613 may include a support body 614 supporting a part of the components of the flow passages 7 and 8 or a part of the components of the heat exchanger 9, and a fixing body 615 fixing the support body 614 to the lower frame 611.

[206] The support body 614 may be positioned at a lower point than the lower frame 611. That is, the lowermost end of the support body 614 may be positioned at a lower point than the bottom surface of the support frame 61 (the lowermost end of the communication space or the lower frame). When the second cabinet 6 is mounted on the first cabinet 1, the edge of the bottom surface of the support frame 61 is supported by the panels 11, 12, and 13 of the first cabinet, which define the mounting space 15, and the support body 614 is positioned inside the first cabinet 1. That is, when the second cabinet 6 is fixed to the first cabinet 1, the support body 614 may be positioned at a lower point than the upper end of the first side panel 12.

[207] Since the support panel 613 is arranged to support the flow passages 7 and 8 or the heat exchanger 9, positioning the support body 614 at a lower point than the lower frame 611 may be expected to reduce the overall height of the clothing processing apparatus 100.

[208] The frame panel 62 may include a first panel through-hole 621, a second panel through-hole 622, and a third panel through-hole 623, which allow the inside of the second cabinet 6 to communicate with the outside.

[209] The first panel through-hole 621 may be opened and closed by a first panel door 624 rotatably fixed to the frame panel 62, and the second panel through-hole 622 may be opened and closed by a second panel door (or filter door) 626 rotatably fixed to the frame panel 62.

[210] The first panel door 624 may be provided with a space in which the second controller 63, which is configured to control the second processing apparatus 100b, is mounted. In this case, the first panel through-hole 621 may serve as a controller outlet through which the second controller 63 is exposed to the outside of the second cabinet 6.

[211] A filter may be provided in the flow passages 7 and 8 to filter air discharged from the tub body 30. In this case, the second panel through-hole 622 may serve as a filter outlet through which the filter may be drawn out of the second cabinet 6.

[212] The third panel through-hole 623 may serve as a means (panel air inlet) through which air from the outside of the second cabinet 6 is supplied to the flow passages 7 and 8.

[213] As shown in FIG. 8, the flow passages may include a first flow passage 7 connected to the tub body 30 to define a circulation path of air, and a second flow passage 8 defining a movement path of outside air.

[214] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of the flow passages 7 and 8 of the second processing apparatus 100b.

[215] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the flow passages 7 and 8.

[216] The first flow passage 7 may define a flow path through which air accommodated in the tub 3a may be introduced, moved outside the tub 3a, and reintroduced into the tub 3a.

[217] The first flow passage 7 may include an air discharge flow passage 71 connected to the tub air discharge part 25, an air supply flow passage 72 connected to the tub air supply part 24, a heat exchange flow passage 73 connected to the air discharge flow passage, and a blowing flow passage 74 in which a fan for moving air is mounted and which connects the heat exchange flow passage 73 and the air supply flow passage 72.

[218] The air discharge flow passage 71 may include an air discharge duct 711 detachably fixed to the tub air discharge part 25 of the first processing apparatus.

[219] In the clothing processing apparatus, the air discharge duct 711 may include a first air discharge duct 711a detachably arranged on the tub 3a, and a second air discharge duct 711b having one end communicating with the first air discharge duct 711a and an opposite end communicating with the filtration duct 73a.

[220] The second air discharge duct 711b may be disposed in front of the first air discharge duct 711a to receive air from the tub 3a, and a front surface of the second air discharge duct 711b may be an inclined surface having an upper end positioned further forward than a lower end thereof.

[221] In order to reduce transmission of vibration of the tub body 30 to the heat exchange flow passage 73, at least a partial section of the air discharge duct 711 may be provided with an air discharge flow passage corrugated portion 712.

[222] The air supply flow passage 72 may include an air supply duct 721 fixed to the blowing flow passage 74 and providing a movement path of air discharged from the blowing flow passage. In order to reduce transmission of vibration of the tub body 30 to the air supply duct 721, at least a partial section of the air supply duct 721 or one end of the air supply duct 721 may be provided with an air supply flow passage corrugated portion 722.

[223] The heat exchange flow passage 73 may include a heat exchange duct 73b fixed to the support panel 613. The heat exchange duct 73b may include a first heat exchange duct 734 in which a first heat exchanger included in the heat exchanger 9 is mounted, a second heat exchange duct 735 in which a second heat exchanger included in the heat exchanger 9 is mounted, and a connection duct 736 connecting the heat exchange ducts 734 and 735.

[224] The heat exchange duct 73b may be fixed to the bottom surface of the support panel 613 (the support body 614), or may be fixed to a duct seating portion 616 provided on the support panel 613. The duct seating portion 616 is a means protruding from the support body 614 toward the heat exchange duct 73b to maintain a gap between the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct 73b and the support body 614.

[225] Air introduced from the tub body 30 into the first heat exchange duct 73b through the air discharge duct 711 condenses while passing through the first heat exchanger. Accordingly, condensed water may remain inside the heat exchange duct 73b. In order to discharge the condensed water remaining inside the heat exchange duct 73b, the second processing apparatus 100b may be provided with a condensed water discharge part 75. The condensed water discharge part 75 may be arranged in a space defined between the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct 73b and the support body 614 by the duct seating portion 616.

[226] The heat exchange duct 73b may be directly connected to the air discharge duct 711, or may be connected to the air discharge duct 711 through the filtration duct 73a.

[227] The filtration duct 73a may include an inlet 732 provided in a bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a to receive air from the air discharge flow passage 71, the duct filter 77 configured to filter air introduced through the inlet 732, and an outlet 733 provided in a rear surface of the filtration duct 73a to discharge air filtered through the duct filter 77 to the heat exchanger 9.

[228] A front surface of the filtration duct 73a may be an open surface communicating with an interior thereof. The open surface may include the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[229] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one surface of the filtration duct 73a may be provided with a filter withdrawal opening (or open surface) 731 communicating with the second panel through-hole 622, and another surface of the filtration duct 73a may be provided with an inlet 732 connected to the air discharge duct 711. The figure illustrates, as an example, a case where the filter withdrawal opening 731 is provided in the front surface of the filtration duct 73a (the surface facing the frame panel) and the inlet 732 is provided in the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[230] The filtration duct 73a is a space in which a duct filter 77 is mounted to filter air to be supplied to the air discharge duct 711.

[231] As described above, air flowing through the filtration duct 73a is introduced through the inlet 732 provided in the bottom surface and discharged through the outlet 733 provided in the rear surface. Accordingly, the duct filter 77 may be disposed to be inclined within the filtration duct 73a such that a contact area with the flowing air may be increased.

[232] The blowing flow passage 74 may include a blowing duct 74a fixed to the support panel 613 and connecting the heat exchange duct 73b and the air supply duct 721, and a blowing fan (or first flow passage fan) 74b that moves air along the first flow passage part 7.

[233] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second flow passage 8 may include a first outside air duct 82 arranged inside the second cabinet 6 to allow outside air to be introduced therethrough, a second outside air duct 83 connected to the first outside air duct 82 and provided with a third heat exchanger 93, which is included in the heat exchanger 9, and a second flow passage fan 84 configured to move air.

