Clothes processing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing device. The clothing processing device of the present invention may include: a housing provided with an inlet; a door provided on the housing for opening and closing the inlet; a drum rotatably arranged inside the housing in the shape of an extended cylinder; a tubular extension extending from the inlet of the housing toward the drum; a first duct provided outside the drum; an induction heater including a coil provided inside the first duct for heating the drum; a first fan for supplying external air to the interior of the first duct; and a second duct having an inlet connected to the first duct, extending from the first duct in a radially inner direction of the drum, and having an outlet connected to the outer peripheral surface of the extension; the second duct may be formed so that the area of ​​the inlet is larger than the area of ​​the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes treating device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a clothes treating device may include a washing machine, a drying machine, a clothes care device, etc. The washing machine may be a drying and drying washing machine with a drying function.

[0003] The washing machine removes contaminants from laundry inside the drum by rotating the drum in an outer tub containing water. The washing machine may also have a heating unit for heating water or drying laundry.

[0004] In the dryer, a drum rotates within a housing and dries the laundry by heating the laundry inside the drum.

[0005] The laundry treatment device may include a heating unit for heating or drying laundry. The laundry treatment device may include an electric heater or a heat pump as the heating unit.

[0006] On the other hand, in the past, during the drying process, a hot air drying method was generally used to dry the laundry by heating the air circulating in the outer tub and the external circulation flow path, and a method of heating the air by arranging a heat wire on the flow path for circulating the air.

[0007] In order to adopt the above-mentioned hot air drying method, a gas heater or electric heater that can heat the hot wire is required, but the gas heater has safety hazards and problems with exhaust gas, while the electric heater may accumulate foreign matter such as scale and has the problem of excessive energy consumption.

[0008] In addition to the hot air drying method mentioned above, there is also a low-temperature dehumidification drying method using a heat pump. A heat pump uses the opposite of the cooling cycle of an air conditioner, requiring the same components as the cooling cycle, such as an evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, and compressor.

[0009] Furthermore, as another problem of the hot air drying method and the low-temperature dehumidification drying method, since they are indirect drying methods based on air, there is a disadvantage that the drying time becomes longer when the laundry is tangled or contains a lot of moisture.

[0010] On the other hand, in recent years, research and development of induction modules (or induction heaters) as new heating units has been continuously conducted.

[0011] A coil is wound around an induction module provided in a laundry processing device such as a washing machine or a dryer. Heat can be transferred to a heating target (a drum of a washing machine) by an induced current generated by applying current to the coil.

[0012] Since the sensing module can heat the drum, the laundry can be dried in a clothes processing device provided with the sensing module even if there is no circulation duct for guiding the air exhausted from the outer tub back to the outer tub in a clothes processing device used for hot air drying.

[0013] However, a clothes treating apparatus without a circulation duct may have the following problem: when a drying process is performed, lint is accumulated on the back of the cabinet door, the front of the outer tub, the gasket, etc.

[0014] Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0023276 (March 7, 2018) discloses a clothes processing device that utilizes an induction unit. However, the existing patent does not disclose a structure for air flow in a clothes processing device that utilizes an induction module. Therefore, as described above, lint may accumulate on the back of the cabinet door, the front of the outer tub, the gasket, and the like. Even if a structure is adopted in which the drum is directly inductively heated by the magnetic field generated by the induction unit and the heated air is discharged to the outside of the outer tub, since air flow cannot be generated from the front of the outer tub, the lint accumulation problem described above cannot be solved.

[0015] In addition, since the disclosed patent does not disclose a structure for cooling the induction module, the heat generated by the current flowing through the coil of the induction module may degrade the coil, resulting in a decrease in the performance of the induction heating module. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes processing device such as a dryer, a washing machine, a washing machine and a dryer, or a clothes care device provided with an induction heater.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes processing device that can reduce power consumption during drying.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus that supplies air to the inside of a drum with a simple structure.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that removes lint accumulated on a door, an outer tub, a gasket, etc.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that prevents lint from accumulating on doors, outer tubs, gaskets, etc.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus that prevents the coil of the induction heater from overheating.

[0024] Technical solutions to the problem

[0025] A laundry processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object includes: a drum; a pipe disposed outside the drum; and an induction heater configured to heat the drum and disposed within the pipe.

[0026] The laundry treating device includes a housing having an inlet. The inlet may be provided on the front side of the housing.

[0027] The drum may be rotatably disposed inside the box. The drum may have an opening facing the inlet of the box. The drum may be in the shape of an extended cylinder. The drum may be made of metal.

[0028] The laundry treating apparatus may include a tubular extending portion extending from an inlet of the housing toward the drum.

[0029] The laundry treating apparatus may include a first duct provided outside the drum.

[0030] The laundry treating apparatus may include an induction heater for heating the drum. The induction heater may be disposed inside the first duct. The induction heater may include a coil.

[0031] The laundry treatment device may include a first fan that supplies external air to the interior of the first duct. Here, the external air may refer to the air between the housing and the drum. Furthermore, in the case of a laundry treatment device including an outer tub described later, the external air may refer to the air between the housing and the outer tub.

[0032] The laundry treatment device may include a second duct connected to the first duct. The second duct may have an inlet connected to the first duct. The second duct may extend from the first duct in a radially inner direction of the drum. The second duct may have an outlet connected to the outer circumferential surface of the extension portion.

[0033] The second duct may be formed so that an area of ​​the inlet is larger than an area of ​​the outlet.

[0034] Thus, the air supplied through the second duct can function as an air curtain in front of the drum opening, that is, it can prevent the fluff separated from the laundry inside the drum from accumulating on the door, the front of the outer tub, and the gasket described later, and can remove the accumulated fluff.

[0035] The second duct may have a first width defined along a length direction of the drum and a second width defined along a radial direction of the drum.The first width of the second duct may be smaller than the second width of the second duct.

[0036] Thus, the air supplied through the second duct may flow toward the inside of the extending portion in a form that is wider in the radial direction of the drum and thinner in the width direction of the drum.

[0037] A first width of an outlet of the second duct may be smaller than a first width of an inlet of the second duct.

[0038] The clothes treating apparatus may further include a fan housing that accommodates the fan and communicates with the first duct.

[0039] The fan cover may be located on an opposite side of the second duct relative to a center of the first duct.

[0040] The first duct may be located on an upper side of the drum, the second duct may extend from a lower side of the first duct, and the fan cover may be located on an upper side of the first duct.

[0041] The second duct may be located on an opposite side of the fan cover relative to a longitudinal center of the first duct.

[0042] The laundry treating apparatus may include an exhaust port communicating with an interior of the drum.

[0043] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a third duct communicating the exhaust port with the outside of the housing.

[0044] The clothes treating device may be a drying machine. The clothes treating device may be a drying machine without an outer tub.

[0045] The laundry processing device may be a washing machine for washing and drying. The laundry processing device may be a washing machine for washing and drying without an outer tub.

[0046] The outer tub may be disposed inside the housing. The outer tub may provide a space for storing water. The drum may be disposed inside the outer tub. The outer tub may have an opening facing the inlet of the housing.

[0047] The first pipe may be installed on the outer side of the outer barrel.

[0048] The extension portion may include a gasket communicating with the inlet of the box and the opening of the outer tub.

[0049] An outlet of the second pipe may be connected to an outer circumferential surface of the gasket.

