Lint removal device and clothes dryer having the same

Abstract

A clothes dryer is disclosed. The clothes dryer includes: a housing; a drum rotatably supported in the housing; an air supply port configured to guide air into the drum; an exhaust port configured to guide air in the drum to the outside of the drum; and a lint removal device to remove lint from air having passed through the exhaust port. The lint removal device includes: a lint filter to collect lint; a rotating member including spiral blades to scrape and collect lint collected in the lint filter; a driving device to generate power; a first coupling connected to the driving device to transmit the power to the rotating member; and a second coupling coupled to the first coupling to transmit the power to the rotating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lint remover and a clothes dryer having the lint remover, and more particularly, to coupling and separation of the lint remover. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a clothes dryer refers to a device that forcibly blows hot air into a drum to dry wet clothes inserted into the drum. The clothes dryer has an appearance similar to that of a drum-type washing machine and can dry clothes by forcibly circulating heated air into the drum by a heater and a blower fan.

[0003] The air exhausted from the drum during the operation of the clothes dryer may contain lint (hair balls). Since the air exhausted from the drum is circulated back into the drum through the heat exchanger, it is necessary to remove the lint in the air before circulation.

[0004] For this purpose, a lint removal device is required, which includes a filter provided detachably and configured to collect lint, a rotating member configured to scrape the lint remaining on the surface of the filter and push the scraped lint from one end of the filter, and a lint box provided adjacent to the other end of the filter to accumulate the lint pushed to the other end of the filter.

[0005] The filter of the clothes dryer is provided to be directly removed, cleaned and installed by the user, and there is no separate filter cleaning module in the clothes dryer. Therefore, the filter of the clothes dryer needs to be manually removed by the user to clean the filter of the clothes dryer, and if the filter is not cleaned, fluff may accumulate and drying performance may deteriorate. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothes dryer to facilitate separation of a lint removal device.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothes dryer which facilitates cleaning of a lint filter by easily separating a lint removing device.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dryer is provided, which includes: a casing; a drum rotatably supported in the casing; a supply port configured to guide air into the drum; an exhaust port configured to guide the air in the drum to the outside of the drum; and a lint removal device configured to remove lint from the air passing through the exhaust port, wherein the lint removal device includes: a lint filter configured to capture lint; a rotating member rotatably mounted to scrape and collect lint captured in the lint filter; a drive device configured to generate electricity; a first connector connected to the drive device to receive power from the drive device; and a second connector connected to the first connector to transmit power to the rotating member.

[0011] The lint removing device may include a first rotating shaft to which the first coupler is coupled, and an elastic member provided on the first rotating shaft to elastically press the first coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other.

[0012] The lint removing device may include a second rotating shaft to which the second coupler is coupled, and an elastic member provided on the second rotating shaft to elastically press the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other.

[0013] The clothes dryer may further include a front cover rotatably provided to open and close a front surface of the lint remover, and a link member connected to the front cover to rotate along the front cover, wherein the first connector may be separated from the second connector by the link member when the front cover is opened.

[0014] The lint removing device may further include a holder configured to rotate outside the first coupler while being connected with the link member so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

[0015] The lint removing device may include an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupling and the second coupling so that the first coupling and the second coupling are separated from each other by sliding when rotated in a reverse direction.

[0016] The lint removal device may further include: a retainer configured to rotate outside the first connector so that the first connector and the second connector are connected to or separated from each other; and a shell configured to surround the drive device and the first connector, wherein the shell may further include a first guide member formed in an inclined shape to separate the first connector from the second connector by rotation of the retainer.

[0017] The lint removing device may further include: a frame member formed on the outside of the rotating member; and a holder provided on the outside of the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

[0018] The frame member may include a second guide having a thread crest shape, the second guide guiding a rotation direction of the retainer to prevent the retainer from being separated.

[0019] The lint removing device may further include a lever coupled to the second coupler and configured to be pressed in a direction toward the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dryer is provided, which includes: a casing; a drum rotatably supported in the casing; a supply port configured to guide air into the drum; an exhaust port configured to guide the air in the drum to the outside of the drum; and a lint removal device configured to remove lint from the air passing through the exhaust port, wherein the lint removal device includes: a lint filter configured to capture lint; a rotating member including blades having a spiral shape to scrape and collect lint captured in the lint filter; a drive device including a motor rotatable in two directions; a first connector connected to the drive device to receive power from the drive device; and a second connector connected to the first connector to transmit power to the rotating member, wherein the motor operates so that the first connector and the second connector are connected to or separated from each other.

[0021] The lint removing device may include: a first rotating shaft to which the first coupler is coupled; and an elastic member provided on the first rotating shaft to elastically press the first coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other.

[0022] The lint removing device may include an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupling and the second coupling so that the first coupling and the second coupling are separated from each other by sliding when rotated in a reverse direction.

[0023] The lint removing device may include an end gear formed integrally with the first coupling and configured to transmit power generated from the driving device by coupling to the second coupling.

[0024] The lint removal device may include: a housing configured to surround a driving device and a first connector; a first rotating shaft provided on the housing and connected to an end gear; a screw crest formed on the first rotating shaft; and a screw root formed on the end gear and configured to guide a rotational direction of the end gear by connecting to the screw crest.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a lint removal device is provided, which includes: a lint filter configured to capture lint; a rotating member including a wing having a spiral shape to scrape and collect the lint captured in the lint filter; a driving device configured to generate power; a first connector connected to the driving device to receive power from the driving device; and a second connector connected to the first connector to transmit the power to the rotating member.

[0026] The lint removing device may further include a first rotating shaft to which the first coupler is coupled, and an elastic member disposed on the first rotating shaft to elastically press the first coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other.

[0027] The lint removal device may also include: a retainer configured to rotate outside the first connector so that the first connector and the second connector are connected to or separated from each other; and a shell configured to surround the drive device and the first connector, wherein the shell may include a first guide, and the first guide is formed into an inclined shape to separate the first connector from the second connector by rotating the retainer.

