Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus includes a dryer including a first cabinet formed with a first introduction port, a first door opening and closing the first introduction port, and a first drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet and accommodating laundry inside, a washing machine including a second cabinet disposed in an up-and-down direction of the first cabinet and formed with a second introduction port, a second door opening and closing the second introduction port, an outer tub disposed inside the second cabinet, and a second drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub and accommodating laundry inside, a care machine including a third cabinet disposed at a side of the dryer and the washing machine and formed with an opening, a third door opening and closing the opening, and a space formed to accommodate laundry inside, a duct system including a first air supply duct supplying air to the inside of the first drum, a second air supply duct supplying air to the inside space of the care machine, and a heat exchange passage connected with the first air supply duct and the second air supply duct, and a heating device heating air passing through the heat exchange passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes treating device, and more particularly, to a clothes treating device comprising a plurality of clothes treating devices. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines, dryers, and care machines for handling clothes are arranged in different spaces such as the kitchen, utility room, living room, and outdoors according to their uses in the living space.

[0003] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0109194 discloses a washing machine. The washing machine supplies water and detergent to an outer tub and a drum, and washes the laundry by rotating the drum. The washing machine supplies water to the outer tub or drum from an external water source, and uses a pump to circulate the water in the outer tub to the drum or drain it to the outside. Typically, washing machines are located in kitchens or utility rooms for water supply and drainage.

[0004] The washing machine is separately provided with a heater for heating air, an air supply fan, and a steam generating device, so that the laundry can be dried or sterilized.

[0005] Korean Patent No. 10-2120993 discloses a dryer. The dryer uses a heater and a blower fan to heat air, then supplies it to a drum, thereby drying laundry contained within the drum. Dryers are typically located adjacent to washing machines to dry washed laundry and facilitate the loading of wet laundry into the dryer.

[0006] Dryers can use a steam generator that generates steam and sprays it into the drum to sterilize or remove wrinkles from laundry. Water can be supplied to the dryer to generate the steam, and unevaporated water can be reused or discharged. Furthermore, to remove odors from the laundry being dried, the dryer can be equipped with a deodorizing function that filters the circulating air.

[0007] Korean Patent No. 10-2254903 discloses a care machine that dries, deodorizes, removes wrinkles, eliminates static electricity, and / or sterilizes clothes (hereinafter, also referred to as "care") by supplying hot air and steam to a space containing clothes.

[0008] Nursing machines are primarily used to care for clothing that users frequently use after washing, such as suits and jackets. Typically, users hang clothing such as suits and jackets in a wardrobe for safekeeping. Therefore, unlike washing machines, nursing machines can be placed adjacent to or in place of wardrobes in spaces such as cloakrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Furthermore, nursing machines can care not only for clothing or other items, but also for all objects that can be washed, including wearable items such as shoes, socks, gloves, hats, and scarves, as well as frequently used items such as dolls, towels, and quilts.

[0009] However, a problem with conventional laundry processors arranged in different spaces is that a user needs to carry sorted laundry to each laundry processor for caring for the laundry, so a work route becomes long and laundry management becomes inconvenient.

[0010] Furthermore, since the care machine is placed in a space different from the washing machine and the dryer, it is troublesome to carry the washed wet clothes or the dried clothes to the space where the care machine is placed.

[0011] Furthermore, existing laundry processors that utilize hot air and steam to process laundry have the problem of reduced laundry storage space due to the need for separate water supply equipment, drainage equipment, air heating equipment, steam generators, pumps, air supply fans, air flow paths, and steam flow paths for each device. Furthermore, the need for separate heating and steam generation devices for each device increases overall system cost and energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0013] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a laundry processing device having a plurality of laundry processing devices.

[0014] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating device having a washing machine, a drying machine and a care machine.

[0015] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that performs washing, drying, and clothes care in the same space.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention may be to minimize the user's required routing of laundry.

[0017] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of treating clothes that cannot be dried at high temperatures within a space where washing and drying are performed.

[0018] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that improves the ease of operations of washing, drying, and caring for clothes.

[0019] Still another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that reduces vibration generated in the entire system.

[0020] Another object of the present invention may be to improve user convenience by lowering the height of components that require user operation, such as doors and control panels.

[0021] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a hot air flow path for supplying air to a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine.

[0022] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that minimizes the length of a hot air flow path for supplying air to a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine.

[0023] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a nursing machine with an expanded width in the front-to-back direction.

[0024] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothing processing device including a care machine with an expanded front-to-back width.

[0025] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating device with expanded upper and lower heights of a clothes accommodating space.

[0026] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothing processing device that expands the upper and lower heights of the clothing storage space inside the nursing machine.

[0027] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that utilizes the difference between the front-to-back width of a care machine and the front-to-back width of a washing machine / dryer.

[0028] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a steam flow path for supplying steam to a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine.

[0029] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that minimizes the length of a steam flow path for supplying steam to a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine.

[0030] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that supplies hot air to a plurality of clothes treating apparatuses using a single heating device.

[0031] Still another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that supplies steam to a plurality of clothes treating apparatuses using a single heating device.

[0032] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that can easily drain condensed water generated in a heating device.

[0033] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus in which water supply and drainage required for generating steam are easy.

[0034] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus that minimizes the length of a hot air flow path for supplying air to a drying machine and a care machine.

[0035] Another object of the present invention may be to optimize the arrangement position of a fan for supplying hot air to a dryer and a care machine.

[0036] Yet another object of the present invention may be to minimize heat loss of hot air supplied to the nursing machine.

[0037] Another object of the present invention may be to minimize the length of the air supply pipe and the exhaust pipe connected to the nursing machine.

[0038] A further object of the present invention may be to drain away condensation water produced in a heating device without an additional pump device.

[0039] Yet another object of the present invention may be to manage condensed water using a drain pump of a washing machine.

[0040] Another object of the present invention may be to form a temperature of hot air supplied to the nursing machine that is lower than the temperature of the drying machine.

[0041] Yet another object of the present invention may be to utilize the condensed water produced in the heating device.