[0050] The exhaust port may be disposed on the outer barrel.

[0051] The clothes treating apparatus may further include a fan motor to rotate the fan.

[0052] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a drum motor (or driving part) for rotating the drum.

[0053] The clothes treating apparatus may include a control part that controls the fan motor, the drum motor, and the induction heater.

[0054] The control unit may drive the induction heater and, via the fan motor, cause the fan to rotate at a speed less than a predetermined first speed. After causing the fan to rotate at a speed less than the first speed, the control unit may cause the fan to rotate at a second speed greater than the first speed via the fan motor. For example, the first speed may be in the range of 60 to 100 rpm. For example, the first speed may be 60 rpm. For example, the second speed may be in the range of 100 to 200 rpm. For example, the second speed may be 200 rpm.

[0055] The control unit may rotate the fan at the second speed via the fan motor based on information from a sensor disposed inside the tub. The information from the sensor may be information related to a moisture content of the laundry inside the drum.

[0056] The laundry treating apparatus may further include: a first temperature sensor disposed at an upper portion of the outer tub inside the outer tub; and a second temperature sensor disposed at a lower portion of the outer tub inside the outer tub.

[0057] The control unit may rotate the fan at the second speed via the fan motor based on information from the first temperature sensor and information from the second temperature sensor. The control unit may determine the humidity inside the outer tub based on information from the first temperature sensor and information from the second temperature sensor. The control unit may determine the moisture content of the laundry inside the drum based on information from the first temperature sensor and information from the second temperature sensor.

[0058] The control unit may control the fan motor to rotate the fan at a second speed based on the moisture content of the laundry. When the moisture content of the laundry is less than a reference value, the control unit may control the fan to rotate at the second speed. For example, the reference value may be in the range of 5% to 18%. For example, the reference value may be 15%.

[0059] The control unit may control the fan motor to rotate the fan at a speed lower than a preset first speed. The control unit may control the fan motor to rotate the fan at a third speed higher than the first speed after rotating the fan at the speed lower than the first speed. The control unit may control the fan to rotate at a speed lower than the first speed and at the third speed alternately and repeatedly.

[0060] For example, the third rotational speed may be in the range of 100 to 200 rpm. The third rotational speed may be lower than the second rotational speed. For example, the third rotational speed may be 100 rpm.

[0061] The control unit may rotate the drum when driving the induction heater so that a centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum due to the rotation of the drum becomes greater than gravity.

[0062] Various embodiments for solving the problems of the present invention provide a clothes treating apparatus using an IH module and applying an air circulation structure capable of reducing lint generated in a door or gasket of the clothes treating apparatus.

[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of preventing lint from being stacked on a door or a gasket at the front of a tub by generating a circulation flow of air flowing from the front toward the rear of the tub.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of preventing lint from being stacked on a door or a gasket while performing cooling of the IH module in the laundry treating apparatus using the IH module.

[0065] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of performing cooling of an IH module, drying of laundry, and preventing lint from being stacked on a door or a gasket by controlling driving of the IH module and driving of a fan for air circulation.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus that controls the rotation speed of a drum so that laundry adheres to the inner circumference of the drum during a drying cycle of the laundry treating apparatus using an IH module, thereby minimizing the generation of lint caused by friction of the laundry.

[0067] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a clothing processing device, which includes: a box body, which forms an appearance and is provided with an inlet; an outer barrel, which is arranged inside the box body and formed with an opening connected to the inlet; a metal drum, which is rotatably arranged inside the outer barrel and contains clothes; a gasket, which connects the inlet of the box body and the opening of the outer barrel; a first pipe, which is arranged outside the outer barrel and forms a flow path; a second pipe, which connects the first pipe and the gasket and discharges air to the inner circumferential surface of the gasket; an induction module, which is arranged inside the first pipe and heats the circumferential surface of the drum by applying a current to generate a magnetic field; and a first fan, which supplies external air to the inside of the first pipe.

[0068] The invention may further include a third duct which is connected to the outer barrel and the housing to discharge the air inside the outer barrel to the outside of the housing. The invention may further include a second fan which is connected to the third duct and the housing.

[0069] In addition, the air flowing into the inside of the first duct may be supplied from a gap between the outer tub and the housing.

[0070] In addition, the outer barrel may include an outer barrel opening and an outer barrel body constituting the main body of the outer barrel, the sensing module may be arranged on the circumferential surface of the outer barrel body, the first pipe may extend from the outer barrel body to the outer barrel opening, and the second pipe may connect one end of the first pipe and the outer barrel opening outside the outer barrel.

[0071] On the other hand, the device may further include a control unit for controlling the rotation of the drum, the operation of the sensing module, and the first fan. The control unit may heat the drum by operating the sensing module while the drum rotates. The device may control the first fan to operate based on the operation of the sensing module. The first fan may be controlled to operate simultaneously with or after the operation of the sensing module.

[0072] Of course, the first fan can be controlled independently of the sensing module.

[0073] The drum can be controlled to rotate at a first RPM that allows an object contained inside the drum to adhere to an inner circumferential surface of the drum during a specified time after the sensing module is operated, and the drum can be controlled to rotate at a second RPM greater than the first RPM during a specified time after the sensing module is operated.

[0074] When a drying process of the laundry treating apparatus is executed, a section in which the drum rotates at a first RPM capable of causing an object contained in the drum to adhere to an inner circumferential surface of the drum may be executed at least once.

[0075] When the drying process of the laundry treating apparatus is executed, at least one section of rotation at a second RPM greater than a first RPM capable of causing an object contained in the drum to adhere to an inner circumferential surface of the drum may be executed.

[0076] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a clothing processing device, characterized in that it includes: a box body, which forms an appearance and is provided with an inlet; an outer barrel, which is arranged inside the box body and formed with an opening connected to the inlet; a metal drum, which is rotatably arranged inside the outer barrel and contains clothes; a gasket, which is arranged between the inlet of the box body and the opening of the drum; an induction module, which is separated from the circumferential surface of the drum and is arranged in the outer barrel, and heats the circumferential surface of the drum by applying a current to a coil to generate a magnetic field; a pipe, which accommodates the induction module and forms a flow path connected to the opening of the outer barrel; and a fan, which supplies external air to the induction module by being connected to the pipe; the external air flowing into the pipe through the fan can be guided to the front of the gasket and discharged toward the gasket after cooling the induction module.

[0077] Unless the features of the above-described embodiments are inconsistent with or exclusive of other embodiments, they can be combined with other embodiments.

[0078] Effects of the Invention

[0079] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, power consumption during drying can be reduced by including an induction heater for heating the drum.

[0080] Furthermore, by disposing the induction heater in the duct, air can be supplied to the inside of the drum with a simple structure.

[0081] In addition, the outlet of the duct is arranged in front of the drum, so that the lint accumulated on the door, outer tub, gasket, etc. can be removed and the accumulation of lint can be prevented.

[0082] In addition, the accumulation of lint can be prevented by supplying air through ducts during the time period when lint is more likely to form.

[0083] In addition, it is possible to maintain drying performance, remove accumulated lint, and prevent lint accumulation by controlling the flow rate supplied by the pipe.

[0084] Furthermore, the occurrence of lint can be reduced by controlling the laundry inside the drum so that it does not fall from the inner peripheral surface of the drum but rotates integrally with the drum.