[0028] The lint removing device may further include an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupling and the second coupling so that the first coupling and the second coupling are separated from each other by sliding when rotated in a reverse direction.

[0029] The lint removing device may further include a lever coupled to the second coupler and configured to be pressed in a direction toward the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other.

[0030] Beneficial Effects

[0031] A clothes dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a lint removing device that is easily separated using a coupling structure.

[0032] A clothes dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a holder and a link member to separate a lint remover with a simple operation.

[0033] A clothes dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure ensures long-term use of a coupling device of a driving device and a lint removing device using a coupling structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a view showing a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3is a schematic diagram showing a drum and a heat exchanger in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a drum and a heat exchanger in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a front wall of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 is a view schematically showing a rear surface of a front wall of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is a view showing a lint removing device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the lint removal device shown;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a view showing a process of separating a lint box in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.10a is a view showing a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.10b It is shown Fig.10a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0045] Fig.11a is a view showing a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.11b It is shown Fig.11a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0047] Fig.12a is a view showing a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 12b It is shown Fig.12a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0049] Fig.13a is a view showing a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig.13b It is shown Fig.13a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0051] Fig.14a is a view showing a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.14b It is shown Fig.14a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0053] Fig.15a is a view showing a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig.15b It is shown Fig.15a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in the clothes dryer shown;

[0055] Fig.16a is a view showing a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig.16b It is shown in Fig.16a A cross-sectional view of a driving device and a coupling device coupled to each other in a clothes dryer shown;

[0057] Fig.16c It is shown in Fig.16a A cross-sectional view of a driving device and a coupling device separated from each other in a clothes dryer shown;

[0058] Fig.17a is a view showing a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig.17b It is shown in Fig.17a A cross-sectional view of a driving device and a coupling device coupled to each other in a clothes dryer shown; and

[0060] Fig.17c It is shown in Fig.17a A cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer is shown with the drive device and the coupling device separated from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The embodiments described herein and shown in the configuration of the present disclosure are merely the most preferred embodiments and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present disclosure, so it should be understood that they may be replaced by various equivalents and modifications during the present disclosure.

[0062] Like reference numerals refer to like parts or components throughout the drawings.

[0063] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be understood that the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", and / or "having" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0064] Terms including ordinal numbers like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. When items are described by using connecting terms such as "- and / or-", the description should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0065] The terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom” as used herein are defined with respect to the drawings, but these terms may not limit the shapes and positions of respective components.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Figure 1 is a view showing a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal structure of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a clothes dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The clothes dryer 1 is an air circulation type clothes dryer, which can generate dry air while circulating air and dry clothes using the generated dry air.

[0069] The clothes dryer 1 may include a cabinet 2 and an inlet 3. The cabinet 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the inlet 3 may be formed in an upper portion of a front side of the cabinet 2 so that clothes are put into or taken out of the inlet 3.

[0070] The inlet 3 may have a horseshoe-shaped appearance. Specifically, the upper portion of the inlet 3 may be formed in a semicircular shape, and the lower end portion of the inlet 3 may be formed to extend in a horizontal direction.

[0071] A manipulator 4 including a touch panel may be installed at an upper side of the entrance 3. A controller 5 may be provided behind the manipulator 4 and inside the cabinet 2. A door 6 may be coupled to the front side of the cabinet 2 by a hinge, and the entrance 3 may be opened and closed by the door 6.

[0072] The front wall 10 is integrally assembled on the inner side of the front surface of the housing 2 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). When the front wall 10 is assembled, an annular recessed portion 2a recessed in an annular shape, an outer flange portion 2b protruding from an inner edge of the annular recessed portion 2a to partition the inlet 3, an inner flange portion 11 protruding from an inner edge of the outer flange portion 2b toward the inside of the housing 2, and the like are formed at the front of the housing 2.

[0073] A door protrusion 6a to be fitted to the annular recessed portion 2a, the outer flange portion 2b, and the inner flange portion 11 is provided on the inlet 3 side of the door 6. An exhaust port 20 is provided at a lower end portion of the inner flange portion 11.

[0074] A drum 30 for accommodating laundry may be installed in the cabinet 2. An opening 30a for putting in and taking out laundry may be formed in the front of the drum 30. The drum 30 may be arranged such that the opening 30a is oriented toward the inlet 3.

[0075] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a drum and a heat exchanger in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating arrangement of a drum and a heat exchanger in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the drum 30 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the drum may be supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0077] Specifically, a central portion of the rear end of the drum 30 is coupled to the rear of the cabinet 2 , and a peripheral edge portion of the front end of the drum 30 is supported by a plurality of guide rollers 13 installed at the front of the cabinet 2 .

[0078] A vent 30 b having a circular shape and covered with a mesh filter may be formed at a rear end of the drum 30 .

[0079] The agitating plate 30c may be attached to the inner surface of the drum 30. The agitating plate 30c may be integrally formed with the drum 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. During the drying operation, the drum 30 may be rotated by a driving motor (not shown).

[0080] The clothes dryer may include a heat exchanger 40, a blowing device 50, a lint remover 100, and a lint box 70. The heat exchanger 40, the blowing device 50, the lint remover 100, and the lint box 70 may be disposed below the clothes dryer 1. Therefore, sufficient installation space may be ensured, and a large-sized, high-performance clothes dryer may be manufactured. In addition, since the center of gravity is lowered, the clothes dryer 1 may be stably installed. In addition, since the components are located below the drum 30 that generates vibrations during the drying operation, the vibrations may be suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, as will be described below, the air circulation path is enlarged and simplified, so that air resistance may be reduced to reduce pressure loss, and air flowing out of the drum 30 may be smoothly guided to the heat exchanger 40 .

[0082] The heat exchanger 40 is composed of an evaporator 41 , a condenser 42 , a compressor 43 , and the like.