[0042] Yet another object of the present invention may be to minimize vibrations generated in a washing machine.

[0043] Another object of the present invention may be to reduce the shaking of the washing machine cabinet.

[0044] Another object of the present invention may be to combine a plurality of laundry processors with each other.

[0045] Another object of the present invention may be to supply hot air to the upper part of the nursing machine.

[0046] Another purpose of the present invention may be to recover hot air at the upper part of the nursing machine.

[0047] Yet another object of the present invention may be to reduce the height at which the doors of washing machines and dryers are located.

[0048] Another object of the present invention may be to lower the height of the inlet for inputting laundry and the control panel.

[0049] Another object of the present invention may be to facilitate the transportation of washed laundry.

[0050] Yet another object of the present invention may be to prevent the air heated and dehumidified in the heating device from being expelled directly toward a user.

[0051] Another object of the present invention may be to dispose the flow path for indoor dehumidification at a high position.

[0052] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating device with aligned upper ends.

[0053] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a front-aligned clothes treating device.

[0054] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a constant height along the horizontal direction.

[0055] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a clothes treating device having a constant width in the front-to-back direction.

[0056] Another object of the present invention may be to prevent the clothes treating device from being damaged due to collision with surrounding structures when the clothes treating device is installed.

[0057] The subjects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned subjects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other subjects not mentioned through the following description.

[0058] A laundry treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object may include a drying machine including a first housing having a first inlet.

[0059] The drying machine may include a first door for opening and closing the first inlet.

[0060] The dryer may include a first drum rotatably disposed inside the first housing.

[0061] The laundry processing device may include a washing machine including a second housing arranged in a vertical direction with respect to the first housing.

[0062] The second housing may include a second input port.

[0063] The washing machine may include a second door that opens and closes the second inlet.

[0064] The washing machine may include an outer tub disposed inside the second housing.

[0065] The washing machine may include a second drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub.

[0066] The clothes treating apparatus may include a care machine disposed on one side of the dryer.

[0067] The care machine may be arranged on one side of the washing machine.

[0068] The care machine may include a third box having an opening formed therein.

[0069] The care machine may include a third door that opens and closes the opening.

[0070] A space for accommodating clothes may be formed inside the care machine.

[0071] The clothes treating apparatus may include a piping system connected to the drying machine and the care machine.

[0072] The duct system may include a first air supply duct that supplies air to the interior of the first drum.

[0073] The duct system may include a second air supply duct that supplies air to an interior space of the medical care machine.

[0074] The piping system may include a heat exchange channel connected to the first gas supply pipe and the second gas supply pipe.

[0075] The clothes treating apparatus may include a heating device that heats air passing through the heat exchange passage.

[0076] The laundry treating apparatus may include a first laundry processor including a housing having a laundry inlet formed therein and a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet.

[0077] The first laundry processor may include a drum rotatably disposed inside the housing.

[0078] The laundry treating apparatus may include a second laundry processor including a housing having a laundry inlet formed therein and a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet.

[0079] A space for accommodating clothes may be formed inside the second clothes processor.

[0080] The duct system may include a first air supply duct that supplies air to the inside of the drum of the first laundry processor.

[0081] The duct system may include a second air supply duct that supplies air to an inner space of the second laundry processor.

[0082] The piping system may include a heat exchange channel connected to the first gas supply pipe and the second gas supply pipe.

[0083] The heat exchange channel may include an inlet end portion through which air flows in and an outlet end portion through which air discharges.

[0084] The laundry treating apparatus may include a combined frame formed with a first inlet and a second inlet spaced apart in an up-down direction and having a horizontal partition wall disposed therebetween.

[0085] A drying chamber may be formed between an upper panel of the assembly frame and the horizontal partition wall.

[0086] The first drum may be disposed inside the drying chamber.

[0087] A washing chamber may be formed between a lower panel of the combined frame and the horizontal partition wall.

[0088] The outer tub and the second drum may be disposed inside the washing chamber.

[0089] The clothes treating apparatus may include a side frame disposed on one side of the assembly frame.

[0090] The second air supply duct may supply air to an interior of the side frame.

[0091] The clothes treating apparatus may include a single frame provided with vertical partition walls therein.

[0092] A horizontal partition wall may be disposed between the vertical partition wall and one side panel of the single frame.

[0093] The washing chamber and the drying chamber may be formed between the one side panel and the vertical partition wall in a manner of being divided in an up-down direction based on the horizontal partition wall.

[0094] A care room for caring for clothes may be formed between the vertical partition wall and the other side panel of the single frame.

[0095] The dryer may be arranged at one side of the washing machine along a horizontal direction.

[0096] The care machine may be arranged above the dryer and the washing machine.

[0097] The laundry treating apparatus may include an air supply duct connecting the heating device and the care machine.

[0098] The air supply duct may supply the air heated in the heating device to the interior space of the care machine.

[0099] The heating device may be disposed on a lower side of the first drum.

[0100] The washing machine may be arranged on an upper side of the drying machine.

[0101] The heating device may be disposed between the first drum and the outer tub.

[0102] The heating device may include a heat exchange unit that heats air to be supplied to the care machine.

[0103] The clothes treating apparatus may include a drawer located at a lower side than the heat exchange unit.

[0104] The drawer may have a space therein for storing water.

[0105] The air supply pipe may extend downwardly from the heating device.

[0106] The air supply pipe may be connected to an air supply port formed at a lower portion of the nursing machine.

[0107] The clothes treating apparatus may include an exhaust duct extending upward from the heating device.

[0108] The exhaust duct may be connected to an exhaust port formed on an upper portion of the nursing machine.

[0109] The heating device may be arranged on an upper side of the dryer.

[0110] The air supply pipe may extend upward from the heating device.

[0111] The air supply pipe may be connected to an air supply port formed on an upper portion of the nursing machine.

[0112] The clothes treating apparatus may include an exhaust duct extending downward from the heating device.

[0113] The exhaust duct may be connected to an exhaust port formed at a lower portion of the nursing machine.