[0085] Furthermore, by arranging the induction heater inside the pipe, overheating of the induction heater can be prevented.

[0086] In addition, since the inlet area of ​​the second duct connecting the first duct accommodating the induction heater inside and the gasket (or extension) is larger than the outlet area, an air curtain can be generated.

[0087] In addition, since the second duct is formed to have a first width defined in the length direction of the drum smaller than a second width defined in the radial direction of the drum, an air curtain can be generated by a wider and faster air flow.

[0088] Furthermore, by arranging the fan cover on the opposite side of the second duct, the cooling efficiency of the induction heater can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a clothes processing device.

[0091] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing a sensing module, an outer tub, and a first pipe.

[0092] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 5 yes Figure 8 Side sectional view of .

[0094] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a control structure applicable to a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a sensing module.

[0096] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows the shape of various coils.

[0097] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the temperature increase rate at various positions of the drum according to the shape of the base cover on which the coil is mounted.

[0098] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the relationship between the moisture content of laundry fibers and the amount of fluff separated from the laundry.

[0099] Figure 11is a graph showing a method for controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a graph showing control of a fan motor for removing accumulated lint.

[0100] Figure 12 1 is a graph showing a method for controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a graph showing control of a fan motor to prevent accumulation of lint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the figure numbers, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description for structural elements are only given or used interchangeably for the convenience of writing the description, and do not have any distinguishing meanings or functions.

[0103] Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology would obscure the technical concepts of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and should not limit the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Instead, the accompanying drawings are intended to encompass all variations, equivalents, and even substitutes within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0104] Terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements.

[0105] If a structural element is mentioned as being “connected” or “coupled” to another structural element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other structural element, but other structural elements may also exist between them. Conversely, if a structural element is mentioned as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another structural element, it should be understood that there are no other structural elements between them.

[0106] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, expressions in the singular include expressions in the plural.

[0107] In addition, although each drawing is described for the convenience of explanation, a person skilled in the art may implement another embodiment by combining at least two or more drawings, which also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a clothes processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a clothes processing device.

[0109] In the following, in order to help understand the detailed structure of the clothes treating apparatus, directions are defined. The center of the clothes treating apparatus is used as a reference, and the direction toward the door 12 is defined as the front.

[0110] In addition, a direction opposite to the direction toward the door 12 may be defined as rear, and right and left directions may be defined based on the front and rear directions defined above.

[0111] Below, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Provide explanation.

[0112] The clothes treating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a washing machine, a drying machine, a washing machine and a drying machine, or a clothes care device.

[0113] The laundry processing device may be a dryer that does not include an outer tub 2. Alternatively, the laundry processing device may be a washing machine that combines drying and drying functions and includes an outer tub 2. Below, a washing machine that combines drying and drying functions will be described as a representative example of the laundry processing device of the present invention. However, the laundry processing device of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0114] The laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drum 3 and an induction heater 4 (hereinafter referred to as an "induction module") for heating the drum 3. The laundry processing apparatus may include a housing 1 forming an exterior.

[0115] The housing 1 may include an outer tub 2 disposed inside the housing 1. The drum 3 is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 2 and can accommodate objects (for example, objects to be washed, objects to be dried, or objects to be cared for).

[0116] For example, when washing clothes with washing water, the objects to be accommodated can be called washing objects, when drying wet clothes with hot air, the objects to be accommodated can be called drying objects, and when drying clothes with hot air, cold air, or steam, the objects to be accommodated can be called care objects. Therefore, the drum 3 of the clothes processing device can be used to wash, dry, or care clothes.

[0117] The box body 1 may include an inlet, which is provided at the front of the box body 1 for objects to enter and exit. The box body 1 is provided with a door 12, which is rotatably connected to the box body 1 to open and close the inlet.

[0118] The door 12 may include a door frame 121 and a perspective window 122 provided at a central portion of the door frame 121 .

[0119] A detergent box 7 may be provided on the upper front side of the laundry processing device. Detergent, fabric softener, etc. may be supplied through the detergent box 7. The detergent box 7 is formed with a handle so that the user can open and close it by sliding it toward the front of the housing 1.

[0120] A control panel 5 may be provided on the upper front side of the laundry processing device. The control panel 5 may serve as a user interface. It can process various user inputs and display information based on the inputs or various information about the laundry processing device. Specifically, the control panel 5 may include an operating unit for user operation and a display for displaying information to the user.

[0121] The outer tub 2 is cylindrical, with its longitudinal axis parallel to or at a predetermined angle to the bottom surface of the housing 1, forming a water storage space. A front opening 21 is provided to communicate with the inlet. The outer tub 2 may include the opening 21 and an outer tub body 22, which constitutes the main body of the outer tub. Therefore, the outer tub body 22 may be cylindrical, and the outer tub opening 21 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the outer tub body 22.

[0122] The outer tub 2 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the box body 1 via a second support portion 132 . The second support portion 132 may include a support rod 1321 and a shock absorber 1322 to attenuate vibration of the outer tub 2 generated by the rotation of the drum 3 .

[0123] In addition, the top surface of the outer tub 2 may be connected to a first support portion 131 fixed to the top surface of the housing 1. The first support portion 131 may attenuate vibration generated in the outer tub 2 and transmitted to the housing 1.

[0124] That is, the outer tub 2 can be supported inside the housing 1 by the first support portion 131 and the second support portion 132 , and vibration generated in the outer tub 2 can be damped.

[0125] The drum 3 may include a main body extending in a cylindrical shape. The drum 3 may be made of a conductor. The main body of the drum 3 may be made of a conductor. The main body of the drum 3 may be made of metal. A plurality of through holes 33 may be formed in the drum 3.

[0126] The drum 3 may be cylindrical with its longitudinal axis parallel to or at a predetermined angle to the bottom surface of the housing 1. The drum 3 accommodates objects and has a drum opening 31 disposed in front thereof, communicating with the outer tub opening 21. The angle formed by the bottom surface and the central axis of the outer tub 2 may be the same as the angle formed by the bottom surface and the central axis of the drum 3. In other words, the predetermined angles may be the same angle.

[0127] The outer circumferential surface of the drum 3 may be formed with a plurality of through holes 33 penetrating the drum 3 . Through the through holes 33 , air and wash water can flow in and out between the inside of the drum 3 and the inside of the outer tub 2 .

[0128] The inner circumference of the drum 3 may be provided with lifting ribs 35 for stirring the object when the drum 3 rotates. The lifting ribs 35 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the drum 3 on the inner circumference of the drum 3 and may be provided in plurality.

[0129] The drum 3 can be rotated by a driving unit 6 (or called a “drum motor”) provided at the rear of the outer tub 2 .

[0130] The driving unit 6 may include: a stator 61 fixed to the back of the outer tub 2 ; a rotor 63 rotated by electromagnetic interaction with the stator; and a rotating shaft 65 passing through the back of the outer tub 2 to connect the drum 3 and the rotor 63 .

[0131] The stator 61 can be fixed to the rear side of the bearing cover 66 set on the back side of the outer barrel 2, and the rotor 63 can include: a rotor magnet 632, which is set on the radial outside of the stator 61; and a rotor cover 631, which connects the rotor magnet 632 and the rotating shaft 65.

[0132] A plurality of bearings 68 supporting the rotating shaft 65 may be disposed inside the bearing housing 66 .