[0083] The evaporator 41 and the condenser 42 both have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a lateral width greater than a longitudinal width, and are housed and arranged side by side in the front-rear direction in the duct cover 44. That is, the heat exchanger 40 is disposed in the exhaust duct 45.

[0084] The heat exchanger 40 is arranged along the direction of air flow in the exhaust duct 45 (see FIG. Figure 2 The arrow in the figure) is arranged further downstream of the lint removal device 100.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lint remover 100 may be assembled to a lint housing 60 to be described below and may be disposed at the front side of the lower portion of the dryer 1. The lint remover 100 may be disposed in the exhaust duct 45 through which air from the drum 30 flows.

[0086] The blowing device 50 may include a blowing motor 51, a blowing fan 52, and a fan cover 53. The blowing device 50 may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 40 along a direction in which air flows within the exhaust duct 45.

[0087] An external air introduction fan 55 for introducing external air into the cabinet 2 may be provided in front of the compressor 43. The external air introduction fan 55 may be coupled to the front wall 10.

[0088] The air blowing fan 52 may include a centrifugal fan, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the air blowing fan 52 may be covered by a fan cover 53. The fan cover 53 may be provided with a suction port and an exhaust port, and the suction port may be connected to the downstream side of the exhaust duct 45.

[0089] The clothes dryer may further include a supply duct 56. The supply duct 56 may be installed along the inner surface of the rear wall of the cabinet 2. The discharge port of the fan cover 53 may be connected to one end of the supply duct 56.

[0090] The supply port 57 may be formed at the other end of the supply duct 56. The supply port is shown as a circle, but is not limited thereto and may include various shapes. The supply duct 56 may communicate with the rear of the drum 30 through the supply port 57 and the vent 30b.

[0091] During the drying operation, the blowing fan 52 is driven by the blowing motor 51 to rotate to generate an air flow directed from the exhaust port 20 to the supply port 57. Thus, a circulation of air passing through the drum 30 is formed (see FIG. Figure 2 By the blowing fan 52 and the heat exchanger 40, the humid air is discharged from the drum 30 through the opening 30a and the exhaust port 20, and the dry air is introduced into the drum 30 through the supply port 57 and the ventilation port 30b.

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front wall of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a view schematically illustrating a rear surface of a front wall of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the front wall 10 may be included in the housing 2 and may be coupled to the front inner side of the housing 2 .

[0094] The front wall 10 includes a support frame 14 attached to the front inner side of the cabinet 2, and the external air introduction fan 55 and the exhaust port 20 may be installed on the support frame 14. The guide roller 13 may be installed on the inner surface of the support frame 14.

[0095] The inner flange portion 11 may be formed of a support frame 14, and a connection duct 15 may be formed at a lower side of the inner flange portion 11. An exhaust port 20 may be provided at a lower end portion of the inner flange portion 11.

[0096] The connecting duct 15 may extend from the exhaust port 20 toward the lower side in the vertical direction and may connect the exhaust port 20 to the exhaust duct 45. The connecting duct 15 may be provided to have a vertical width greater than a horizontal width while extending in the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the connecting duct 15 may be communicated with the exhaust duct 45.

[0097] The connection duct 15 may be provided at a lower side thereof with an accommodation space 16 which includes a portion of the exhaust duct 45 and is elongated in a horizontal direction. The lint removing device 100 and the lint housing 60 to be described below may be installed in the accommodation space 16.

[0098] The accommodation space 16 is provided with an opening therein having a rectangular shape elongated in the horizontal direction, and the opening may be integrally connected to the air inlet 17 provided at the front side of the exhaust duct 45 .

[0099] The lint box 70 may be disposed at one side of the accommodation space 16. The external air introduction fan 55 may be disposed at an upper side of the lint box 70.

[0100] A plurality of ribs 18 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the bottom surface of a portion of the housing 2 where the fluff housing 60 is provided, that is, on the bottom surface 2c of the housing 2 constituting the accommodation space 16. The fluff housing 60 can be fitted into the accommodation space 16.

[0101] The inner side of the upper portion of the connection duct 15 may be connected to the exhaust port 20. The upper portion 20a of the exhaust port 20 may be formed in a rectangular shape elongated in a horizontal direction. The inner portion 20b of the exhaust port 20 may be formed in an inverted arch shape.

[0102] The center of the exhaust port 20 in the horizontal direction may be located below the center of the drum 30. Therefore, air may be uniformly and stably discharged without being affected by the rotation of the drum 30.

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, when the door 6 is closed, the upper portion 20a of the exhaust port 20 may be provided to be vertically opposed to the door protrusion 6a of the door 6 with a gap therebetween. When the door 6 is closed, the exhaust port 20 may communicate with the front of the drum 30.

[0104] During the drying operation, the air in the drum 30 may be guided to the connection duct 15 mainly through the inner portion 20 b of the air outlet 20 to flow downward.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the exhaust duct 45 may extend in a direction (left-right direction) intersecting the vertical direction in which the connecting duct 15 extends. The exhaust duct 45 communicates with the lower end portion of the connecting duct 15 while extending rearward.

[0106] Furthermore, the exhaust duct 45 may form an L-shaped flow path when viewed from the left and right sides.

[0107] The accommodation space 16 may be provided at a portion where the exhaust duct 45 and the connection duct 15 communicate with each other. In the following description, a portion where the exhaust duct 45 and the connection duct 15 communicate with each other may be defined as the accommodation space 16.

[0108] Figure 7 is a view illustrating a lint remover in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a lint removal device is shown.

[0109] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The lint removal device 100 is a device for removing lint in the air flowing out from the exhaust port 20 .

[0110] The lint removing device 100 may include a frame member 110 , a rotating member 120 , and a lint filter 130 .