[234] The first outside air duct 82 may be provided as a flow passage extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second cabinet, and the second outside air duct 83 may be provided as a flow passage extending along a height direction (Z-axis direction) of the second cabinet. One surface of the second outside air duct 83 may be provided with a duct through-hole 831 allowing air to be discharged to the second flow passage fan 84.

[235] The second flow passage fan 84 may include a second fan housing 841 fixed to the second outside air duct 83 to close the duct through-hole 831 and provided with a second impeller 846, a housing inlet 842 connected to the duct through-hole 831 and allowing air to be introduced into the second fan housing 841 therethrough, a housing outlet 843 allowing air inside the second fan housing 841 to be discharged into the second cabinet 6 therethrough, and a second fan motor 845 fixed to the second fan housing 841 and configured to rotate the second impeller 846.

[236] When the second impeller 846 is rotated by the second fan motor 845, outside air may be introduced into the second fan housing 841 through the first outside air duct 82 and the second outside air duct 83, and air inside the second fan housing 841 may be discharged into the second cabinet 6 through the housing outlet 843. The air discharged into the second cabinet 6 may be discharged from the second cabinet 6 through the panel air discharge opening 641 provided in the second rear panel 64.

[237] As shown in FIG. 13, one surface of the first outside air duct 82 may be fixed to the frame panel 62, and another surface of the first outside air duct 82 may be fixed to the fixing frame 619.

[238] As shown in FIG. 12, the first outside air duct 82 may be arranged to receive outside air through at least one of a first introduction hole 821 or a second introduction hole 822. The first introduction hole 821 may be connected to the panel air supply hole 623 provided in the frame panel 62, and the second introduction hole 822 may be connected to a second discharge hole 636 provided in the board fixing part 631.

[239] The first introduction hole 821 and the second introduction hole 822 may receive air outside the second cabinet 6 through an outside-air supply hole 81 provided in the second front panel 67. FIG. 13 illustrates, as an example, a case where the outside-air supply hole 81 is provided in the top surface of the second front panel 67. However, the outside-air supply hole 81 may also be provided in a side surface or the bottom surface of the second front panel 67.

[240] The heat exchanger 9 may include the first heat exchanger 91 arranged in the first heat exchange duct 737 to remove moisture from air, the second heat exchanger 92 arranged in the second heat exchange duct 738 to heat air, the third heat exchanger 93 arranged in the second flow passage 8 to exchange heat with outside air, a refrigerant pipe 96 defining a circulation flow passage through refrigerant passes through the heat exchangers 91, 92, and 93, and a compressor 94 configured to move the refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe.

[241] As shown in FIG. 12, the refrigerant pipe 96 may be provided with a control valve 97 arranged to control pressure of refrigerant, and a switching unit 95 arranged to control a movement path of the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 92.

[242] The refrigerant pipe 96 may include a first refrigerant flow passage 961 guiding refrigerant discharged from the compressor 94 to the second heat exchanger 92, a second refrigerant flow passage 962 guiding refrigerant passed through the second heat exchanger 92 (refrigerant having completed heat exchange with air in the second heat exchanger) to the switching unit 95, third and fourth refrigerant flow passages 963 and 964 connecting the switching unit 95 and the third heat exchanger 93, a fifth refrigerant flow passage 965 connecting the switching unit 95 and the first heat exchanger 91, and a sixth refrigerant flow passage 966 guiding refrigerant passed through the first heat exchanger 91 to the compressor 94. In this case, the control valve 97 may be provided in the third refrigerant flow passage 963 and positioned between the switching unit 95 and the third heat exchanger 93.

[243] The switching unit 95 may allow refrigerant supplied through the second refrigerant flow passage 962 to be supplied to the third refrigerant flow passage 963 or to the fourth refrigerant flow passage 964.

[244] When the switching unit 95 allows the refrigerant to be supplied to the third refrigerant flow passage 963, the refrigerant passes through the control valve 97 and is then supplied to the third heat exchanger 93. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger 93 is recovered to the switching unit 95 through the fourth refrigerant flow passage 964 and then supplied to the first heat exchanger 91 through the fifth refrigerant flow passage 965. In this case, the third heat exchanger 93 performs the same function (heat absorption function) as the first heat exchanger 91.

[245] When the switching unit 95 allows refrigerant to be supplied to the fourth refrigerant flow passage 964, the refrigerant is supplied to the third heat exchanger 93. Refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger 93 is recovered to the switching unit 95 through the third refrigerant flow passage 964 and the control valve 97 and then supplied to the first heat exchanger 91 through the fifth refrigerant flow passage 965. In this case, the third heat exchanger 93 performs the same function (heat generation function) as the second heat exchanger 92.

[246] FIG. 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of the filtration duct 73a and the air discharge flow passage 71, together with the remaining portion of the first flow passage 7.

[247] As the amount of laundry introduced into the drum 3b increases, the flow rate required through the first flow passage 7 may increase, and the volume of the heat exchanger 9 may also increase.

[248] Accordingly, the first flow passage 7 may be configured to move air in one lateral direction within the second cabinet 6 and then deliver the air again in the opposite lateral direction. Accordingly, by increasing the length of the first flow passage 7, the heat exchanger 9 having a larger volume may be accommodated.

[249] When the tub air supply part 35a is arranged at a central portion in the width direction of the tub 3a, the drying efficiency of the tub 3a may be maximized. Accordingly, the air supply duct 721 should be disposed at the central portion in the width direction of the second cabinet 6, and thus the heat exchange flow passage 73 may be disposed biased toward one side in the width direction of the second cabinet 6, thereby securing a volume in which the heat exchanger 9 may be accommodated and improving drying efficiency.

[250] The filtration duct 73a may be disposed at one side along the front-rear direction of the second cabinet 6.

[251] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the filtration duct 73a is disposed at an upstream side of the first flow passage 7, and the tub air supply part 35a is disposed at a front side of the tub 3a. Thus, the filtration duct 73a may be disposed at a front side of the second cabinet 6. Accordingly, air moved from front to rear along the heat exchange flow passage 73 may be transferred again from rear to front along the blowing flow passage 74 and the air supply flow passage 72 and discharged into the tub 3a, thereby securing a sufficient volume capable of accommodating the heat exchanger 9.

[252] Since the tub air supply part 35a is disposed at the front side, the tub air discharge part 35b may be disposed relatively rearward of the tub air supply part 35a.

[253] The first air discharge duct 711a may transfer air discharged through the tub air discharge part 35b from rear to front, and the second air discharge duct 711b may transfer the air from lower to upper.

[254] Since the flow of air transferred to the second air discharge duct 711b is directed forward and the flow of the discharged air is directed upward, the front surface of the second air discharge duct 711b may be provided as an inclined surface having an upper end positioned further forward than a lower end thereof. Accordingly, resistance caused by a change in flow direction of air flowing through the second air discharge duct 711b may be minimized.