[0133] In addition, a star wheel 67 may be provided on the back side of the drum 3 to facilitate transmission of the rotational force of the rotor 63 to the drum 3 . A rotating shaft 65 for transmitting the rotational power of the rotor 63 may be fixed to the star wheel 67 .

[0134] On the other hand, the clothes treating apparatus of this embodiment may further include a water supply hose (not shown) for receiving water from the outside, wherein the water supply hose forms a flow path for supplying water to the outer tub 2 .

[0135] In addition, the laundry processing apparatus of this embodiment may include a drain unit 14 for draining water from the outer tub 2 to the outside of the housing 1. The drain unit 14 may include a drain pipe 142 for forming a drainage path for the water in the outer tub 1 to flow, and a drain pump 141 for generating a pressure difference within the drain pipe 142 to drain the water through the drain pipe 142.

[0136] In more detail, the drain pipe 142 may include: a first drain pipe 1421 connecting the bottom surface of the outer barrel 2 and the drain pump 141; and a second drain pipe 1422, one end of which is connected to the drain pump 141 to form a flow path for moving water to the outside of the box body 1.

[0137] A gasket 13 may be provided between the inlet of the housing 1 and the outer tub opening 21. The gasket 13 connects the outer tub opening 21 and the inlet 11 provided on the housing 1. The gasket 13 prevents water inside the outer tub 2 from leaking into the housing 1 and prevents vibrations of the outer tub 2 from being transmitted to the housing 1.

[0138] The gasket 13 may extend from the inlet of the housing 1 toward the tub 2 or the drum 3. Hereinafter, the gasket 13 may also be referred to as an extension portion 13.

[0139] A plurality of temperature sensors 133a, 133b may be provided in the outer tub 2. The temperature sensors may sense the temperature inside the outer tub 2. The upper temperature sensor 133a may be located at the upper portion of the outer tub 2 and sense the temperature of the air heated by the sensing module 4. The lower temperature sensor 133b may be located at the lower portion of the outer tub 2 and sense the temperature of the washing water or humid air. That is, the plurality of temperature sensors may sense whether the air is heated to a target temperature by the sensing module 4. The control unit 8 described later may control the driving of the sensing module 4 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensors.

[0140] A sensor may be provided within the outer tub 2 to sense a condition related to the moisture content of the laundry within the drum 3. For example, the sensor may be a humidity sensor. For example, the sensor may be the temperature sensors 133a and 133b. The control unit 8 may determine the humidity within the outer tub 2 based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 133a and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 133b. The control unit 8 may determine the moisture content of the laundry within the drum based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 133a and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 133b.

[0141] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the sensing module, the outer barrel and the first pipe. Figure 3 Provide explanation.

[0142] The laundry processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with an induction module 4 for induction heating the drum 3. The induction module 4 may heat the drum 3 for heating washing water or drying laundry. The principle of heating the drum 3 by the induction module 4 is as follows.

[0143] The induction module 4 is mounted on the outer circumference of the outer drum 2 and heats the circumference of the drum 3 by applying a current to a coil 42 wound with an electric wire, generating a magnetic field. The electric wire can be composed of a core wire and a coating surrounding the core wire. The core wire can be a single core wire. Multiple core wires can be intertwined to form a single core wire. Therefore, the thickness or diameter of the electric wire can be determined based on the thickness of the core wire and the coating.

[0144] If an alternating current with a phase varying flows through the coil 42 around which the electric wire is wound, the coil 42 can generate a radial alternating magnetic field according to Ampere's circuit law.

[0145] The alternating magnetic field is concentrated on the drum (metallic material), which is made of a conductor with high magnetic permeability. Magnetic permeability refers to the degree to which a medium is magnetized relative to a given magnetic field. At this point, according to Faraday's law of induction, eddy currents form in drum 3. As these eddy currents flow along the conductive drum 3, they are converted into Joule heat due to the resistance of the drum 3 itself, directly heating the inner wall of the drum 3.

[0146] If the inner wall of the drum 3 is directly heated, the temperature of the air inside the drum 3 rises together with the temperature of the laundry in contact with the inner wall of the drum 3. Therefore, the laundry can be directly heated, thereby achieving faster drying compared to a drying device that only uses a hot air drying method or a low-temperature dehumidification drying method as an indirect heating method.

[0147] Furthermore, a laundry treatment device with a washing function can heat wash water without the need for additional heating wires or flow paths. This is because the wash water continuously contacts the heated inner and outer walls of the drum 3, eliminating the need for additional flow paths and heating wires in the lower portion of the tub. Furthermore, this approach allows for faster heating of the wash water compared to a method that utilizes additional flow paths and heating wires in the lower portion of the tub for heating.

[0148] The sensing module 4 may include a base cover 41 around which a coil 42 is wound. The base cover 41 may be coupled to the outer tub body 22. To couple the base cover 411 to the outer tub body 22, a fastening portion 411 may be provided on the base cover 41, and a fastening portion 23 may be provided in the outer tub 2 at a position corresponding to the fastening portion 411. Furthermore, the first pipe 10 may include a fastening portion 1101, which may be provided in a position in the first pipe 10 corresponding to the fastening portion 23 of the outer tub 2 and the fastening portion 411 of the base cover. Therefore, through the fastening structure, the base cover 41 may be coupled to the outer tub 2, and the first pipe 10 may accommodate the sensing module 4 and couple to the outer tub 2.

[0149] A fan cover 110 may be provided at the upper portion of the first duct 10. As described above, the fan cover 110 may be located on the rear side of the outer barrel body 22 in the first duct 10. A first fan 91 is provided inside the fan cover 110. The fan cover 110 may be provided with a suction port 111 for allowing external air to flow in. In order for external air to flow into the interior of the first duct 10 through the suction port 111, the fan cover 110 may be provided to penetrate the first duct 10.

[0150] The fastening structure of the first pipe, the sensing module and the outer barrel can be implemented in various forms. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The fastening structure is omitted for ease of description.

[0151] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Provide explanation.

[0152] The clothes treating apparatus of this embodiment provides an air circulation structure capable of cooling heat generated by the current flowing through the coil 42 while supplying air to the inside of the drum.

[0153] In this embodiment, the first duct 10 may be disposed on the outer top surface of the tub 2 and accommodate the sensing module 4 while forming a flow path 112. The flow path 112 may refer to the flow of air moving within the first duct 10. The sensing module 4 may be disposed within the first duct 10 and cool the sensing module 4.

[0154] The sensing module 4 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the outer barrel body 22 . The first pipe 10 accommodates the sensing module 4 and extends from the rear of the outer barrel body 22 toward the outer barrel opening 21 .

[0155] The first fan 91 may form a flow of air moving in the first duct 10. The first fan 91 may be disposed in the first duct 10 or in a flow path connected to the first duct 10. The first duct 10 may supply external air to the interior of the first duct 10.

[0156] A fan motor (not shown) can rotate the first fan 91. The control unit 8 can rotate the first fan 91 by controlling the fan motor.

[0157] The first fan 91 may be disposed in the first duct 10 at the rear side of the tub body 22 . Air flowing in through the first fan 91 may move along the length direction of the first duct 10 and be guided toward the front of the tub 2 .

[0158] Therefore, the air flowing in through the first fan 91 can flow in from the rear side of the tub body 22 and be guided toward the tub opening 21 , thereby effectively cooling the sensing module 4 .