[0111] The rotating member 120 may include a rotating shaft 121 and a fin 122 provided on the rotating shaft 121 and having a spiral shape. The fin 122 may include a plurality of fins 122 arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121, and the plurality of fins 122 may be designed to have the same outer diameter. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0112] The rotating member 120 is coupled at one end thereof to a driving device including a motor 143 a , which generates power for rotating the rotating member 120 .

[0113] The frame member 110 may include a lint processing portion 112 and a lint extraction portion 113. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 The fluff processing part 112 includes a main body 112a including a rectangular frame and a plurality of grilles 112b extending in an inclined form while intersecting the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121 of the rotating member 120. In this case, the rotating shaft 121 may be referred to as a second rotating shaft 121. The first rotating shaft 182 will be described below.

[0115] The air introduction port 112 c is formed between the frame body 112 a and the grilles 112 b and between the grilles 112 b adjacent to each other, and the air passing through the connection duct 15 is introduced into the lint filter 130 from the air introduction port 112 c .

[0116] The grill 112b may include a lower surface facing the lint filter 130, and the lower surface of the grill 112b may include an upwardly concave curved surface. The shape of the curved surface may correspond to a portion of the rotation trajectory of the rotating member 120.

[0117] The lint treatment part 112 is provided with two protrusions 112d protruding forward from the front end of the frame body 112a and protruding backward from the rear end of the frame body 112a, respectively. The protrusions 112d can support the lint filter 130. In addition, when the lint removal device 100 is coupled to the lint housing 60, the protrusions 112d can support the lint removal device 100.

[0118] The lint filter 130 may have a U-shaped cross-section and may be formed to be elongated in a horizontal direction in the lint treatment part 112. In addition, the lint filter 130 may be detachably coupled to the lint treatment part 112. Some of the above-mentioned components may be omitted.

[0119] The lint filter 130 includes a mesh filter 131 having a sheet shape and including holes through which lint cannot pass, and a filter frame 132 elongated in a horizontal direction, having a U-shaped cross section, while supporting the mesh filter 131 .

[0120] The lint filter 130 may be provided with a collecting surface 130a having an arc-shaped cross section at the inside thereof. The collecting surface 130a may be disposed to face the upstream side of the air flow path.

[0121] like Figure 8 As shown, the inner diameter of the collection surface 130 a may be provided to be larger than the outer diameter of the fin 122 of the rotating member 120 , and a rubber plate 122 a configured to contact the collection surface 130 a may be attached to the outer side of the fin 122 .

[0122] The lint filter 130 may be detachably provided on the frame member 110 .

[0123] The filter frame 132 may be formed of an elastic material and may include protrusions 132a formed at upper ends of opposite sides thereof. A locking portion 112e having a shape corresponding to the protrusion 132a may be formed in the protrusion 112d of the lint disposal portion 112.

[0124] When the filter frame 132 is pushed to cover the rotating member 120 from the lower side of the frame member 110 , the filter frame 132 is elastically deformed so that each protrusion 132 a is caught by a corresponding one of the locking portions 112 e .

[0125] The lint removing device 100 may be set to operate for a period of time after the operation of the dryer 1 ends or before the operation starts (eg, when the blowing device 50 or the heat exchanger 40 does not operate).

[0126] Fluff in the air circulated during the drying operation is captured by the lint filter 130 and accumulated on the collecting surface 130a. The lint filter 130 may be designed to be of such a size and shape that it does not cause clogging due to the amount of lint generated in at least one drying operation.

[0127] After the drying operation is completed, the fluff remaining on the collection surface 130a will produce a film-like fluff block. As the rotating member 120 rotates, the fluff film can be scraped off from the fluff filter 130 by the rotating member 120 and pushed out to one side of the fluff filter 130.

[0128] In addition, as long as the chorion can be scraped off, a gap may be set to exist between the wing 122 and the collection surface 130a without the rubber plate 122a attached to the wing 122. In this case, a protrusion configured to catch the chorion while contacting the collection surface 130a may be provided on a portion of the tip of the wing 122.

[0129] The lint removal device 100 may not work during the drying operation. Since the lint removal device 100 can centrally remove the lint before or after the drying operation, the lint can be removed in a short time. Therefore, complex control and high-function devices are not required, and the relevant costs can be reduced.

[0130] The lint extraction portion 113 may be located near one side of the lint treatment portion 112. The lint extraction portion 113 may guide the lint membrane pushed out from the lint filter 130 to the lint box 70.

[0131] The lint extraction portion 113 may be provided in a tapered shape, wherein its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward the lint box 70 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121. The lint extraction portion 113 may include a protrusion 113a protruding downward from its lower surface. As will be described below, when the lint removal device 100 is attached to the lint housing 60, the protrusion 113a may support the lint removal device 100.

[0132] The lint box 70 may be provided at one side of the lint extraction portion 113 and store the lint film scraped from the collection surface 130a.

[0133] Since the lint box 70 is disposed adjacent to one side end of the lint filter 130, the lint membrane can be easily transferred to the lint box 70 without installing a complicated transfer mechanism.

[0134] The lint box 70 may include a receiving portion 71 for receiving the lint membrane, and a box front 72 installed to cover the front side of the receiving portion 71 and attached to the cabinet 2 .

[0135] The accommodating portion 71 of the lint box 70 can be communicated with the lint lead-out portion 113 through the lint delivery port 70a formed in the upper right portion of the accommodating space 16 and the lint accommodating port 71a formed in the upper left portion of the accommodating portion 71. Therefore, the lint film scraped off from the lint filter 130 can be transferred to the accommodating portion 71 of the lint box 70.

[0136] The lint box 70 of the clothes dryer 1 may be formed separately from the lint housing 60 and may be detachably mounted at a lower portion of the cabinet 2 .

[0137] Although not in Figure 8 , but the lint remover 100 may include a driving device 140 and a coupling device 150 disposed on the right side of the lint remover 100 .