[0114] The drying machine may be arranged on an upper side of the washing machine.

[0115] The washing machine may include a drain pump to drain water within the outer tub.

[0116] The heating device may be disposed on a lower side of the outer tub.

[0117] The clothes treating apparatus may include a drain pan disposed at a lower side of the heat exchange unit.

[0118] The clothes treating apparatus may include a drain pipe connecting the drain pan and the drain pump.

[0119] The washing machine may include an upper panel combined with a lower portion of the dryer.

[0120] The washing machine may include a suspension connecting a cabinet of the washing machine and the outer tub.

[0121] The housing of the washing machine may include a side panel disposed between the outer tub and the housing of the nursing machine.

[0122] The side panel may face the housing of the nursing machine.

[0123] The side panel can be combined with the housing of the nursing machine.

[0124] The heating device may be disposed on an upper side of the first drum.

[0125] The clothes treating apparatus may include a storage box disposed between the heating device and a box of the care machine.

[0126] The heating device may be arranged at an upper side higher than the first roller and the second roller.

[0127] The second drum may be open toward the second inlet so that the laundry contained therein can be drawn out through the second inlet.

[0128] The first roller may be located at a lower side of the second roller.

[0129] The first drum may be opened toward the first inlet so that the laundry drawn out from the second drum can be put into the drum through the first inlet.

[0130] The clothes treating apparatus may include a dehumidification duct that discharges air heated in the heating device to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus.

[0131] The dehumidification duct may be located at an upper side higher than doors of the dryer and the washing machine.

[0132] Upper ends of the front surfaces of the laundry treating apparatus may be aligned in a horizontal direction.

[0133] An upper end portion of the front surface of any one of the dryer, the washing machine, and the heating device that is disposed on the upper side may be aligned with an upper end portion of the front surface of the care machine.

[0134] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0135] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus having a plurality of laundry treating devices may be provided.

[0136] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a clothes treating apparatus including a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine may be provided.

[0137] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a clothes treating apparatus can be provided, in which a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine are arranged in the same space, thereby being able to perform washing, drying, and care in the same space.

[0138] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, clothes can be cared for in the same space regardless of their types.

[0139] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the load (workload, route, etc.) required for a user to transport clothes can be reduced when performing washing, drying, and care tasks.

[0140] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, clothes that cannot be dried at high temperatures can be cared for by a caring machine in a space where washing and drying are performed.

[0141] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine and the care machine are configured to share a common surface, thereby reducing vibration generated in the washing machine.

[0142] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by disposing a heating device of the care machine between the washing machine and the dryer, the height of the clothing storage space inside the care machine can be expanded.

[0143] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by configuring a hot air flow path in the rear space of the nursing machine, the front-to-back width of the entire system can be evenly matched.

[0144] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by disposing a heating device at an intermediate height of the care machine, the length of a hot air supply flow path for supplying hot air to each of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can be minimized.

[0145] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by disposing a steam generator at an intermediate height of the care machine, the length of a steam supply flow path for supplying steam to each of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can be minimized.

[0146] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, hot air can be supplied to each of a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine using a single heating device.

[0147] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, steam can be supplied to each of a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine using a single steam generating device.

[0148] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, condensed water generated in an evaporator can be drained through a drain pump of a washing machine, thereby facilitating management of the condensed water.

[0149] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, water required for generating steam can be supplied through a water supply pipe of a washing machine, thereby facilitating the generation of steam.

[0150] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a heating device for supplying hot air to the nursing machine is disposed on a lateral side of the nursing machine, thereby increasing the height of the internal space of the nursing machine.

[0151] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the internal space of the nursing machine can be increased by supplying hot air to the nursing machine using the heating device of the dryer.

[0152] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by disposing a heating device at the lower portion of the laundry processing apparatus, the length of the hot air flow path connected to the drying machine and the care machine can be minimized.

[0153] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by reducing the length of the air supply pipe connecting the heating device and the nursing machine, the heat loss of the hot air supplied to the nursing machine can be minimized.

[0154] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, condensed water generated in an evaporator can be drained through a drain pump of a washing machine, thereby facilitating management of the condensed water.

[0155] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, water in the outer tub and condensed water generated in the heating device are drained using a single drain pump, thereby reducing the number of components required for drainage.

[0156] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, vibration generated in the washing machine can be reduced by combining the cabinet of the washing machine and the cabinet of the nursing machine.

[0157] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the heating device is disposed on the upper side of the washing machine and the drying machine, it is possible to easily supply hot air to the upper portion of the nursing machine.

[0158] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the heating device is disposed on the upper side of the dryer and the washing machine, the heights of the doors of the dryer and the washing machine can be lowered.

[0159] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the washing machine is disposed above the dryer, heavy laundry that has been washed can be lowered to the inlet of the dryer, thereby easily transporting the laundry.

[0160] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the dehumidification duct is disposed above the dryer and the washing machine, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature dry air discharged through the dehumidification duct from being directly discharged toward the user.

[0161] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, coupling between a plurality of laundry treatment devices may be facilitated by aligning upper end portions of the laundry treatment devices.

[0162] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can more clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0163] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Figure 3 is another longitudinal sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Figure 6 It is another perspective view of a heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Figure 7 It is another perspective view of the heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] Figure 8 It is an operational diagram illustrating a heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portion of the back side of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the assembly of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] Figure 12 is a top view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a support block according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a support block according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Figure 16 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an auxiliary panel according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Figure 17 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an auxiliary panel according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] Figure 18 is a front view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Figure 21 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Figure 22 is a bottom perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Figure 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0188] Figure 26 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] Figure 27 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the back side of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] Figure 28is an exploded view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0191] Figure 29 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Figure 30 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Figure 32 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0196] Figure 34 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] Figure 35 is a bottom perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] Figure 37 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0200] Figure 38 is a longitudinal sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Figure 39 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a heating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Figure 41 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] Figure 43 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0206] Figure 44 is a rear view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] Figure 45 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] Figure 46 is a conceptual diagram of a piping system of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] Figure 47 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] Figure 48 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] Figure 49 is a rear perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] Figure 50 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] Figure 51 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0214] Figure 52 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] Figure 53 is a perspective view of a clothes treating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] Figure 54 is a conceptual diagram of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] Figure 55 is a conceptual diagram of a clothes treating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0218] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the figure numbers, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0219] The suffixes "module" and "unit" of the components used in the following description are only used to facilitate preparation of the description and do not have different meanings or functions from each other.