[0159] One side of the first duct 10 is connected to the second duct 20. The second duct 20 allows the air flowing into the first duct 10 to be discharged toward the front of the gasket 13 by connecting the first duct 10 and the gasket 13.

[0160] When the laundry processing apparatus of this embodiment performs a drying process, fluff from the laundry to be dried accumulates on the gasket 13 and the tub opening 21 side.

[0161] In the case of a laundry processing apparatus using the induction module 4 as in this embodiment, it is necessary to use a duct having a different structure from the duct used for air circulation in existing laundry processing apparatuses. This is because the drum 3 is heated by the induction module 4, and no additional heating member such as a heating wire is required.

[0162] More specifically, existing laundry treatment devices have an additional heating element installed at the bottom of the outer tub to heat the wash water, while circulation-type laundry treatment devices utilize a duct structure extending from the heating element toward the front of the outer tub. Furthermore, exhaust-type laundry treatment devices require separate heating elements for heating the wash water and for supplying high-temperature air. In these existing laundry treatment device structures, lint is prevented from accumulating on the gasket by discharging high-temperature air into a duct connected to the front of the outer tub.

[0163] In the case of this embodiment, with the use of the induction module, the capacity of the drum can be increased by using the space previously used for the heating element. Therefore, in the case of a laundry processing device of the same size, the amount of laundry that can be accommodated increases, and the amount of fluff generated during the drying process also increases. Therefore, in the laundry processing device of this embodiment, the fluff accumulated on the opening side of the gasket and the outer drum is removed by guiding high-temperature air in front of the gasket. In addition, an air curtain (air cotton) is formed by the flow of air flowing from the opening side of the outer drum into the main body of the outer drum or the interior of the drum, thereby preventing the fluff from moving toward the opening side of the gasket and the outer drum.

[0164] The second duct 20 may have an inlet connected to the first duct 10. The second duct 20 may extend from the first duct 10 toward the radial inner side of the drum 3. The second duct 20 may have an outlet connected to the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 13 (or the extension).

[0165] In the second pipe 20 , the area of ​​the inlet may be larger than the area of ​​the outlet.

[0166] The second duct 20 may have a first width defined in a length direction of the drum 3 and a second width defined in a radial direction of the drum 3. The first width of the second duct 20 may be smaller than the second width of the second duct 20.

[0167] The first width of the outlet of the second duct 20 may be smaller than the first width of the inlet of the second duct 20 .

[0168] Thus, the air supplied through the second duct can act as an air curtain in front of the drum opening, that is, it can prevent the fluff separated from the laundry inside the drum from accumulating on the door, the front of the outer tub, and the gasket described below, and can remove the accumulated fluff.

[0169] Thus, the air supplied through the second duct may flow toward the inner side of the extending portion in a form that is wider in the radial direction of the drum and thinner in the width direction of the drum.

[0170] The second duct 20 may be located on the opposite side of the fan housing 110 relative to the center of the first duct 10. The first duct 10 may be located on the upper side of the drum, and the second duct 20 may extend downward from the first duct 10. The second duct 20 may be located on the opposite side of the fan housing 110 relative to the longitudinal center of the first duct 10.

[0171] In addition, the duct structure of this embodiment can prevent the accumulation of lint while cooling the sensing module 4 as described above.

[0172] Hereinafter, the flow of air guided by the first duct 10 and the second duct 20 will be described.

[0173] The air flowing into the first duct 10 is guided along the length direction of the first duct 10 , cools the sensing module 4 accommodated in the first duct 10 , and is then guided to the second duct 20 .

[0174] Since the second duct 20 connects the first duct 10 and the gasket 13 , the air guided into the second duct 20 is discharged toward the front of the gasket 13 .

[0175] The air discharged from the second duct 20 flows into the inner space of the tub 2 or the inner space of the drum 3 through the tub opening 21 in front of the gasket 13 .

[0176] Therefore, the air discharged from the second duct 20 can remove the lint accumulated on the gasket 13 and the tub opening 21 side and prevent the lint from moving toward the gasket 13 and the tub opening 21 side.

[0177] The air flowing into the inner space of the outer tub 2 or the inner space of the drum 3 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 1 through the third duct 30 .

[0178] The third duct 30 can discharge the air inside the tub 2 to the outside of the housing 1 by connecting the tub 2 and the housing 1. In order to prevent fluff from accumulating inside the third duct 30, a second fan 92 connecting the third duct 30 and the housing 1 can be provided.

[0179] Of course, even if the second fan 92 is not used to form an airflow to guide the air toward the third duct 30 and discharge it, the high-temperature air that has passed through the drum 3 can be guided toward the third duct 30 and discharged to the outside of the housing 1 .

[0180] However, in this case, the relatively heavy fluff may not be discharged to the outside and may accumulate inside the third duct 30. Therefore, the second fan 92 forms a strong airflow to prevent the fluff from accumulating inside the third duct 30.

[0181] On the other hand, the air flowing into the first duct 10 by the first fan 91 may be supplied from a gap between the outer tub 2 and the housing 1 .

[0182] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the control structure of the clothes processing device that can be used in the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 6 Provide explanation.

[0183] The components for controlling the laundry processing device in this embodiment may include a control unit 8, a sensing module 4, a driving unit 6, and a fan module 9. Of course, not all components of the laundry processing device can be controlled by the above components. For example, the multiple temperature sensors 133a and 133b disposed inside the outer tub may also transmit temperature information through the control unit 8. The control unit 8 may control the sensing module 4, the driving unit 6, and the fan module 9 based on the temperature information sensed by the temperature sensors. However, for ease of explanation, some control components are omitted.

[0184] The control unit 8 may control the driving unit 6 to rotate the drum 2 . When the drum 2 rotates, the induction module 4 may be operated to heat the drum 2 .

[0185] The sensing module 4 is preferably operated after the drum 2 rotates. This is because if the sensing module 2 is operated while the drum 2 is stationary, it will partially heat the drum 2. If the partially heated drum 2 is partially heated, it may damage objects contained within the drum or damage peripheral electronic devices connected to the sensing module 4. Therefore, to prevent the drum 2 from being partially heated, the sensing module 4 is preferably operated after the drum 2 rotates at a predetermined RPM or above.

[0186] However, the sensing module 4 does not necessarily need to operate after the drum 2 rotates. The sensing module 4 may operate independently of the rotation of the drum 2 in order to dry the inside of the drum 2 according to the operation mode of the laundry processing apparatus.

[0187] Reference Figure 10 As the drying process progresses, the fiber moisture content (FMC) of the laundry decreases (ie, the laundry dries), and the amount of fluff generated increases.

[0188] In particular, lint is generated rapidly after the middle of the drying process. Figure 10 The incidence of villi increases sharply at about 120 minutes.

[0189] In addition, lint develops slowly in the later stages of the drying cycle. Figure 10 The incidence of villus decreased at about 180 minutes.

[0190] This demonstrates a correlation between the degree of laundry drying and the occurrence of lint. For example, lint occurrence can increase dramatically when the fiber moisture content is between 18% and 5%. For example, as drying progresses, the fiber moisture content decreases, and lint occurrence can increase dramatically at a fiber moisture content of 15%.

[0191] The control unit 8 can control the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the moisture content of the fiber. When the moisture content of the fiber is 15%, the control unit 8 rotates the fan motor at a high speed.