[255] The entire front surface of the filtration duct 73a may be provided as an open surface to define the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[256] The bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a may include a first region A1 connected to the front surface of the filtration duct 73a and provided wiht the inlet 732, and a second region A2 disposed behind the first region A1 and forming the remaining portion of the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[257] The filtration duct 73a may include a filter fixing portion 736 fixed to the filtration duct 73a to couple the duct filter 77 to the filtration duct 73a.

[258] The duct filter 77 may be detachably arranged in the filtration duct 73a. For example, a coupling magnet 776 that is coupled to a magnetic material may be accommodated in the duct filter 77, and at least a portion of the filtration duct 73a may be formed of a magnetic material such that the duct filter 77 may be detachably attached to the filtration duct 73a.

[259] The second door (filter door) 626 may be rotatably provided on the frame panel 62 to open and close the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[260] Accordingly, a user may rotate the second front panel 67 such that the frame panel 62 is exposed forwardly, open the filter door 626 to withdraw or insert the duct filter 77 through the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[261] The duct filter 77 may include one surface through which air is introduced and another surface through which air is discharged. The other surface may be detachably arranged in the filtration duct 73a.

[262] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the other surface of the duct filter 77 may be detachably coupled to the filter fixing portion 736. Since air flows from the one surface to the other surface of the duct filter 77 and an external force is applied toward the other surface by flow pressure, separation of the duct filter 77 may be prevented by fixing the other surface to the filter fixing portion 736.

[263] FIG. 15 illustrates the filtration duct 73a and the air discharge duct 711.

[264] The duct filter 77 provided in the filtration duct 73a may be arranged inclined in the filtration duct 73a to relatively increase a contact area with air.

[265] The filtration duct 73a may be provided with the duct filter 77. The duct filter 77 may be disposed inside the filtration duct 73a with an inclination such that an upper end thereof is positioned further forward than a lower end thereof. Accordingly, since air delivered to the filtration duct 73a moves upward and rearward, the air may be delivered in a direction close to perpendicular to the direction of the flow pressure, and the area contacting air may be maximized, thereby improving filtration performance.

[266] The duct filter 77 may include a first filter 77a and a second filter 77b arranged to receive and re-filter air filtered by the first filter 77a.

[267] One end of the second filter 77b may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[268] The second filter 77b may be inclined differently from the first filter 77a with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[269] The second filter 77b may be arranged at a greater inclination with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a than the first filter 77a.

[270] Air filtered through the first filter 77a may apply reduced upward flow pressure compared to air filtered through the second filter 77b.

[271] Accordingly, as air passing through the first filter 77a moves in a direction more parallel to the rear surface of the filtration duct 73a, the second filter may be arranged at a greater inclination with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a than the first filter 77a so as to receive air in a direction close to perpendicular to the flow pressure, thereby ensuring reliability of filtration.

[272] The first filter 77a and the second filter 77b may be mutually compatible.

[273] The filtration duct 73a may include a mounting sensor 734 configured to sense whether the duct filter 77 is attached.

[274] A plurality of mounting sensors 734 may be provided to respectively sense the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[275] The first filter 77a and the second filter 77b may be connected to each other. In this case, the mounting sensor 734 may be configured to sense attachment of only one of the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[276] An end portion of the second air discharge duct 711b connected to the filtration duct 73a may have the same size as the inlet 732. The end portion may form the first region A1 of the filtration duct 73a.

[277] The filtration duct 73a may include a pressure sensor 735 configured to sense clogging of the duct filter 77 through downstream pressure of the duct filter 77. When a pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor 735 is less than or equal to a reference value, clogging of the duct filter 77 may be detected.

[278] The pressure sensor 735 may be a differential pressure sensor to sense a pressure difference between upstream and downstream sides of the duct filter 77. Thus, when the sensed pressure difference is greater than or equal to a reference value, clogging of the duct filter 77 may be detected.

[279] The first filter 77a may include a first primary end 771 fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a and a first secondary end 772 extending from the first primary end 771 and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[280] The front surface of the filtration duct 73a is provided with the filter withdrawal opening 731, which is an open surface. Accordingly, when the filter door 626 is opened, the first secondary end 772 may be exposed facing forward, and thus it may be easy to withdraw the first filter 77a to the outside for cleaning and repair.

[281] Accordingly, the first secondary end 772 may be provided with a handle 783 that may be gripped by a user for convenience in withdrawing and inserting the first filter 77a.

[282] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the filtration duct 73a provided with the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[283] As described above, the first filter 77a may include the first primary end 771 fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a and the first secondary end 772 extending from the first primary end 771 and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct 73a, such that the first secondary end 772 is exposed facing forward. Accordingly, the first filter 77a may be easily withdrawn to the outside for cleaning and repair.

[284] The second filter 77b may include a second primary end 773 fixed to the filtration duct 73a and a second secondary end 774 disposed above the first secondary end 772 of the first filter 77a and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct 73a. Accordingly, the second secondary end 774 may also be easily inserted into and withdrawn from the filtration duct 73a through the filter withdrawal opening 626.

[285] As the amount of laundry processed per cycle by the clothing processing apparatus 100 increases, the replacement cycle of the filter according to foreign substances and lint may increase. Accordingly, accessibility may be improved by providing a plurality of duct filters 77 and arranging at least one end thereof to be exposed through the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[286] Since air filtered through the first filter 77a applies reduced upward flow pressure compared to air filtered through the second filter 77b, the second filter 77b may be arranged at a greater inclination with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a than the first filter 77a.

[287] The second secondary end 774 of the second filter 77b may be arranged at an upper end of the filter withdrawal opening 731. Accordingly, an additional duct filter 77 may be easily accommodated between the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[288] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a, and the second primary end 773 may be positioned rearward of the first primary end 771.

[289] When the second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b is positioned rearward of the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a on the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a, interference between the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b may be prevented, thereby facilitating installation. In addition, since the filtration area of the second filter 77b is increased, the replacement cycle of the second filter 77b may be extended and filtration efficiency may be improved.

[290] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be positioned at the same location as or rearward of the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a. In this case, when the second secondary end 774 of the second filter 77b is arranged at the upper end of the filter withdrawal opening 731, the area of the filter contacting air passing through the filtration duct 73a may be maximized.

[291] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be fixed above the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a.

[292] The first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a may be fixed to a rear end of the second region. In this case, when the second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b is fixed above the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a, the duct filter 77 may relatively largely traverse a flow cross-section of air flowing through the filtration duct 73a, thereby improving filtration efficiency.

[293] The first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a and the second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be connected to each other. Accordingly, when the first filter 77a is separated from the filtration duct 73a, the second filter 77b may also be separated from the filtration duct 73a. In this case, the mounting sensor 734 may be configured to sense attachment of the second secondary end 774 of the second filter 77b. Accordingly, when the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b are attached to or detached from the filtration duct 73a, complete attachment or detachment of the duct filter 77 may be detected only based on attachment or detachment of the second secondary end 774, which responds last.

[294] The first secondary end 772 and the second secondary end 774 exposed through the filter withdrawal opening 731 may be provided with a handle 783 that may be gripped by a user, thereby improving accessibility for insertion and withdrawal of the duct filter 77.