[0220] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology makes the main points of the embodiments disclosed in this specification unclear, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the drawings are only for the purpose of helping to understand the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the concepts and technologies of this specification.

[0221] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0222] If a component is mentioned as being “connected” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or linked to the other component, but other components may also be present between them. Conversely, if a component is mentioned as being “directly connected” or “directly linked” to another component, it should be understood that no other components may be present between them.

[0223] Unless otherwise described, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0224] The laundry treating apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention includes one or more laundry treating machines, which are devices that wash, dry, and / or care for objects (eg, clothes, towels, quilts, etc.).

[0225] The laundry processing device may include a plurality of laundry processors of the same type. For example, the laundry processing device may include two or more drying machines 1. For example, the laundry processing device may include two or more washing machines 2. For example, the laundry processing device may include two or more nursing machines 3.

[0226] The laundry processing apparatus may include different types of laundry processors. For example, the laundry processing apparatus may include a drying machine 1 , a washing machine 2 , and a care machine 3 .

[0227] The laundry processing device may include a plurality of laundry processors of the same type and laundry processors of different types. For example, the laundry processing device may include two or more washing machines, a dryer, and a care machine. For example, the laundry processing device may include a washing machine, a dryer, and two or more care machines.

[0228] The laundry processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited by the type and number of laundry processors and can include various combinations. Hereinafter, a laundry processing apparatus including a dryer 1, a washing machine 2, and a care machine 3 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0229] The dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the care machine 3 may be referred to as one of the first laundry processor, the second laundry processor, and the third laundry processor. For example, the dryer 1 may be referred to as the "first laundry processor," the washing machine 2 may be referred to as the "second laundry processor," and the care machine 3 may be referred to as the "third laundry processor."

[0230] In the following, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second" and "third" are only used to distinguish the constituent elements, and do not limit the constituent elements. The names of the constituent elements are not limited to the ordinal numbers, and may include other ordinals. The names of the constituent elements can be used independently without including the ordinal numbers. As an example, the name of the constituent element of the dryer 1 may include the ordinal number "first", the name of the constituent element of the washing machine 2 may include the ordinal number "second", and the name of the constituent element of the nursing machine 3 may include the ordinal number "third". However, the names of the constituent elements of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the nursing machine 3 are not limited to the above-mentioned ordinals, but may include other ordinals or may be used independently without including ordinals.

[0231] The laundry processing apparatus may include a controller 81 that controls the operation of the dryer 1, washing machine 2, care machine 3, and heating device 50. The controller 81 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 81 may control the dryer 1, washing machine 2, care machine 3, and heating device 50 based on electrical signals received from a control panel 8. The controller 81 may communicate with the control panel 8.

[0232] The dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 can be arranged up and down. A control panel 8 can be arranged between the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The control panel 8 can be arranged up and down with the nursing machine 3.

[0233] The user can input commands to the laundry processing apparatus through the control panel 8. The user can operate the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the care machine 3 by operating the control panel 8. The user can also control the operation of the heating device 50 by operating the control panel 8. The control panel 8 can transmit electrical signals input by the user's operation to the controller 81.

[0234] A space for arranging a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) may be formed inside the control panel 8 . A control unit may be mounted on the PCB. The control unit may be a controller 81 .

[0235] Alternatively, the control unit may be located on the back of the control panel 8. A space for configuring a PCB may be formed on the back of the control panel 8. The controller 81 may be mounted on the PCB.

[0236] Alternatively, at least a portion of the dryer 1, washing machine 2, nursing machine 3, and machine room S may include controllers for controlling their respective drivers. In this case, each controller may be mounted on a PCB. The controllers may communicate with each other. Depending on the situation, at least one controller may be a higher-level controller capable of controlling other controllers and devices.

[0237] The control panel 8 can display the operating status of the laundry processing apparatus. The user can confirm the information of the operating status of the laundry processing apparatus through the control panel 8.

[0238] The laundry treatment apparatus may include a heating device 50. The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the dryer 1. The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the care machine 3. The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the washing machine 2. The hot air supplied to each laundry treatment apparatus may flow back into the heating device 50 and circulate.

[0239] However, the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention can discharge the hot air supplied to the dryer 1, washing machine 2, and care machine 3, respectively, to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus without circulating it. That is, the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention can discharge the hot air supplied to the outer drum 23 of the washing machine 2 to the outside of the washing machine 2, can discharge the hot air supplied to the first drum 13 of the dryer 1 to the outside of the dryer 3, and can discharge the hot air supplied to the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 to the outside of the care machine 3.

[0240] The laundry treatment apparatus may include a machine room S (refer to Figure 2 ). The mechanical room S can provide a space for arranging the heating device 50. The mechanical room S can be a concept of a space for arranging the heating device 50 and other components except the heating device 50. A pump, a blower fan, an air flow path, a steam device, a steam flow path, a dehumidification device, a controller, a motor, and a fan cover including the heating device 50 can be arranged in the mechanical room S. The mechanical room S can provide a space for arranging the above-mentioned operating elements (pump, blower fan, air flow path, steam device, steam flow path, dehumidification device, controller, motor, and fan cover).

[0241] In the present invention, the machine room S may refer to a space where the heating device 50 is arranged as described above, or may be a general concept including the heating device 50 .