[0138] like Figure 1 and Fig. 9 As shown, gripping portions 73 are provided on the left and right sides of the box front portion 72 of the fluff box 70. The fluff box 70 can be separated from the cabinet 2 by pulling the gripping portions 73 forward.

[0139] In addition, the box front 72 may be provided as partially transparent and allows the amount of lint accumulated in the lint box 70 to be checked without separating the lint box 70 from the cabinet 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the box front 72 of the lint box 70 may not have a transparent portion.

[0140] The clothes dryer may include a front cover 80 provided in front of the fluff case 60 to open the fluff case 60. That is, the fluff case 60 may be accommodated inside the front cover 80.

[0141] The lint housing 60 may be provided with a handle 61 therein, which is provided to take out the lint removing device when the front cover 80 is opened.

[0142] The lint box 60 is provided with a supporting portion 68 for supporting the lint remover 100 in a state where the lint remover 100 is accommodated in the accommodation space 16 .

[0143] A support protrusion 68a extending toward the center of the support portion 68 is formed on the support portion 68, and the protrusion 113a of the lint extractor 113 of the lint remover 100 is coupled to an upper end of the support protrusion 68a.

[0144] Fig.10a is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10b It is shown in Fig.10a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown. Fig.11a is a view illustrating a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11b It is shown in Fig.11a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown.

[0145] Reference Figures 10a to 11b, the clothes dryer may further include a link member 170. The front cover 80 may be connected to the link member 170 that is rotated by opening the front cover 80. The link member 170 may be connected to a holder 154 of a coupling device 150 to be described below, and the holder 154 may be provided to rotate together with the link member 170 to separate the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 of the coupling device 150 from each other.

[0146] When the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are separated from each other, the lint remover 100 may be removed from the dryer 1 using the handle 61. Such a configuration may facilitate cleaning of the lint remover 100 and replacement of the lint filter 130.

[0147] The lint removing device 100 may include a housing 181 , a driving device 140 and a coupling device 150 .

[0148] The driving device 140 may include a plurality of gears 142, and include a motor 143a connected to the plurality of gears 142. The motor 143a may operate to generate power.

[0149] The power generated by the plurality of gears 142 connected to the motor 143a may be transmitted to the rotating member 120. Therefore, the rotating member 120 may scrape off the chorion accumulated in the chorion filter 130 to transfer the chorion to the chorion box 70.

[0150] The housing 181 may be formed to surround the driving device 140. The housing 181 may include a first housing 181a formed to surround the plurality of gears 142 and a second housing 181b formed to surround an end gear 141 to be described below.

[0151] The first housing 181a may include a first rotating shaft 182. An end gear 141 to be described below may be coupled to the first rotating shaft 182.

[0152] The driving device 140 may include an end gear 141. The end gear 141 may transmit power to the coupling device 150. The end gear 141 may be elastically biased by an elastic member 153. The end gear 141 may be connected to the plurality of gears 142 to receive power from the motor 143a. The end gear 141 may have a protrusion 141a extending in the axial direction. The protrusion 141a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the first coupling 151 so as to be coupled to the first coupling 151. That is, the protrusion 141a may include a flange (not shown) protruding radially therefrom. The power transmitted from the motor 143a may be connected to the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 to operate the rotating member 120.

[0153] The coupling device 150 may include a first coupling 151 , a second coupling 152 , an elastic member 153 , and a retainer 154 .

[0154] The first coupling 151 may be coupled to the protrusion 141a of the end gear 141 to transmit power to the second coupling 152. In the drawings, the first coupling 151 and the end gear 141 are shown as separate components, but are not limited thereto and may be formed integrally with each other. The first coupling 151 may be formed with a hole (not shown) to correspond to a flange protruding from the end gear 141. That is, the flange may be coupled to the hole of the first coupling 151.

[0155] The second coupling 152 may be arranged to be coupled to the first coupling 151. The second coupling 152 may have a shape corresponding to that of the first coupling 151 so as to be coupled to the first coupling 151. The second coupling 152 may be coupled to the second rotation shaft 121 to transmit power to the rotation member 120.

[0156] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 are used to couple and separate the lint remover 100 , thereby preventing the gears from being damaged when transmitting power due to the use of the gears and ensuring the long-term use of the lint remover 100 .

[0157] The elastic member 153 may be provided between the first coupling 151 and the end gear 141. The elastic member 153 may include a spring. The use of the elastic member 153 may increase the connection stability of the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are reconnected to each other, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 may be reconnected with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153.

[0158] When the front cover 80 is opened, the link member 170 and the retainer 154 rotate so that the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be separated from each other. In this case, the elastic member 153 can receive the compressive force applied toward the end gear 141. The elastic member 153 can be compressed when receiving the compressive force until the front cover 80 is fully opened. Therefore, the more the front cover 80 is opened, the greater the force for opening the front cover 80.

[0159] Since the front cover 80 , the link member 170 , and the holder 154 operate in connection with each other, the user may allow the first and second couplers 151 and 152 to be coupled to or separated from each other in a single operation by opening or closing the front cover 80 .

[0160] The retainer 154 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the frame member 110. That is, the retainer 154 may be formed to have a retainer inclined surface 154d. With such a shape, the retainer 154 can be prevented from being separated, and the retainer 154 can be rotated while sliding along the retainer inclined surface 154d by the rotation of the front cover 80.

[0161] The retainer 154 may include a retainer body 154a and a retainer arm 154b. The retainer body 154a may be formed in a circular shape. The retainer arm 154b may be formed to protrude in the radial direction of the retainer body 154a. The retainer body 154a and the retainer arm 154b may be formed integrally with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0162] The holder 154 may be connected to the link member 170 to rotate according to the opening and closing of the front cover 80. When the front cover 80 is opened, the holder 154 may rotate in direction A and move in direction B. In addition, as the holder 154 rotates, the compression degree of the elastic member 153 may change. When the front cover 80 is closed, the holder arm 154b may be arranged to face the upper side.