[0192] Reference Figure 11 The control unit 8 can execute the drying process by driving the induction heater 4 and rotating the fan 91. The driving and stopping of the induction heater 4 can be repeated. In addition, the rotation and stopping of the fan 91 can be repeated. The driving of the induction heater 4 and the rotation of the fan 91 can be performed at the same time interval.

[0193] On the other hand, when the fan 91 used in the clothing processing device of one embodiment of the present invention rotates at a speed below 60 rpm, although air can be supplied to the interior of the outer barrel 2, it is difficult to form an air curtain to prevent the occurrence of fluff due to the slow air flow rate and small flow rate.

[0194] Furthermore, when the motor is rotated at a speed of 60 rpm or higher, an air curtain can be formed to a degree sufficient to prevent the generation of lint.

[0195] Furthermore, when the motor is rotated at a speed of 100 rpm or higher, an air curtain (or air jet) can be formed to a degree sufficient to remove the accumulated lint.

[0196] The control unit 8 can rotate the fan at a first speed (for example, 60 rpm) or less through the fan motor (see Figure 11 The control unit 8 may rotate the fan 91 at a speed lower than the first speed, and then rotate the fan 91 at a second speed (for example, 200 rpm) higher than the first speed ( Figure 11 d interval).

[0197] For example, the first rotational speed may be in the range of 60 to 100 rpm. For example, the first rotational speed may be 60 rpm.

[0198] For example, the second rotation speed may be in the range of 100 to 200 rpm. For example, the second rotation speed may be 200 rpm.

[0199] Reference Figure 12 The control unit 8 can execute the drying process by driving the induction heater 4 and rotating the fan 91. The driving and stopping of the induction heater 4 can be repeated. In addition, the rotation and stopping of the fan 91 can be repeated. The driving of the induction heater 4 and the rotation of the fan 91 can be performed at the same time interval.

[0200] The control unit 8 may rotate the fan 91 at a speed lower than a preset first speed (e.g., 60 rpm). The control unit may rotate the fan 91 at a speed lower than the first speed and then at a third speed (e.g., 100 rpm) that is faster than the first speed. The control unit 8 may control the fan 91 to alternately repeat the rotation of the fan 91 at the speed lower than the first speed and the rotation of the fan at the third speed.

[0201] For example, the third rotation speed may be in the range of 100 to 200 rpm.

[0202] The third rotation speed may be lower than the second rotation speed. For example, the third rotation speed may be 100 rpm.

[0203] On the other hand, the controller 8 may rotate the drum 3 so that the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 3 due to the rotation of the drum 3 when the induction heater 4 is driven becomes greater than the gravity.

[0204] For example, the control unit 8 may rotate the drum 3 at a speed within a range of 60 rpm to 100 rpm.

[0205] On the other hand, refer to Figure 6 、 Figures 10 to 12 The first fan 91 may be operated based on the operation of the sensing module 4. Preferably, the first fan 91 may be controlled to operate simultaneously with the operation of the sensing module 4 or after the operation of the sensing module 91.

[0206] In order to effectively cool the sensing module 4 using the first fan 91, the control unit 8 can control the first fan 91 based on the operation of the sensing module 4. Therefore, the first fan 91 can be controlled to be driven at the same time as the operation of the sensing module 4 according to the target temperature. Alternatively, the first fan 91 can be controlled to be operated a predetermined time after the operation of the sensing module 4.

[0207] Of course, the first fan 91 can also be controlled independently of the sensor module 4. During a drying cycle based on the laundry treatment apparatus, the sensor module 4 can be turned on and off intermittently while the drum 3 is fully heated by the sensor module 4 and reaches the target temperature. Even when the sensor module 4 is stopped, the laundry treatment apparatus can continue drying. Therefore, to prevent the accumulation of lint that may occur during the drying cycle, the first fan 91 can operate continuously.

[0208] That is, the first fan 91 and the sensing module 4 can be controlled in conjunction with each other or independently by the control unit 8 .

[0209] When the drying process of the laundry processing apparatus is executed, the controller 8 may control the rotation speed of the drum 2 after the sensing module 4 is operated. More specifically, the controller 8 may control the drum 2 to rotate at a first RPM that allows an object contained in the drum 2 to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 2 for a predetermined period of time after the sensing module 4 is operated.

[0210] The predetermined time may be set differently according to the amount of the object or the target temperature set (input) in the laundry treating apparatus.

[0211] Typically, lint is caused by abrasion from objects. This abrasion can occur during the drying cycle of a laundry treatment device when objects collide with each other inside the drum or rub against the inner circumference of the drum when falling from the upper part of the drum. Therefore, during the drying cycle, an additional action can be added to minimize collisions or friction between objects by attaching them to the inner circumference of the drum.

[0212] However, it is not preferable to continuously rotate the drum 2 at the first RPM to minimize the generation of lint. This is because it is difficult to evenly deliver hot air to the object while the object is attached to the inner circumference of the drum 2. Therefore, during the drying process, if the object is continuously attached to the inner circumference of the drum 2, while the generation of lint can be suppressed, the drying efficiency of the object may be reduced.

[0213] In addition, as in this embodiment, in a structure where the induction module 4 is used to directly heat the drum 3, the drum 3 is kept at a high temperature during the drying process. Therefore, if the object continues to adhere to the inner circumference of the drum 2, the object may be damaged.

[0214] Therefore, as described above, in the drying process, preferably, the control section 8 controls the drum 3 to rotate at the first RPM for a predetermined time period, and the drying process may be intermittently performed a plurality of times as needed.

[0215] Furthermore, as described above, when the target temperature is reached during the drying process, the operation of the sensing module 4 can be intermittently turned on / off.

[0216] When the RPM control of the drum 3 is independent of the control of the sensing module 4 , the control unit 8 may also rotate the drum 3 at the first RPM at least once in the drying process interval regardless of the operation of the sensing module 4 .

[0217] In addition, when executing the drying program of the clothes processing device, the control unit 8 can be controlled to rotate the drum 2 at a second RPM during a specified time after the sensing module 4 is operated, and the second RPM is higher than the first RPM that allows the object contained in the drum 2 to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 2.

[0218] The prescribed time may be set differently according to the amount of the object or the target temperature set (input) in the laundry treating apparatus.

[0219] The period in which the drum rotation is controlled at the first RPM can be described as a period in which the generation of lint is suppressed by causing an object to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of drum 2, and the period in which the drum rotation is controlled at the second RPM can be described as a period in which lint is removed by generating a strong airflow within drum 2. However, the drum RPM control period is not necessarily divided into periods for preventing the generation of lint or for removing lint; the airflow generated by the RPM control can achieve both lint removal and lint prevention.

[0220] Therefore, the controller 8 may remove the lint accumulated on the gasket 13 or the tub opening 21 by controlling the drum 3 to rotate at the second RPM.

[0221] More specifically, when the drum 3 rotates at the second RPM, a strong flow of air can be generated, flowing from the tub opening 21 into the interior of the drum 3. In this case, lint on the gasket 13 or tub opening 21 side can be removed by this air flow. Furthermore, even in this case, the airflow can prevent lint from migrating to and accumulating on the gasket 13 or tub opening 21 side. When the drum 3 rotates at the second RPM, objects remain attached to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 3, thus suppressing the formation of lint.