[0242] The mechanical room S may include a separate shell (not shown). In the case where the mechanical room S includes a separate shell (not shown), the mechanical room S may be separated from the first box body 10 and the second box body 20. Different from this, the mechanical room S may be arranged inside one of the first box body 10, the second box body 20 and the third box body 30. If the mechanical room S is arranged inside one of the first box body 10, the second box body 20 and the third box body 30, the mechanical room S may refer to the concept of a space in which various components including the heating device 50 are arranged. That is, if the mechanical room S is arranged inside one of the first box body 10, the second box body 20 and the third box body 30, the mechanical room S may refer to a part of the internal space of the first box body 10, the second box body 20 and the third box body 30.

[0243] The machine room S can be positioned above and below the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. The machine room S can be positioned above the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. The machine room S can be positioned between the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. The machine room S can be positioned below the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. Alternatively, the machine room S can be positioned above and below the nursing machine 3. The machine room S can be positioned above or below the nursing machine 3.

[0244] The heating device 50 can supply hot air to the dryer 1. The heating device 50 can recover the hot air supplied to the dryer 1.

[0245] The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 may recover the hot air supplied to the washing machine 2.

[0246] The heating device 50 can supply hot air to the care machine 3. The heating device 50 can recover the hot air supplied to the care machine 3.

[0247] The heating device 50 can supply steam to the dryer 1. The heating device 50 can supply steam to the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 can supply steam to the care machine 3.

[0248] The heating device 50 may include a heat pump device. The heat pump device may include a compressor 51, a condenser 52, an evaporator 53 and an expansion device 54 (see Figure 5 The heating device 50 may include a fan 60 (see Figure 5 ). The heat pump device can be called a "heat exchange unit".

[0249] The heating device 50 may include a heating element in the heat exchange channel 42 (refer to Figure 5) a heat exchange unit for the air flowing through the heat exchange channel 42. The heat exchange unit may be a heat pump device connected to the refrigerant flow path. The heat exchange unit may be a heater operated by electricity. The heat exchange unit may be a heating device. The heat exchange unit may include the heater and a cooler (not shown). The cooler may be arranged on the upstream side of the heater. The cooler may be arranged inside the heat exchange channel 42. The cooler may dehumidify and cool the air passing through the heat exchange channel 42.

[0250] The heating device 50 can be arranged above and below the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 can be arranged above the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, or between the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, or below the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2.

[0251] The heating device 50 can be arranged above and below the care machine 3. The heating device 50 can be arranged in the rear space of the care machine 3.

[0252] The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 . The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the second housing 20 . The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the third housing 30 .

[0253] The dryer 1, washing machine 2, and heating device 50 (or machine room S) can be arranged in the vertical direction, and the care machine 3 can be arranged laterally of the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. The heating device 50 can be arranged laterally of the care machine 3.

[0254] Below, refer to Figure 1 , illustrating a clothing processing device A according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0255] Figure 1 The laundry processing apparatus A shown may be an embodiment in which the dryer 1 is arranged above the washing machine 2 and the heating device 50 is arranged between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1. However, the vertical arrangement of the dryer 1, washing machine 2 and the heating device 50 is not limited thereto.

[0256] The care machine 3 can be placed on the lateral side of the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. For example, the care machine 3 can be placed on the right side of the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. However, the placement of the care machine 3 is not limited to the above situation. The care machine 3 can also be placed on the left side of the dryer 1 and washing machine 2.

[0257] The front-to-back width of the nursing machine 3 may be smaller than the front-to-back widths of the drying machine 1 and the washing machine 2 .

[0258] A rear housing 310 may be disposed at the rear of the nursing machine 3 , and a hot air flow path or a steam flow path described later may be disposed in the rear housing 310 .

[0259] The dryer 1 comprises a first housing 10, on the front of which a first inlet 12 is formed (see Figure 2 ); and a first door 11 rotatably connected to the first box body 10.

[0260] The user can rotate the first door 11 to open the first inlet 12 and put laundry into the first drum 13 through the first inlet 12 .

[0261] The washing machine 2 includes a second housing 20 having a second inlet 22 formed on the front thereof (see Figure 2 ); and a second door 21 rotatably connected to the second box body 20.

[0262] The user can rotate the second door 21 to open the second inlet 22 and put laundry into the second drum 24 through the second inlet 22 .

[0263] The nursing machine 3 includes a third box 30, in which a space for accommodating clothes is formed, and a third input port 32 is formed (see Figure 3 and a third door 31 rotatably connected to the third box body 30. The third input port 32 may be referred to as an "opening portion."

[0264] The user can rotate the third door 31 to open the third inlet 32 ​​and put laundry into the third housing 30 through the third inlet 32 ​​.

[0265] Each of the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the third housing 30 may include an upper panel, a lower panel, a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels. The upper panel may be referred to as an "upper side wall." The lower panel may be referred to as a "lower side wall." The front panel may be referred to as a "front wall." The rear panel may be referred to as a "rear side wall." The side panels may be referred to as "side walls."

[0266] Each of the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the third housing 30 may include a pair of side panels. The pair of side panels may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The side panels may be referred to as "side walls." The first housing 10 may include a first inner sidewall 106 facing the nursing machine 3 and a first outer sidewall 105 spaced apart from the first inner sidewall 106. The second housing 20 may include a second inner sidewall 206 facing the nursing machine 3 and a second outer sidewall 205 spaced apart from the second inner sidewall 206. The third housing 30 may include a third inner sidewall 306 facing the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 and a third outer sidewall 305 spaced apart from the third inner sidewall 306.

[0267] The first housing 10 may include a first upper panel 103 , a first lower panel 104 , a first front panel 101 , a first rear panel 102 , and first side panels 105 , 106 .

[0268] The second box body 20 may include a second upper panel 203 , a second lower panel 204 , a second front panel 201 , a second rear panel 202 , and second side panels 205 , 206 .

[0269] The third housing 30 may include a third upper panel 303, a third lower panel 304, a third front panel 301, a third rear panel 302, and third side panels 305 and 306. The third housing 30 may include a third door 31 instead of the third front panel 301.

[0270] The above description of the first box body 10, the second box body 20 and the third box body 30 can also be applied to the reference Figures 1 to 55 A laundry treating device is described.