[295] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the filtration duct 73a provided with the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[296] The first filter 77a may include a first primary end 771 fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a and a first secondary end 772 extending from the first primary end 771 and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct 73a. The first secondary end 772 may be arranged at an upper end of the filter withdrawal opening 731.

[297] The first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a may be fixed to the rear end of the second region A2. The amount of foreign substances filtered out by the first filter 77a is greatest. Accordingly, when the first secondary end 771, which is the upper end of the first filter 77a, is fixed to the upper end of the front surface of the filtration duct 73a and the first primary end 771, which is the lower end of the first filter 77a, is fixed to the rear end of the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a, a cross-sectional area of air contacting the first filter 77a may be maximized, thereby improving filtration efficiency.

[298] The second filter 77b may include a second primary end 773 fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a and a second secondary end 774 fixed to the top surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[299] The second secondary end 774 may be positioned forward of the second primary end 773. Accordingly, when the first filter 77a is withdrawn through the filter withdrawal opening 731, the second secondary end 774 may be exposed. Accordingly, the user may withdraw the second filter 77b to the outside of the filtration duct 73a through the second secondary end 774 or the handle 783 provided on the second secondary end 774.

[300] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be positioned at the same location as or rearward of the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a.

[301] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be fixed above the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a.

[302] FIG. 18(a) illustrates one embodiment of the filtration duct 73a provided with the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[303] The first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a, and the first secondary end 772 may be fixed to the upper end of the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[304] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be disposed above or overlapping the first primary end 771, and the second secondary end 774 may be fixed to the upper end of the rear surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[305] In this case, the first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a and the second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be disposed at the front end of the second region A2.

[306] FIG. 18(b) illustrates one embodiment of the filtration duct 73a provided with the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b.

[307] The first primary end 771 of the first filter 77a may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a, and the first secondary end 772 may be fixed to the lower end of the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[308] That is, the first filter 77a may be arranged to close the inlet 732. The first primary end 771 may be fixed to the front end of the second region A2, and the first secondary end 772 may be fixed to the front end of the first region A1, such that the size of the first filter 77a corresponds to the inlet 732.

[309] The second primary end 773 of the second filter 77b may be disposed above or overlapping the first primary end 771, and the second secondary end 774 may be fixed to the upper end of the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[310] Accordingly, as both the first secondary end 772 and the second secondary end 774 are exposed through the filter withdrawal opening 731, replacement and cleaning of the duct filter 77 may be facilitated.

[311] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of the filter fixing portion 736.

[312] The second region A2 and the filter fixing portion 736 may be integrally formed.

[313] The filter fixing portion 736 may include a first filter fixing portion 736a arranged to fix the first filter 77a, and a second filter fixing portion 736b arranged to fix the second filter 77b.

[314] The filter fixing portion 736 may include side ribs 7361 fixed to opposite side surfaces of the filtration duct 73a, and a rear rib 7362 connecting rear ends of the side ribs 7361. That is, the filter fixing portion 736 may be arranged not to extend across the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[315] Since the side ribs 7361 are fixed to the side surfaces of the filtration duct 73a, unfiltered air may be prevented from leaking through gaps between the side surfaces of the filtration duct 73a and the side ribs 7361.

[316] Accordingly, the user may easily insert and withdraw the duct filter 77 by pushing or pulling the front end of the duct filter disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct 73a.

[317] The duct filter 77 may include one surface through which air is introduced and another surface through which air is discharged, and the other surface may be detachably coupled to the filtration duct 73a.

[318] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the other surface of the duct filter 77 may be detachably coupled to the filter fixing portion 736. Since air flows from the one surface to the other surface of the duct filter 77 and an external force is applied toward the other surface by flow pressure, separation of the duct filter 77 may be prevented by fixing the other surface to the filter fixing portion 736.

[319] The rear rib 7362 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct 73a. Accordingly, unfiltered air may be prevented from leaking through a gap between the rear rib 7362 and the second region A2.

[320] The rear rib 7362 of the second filter fixing portion 736b may be fixed on the rear rib 7362 of the first filter fixing portion 736a. The rear ribs 7362 may be arranged without being spaced apart from each other, thereby preventing unfiltered air from leaking between the two rear ribs 7362.

[321] FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of the duct filter 77.

[322] At least one of the first filter 77a and the second filter 77b may be configured in the following form. The first filter 77a and the second filter 77b may be mutually compatible. The compatible duct filter 77 may be configured as follows.

[323] The duct filter 77 may include a frame portion 770 formed along an inner peripheral surface of the filtration duct 73a, a filtration mesh 775 having edges fixed by the frame portion 770 and arranged to filter air, and a shape maintaining member 778 inserted in the frame portion 770 to maintain the shape of the frame portion 770.

[324] The frame portion 770 may include a first frame 78 exposed to the outside of the filtration duct 73a, and a second frame 79 fixed to the filtration duct 73a, wherein the first frame may be coupled to the second frame 79.

[325] The shape maintaining member 778 may be interposed between the second frame 79 and the first frame 78.

[326] The shape maintaining member 778 may be formed of a material having rigidity higher than at least one of the second frame 79 and the first frame 78 to prevent deformation of the frame portion 770.

[327] The filtration mesh 775 may provide tension inwardly of the frame portion 770 against tensile force applied by the frame portion 770 to the edges of the filtration mesh 775. Consequently, a torsional moment may occur in the frame portion 770 due to the tension of the filtration mesh 775. The shape maintaining member 778 may be formed of a material with sufficient torsional rigidity to resist the torsional moment generated in the frame portion 770, thereby preventing twisting of the frame portion 770.

[328] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of manufacturing the frame portion 770, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the process of manufacturing the frame portion 770. Hereinafter, the process of manufacturing the frame portion 770 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

[329] The frame portion 770 may be manufactured by a method including an extrusion operation S1 of heating a material of the frame portion 770 to a high temperature and continuously extruding the material into a product having a constant cross-section, a cutting operation S2 of cutting the material processed through the extrusion operation S1 according to lengths of respective sides of the duct filter 77, and a fusion operation S3 of heating and thermally fusing ends of the material processed through the cutting operation S2 so as to correspond to a shape of the opening 350.

[330] Accordingly, since the frame portion 770 extending in a closed-loop shape along the inner peripheral surface of the filtration duct 73a is not integrally manufactured by injection molding or the like, an initial mold manufacturing cost may be reduced and a range of selectable materials for the frame portion 770 may be expanded.

[331] Further, since processing is performed only by compression and shear stress, a degree of freedom may be improved in terms of the shape of a cross-sectional portion formed inside the frame portion 770 to fix the shape maintaining member 778 and / or the filtration mesh 775.

[332] A fusion line L1 generated by thermal fusion of respective ends of the material may be formed in the frame portion 770. The fusion line L1 may not be visually distinguishable clearly.

[333] The fusion line L1 may be identified by use of a polymer different from the material constituting the frame portion 770 during the fusion process.