[0222] On the other hand, it is preferable to intermittently perform the section in which drum 3 rotates at the second RPM during a prescribed time because it is similar to the case in which the section in which drum 3 rotates at the first RPM is intermittently performed during a prescribed time.

[0223] In addition, as described above, the RPM control of the drum 3 by the control unit 8 may be performed independently of the operation of the sensing module 4 and may be intermittently performed multiple times during the drying process of the laundry processing apparatus.

[0224] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a sensing module. Figure 7 The induction module may further include: a permanent magnet cover 43 for Figure 3The induction module 4 described in the embodiment of the present invention contains a permanent magnet 44; and a cover 45, which is combined with the upper portion of the permanent magnet cover 43. Figure 7 Provide explanation.

[0225] First, the overall structure of the sensing module 4 will be described.

[0226] The induction module 4 may include: a base cover 41 accommodating a coil 42 ; a permanent magnet cover 43 accommodating a permanent magnet 44 ; and a cover 45 , which covers the permanent magnet cover 43 to prevent the permanent magnet 44 from being disassembled.

[0227] The permanent magnet 44 functions as a blocking member to prevent other peripheral components outside the drum 3 from being heated, and also functions to improve heating efficiency by concentrating the magnetic field generated by the coil 42 toward the drum.

[0228] The base cover 41 may be in a generally quadrilateral shape. Preferably, the quadrilateral shape is a rectangle or an oblong. The coil 42 is housed in the upper portion of the base cover 41. A through portion 415a may be provided in the center of the base cover 41.

[0229] The corners of the base cover 41 are provided with fastening portions 411, preferably protruding outward from the corners. Furthermore, the edges of the base cover 41 are provided with rings 413 that engage with the hooks 436 of the permanent magnet cover 43. Preferably, two such rings 413 are provided on either side of the long sides of the base cover 41, for a total of four rings 413.

[0230] On the other hand, it is preferable that the permanent magnet cover 43 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the base cover 41. Therefore, the permanent magnet cover 43 may be formed in a rectangular or oblong shape.

[0231] The permanent magnet cover 43 is provided with a mounting portion 433 for mounting the permanent magnet 44. Furthermore, the permanent magnet cover 43 is preferably formed from a single component, and therefore preferably includes a connecting portion 434 that connects the plurality of mounting portions 433. Rather than having a structure with the top and bottom sealed, the connecting portion 434 is preferably formed open at the top and bottom to allow heat generated by the coil 42 to be dissipated. Therefore, the connecting portion 434 preferably includes a through portion 435 that is open at the top and bottom.

[0232] The mounting portion 433 may be provided in plurality and preferably arranged radially from the center toward the edge of the base cover 41. The mounting portion 433 is where the permanent magnet 44 is mounted, and therefore preferably has a shape corresponding to that of the permanent magnet 44, i.e., a narrow rectangular shape.

[0233] More specifically, the mounting portion 433 may include a long side mounting portion 433a, a short side mounting portion 433b, and a corner mounting portion 433c. Two long side mounting portions 433a may be provided on either side of the substantially center of the long side of the base cover 41. Two short side mounting portions 433b may be provided on either side of the substantially center of the short side of the base cover 41. Four corner mounting portions 433c may be provided, extending from the center of the base cover 41 toward the corners.

[0234] The through portion 435 can be configured to open up and down portions where the mounting portion 433 is not provided, for example, to open up and down the space between the mounting portion 433 and an adjacent mounting portion 433. In other words, the shape of the through portion 435 preferably corresponds to the shape of the space between the mounting portion 433 and the adjacent mounting portion. Furthermore, since the through portion 435 can function to dissipate heat generated by the coil 42, it is preferable to have as large an area as possible while maintaining the strength of the permanent magnet cover 43.

[0235] If high-temperature heat is applied to the permanent magnet 44 , the atoms may randomly move and lose magnetism. In this case, the durability of the induction module 4 may be reduced.

[0236] Therefore, heat generated in the induction module is cooled by the cooling flow path structure using the pipe, thereby preventing the durability of the induction module from being deteriorated.

[0237] On the other hand, preferably, a fastening portion 431 is provided at a corner portion of the permanent magnet cover 43 , and the fastening portion 431 protrudes outward from the corner portion.

[0238] The edge of the permanent magnet cover 43 is provided with a hook 436 extending downward, which is inserted into the ring 413 of the base cover 41. In addition, a groove 432 is provided at a predetermined position inside the permanent magnet cover 43, and the groove 432 is engaged with the hook 453 of the cover 45.

[0239] On the other hand, the shape of the cover 45 preferably corresponds roughly to the shape of the permanent magnet cover 43. For example, the cover 45 preferably has a rectangular shape. A through-hole 435 is provided in the center of the cover 45, through which external air can flow in or out of the heat generated by the coil.

[0240] A fastening portion 451 is provided at the corner portion of the cover 45 , and the hole of the fastening portion 451 is preferably a long hole. A hook 453 is provided at the lower portion of the cover 45 to engage with the groove 432 of the permanent magnet cover 43 .

[0241] like Figure 7As shown, when the induction module 4 is provided with a permanent magnet cover and a cover, the aforementioned first fan cover 110 is formed at a position corresponding to the through-holes 455, 435a, 415a of the base cover, the permanent magnet cover and the cover to supply external air, thereby being able to cool the heat generated in the coil.

[0242] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the shapes of various coils, Figure 9 This is a graph showing the temperature increase rate at various positions of the drum according to the shape of the base cover on which the coil is mounted.

[0243] Below, refer to Figure 8 The shape of the coil will be described.

[0244] The coil 42 can be wound into any shape, as long as the wire is wound into concentric circles, ellipses, racetracks, etc. on the outer circumference of the outer barrel 2 to form the coil 42, but the degree of heating of the drum 3 may vary depending on the winding shape.

[0245] This is because, Figure 8 In the coil shape disclosed in (b), if the curved portion is formed so that the curvature radius of the inner coil and the curvature radius of the outer coil are different from each other, there will be a significant difference in the amount of magnetic field transmitted to the center direction of the drum 3 and the amount of magnetic field transmitted to the front and rear.

[0246] In other words, since the coils located near the front and rear of the drum 3 have a relatively narrow area, the amount of magnetic field transmitted to the front of the circumferential surface of the drum 3 can only be relatively small, while since the coils located in the center have a relatively wide area, the amount of magnetic field transmitted to the center of the circumferential surface of the drum 3 can only be relatively large. Therefore, it is difficult to heat the drum 3 uniformly.

[0247] Therefore, it is preferred that Figure 8 As shown in (a), the electric wire can be wound so that the coil 42 has a straight portion and a curved portion connecting the straight portions, and the curvature radius of the inner coil of the electric wire forming the curved portion is the same as the curvature radius of the outer coil.

[0248] In addition, it can be confirmed that Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 In the coil in (b), the area of ​​the coil at the corner portion is significantly different.

[0249] Below, the relationship between the straight portion and the curved portion is explained in more detail. The straight portion may include: a transverse straight portion, having a front straight portion arranged in front of the outer circumferential surface of the outer barrel 2 and a rear straight portion arranged behind the outer circumferential surface of the outer barrel 2; and a vertical straight portion, formed to be perpendicular to the transverse straight portion; the curved portion is formed at the intersection of the transverse straight portion and the vertical straight portion.