[0271] The space between the dryer 1 and the care machine 3 and the space between the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3 can be configured with a plate (not shown). The plate can be a vibration-damping material. The dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the care machine 3 can be connected to each other through the plate.

[0272] The first upper panel 103 of the dryer 1 and the third upper panel 303 of the care machine 3 can be arranged on the same horizontal plane. The third upper panel 303 of the care machine 3 and the upper side wall 313 of the rear housing 310 can be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0273] The drying machine 1 may have a first upper side surface 10 c. The first upper side surface 10 c may be the top surface of the first housing 10. The first upper side surface 10 c may be the top surface of the first upper panel 103.

[0274] The nursing machine 3 may have a third upper side surface 30 c . The third upper side surface 30 c may be the top surface of the third box body 30 .

[0275] The first upper side surface 10c and the third upper side surface 30c may be aligned in the horizontal direction. The first upper side surface 10c and the third upper side surface 30c may be located on the same horizontal plane. However, the height of the first upper side surface 10c and the height of the third upper side surface 30c may be different. In this case, a step may be formed between the first upper side surface 10c and the third upper side surface 30c.

[0276] The meaning of "aligned" in the process of describing the clothing processing device of the present invention is defined. "Aligned" can mean that a plurality of components are arranged substantially on the same plane. That is, even if component A and component B are not arranged on the same plane in the strict sense, but are respectively arranged on two planes with a specified interval, it can be expressed as "aligned". In addition, in the process of describing the clothing processing device of the present invention, the meaning of "located on the same plane" includes the situation of being located substantially on the same plane. For example, even if the first plane where component A is located and the second plane where component B is located are spaced parallel to each other, it can be expressed as "A and B are aligned", or it can be expressed as "A and B are located on the same plane".

[0277] The dryer 1 may have a first front surface (10a or 11a). The front surface 10a of the dryer 1 may refer to the front surface of the first housing 10. The first front surface 10a may be the front surface of the first front panel 101.

[0278] The first door 11 may have a first front surface 11 a . The front surface 11 a of the dryer 1 may refer to a front surface of the first door 11 .

[0279] The first door 11 may protrude further forward than the front of the first body 10 . In this case, the front surface 11a of the first door 11 may be referred to as the front surface 11a of the dryer 1 , or the front surface 10a of the first body 10 may be referred to as the front surface 10a of the dryer 1 .

[0280] The washing machine 2 may have a second front surface (20a or 21a). The front surface 20a of the washing machine 2 may refer to the front surface of the second housing 20. The second front surface 20a may be the front surface of the second front panel 201.

[0281] The second door 21 may have a second front surface 21 a . The front surface 21 a of the washing machine 2 may refer to a front surface of the second door 21 .

[0282] The second door 21 may protrude further forward than the front of the second body 20 . In this case, the front surface 21a of the second door 21 may be referred to as the front surface 21a of the washing machine 2 , or the front surface 20a of the second body 20 may be referred to as the front surface 20a of the washing machine 2 .

[0283] The care machine 3 may have a third front surface 31 a . The front surface 31 a of the care machine 3 may refer to a front surface of the third door 31 .

[0284] The front surface (10a or 11a) of the dryer 1 and the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be aligned. The front surface (10a or 11a) of the dryer 1 and the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be located on the same plane. The front surface (20a or 21a) of the washing machine 2 and the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be aligned. The front surface (20a or 21a) of the washing machine 2 and the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be located on the same plane. The front surface (10a or 11a) of the dryer 1 and the front surface (20a or 21a) of the washing machine 2 may be aligned. The front surface (10a or 11a) of the dryer 1 and the front surface (20a or 21a) of the washing machine 2 may be located on the same plane.

[0285] The front surface 31a of the care machine 3 can be aligned with the front surface 10a of the first housing 10 and the front surface 20a of the second housing 20. The front surface 31a of the care machine 3 can be located on the same plane as the front surface 10a of the first housing 10 and the front surface 20a of the second housing 20.

[0286] The front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be aligned with the front surfaces 11a and 21a of the first and second doors 11 and 21. The front surface 31a of the care machine 3 may be located on the same plane as the front surfaces 11a and 21a of the first and second doors 21.

[0287] The front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3 can be aligned with the front surfaces 11a, 21a of each door 11, 21 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, and can also be aligned with the front surfaces 10a, 20a of each cabinet 10, 20 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. Figure 12 As shown, when the front sides 11a, 21a of each door 11, 21 in the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 are located on the same plane as the front sides 10a, 20a of the cabinet 10, 20, the front side 31a of the care machine 3 can be aligned with the front sides 10a, 11a, 20a, 21a of each door 11, 21 in the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 at the same time.

[0288] The upper end 107 of the front surface 10a of the dryer 1 and the upper end 307 of the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 can be aligned. The upper end 107 of the front surface 10a of the dryer 1 and the upper end 307 of the front surface 31a of the care machine 3 can be located on the same plane.

[0289] The dryer 1 may include a first upper end portion 107. The first upper end portion 107 may refer to an upper end portion of the front surface 10a of the first housing 10. The first upper end portion 107 may refer to an upper end portion of the first front panel 101.

[0290] The nursing machine 3 may have a second upper end portion 307. The second upper end portion 307 may refer to an upper end portion of the third door 31.

[0291] The first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307 may be aligned in the horizontal direction. The first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307 may be located on the same horizontal plane. The first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307 may form a step in the horizontal direction. In this case, the first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307 may be aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0292] The first upper side surface 10c may be located on the same horizontal plane as the first upper end portion 107. However, the first upper side surface 10c may be located lower than the first upper end portion 107. The first upper side surface 10c may be aligned with the first upper end portion 107 in the front-rear direction.

[0293] The third upper side surface 30c may be located on the same horizontal plane as the second upper end portion 307. However, the third upper side surface 30c may be located lower than the second upper end portion 307. The third upper side surface 30c may be aligned with the second upper end portion 307 in the front-rear direction.

[0294] The laundry treating apparatus A may include a connector 92 having a width in a horizontal direction and respectively coupled to the first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307. The connector 92 may be referred to as an "upper connector."