[0163] When the front cover 80 is opened, the holder 154 may be rotated in the direction A. In this case, the holder arm 154 b may be disposed to face the front side.

[0164] Since the holder 154 rotates in the direction A while moving in the direction B, the insertion hole 154c coupled to the second fastening portion 172 can approach the third portion 170c of the link member 170 through the second fastening portion 172. That is, when the front cover 80 is opened, the third portion 170c of the link member 170 and the insertion hole 154c can be disposed closest to each other.

[0165] The holder arm 154b may include an insertion hole 154c. The insertion hole 154c may be provided so that the link member 170 is coupled to an end of the holder arm 154b.

[0166] The link member 170 may include a first portion 170a, a second portion 170b, and a third portion 170c. One end of the first portion 170a may include a first fastening portion 171 connected to the front cover 80. That is, the first portion 170a may be disposed adjacent to the front cover 80. The second portion 170b may be disposed between the first portion 170a and the third portion 170c to connect the first portion 170a to the third portion 170c. The connecting portion between the first portion 170a and the second portion 170b may be connected in a curved shape. In addition, the connecting portion between the second portion 170b and the third portion 170c may be connected in a curved shape. One end of the third portion 170c may include a second fastening portion 172 connected to the retainer arm 154b. That is, the third portion 170c may be disposed adjacent to the retainer 154. The insertion hole 154c provided in the retainer arm 154b may be coupled to the second fastening portion 172 by press fitting. The holder arm 154b and the second fastening portion 172 may be detachably coupled to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the holder arm 154b and the second fastening portion 172 may be integrally formed with each other.

[0167] The front cover 80 may be coupled to the fluff housing 60 by a hinge portion 81 provided at one side thereof.

[0168] The housing 181 may include a stopper 184. That is, the stopper 184 may be provided on one side of the second housing 181b to limit the rotation angle and distance of the retainer 154. When the front cover 80 is closed, the rotation of the retainer arm 154b in the direction A may be limited by the first portion 184a of the stopper 184. On the other hand, when the front cover 80 is opened, the rotation of the retainer arm 154b in the direction A may be limited by the second portion 184b of the stopper 184.

[0169] Due to the stopper 184 , the holder 154 is not excessively rotated, and opening and closing of the front cover 80 and coupling and separation of the first and second couplings 151 and 152 can be efficiently performed.

[0170] Fig.12a is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12b It is shown in Fig.11a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown. Fig.13a is a view illustrating a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13b It is shown in Fig.13a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown.

[0171] Reference Figures 12a to 13b, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 may include coupling surfaces 151b and 152b and inclined surfaces 151c and 152c. That is, the first coupling 151 may include a first coupling surface 151b and a first inclined surface 151c, and the second coupling 152 may include a second coupling surface 152b and a second inclined surface 152c. The driving device 140 may include a driving motor 143b that can rotate in two directions.

[0172] The use of the drive motor 143b that can rotate in two directions can allow the coupling device 150 to be separated without requiring the user to directly separate the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 from each other. The dryer may further include a controller (not shown) to control the rotation direction of the drive motor 143b that can rotate in two directions.

[0173] When the drive motor 143b rotates in the forward direction, the first coupling surface 151b and the second coupling surface 152c can engage with each other to transmit power. In addition, the first inclined surface 151c and the second inclined surface 152c have an inclined shape so that when the drive motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are separated from each other while sliding. The length of the outer peripheral surface of the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c can be longer than the length of the inner peripheral surface of the inclined surface 152c. In addition, the slope on the inner peripheral surface can be formed to be steeper than the slope on the outer peripheral surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the inclined surface can be formed into various shapes.

[0174] Since each of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 includes connecting surfaces 151b and 152b and inclined surfaces 151c and 152c, power can be effectively transmitted during forward rotation by using the connecting surfaces 151b and 152b engaged with each other, and during reverse rotation, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be easily separated from each other by the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c.

[0175] When the driving motor 143b capable of bidirectional rotation rotates in the forward direction, the rotating member 120 can rotate to scrape off the chorion accumulated in the lint filter 130. On the other hand, when the driving motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 can be separated from each other while each slides on an opposite one of the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c.

[0176] Since the first and second couplings 151 and 152 have the inclined surfaces 151 c and 152 c , the first and second couplings 151 and 152 may be separated from each other by a relatively small driving force of the driving motor 143 b .

[0177] The first housing 181a may include a first rotating shaft 182. The end gear 141 may be coupled to the first rotating shaft 182.

[0178] The first rotating shaft 182 may include a thread crest 182a. The end gear 141 may include a thread root 141b corresponding to the thread crest 182a. With such a configuration, the end gear 141 and the first rotating shaft 182 may be effectively coupled to each other, and during rotation in direction A by the driving motor 143b, the end gear 141 may move in direction B along a portion of the thread root 141b of the end gear 141 coupled to the thread crest 182a of the first rotating shaft 182. That is, due to the thread crest 182a and the thread root 141b, the end gear 141 may be easily rotated and moved in direction B according to the coupling and separation of the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 without path deviation.

[0179] The end gear 141 may be elastically biased by the elastic member 153. The end gear 141 may be connected to the plurality of gears 142 to receive power from the motor. The end gear 141 may be integrally formed with the first connector 151. That is, the power transmitted from the motor to the end gear 141 may be transmitted to the second connector 152 to operate the rotating member 120. The driving device 140 includes the end gear 141, and the coupling device 150 includes the first connector 151, but when the end gear 141 and the first connector 151 are integrally formed with each other, the end gear 141 and the first connector 151 may be included in both the driving device 140 and the coupling device 150.

[0180] The elastic member 153 may be disposed between the first housing 181a and the end gear 141. The elastic member 153 may include a spring. When the drive motor 143b rotates in the forward direction and then the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are coupled to each other, the elastic member 153 may be in an uncompressed state. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the elastic member 153 may be provided on the second rotating shaft 121 and disposed between the second coupling 152 and the wing 122.