[0250] That is, through the above-mentioned straight and curved portions, the coil 42 of this embodiment forms long sides along the front and rear squares of the outer barrel 2 on the circumferential surface of the outer barrel body 22, forms short sides on the left and right sides of the outer barrel 2, and the corners connecting the long sides and the short sides are curved, thereby forming a track shape.

[0251] According to the shape of the above-mentioned coil 42, the lateral width of the two ends of the coil, including the front end of the coil adjacent to the front of the outer barrel 2 and the rear end of the coil adjacent to the rear of the outer barrel 2, and the central portion of the coil located between the two ends of the coil can be uniformly formed. As a result, the amount of magnetic field radiated from the two ends of the coil to the front and rear of the circumferential surface of the drum 3 is similar to the amount of magnetic field radiated from the central portion of the coil to the center of the circumferential surface of the drum 3.

[0252] Therefore, there is an effect that the center and the front and rear sides of the circumferential surface of the drum 3 can be heated uniformly.

[0253] As described above, since the coil 42 is in the shape of a racetrack with long sides along the front and rear of the outer tub 2 , the induction module 4 is configured to correspond to the shape of the coil 42 , so the first pipe 10 extends forward and backward along the length direction of the outer tub 2 to accommodate the induction module 4 .

[0254] Below, refer to Figure 9 The temperature distribution of the drum depending on the coil shape will be described.

[0255] Reference Figure 9 , shows coils 42 each having a different vertical length and the heating distribution of the circumferential surface of the drum 3 according to the vertical width of the coil 42.

[0256] In the figure, the vertical axis represents various positions of the drum, "1" represents the rear of the outer peripheral surface of the drum, "5" represents the front of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 3, and "2 to 5" represent the intervals therebetween. In addition, the horizontal axis represents the temperature rise rate of the drum 3.

[0257] The vertical width of the coil 42 and the temperature rise rate of the drum 3 are described below. Figure 9 The coils 42 shown in FIG. 4 are used as the objects for relative comparison. Figure 9 (a) is the case where the coil with the widest vertical width is used to heat the drum. Figure 9 (b) is a case where a coil having an intermediate vertical width is used to heat the drum. Figure 9 (c) is a case where the drum is heated using the coil having the narrowest vertical width.

[0258] Compared with other coils, Figure 9The coil of (a) shows that the temperature rise rate is uniform in the front, rear and center of the drum 3. Figure 9 The coil of (c) shows a significant difference in the temperature rise rate between the front and rear parts and the center part of the drum 3. Figure 9 The coil in (b) also shows a relatively large difference in temperature rise rate.

[0259] In other words, assuming the lateral widths of each coil 42 are the same, it can be considered that the larger the vertical width of the coil 42, the more uniformly it can heat the front, rear, and center of the drum 3. In other words, the major axis of the elliptical or racetrack-shaped coil is preferably formed in the front-to-back direction of the outer tub 2.

[0260] If the coil 42 is provided on the outer circumference of the tub 2 , the closer the ends of the coil 42 are to the front and rear of the tub 2 , the more uniformly the circumference of the drum 3 provided inside the tub 2 is heated.

[0261] On the other hand, although the drum 3 can be heated more evenly if the outermost wires of the horizontal straight portion are expanded to the front and rear of the outer barrel 2, in this case, the magnetic field will excessively expand toward the front and rear, thereby heating other components of the clothing processing device such as the drive unit 6 or the door 12, thereby causing damage to the clothing processing device.

[0262] In addition, in the case of a clothing processing device 1 that is tiltedly arranged inside the housing 1 at the rear of the outer barrel 2, the front upper corners of the sensing module 4 and the top surface of the housing 1 may interfere with each other as the outer barrel 2 vibrates up and down, thereby causing the sensing module 4 and the housing 1 to be damaged. If the height of the housing 1 is increased to prevent the above-mentioned problem, there is a limitation that a compact structure of the clothing processing device cannot be achieved.

[0263] Therefore, the outermost wires of the front straight portion are spaced apart from the front of the outer barrel 2 by a predetermined distance, and the outermost wires of the rear straight portion are spaced apart from the rear of the outer barrel 2 by a predetermined distance. Preferably, the predetermined distance is 10 to 20 mm.

[0264] The above configuration not only prevents unnecessary heating of components other than the drum 3 or interference between the induction module 4 and the top surface of the housing 1 , but also achieves the effect of uniformly heating the outer peripheral surface of the drum 3 .

[0265] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the outermost wire of the vertical straight portion of the coil 42 is greater than the length of the outermost wire of the horizontal straight portion.

[0266] This can prevent other components other than the drum 3 from being heated by preventing the magnetic field from being excessively radiated over a wide range in the peripheral direction of the drum 3 , and can ensure a configuration space for springs or other components that may be installed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer barrel 2 .

[0267] At this time, the surface of the coil 42 formed by winding the electric wire can be formed as a curved surface corresponding to the circumferential surface of the drum 3. In this case, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field toward the drum 3 can be further increased. In addition, it is preferred that the drum 3 is rotated if the induction module 4 is operated, so that the circumferential surface of the drum 3 is evenly heated.

[0268] The aforementioned embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The various components or functions of the aforementioned embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention may be used or combined.

[0269] For example, it indicates that a component A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a component B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, unless it is explicitly stated that they cannot be combined, even if the combination between the components is not directly described, it is indicated that they can be combined.

[0270] The detailed description above should not be understood as limiting in all aspects, but should be understood as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, wherein: include: The box body is provided with an input port; A door, provided on the box body, for opening and closing the input port; The drum is rotatably arranged inside the box, has an opening portion opposite to the input port of the box, and is in the shape of an extended cylinder; a tubular extension portion extending from the input port of the box body toward the drum side; a first pipe, disposed outside the drum; an induction heater, comprising a coil, disposed inside the first pipe and heating the drum; a first fan for supplying external air to the interior of the first duct; as well as a second pipe having an inlet connected to the first pipe, extending from the first pipe in a radially inner direction of the drum, and having an outlet connected to an outer peripheral surface of the extension portion; The second pipe is formed so that the area of ​​the outlet is smaller than the area of ​​the inlet; The second duct has a first width defined in a lengthwise direction of the drum and a second width defined in a radial direction of the drum; The first width of the second conduit is smaller than the second width of the second conduit.

2. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A first width of the outlet of the second duct is smaller than a first width of the inlet of the second duct.

3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a fan cover, which accommodates the first fan and is in communication with the first duct. The fan cover is located on an opposite side of the second duct relative to a center of the first duct.

4. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The first pipe is located on the upper side of the drum, The second pipe extends downward from the first pipe, The fan cover is located on the upper side of the first pipe. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein: The second duct is located on an opposite side of the fan cover relative to a longitudinal center of the first duct. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: Also includes: an exhaust port communicating with the interior of the drum; and The third pipe is connected with the exhaust port and the outside of the box. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The drum is disposed inside the outer barrel, and the drum is disposed inside the outer barrel. The outer barrel has an opening facing the inlet of the box. The first pipe is installed on the outer side of the outer barrel.

8. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The extension portion includes a gasket, which connects the input port of the box body and the opening of the outer barrel. An outlet of the second pipe is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the gasket.

9. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: an exhaust port, disposed on the outer barrel; and The third pipe is connected with the exhaust port and the outside of the box.

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