[0295] The laundry processing apparatus A may include: an upper connector 92 for combining the first housing 10 and the third housing 30; and a lower connector 90 (refer to FIG. Figure 42 ), connecting the second housing 20 and the third housing 30. The upper connector 92 can connect one of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 arranged on the upper side to the third housing 30. The lower connector 90 can connect the other of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 arranged on the lower side to the third housing 30.

[0296] The connector 92 may extend rearward from the upper end portions 107 and 307. The connector 92 may connect the first upper end portion 107 and the second upper end portion 307 to each other. The connector 92 may connect the first upper side surface 10c and the third upper side surface 30c to each other.

[0297] The laundry treating apparatus A may include a tower 9 , which may include a dryer 1 and a washing machine 2 . The tower 9 may include a heating device 50 .

[0298] The tower 9 may be a combination of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 arranged vertically. When the heating device 50 is disposed on one side of the nursing machine 3, the tower 9 may be a combination of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the heating device 50 arranged vertically.

[0299] The drying machine 1, washing machine 2 and heating device 50 can be arranged up and down to form a tower 9. In the tower 9, the order in which the drying machine 1, washing machine 2 and heating device 50 are arranged is not limited to Figure 1 For example, the washing machine 2 may be arranged above the dryer 1 , and the heating device 50 may be arranged above the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 .

[0300] The tower 9 may be disposed on a side (lateral side) of the nursing machine 3 .

[0301] The front of the tower 9 and the front 31a of the medical treatment machine 3 can be aligned. The front of the tower 9 and the front 31a of the medical treatment machine 3 can be located on the same plane. The front of the tower 9 can refer to the front 11a of the first door 11 and the front 21a of the second door 21. The front of the tower 9 can also refer to the front 10a of the first housing 10, the front 20a of the second housing 20, and the front of the control panel 8.

[0302] The upper end 91 of the front surface of the tower 9 and the upper end 307 of the front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3 can be aligned. The upper end 91 of the front surface of the tower 9 and the upper end 307 of the front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3 can be located on the same horizontal plane.

[0303] The upper front end 91 of the tower 9 may refer to the first upper end 107. However, when the washing machine 2 is arranged above the dryer 1, the upper front end 91 of the tower 9 may refer to the upper front end of the washing machine 2. Furthermore, when the heating device 50 is arranged above the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, the upper front end 91 of the tower 9 may refer to the upper front end of the heating device 50.

[0304] The upper side 9c of the tower 9 and the upper side 30c of the nursing machine 3 can be aligned in the horizontal direction. The upper side 9c of the tower 9 and the upper side 30c of the nursing machine 3 can be located on the same horizontal plane.

[0305] The connector 92 can connect the upper end 91 of the front side of the tower 9 and the upper end 307 of the front side of the nursing machine 3. The connector 92 can connect the upper side 9c of the tower 9 and the upper side 30c of the nursing machine 3.

[0306] The third side panel 305 of the nursing machine 3 and the side wall 315 of the rear housing 310 may be arranged on the same plane.

[0307] The front panel 101 of the dryer 1, the front panel 201 of the washing machine 2, and the control panel 8 may be arranged on the same plane. The front surface 10a of the dryer 1, the front surface 20a of the washing machine 2, and the front surface of the control panel 8 may be located on the same plane.

[0308] The third door 31 of the nursing machine 3 can be arranged on the same plane as the front panel 101 of the dryer 1, the front panel 201 of the washing machine 2, and the control panel 8. Alternatively, the third door 31 of the nursing machine 3 can be arranged on the same plane as the first door 11 of the dryer 1 and the second door 21 of the washing machine 2.

[0309] The second lower panel 204 of the washing machine 2 and the third lower panel 304 of the nursing machine 3 may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0310] Below, refer to Figure 2 , describing the internal structures of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the heating device 50. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 of the clothes processing apparatus A cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0311] Washing machine 2 may include: a second housing 20; a second door 21 rotatably connected to second housing 20; an outer tub 23 disposed within second housing 20; a second drum 24 rotatably disposed within outer tub 23 and accommodating laundry; a motor 25 for transmitting power to second drum 24; a drain pump 26 for draining water generated in laundry processing apparatus A to the outside; a water supply valve 27 connected to an external water source (not shown); and a drawer 28 for storing detergent. Drawer 28 may be referred to as a "detergent tank."

[0312] The drain pump 26 may be connected to the outer tub 23 via a first drain pipe 261. The drain pump 26 may discharge water flowing in through the first drain pipe 261 and the drain pipe 532 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus A through the second drain pipe 262. However, the drain pipe 532 may be directly connected to the second drain pipe 262. In this case, condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus A through the drain pipe 532 and the second drain pipe 262.

[0313] The water supply valve 27 can open and close the water supply lines 278 and 279 (see FIG. 2 ) that connect the external water source (not shown) and the washing machine 2. Figure 9 Water supply valve 27 can regulate the flow of water from the external water source into washing machine 2. Water supply valve 27 can be connected to first water supply pipe 271. First water supply pipe 271 can be connected to drawer 28 for storing detergent. Water flowing into drawer 28 through first water supply pipe 271 can flow into outer tub 23 along with the detergent in drawer 28 through second water supply pipe 272.

[0314] The dryer 1 may include: a first housing 10; a first door 11 rotatably connected to the first housing 10; and a first drum 13 rotatably disposed in the first housing 10 to accommodate laundry therein.

[0315] The dryer 1 may include a motor 133 for rotating the first drum 13 (see Figure 5 ). The pulley can be fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 133. A belt can connect the pulley and the circumferential surface of the drum. Thus, the rotational force of the motor 133 can be transmitted to the drum 13 through the pulley and the belt.

[0316] The motor 133 may be disposed on the lower side of the first roller 13. The motor 133 may be disposed on the heating device 50. The motor 133 may be disposed on the lateral side of the heat exchange channel 42. Figure 5 ) can be provided with a motor mounting portion 133s (see Figure 6 ).