[0181] When the drive motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction and the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are separated from each other, the elastic member 153 can receive the compressive force applied toward the first housing 181a from the end gear 141. The elastic member 153 can be compressed when receiving the compressive force until the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 slide through the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c to completely separate. Therefore, an increasing force of the drive motor 143b can be used until the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are completely separated. The use of the elastic member 153 can increase the connection stability of the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are reconnected to each other, due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 can be reconnected with a small force.

[0182] Fig.14a is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14b It is shown in Fig.14a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown. Fig.15a is a view illustrating a coupling device separated from a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15b It is shown in Fig.15a A cross-sectional view of a drive device and a coupling device in a clothes dryer is shown.

[0183] Reference Figures 14a to 15b , the clothes dryer according to this embodiment may include a holder 154. The holder 154 may include a holder body 154a, a holder rod 154e, and a holder neck 154d. The holder body 154a, the holder rod 154e, and the holder neck 154d may be formed integrally with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0184] When the first connector 151 is connected to the second connector 152 or separated from the second connector 152, the retainer rod 154e can be used as a handle that can be easily pressed and pushed by the user. The retainer neck 154d is provided to connect the retainer body 154a to the retainer rod 154e. The retainer body 154a, the retainer neck 154d and the retainer rod 154e can be formed integrally with each other, but are not limited thereto and can be formed as separate parts.

[0185] By pressing the holder rod 154e in direction A, the holder 154 can be rotated along the first guide 183, so that the holder 154 can move in direction B while rotating in direction A. In this case, the elastic member 153 can be compressed. As the holder 154 moves in direction B, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 can be separated from each other.

[0186] The retainer 154 may be provided to surround the first coupler 151 at the outer side of the first coupler 151 .

[0187] The second shell 181b may include a first guide member 183, which is configured to allow the rotational movement of the retainer 154 (movement in direction A) to be converted into linear movement of the retainer 154 (movement in direction B), and is formed into an inclined shape to prevent the retainer 154 from being separated.

[0188] Due to the functions of the above-described retainer 154 and the first guide 183 , the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 may be easily coupled to and separated from each other.

[0189] The first guide 183 may be provided with a guide groove 183a at an upper portion thereof. When the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 are coupled to each other, the holder 154 may be separated by the guide groove 183a.

[0190] The driving device 140 may include an end gear 141. The end gear 141 may transmit power to the coupling device 150. The end gear 141 according to this embodiment may not move regardless of coupling and separation. The end gear 141 may be connected to the plurality of gears 142 to receive power from the motor 143a. The end gear 141 may have a protrusion 141a extending in the axial direction. The protrusion 141a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the first coupling 151 so as to be coupled to the first coupling 151. That is, the protrusion 141a may include a plurality of flanges 141b radially protruding from the protrusion 141a. The flange 141c may extend along the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 141a. In the accompanying drawings, the number of flanges 141c is not limited to that shown in the accompanying drawings. The power transmitted from the motor 143a may be connected to the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 to operate the rotating member 120.

[0191] Although not shown, the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 may each include a coupling surface and an inclined surface.

[0192] The end gear 141 may be integrally formed with the first coupling 151 .

[0193] The elastic member 153 may be disposed between the first housing 181a and the end gear 141. The elastic member 153 may include a spring. As the first coupling 151 and the end gear 141 move in the direction B, the elastic member 153 may be compressed.

[0194] The use of the elastic member 153 can increase the connection stability of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are reconnected to each other, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be reconnected with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153.

[0195] Fig.16a is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16b It is shown in Fig.16a A cross-sectional view of a driving device and a coupling device coupled to each other in a clothes dryer is shown. Fig.16c It is shown in Fig.16a A cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer is shown with the drive device and the coupling device separated from each other.

[0196] Reference Figures 16a to 16c , the frame member 110 may include a second guide 111 having a thread crest shape.

[0197] The holder 154 may be coupled to the frame member 110. When the holder 154 is coupled to the filter frame 132, the second guide 111 may guide the rotation direction.

[0198] When the user rotates the retainer arm 154b in direction A, the retainer 154 may move in direction C along the second guide 111 formed on the filter frame 132. In this case, the elastic member 153 may be compressed. As the retainer 154 moves in direction C, the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 may be separated from each other. That is, the rotational motion in direction A is converted into a linear motion in direction C to separate the first coupling 151 from the second coupling 152.

[0199] The retainer 154 may provide convenience of use for the user when the first connector 151 is coupled to or separated from the second connector 152, and the retainer 154 may be stably coupled or separated without path deviation due to the second guide 111 formed on the frame member 110.

[0200] The end gear 141 may be connected to the plurality of gears 142 to receive power from the motor 143a. The end gear 141 may be integrally formed with the first coupling 151. That is, the power transmitted from the motor 143a to the end gear 141 may be transmitted to the second coupling 152 to operate the rotating member 120.

[0201] The retainer 154 may include a retainer body 154a and a retainer arm 154b. The retainer body 154a may be formed in a circular shape. The retainer arm 154b may be formed to protrude radially from the retainer body 154a. The retainer body 154a and the retainer arm 154b may be formed integrally with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0202] The elastic member 153 may be disposed between the second coupling 152 and the rotating member 120. The elastic member 153 may include a spring.

[0203] The use of the elastic member 153 can increase the connection stability of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are reconnected to each other, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be reconnected with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153.

[0204] In a state where the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are coupled, the elastic member 153 may be in an uncompressed state. On the other hand, when the retainer 154 rotates to separate the first coupling 151 from the second coupling 152, the elastic member 153 may be compressed. In this case, the elastic member 153 may receive a compressive force applied toward the rotating member 120. The elastic member 153 may be compressed upon receiving the compressive force until the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are completely separated from each other. Therefore, an increasingly large force may be used until the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are separated from each other.