[334] The fusion line L1 may merely need to be distinguished from other portions in terms of shape, structure, physical properties, or the like due to deformation of ends of the material processed through the extrusion operation S1 and the cutting operation S2 by physical force such as heat. The fusion line L1 may merely need to be recognized by those skilled in the art as a feature generated due to fusion.

[335] The second frame 79 and the first frame 78 may be separately manufactured to have different cross-sections or materials.

[336] FIG. 21(a) illustrates a method of manufacturing the first frame 78, and FIG. 21(b) illustrates a method of manufacturing the second frame 79.

[337] The first frame 78 may be manufactured by a method including a first frame extrusion operation S1a, a first frame cutting operation S2a of cutting the material processed through the first frame extrusion operation S1a, and a first frame fusion operation S3a of thermally fusing ends of the material by heating the same.

[338] A first frame fusion line L11 may be formed in the first frame 78 by the first frame fusion operation S3a.

[339] A coupling magnet 776 generating magnetic force may be accommodated inside the second frame 79, and at least a portion of the filtration duct 73a may have a magnetic material capable of coupling with the coupling magnet 776, such that the second frame 79 may be detachably fixed to the filtration duct 73a.

[340] Since the coupling magnet 776 can be accommodated in the second frame 79, the second frame 79 may be manufactured as follows.

[341] The second frame 79 may be manufactured by a method including: a second frame extrusion operation S1b, a second frame cutting operation S2b of cutting the material processed through the second frame extrusion operation S1b, an insertion operation S25 of accommodating the coupling magnet 776 in the cut material, and a second frame fusion operation S3b of heating and thermally fusing ends of the material accommodating the coupling magnet 776.

[342] That is, since the coupling magnet 776 should be accommodated in an attachment target such as the second frame 79, the insertion operation S25 of accommodating the coupling magnet 776 may be further included after the cutting operation S2.

[343] In order to prevent separation of the coupling magnet 776 and improve attachment reliability, the coupling magnet 776 may be inserted into a coupling magnet accommodation groove 7913, which will be described later and is separately formed inside the second frame 79. Accordingly, the insertion operation S25 may be performed after the cutting operation S2 and before the fusion operation S3.

[344] A second frame fusion line L12 may be formed on the second frame 79 through the second frame fusion operation S3b.

[345] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a cross section of the first frame 78 taken in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction thereof (hereinafter, “cross section”), and FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a cross section of the second frame 79 taken in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction thereof (hereinafter, “cross section”). Hereinafter, characteristics of the cross section of the first frame 78 and the cross section of the second frame 79 will be described.

[346] When the second frame 79 and the first frame 78 are coupled to each other to face each other on contact surfaces thereof, groove portions 781 and 791 protruding from or recessed into the contact surfaces may be formed. The second frame 79 and the first frame 78 may be coupled to each other by engagement of the groove portions 781 and 791.

[347] At least one of the second frame 79 and the first frame 78 may be provided with a shape maintaining member accommodation groove 784 and 794 to accommodate the shape maintaining member 778.

[348] Edges of the filtration mesh 775 may be fixed to the frame portion 770 by a pressing force generated by engagement of the groove portions 781 and 791 and coupling between the shape maintaining member 778 and the frame portion 770.

[349] The groove portions may include a first groove portion 791 protruding from one surface of the second frame 79 facing the first frame 78, and a second groove portion 781 recessed from one surface of the first frame 78 facing the second frame 79 so as to engage with the first groove portion 791.

[350] As the first groove portion 791 is formed in a protruding shape, the degree of freedom in the position and shape of the coupling magnet accommodation groove 792 may be increased.

[351] The second frame 79 may be disposed relatively downstream of air flowing through the filtration duct 73a, compared to the first frame 78.

[352] The filtration mesh 775 may apply an external force to the frame portion 770 in the downstream direction due to air flow. In this case, when the first groove portion 791 is formed in a protruding shape and the second groove portion 781 is formed in a recessed shape, a force by which the groove portions 51 and 61 support the filtration mesh 775 in the upstream direction may be increased. Accordingly, the filtration mesh 775 may be stably fixed to the frame portion 770 without being excessively tensioned.

[353] The groove portions 781 and 791 may include a plurality of protrusions protruding from the contact surface and a plurality of recesses engaged with the plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of recesses may be arranged in a line along a direction crossing the extrusion (extension) direction of the frame portion 770. Accordingly, manufacturability of the frame portion 770 may be improved.

[354] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of recesses may be arranged in a line from an inner side toward an outer side of the frame at each side of the frame portion 770. Accordingly, coupling force by the groove portions 781 and 791 may be most strongly transmitted to the filtration mesh 775, thereby allowing the filtration mesh 775 to be stably fixed to the frame portion 770.

[355] The shape maintaining member accommodation grooves 784 and 794 may be formed between the plurality of recesses and the plurality of protrusions. Accordingly, when the shape maintaining member 778 is accommodated in the frame portion 770, engagement of the groove portions 781 and 791 may be formed in inward and outward directions of the frame portion 770, thereby preventing separation of the shape maintaining member 778 and allowing the shape maintaining member to be stably fixed.

[356] A sealing rib 782 may be formed around an outer peripheral surface of the first frame 78 to protrude to be exposed to the outside of the filtration duct 73a. When the duct filter 77 is fixed to the opening, the sealing rib 782 may block air from flowing through a joint between the outer peripheral surface of the frame portion 770 and the opening 350.

[357] An angle at which the sealing rib 782 protrudes from an edge of the frame portion 770 may be greater than an angle formed between the duct filter 77 and an inner surface of the filtration duct 73a. Accordingly, the sealing rib 782 and the inner surface of the duct body 310 may naturally come into contact with and press against each other, thereby efficiently blocking air flow.

[358] At least a portion of the first frame 78 may be provided with a handle 783 protruding outward from the filtration duct 73a so as to be gripped by a user.

[359] The user may pull the handle 783 exposed outside the filtration duct 73a outward from the filtration duct 73a to separate the frame portion 770 from the opening 350. Accordingly, usability may be improved because the user does not need to insert fingers into a narrow gap formed between the opening 350 and the outer peripheral surface of the frame portion 770 in order to separate the duct filter 77.

[360] The engagement force generated by engagement of the groove portions 781 and 791 may be set to be greater than an attachment force by which the coupling magnet 776 is attached to the filtration duct 73a, such that, when the handle 783 is pulled, not only the first frame 78 but also the second frame 79 may be withdrawn.

[361] A protrusion angle and formation position of the handle 783 may be changed according to a position at which the duct filter 77 is disposed. The handle 783 may be arranged such that a user of average height may grip the handle 783 within a movable range of the arm without standing on tiptoe or bending the waist.

[362] The handle 783 may be provided with an anti-slip portion 783a to improve usability for a user. The anti-slip portion 783a may be arranged in the form of grooves or protrusions corresponding to a shape of fingers or in a shape for preventing slipping, and may be separately formed from the frame portion 770 and attached to the handle 783.

[363] FIG. 23(a) illustrates an example of the first frame 78 that is provided with the handle 783 and the sealing rib 782, and FIG. 23(b) illustrates an example of the first frame 78 that is not provided with either the handle 783 or the sealing rib 782.