[0205] The use of the elastic member 153 can increase the connection stability of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are reconnected to each other, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be reconnected with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153.

[0206] Fig.17a is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17b It is shown in Fig.17a A cross-sectional view of a driving device and a coupling device coupled to each other in a clothes dryer is shown. Fig.17c It is shown in Fig.17a A cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer is shown with the drive device and the coupling device separated from each other.

[0207] Reference Figures 17a to 17c , the coupling device 150 may include a lever 155. The lever 155 may be coupled to the outside of the second coupling 152.

[0208] The lever 155 may include a lever body 155a and a push rod 155b. The length from the lever body 155a to the push rod 155b is longer than the length from the push rod 155b to the lever body 155a. One end of the push rod 155b may be formed and bent. The lever body 155a and the push rod 155b are shown as quadrilateral shapes, but are not limited thereto and may include various shapes. The lever body 155a and the push rod 155b may be formed integrally with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0209] When the user presses the push rod 155b in the direction C, the first coupler 151 and the second coupler 152 may be separated from each other. In this case, the elastic member 153 may be compressed.

[0210] The user may easily separate the first coupler 151 from the second coupler 152 using the lever 155 .

[0211] In the drawings, the lever 155 is shown as being coupled to the outside of the second coupler 152, but is not limited thereto and may be coupled to the outside of the first coupler 151. When the lever 155 is coupled to the outside of the first coupler 151, the user may easily separate the first coupler 151 from the second coupler 152 by pressing the push rod 155b in the direction opposite to the direction C.

[0212] The end gear 141 may be connected to the plurality of gears 142 to receive power from the motor 143a. The end gear 141 may be integrally formed with the first coupling 151. That is, the power transmitted from the motor 143a to the end gear 141 may be transmitted to the second coupling 152 to operate the rotating member 120.

[0213] The elastic member 153 may be disposed between the second coupling 152 and the rotating member 120. The elastic member 153 may include a spring.

[0214] In a state where the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are coupled to each other, the elastic member 153 may be in an uncompressed state. On the other hand, when the user presses the lever 155 to separate the first coupling 151 from the second coupling 152, the elastic member 153 may be compressed. In this case, the elastic member 153 may receive a compressive force applied toward the rotating member 120. The elastic member 153 may be compressed when receiving the compressive force until the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 are completely separated from each other.

[0215] The use of the elastic member 153 can increase the connection stability of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are reconnected to each other, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be reconnected with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member 153.

[0216] The lever 155 is pressed toward the second coupling 152 so that the first coupling 151 and the second coupling 152 may be separated from each other. When viewed from the front, the lever 155 may be disposed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction by being pressed.

[0217] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, comprising: chassis; a drum rotatably supported in the housing; a supply port configured to direct air into the drum; an exhaust port configured to guide the air in the drum to the outside of the drum; as well as a lint removal device configured to remove lint from the air passing through the exhaust port, The lint removal device comprises: a lint filter configured to capture lint; a rotating member rotatably mounted to scrape and collect said lint captured in said lint filter; a drive device configured to generate power; a first coupling connected to the drive device to receive the power from the drive device; a second coupling coupled to the first coupling to transmit the power to the rotating member; and An elastic member configured to elastically press the first coupling or the second coupling to change from a separated state of the first coupling and the second coupling to an engaged state of the first coupling and the second coupling. 2 . The clothes dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the lint removing device further comprises a first rotating shaft, the first coupler is coupled to the first rotating shaft, and the elastic member is disposed on the first rotating shaft to elastically press the first coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other. 3 . The clothes dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the lint removing device further comprises a second rotating shaft, the second coupler is coupled to the second rotating shaft, and the elastic member is disposed on the second rotating shaft to elastically press the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to each other.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, further comprising: a front cover rotatably provided to open and close the front surface of the lint removing device; and a link member connected to the front cover and configured to rotate along the front cover, When the front cover is opened, the first connector is separated from the second connector by the link member. 5 . The clothes dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the lint removing device further comprises a holder configured to rotate outside the first coupler while being connected with the link member so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other. 6 . The clothes dryer of claim 1 , wherein the lint removing device further comprises an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupler and the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other by sliding when rotated in a reverse direction.

7. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the lint removal device further comprises: a retainer configured to rotate outside the first coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other; and A housing is configured to surround the driving device and the first coupling, wherein the housing further includes a first guide formed in an inclined shape to separate the first coupling from the second coupling by rotation of the holder.

8. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the lint removal device further comprises: a frame member formed outside the rotating member; and A retainer is provided on the outside of the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other. 9 . The clothes dryer according to claim 8 , wherein the frame member comprises a second guide having a thread crest shape, the second guide guiding a rotation direction of the holder to prevent the holder from being separated. 10 . The clothes dryer according to claim 3 , wherein the lint removing device further comprises a lever coupled to the second coupler and configured to be pressed in a direction toward the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other.

11. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the driving means comprises a motor rotatable in two directions, The motor is operated so that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

12. The clothes dryer according to claim 11, wherein the lint removal device comprises: a first rotating shaft, the first coupling being coupled to the first rotating shaft, The elastic member is provided on the first rotation shaft to elastically press the first coupling so that the first coupling and the second coupling are coupled to each other. 13 . The clothes dryer of claim 11 , wherein the lint removing device comprises an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupler and the second coupler so that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other by sliding when rotated in a reverse direction. 14 . The clothes dryer according to claim 11 , wherein the lint removing device comprises an end gear formed integrally with the first coupling, the end gear being configured to transmit the power generated by the driving means by being coupled to the second coupling.

15. The clothes dryer according to claim 14, wherein the lint removing device comprises: a housing configured to surround the drive device and the first coupling; a first rotating shaft provided on the housing and coupled to the end gear; a thread crest formed on the first rotating shaft; as well as A thread bottom is formed on the end gear and is configured to guide a rotation direction of the end gear by coupling to the thread crest.

Images