[364] As shown in FIG. 24, the second frame 79 may be provided with the coupling magnet accommodation groove 792 to accommodate the coupling magnet. The coupling magnet 776 may be formed of an elastic material so as to be easily accommodated in the coupling magnet accommodation groove 792.

[365] FIG. 25 illustrates the groove portions 781 and 791 provided on the second frame 79 and the first frame 78.

[366] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second frame 79 may include a first groove portion 791 provided as a protrusion protruding from the contact surface, and the first frame 78 may include a second groove portion 781 provided as a recess recessed from the contact surface. However, this is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. The protrusion may be formed on the first frame 78 and the recess may be formed in the second frame 79.

[367] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the protrusion and the recess will be referred to as the first groove portion 791 and the second groove portion 781, respectively.

[368] The first groove portion 791 may include a first extension portion 7911 extending from the contact surface, and a second extension portion 7912 extending from an end of the first extension portion 7911.

[369] The first extension portion 7911 and the second extension portion 7912 may have different shapes in a cross section perpendicular to an extension direction of the frame portion 770.

[370] In a cross section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first groove portion 791, at least a portion of the second extension portion 7912 may not overlap the first extension portion 7911 with respect to the protruding direction of the first groove portion 791. Accordingly, even when the first groove portion 791 and the second groove portion 781 engaged with each other are subjected to an external force acts in a direction separating the same from each other, easy separation thereof may be prevented.

[371] FIG. 25(a) illustrates an example 7912a of the second extension portion 7912 having a round shape.

[372] The second extension portion 7912 may be formed in a circular shape having a diameter greater than a width of the first extension portion 7911.

[373] Accordingly, at least a portion of an extended cross section of the second extension portion 7912 may be larger than an extended cross section of the first extension portion 7911, thereby preventing separation of the first frame 78 and the second frame 79.

[374] FIG. 25(b) illustrates an example in which the second extension portion 7912 is formed in a hook shape 7912b extending to one side from an end of the first extension portion 7911.

[375] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 25, a direction in which the second extension portion 7912 is bent from the first extension portion 7911 when the second extension portion 7912 is formed in the hook shape 7912b will be described.

[376] FIG. 25 illustrates a cross section taken along line D-D‘ crossing an inner side and an outer side of the frame portion 770 having a closed-curve shape. For convenience of description, a direction toward the outside of the frame portion 770 will be referred to as an outward direction R1, and a direction toward the inside of the frame portion 770 will be referred to as an inward direction R2.

[377] FIG. 26(a) illustrates an example in which, among a pair of second extension portions 7912, one second extension portion 7912 is bent from the first extension portion 7911 in the outward direction R1 and the other second extension portion 7912 is bent from the first extension portion 7911 in the inward direction R2.

[378] When the second extension portions 7912 are bent from the ends of the first extension portions 7911 to face each other as shown in FIG. 26(a), separation of an edge of the filtration mesh 775 from the frame portion 770 may be prevented.

[379] For example, when the filtration mesh 775 is pulled in the outward direction R1 or the inward direction R2, which is a direction of separation of the filtration mesh 775 from the frame portion 770, the second extension portions 7912 arranged in a bent shape may be deformed toward the center of the frame portion 770 by elastic force of the material itself. Accordingly, a force by which ends of the second extension portions 7912 bind the filtration mesh 775 to the center of the frame portion 770 may be increased, thereby improving reliability of fixation of the filtration mesh 775.

[380] FIG. 26(b) illustrates an example in which a pair of second extension portions 7912 is bent from the first extension portion 7911 in the outward direction R1. Disposing the second extension portions 7912 as shown in FIG. 26(b) may be advantageous in resisting tension of the filtration mesh 775.

[381] For example, when the filtration mesh 775 filters air inside the drum 3a and receives force at a central portion thereof to transmit tension in the inward direction of the frame portion 770, resistance against buckling may be maximized while allowing the frame portion 770 to stably support the filtration mesh 775 because the second extension portions 412 are disposed in the outward direction R2,.

[382] In this case, when the first groove portion 791 is formed as a protrusion on the second frame 79, the second extension portion 7912 supports the filtration mesh 775, which is subjected to force toward the downstream side, toward the upstream side, thereby improving binding reliability between the filtration mesh 775 and the frame portion 770.

[383] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of the frame portion 770. FIG. 27(a) shows a view of the second frame 79 seen from the front side of the filtration duct 73a, and FIG. 27(b) shows a view of the first frame 78 coupled to the second frame 79.

[384] In the example of FIG. 27, the frame portion 770 has a rectangular shape in which all internal angles are right angles and a pair of opposing long sides is longer than another pair of opposing short sides.

[385] For convenience of description, hereinafter, the length of the relatively longer pair of opposing sides will be referred to as a long side D1, and the length of the relatively shorter pair of opposing sides will be referred to as a short side D2.

[386] In the second frame 79, the coupling magnet accommodation grooves 792 may be formed in the extrusion operation S1, and the coupling magnets 776 may be accommodated in respective sides that have undergone the cutting operation S2 according to the lengths of respective sides of the opening 350.

[387] When the ends of the respective sides accommodating the coupling magnets are fused, a predetermined fusion spacing gap G may be formed between each fused end and the coupling magnet 776 such that fusion is not hindered by the coupling magnet 776 and coupling force according to fusion is not reduced. Accordingly, the fusion spacing gap G may be formed such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the fusion line L1.

[388] The fusion spacing gap G may be formed at each corner of the second frame 79, and the coupling magnets 776 may be interposed in the second frame 79 so as to be discontinuous at the corners.

[389] When the filtration mesh 775 and the first frame 78 are coupled to the second frame 79 described above as shown in FIG. 27(b), the filtration mesh 775 may be pressed in an air flow direction while edges thereof are tensioned by the frame portion 770. Accordingly, the frame portion 770 may is subjected to tension in the inward direction R2.

[390] When the frame portion 770 is subjected to tension in the inward direction R2, the central portions of the respective sides, rigidity of which is reinforced by the coupling magnets 776, may resist the tension. However, portions corresponding to the fusion spacing gaps G, in which rigidity is reduced due to the coupling magnet accommodation grooves 792 and the coupling magnets 776 are not accommodated, may be deformed without resisting the tension of the filtration mesh 775. Accordingly, the frame portion 770 may be deformed to bend or fold with respect to the corners at which the fusion spacing gaps G are formed.

[391] In addition, when torsion occurs in each side due to tension of the filtration mesh 775, a torsion angle 7701 formed in the long side D1 may be greater than a torsion angle 7702 formed in the short side D2 because a torsion angle is proportional to a length of a side.

[392] Accordingly, the long side D1 may be twisted and the frame portion 770 may be deformed in a folding manner with respect to a pair of opposing corners thereof.

[393] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of the shape maintaining member 778. FIG. 28(a) shows a view of the shape maintaining member 778 seen from the front side of the filtration duct 73a, and FIG. 27(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F‘ crossing an inner side and an outer side of the shape maintaining member 778 forming a closed curve.

[394] The shape maintaining member 778 may be arranged in a round bar shape extending along the perimeter of the duct filter 77.

[395] The shape maintaining member 778 may be formed of a metal material and may include at least one welding line L2 generated as ends thereof are welded to form a closed curve.

[396] The welding line L2 may not be clearly distinguishable in appearance. However, the welding line L2 may be identified by a physically uneven protruding shape caused by welding on a surface thereof, traces formed by polishing the uneven surface, traces discolored by heat treatment, or traces formed by surface treatment.

[397] Even when the welding line L2 is not visible in appearance, the welding line L2 may be distinguished from other portions in that density or thickness thereof is somewhat nonuniform or different. The welding line L2 only needs to be recognized by a person skilled in the art based on the characteristics generated by welding.

[398] In the shape maintaining member 778, a welded joint portion connected to the welding line L2 may have lower strength than other portions. Accordingly, the welding line L2 may be provided at a point that does not overlap the fusion spacing gap G or the fusion line L1 to avoid concentration of deformation on the fusion spacing gap G or the fusion line L1.

[399] When the frame portion 770 has a rectangular shape in which all internal angles are right angles and a pair of opposing sides is longer than another pair of opposing sides, the welding line L2 may be formed at a portion inserted into the short side D2 among the sides of the frame portion 770.

[400] As described above, when torsion occurs in each side due to tension of the filtration mesh 775, the torsion angle 7701 formed in the long side D1 may be greater than the torsion angle 7702 formed in the short side D2 because a torsion angle is proportional to a length of a side. Accordingly, when the welding line L2 is formed in the short side D2, a large load is not applied to the welding line L2, which is relatively weaker. Accordinglyu, the reliability of the strength of the shape maintaining member 778 may be improved.

[401] When the opening 350 is formed in a polygonal shape, corner portions 779 of the shape maintaining member 778 may be curved to have a radius R. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the shape maintaining member 778, concentration of load on the corner portions 779 may be prevented, thereby preventing fracture.

[402] The shape maintaining member 778 may be formed of a material having at least rigidity capable of withstanding the tension of the filtration mesh 775 and torsional rigidity as high as to resist a torsional moment generated in the frame portion 770 due to the tension applied by the filtration mesh 775 to the frame portion 770. Accordingly, as described above, twisting of the long side D1 may be prevented from casuing deformation of the frame portion 770 in a folding manner with respect to a pair of opposing corners thereof.

[403] FIG. 29 illustrates the assembly of the frame portion 770, the filtration mesh 775, and the shape maintaining member 778 are assembled.

[404] The shape maintaining member 778 may be inserted into a central portion of the frame portion 770. That is, a length t1 from the contact surface P of the first frame 78 to an end of the first frame 78 extending therefrom and a length t2 from the contact surface P of the second frame 79 to an end of the second frame 79 extending therefrom may be equal to each other, and the depths of the shape maintaining member accommodation grooves 784 and 794 from the respective contact surfaces P may also be equal to each other.

[405] That is, a distance from the shape maintaining member 778 to the outer side of the first frame 78 and a distance from the shape maintaining member 778 to the outer side of the second frame 79 may be set to be equal.

[406] When the frame portion 770 is formed of the same material and the shape maintaining member 778 extends across the centers of respective sides of the frame portion 770, deformation of the frame portion 770 may be most effectively prevented, and production and design may be simplified.

[407] The duct filter 77 may be formed through an assembly operation S4 in which the filtration mesh 775 is stacked on the first frame 78, the shape maintaining member 778 is inserted on the filtration mesh 775, and the second frame 79 and the first frame 78 are coupled as the protrusion (the first groove portion 791) of the second frame 79 is fitted into the recess (the second groove portion 781) of the first frame 78.

[408] When the first groove portion 791 having the protrusion shape is formed on the second frame 79 and the second groove portion 781 having the recess shape is formed on the first frame 78, the filtration mesh may be interposed and fixed between the first frame 78 and the shape maintaining member 778. When a external force is applied to the filtration mesh 775 in the downstream direction due to airflow, the groove portions 781 and 791 of the frame portion 770 and the shape maintaining member 778 may support the filtration mesh 775 in the upstream direction, and accordingly the filtration mesh 775 may be stably fixed to the frame portion 770 without being excessively tensioned.

[409] FIG. 30 illustrates a front view of the duct filter 77 seen from the front side of the opening 350.

[410] The filtration duct 73a may include a magnetic sensor 314, which will be described later, configured to sense a magnetic field intensity or the like. Accordingly, the frame portion 770 may accommodate a magnetic field source 777 from which a magnetic signal is detected by the magnetic sensor 314, such that attachment of the duct filter 77 to the filtration duct 73a may be sensed.

[411] The handle 783 and the magnetic field source 777 may be formed on or accommodated in at least a portion of the frame portion 770. FIG. 30 illustrates an example in which the magnetic field source 777 is accommodated in a central portion of the upper side of the frame portion 770 and the handle 783 is disposed on the left side of the frame portion 770.

[412] Based on FIG. 30, FIGS. 31 to 33 illustrate cross-sections crossing the frame portion 770 from an inner side to an outer side thereof. FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A' in which either the handle 783 or the magnetic field source 777 is not formed, FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-section taken along line B-B' in which the magnetic field source 777 is accommodated, and FIG. 33 illustrates a cross-section taken along line C-C' in which the handle 783 is included. These are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the handle 783 and the magnetic field source 777 may not be disposed or may be disposed to overlap each other.

[413] FIG. 30 illustrates the second frame 79 in which the coupling magnet 776 is accommodated and the first groove portion 791 protrudes from the contact surface P, the shape maintaining member 778 stacked on the second frame 79, the filtration mesh 775 stacked on the shape maintaining member 778, and the first frame 78 stacked on the filtration mesh 775 and having the second groove portion 781 recessed from the contact surface P.

[414] The frame portion 770 may be coupled by engagement of the first groove portion 791 and the second groove portion 781, and the filtration mesh 775 may be fixed by pressure applied by the shape maintaining member 778 and the frame portion 770.

[415] This is merely an embodiment. The protruding and recessed directions of the first groove portion 791 and the second groove portion 781 may be reversed at the respective contact surfaces P, and the filtration mesh 775 may be fixed by pressure applied by the shape maintaining member 778 and the second frame 79.

[416] As the filtration mesh 775 is tightly pressed by the frame portion 770 and the shape maintaining member 778, the duct filter 77 may convey a visual impression of solid, commercial-grade durability to the user.

[417] FIG. 32 illustrates a view of the magnetic field source 777 fixed to the second frame 79. The second frame 79 may include a magnetic field source accommodation groove 793 in which the magnetic field source 777 may be accommodated.

[418] The magnetic field source accommodation groove 793 may replace a portion of the first groove portion 791 and protrude from the contact surface P to be fitted into the second groove portion 781 of the first frame 78.

[419] Accordingly, even when the second frame 79 is extruded in a batch process, the magnetic field source 777 may be accommodated by a post-processing operation such as cutting only a portion of the first groove portion 791. Thereby, production costs may be reduced.

[420] FIG. 33 illustrates a view of the handle 783 and the sealing rib 782 provided on the first frame 78.

[421] As described above, a protrusion angle and formation position of the handle 783 may be changed according to a position at which the duct filter 77 is disposed.

[422] The handle 783 may be arranged such that a user of average height may grip the handle 783 within a movable range of the arm without standing on tiptoe or bending the waist.

[423] For example, when a lower portion of the duct filter 77 is close to the ground, the handle 783 may be provided at an upper portion or a side portion of the duct filter 77 in consideration of user accessibility, and a protrusion angle may be formed such that the handle 783 is biased toward a center of the filtration duct 73a to prevent collision with an inner surface of the filtration duct 73a in which the duct filter 77 is accommodated.

[424] For ease of production, the handle 783 may be formed separately from the first frame 78 and attached thereto.

[425] As described above, an angle at which the sealing rib 782 protrudes from an outer edge of the first frame 78 may be greater than an angle formed between the inner surface of the filtration duct 73a in which the duct filter 77 is mounted and the duct filter 77. Accordingly, the sealing rib 782 and the inner surface of the duct body 310 may naturally contact and press against each other, thereby efficiently blocking airflow.

[426] The sealing rib 782 may be provided only on a portion of the first frame 78. For ease of production, the sealing rib 782 may be formed separately from the first frame 78 and attached thereto.

[427] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. A clothing processing apparatus comprising:a tub having a tub inlet formed at a front side thereof;a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub; anda flow passage comprising:a discharge flow passage communicating with the tub to receive air from inside the tub; an air supply flow passage communicating with the tub to supply air into the tub;a heat exchange flow passage connected to the discharge flow passage and accommodating a heat exchanger configured to heat and dehumidify air; anda blowing flow passage connecting the heat exchange flow passage and the air supply flow passage, the blowing flow passage being provided with a fan configured to move air, wherein the heat exchange flow passage comprises:a heat exchange duct having the heat exchanger mounted therein; anda filtration duct connecting the discharge flow passage and the heat exchange duct, wherein the filtration duct comprises:an inlet provided in a bottom surface of the filtration duct to receive air from the discharge flow passage;a duct filter arranged to filter air introduced through the inlet; andan outlet provided in a rear surface of the filtration duct to discharge air filtered through the duct filter to the heat exchanger, andwherein the duct filter comprises a first filter comprising:a first primary end fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct; anda first secondary end extending from the first primary end and having at least a portion disposed on a front surface of the filtration duct.

2. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the duct filter further comprises a second filter configured to filter air filtered by the first filter.

3. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second filter is arranged in the duct filter at an inclination different from an inclination of the first filter with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct.

4. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the inclination of the second filter is greater than the inclination of the first filter with respect to the bottom surface of the filtration duct.

5. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second filter comprises:a second primary end fixed to the filtration duct; anda second secondary end disposed above the first secondary end of the first filter and having at least a portion disposed on the front surface of the filtration duct.

6. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second secondary end of the second filter is arranged at an upper end of the front surface.

7. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second primary end of the second filter is fixed to the bottom surface of the filtration duct, andwherein the second primary end is positioned behind the first primary end.

8. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second primary end of the second filter is fixed above the first primary end of the first filter.

9. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the filtration duct is provided with an open surface communicating with an interior of the filtration duct.

10. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the filtration duct comprises a filter door rotatably arranged to open and close the open surface.

11. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the duct filter is detachably arranged in the filtration duct and is withdrawn and inserted through the open surface.

12. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the duct filter comprises: one surface receiving air introduced; andan opposite surface allowing air to be discharged therethrough,wherein the opposite surface is detachably arranged in the filtration duct.

13. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first filter and the second filter are separately arranged,wherein the first filter and the second filter are each detachably arranged in the filtration duct.

14. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the duct filter is detachably arranged in the filtration duct,wherein the first primary end of the first filter and the second primary end of the second filter are connected to each other, andwherein the second filter is removed from the filtration duct when the first filter is removed from the filtration duct.

15. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first filter and the second filter are compatible with each other.

16. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration duct comprises a mounting sensor configured to sense whether the duct filter is attached.

17. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first primary end of the first filter and the second primary end of the second filter are connected to each other, the clothing processing apparatus further comprising:a mounting sensor configured to sense whether the second secondary end of the second filter is attached.

18. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration duct comprises a differential pressure sensor configured to sense clogging of the duct filter based on pressure downstream of the duct filter.

19. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration duct comprises a filter fixing portion fixed to the filtration duct to allow the duct filter to be detachably attached thereto.

20. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the duct filter comprises: one surface receiving air introduced; andan opposite surface allowing air to be discharged therethrough,wherein the opposite surface of the duct filter is detachably attached to the filter fixing portion.

21. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the duct filter comprises: a frame portion forming an edge of the duct filter and accommodating a couplingmagnet; anda filtration mesh fixed to the frame portion to filter air,wherein at least a portion of the filtration duct is formed of a magnetic material such that the duct filter is attached thereto.

22. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discharge flow passage comprises:a first air discharge duct detachably arranged on the tub; anda second air discharge duct having one end communicating with the first discharge duct and an opposite end communicating with the inlet of the filtration duct.

23. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second air discharge duct is disposed in front of the first discharge duct to receive air from the tub,wherein a front surface of the second air discharge duct is an inclined surface having an upper end positioned forward of a lower end thereof.

24. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the filtration duct comprises:a first region connected to the open surface and defined by the inlet; anda second region disposed behind the first region as a remaining region the bottom surface,wherein the first primary end of the first filter is fixed to a rear end of the second region.

25. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a first cabinet accommodating the tub and the drum; anda second cabinet disposed on the first cabinet and accommodating the flow passage,wherein the second cabinet comprises:a support frame mounted on the first cabinet;a frame panel fixed to a front surface of the support frame; anda second front panel disposed in front of the frame panel and defining a front surface of the second cabinet,wherein the second front panel is rotatably arranged on the support frame or the frame panel, andwherein the front surface of the filtration duct is provided with an open surface communicating with an interior of the filtration duct and disposed on the frame panel.

26. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the frame panel comprises a filter door rotatably arranged to open and close the open surface.

27. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first cabinet comprises:a first side panel defining a side surface; anda first front panel having an upper end positioned higher than the first side panel, the first front panel defining a front surface.

28. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second cabinet comprises:a second side panel fixed to a side surface of the support frame and defining a side surface of the second cabinet,wherein an upper end of the second front panel and an upper end of the second side panel are arranged at the same height.

29. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the heat exchange duct is disposed biased toward one side in a width direction of the second cabinet.

30. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the heat exchange duct is disposed biased toward one side in a front-rear direction of the second cabinet.

31. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the air supply duct and the air discharge duct are disposed through the support frame and connected to the tub.

32. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the duct filter comprises:a first frame;a second frame coupled to the first frame;a filtration mesh fixed by coupling of the first frame and the second frame; anda shape maintaining member interposed between the first frame and the second frame to maintain a shape of the duct filter.

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