[0317] Different from this, the motor 133 may be directly connected to the first drum 13 to rotate the first drum 13 .

[0318] The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the second upper panel 203. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first housing 10.

[0319] The heating device 50 may include a condenser 52 for heating air by exchanging heat between a high-temperature refrigerant and the air; a fan 60 for blowing the air heated by the condenser 52; and an evaporator 53 for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing into the heating device 50 by exchanging heat between the air and the low-temperature refrigerant. The condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 may be referred to as a "heat exchange unit."

[0320] The air heated while passing through the condenser 52 (hereinafter referred to as “hot air”) may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to at least one of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , and the care machine 3 .

[0321] The heating device 50 may be connected to the first drum 13 via a first air supply duct 43. Hot air generated in the heating device 50 may be blown by a fan 60 and supplied to the interior of the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43. The first air supply duct 43 may extend upward from the heating device 50.

[0322] The heating device 50 may be connected to the tub 23 via a third air supply duct 48. Hot air generated in the heating device 50 may be blown by a fan 60 and supplied to the interior of the tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48. The third air supply duct 48 may extend downward from the heating device 50.

[0323] Hot air generated by the heating device 50 can be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus A through the dehumidification duct 46. The dehumidification duct 46 can be disposed between the base plate 575 and the second upper panel 203 (described later). The air blown by the fan 60 can be supplied to the indoor space through the dehumidification duct 46. An opening member 463 can be disposed in front of the dehumidification duct 46. The opening member 463 can open and close the front of the dehumidification duct 46. The opening member 463 can be rotatably connected to the first housing 10 or the second housing 20.

[0324] The air supply pipes 43, 45, and 48 can be referred to as one of the first air supply pipe, the second air supply pipe, and the third air supply pipe. For example, the air supply pipe connected to the dryer 1 can be referred to as the first air supply pipe 43, the air supply pipe connected to the nursing machine 3 can be referred to as the second air supply pipe 45, and the air supply pipe connected to the washing machine 2 can be referred to as the third air supply pipe 48. The air supply pipes 43, 45, and 48 can be referred to as supply pipes. The first air supply pipe 43, the second air supply pipe 45, and the third air supply pipe 48 can be referred to as one of the first supply pipe, the second supply pipe, and the third supply pipe, respectively. For example, the first air supply pipe 43 can be referred to as the first supply pipe, the second air supply pipe 45 can be referred to as the second supply pipe, and the third air supply pipe 48 can be referred to as the third supply pipe.

[0325] The air supplied to the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , or the care machine 3 may be recycled to the heating device 50 .

[0326] The heating device 50 is connected to the first drum 13 via the first exhaust duct 41. Hot air flowing into the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43 can be recovered into the heating device 50 through the first exhaust duct 41 after drying the laundry contained in the first drum 13. The first exhaust duct 41 can extend downward from the first drum 13.

[0327] The heating device 50 is connected to the outer tub 23 via a third exhaust duct 47. Hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48 can be recovered into the heating device 50 through the third exhaust duct 47 after drying the laundry contained in the second drum 24. The third exhaust duct 47 can extend upward from the outer tub 23.

[0328] The exhaust ducts 41, 44, and 47 may be referred to as one of the first exhaust duct, the second exhaust duct, and the third exhaust duct. For example, the exhaust duct connected to the dryer 1 may be referred to as the first exhaust duct 41, the exhaust duct connected to the nursing machine 3 may be referred to as the second exhaust duct 44, and the exhaust duct connected to the washing machine 2 may be referred to as the third exhaust duct 47. Each of the first exhaust duct 41, the second exhaust duct 44, and the third exhaust duct 47 may be referred to as one of the first recovery duct, the second recovery duct, and the third recovery duct. For example, the first exhaust duct 41 may be referred to as the first recovery duct, the second exhaust duct 44 may be referred to as the second recovery duct, and the third exhaust duct 47 may be referred to as the third recovery duct.

[0329] The hot air generated in the heating device 50 is supplied to the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the care machine 3, and after drying the clothes contained in the respective laundry processors 1, 2, and 3, is returned to the heating device 50. In other words, the hot air generated in the heating device 50 can circulate within the laundry processing apparatus A. Compared to the case of drying the clothes contained in a single laundry processor, the hot air returned to the heating device 50 after drying the clothes contained in each of the plurality of laundry processors 1, 2, and 3 contains more moisture.

[0330] The evaporator 53 can lower the temperature of the recovered air and remove moisture from the air by exchanging heat between the air recovered in the heating device 50 and the refrigerant. The air recovered in the heating device 50 exchanges heat with the evaporator 53, thereby generating condensed water.

[0331] The heating device 50 may include a drain pan 531 disposed at a lower side of the evaporator 53. The drain pan 531 may contain condensed water generated in the evaporator 53.

[0332] The drain pan 531 may be connected to the drain pump 26 via a drain pipe 532. The drain pipe 532 may extend downward from the drain pan 531 and be connected to the drain pump 26.

[0333] The condensed water contained in the drain pan 531 may flow into the drain pump 26 through the drain pipe 532 and may be discharged to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus A through the drain pump 26 .

[0334] The dryer 1 may include a first rear surface 10 b , which may refer to a rear surface of the first housing 10 .

[0335] The washing machine 2 may have a second rear surface 20 b , which may refer to a rear surface of the second housing 20 .

[0336] The tower 9 may have widths W1 and W2 in the front-to-back direction. The width from the front sides 11a and 21a of the doors 11 and 21 to the rear sides 10b and 20b may be defined as a first width W1. The width from the front sides 10a and 20a of the boxes 10 and 20 to the rear sides 10b and 20b may be defined as a second width W2.

[0337] The dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 may have the first width W1 and the second width W2, respectively. The dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 may have the same width in the front-to-back direction.

[0338] Tower 9 may have a vertical height 9H. Height 9H of tower 9 may be defined as the sum of the heights of dryer 1 and washing machine 2. However, if heating device 50 is disposed outside dryer 1 and washing machine 2, height 9H of tower 9 may be defined as the sum of the heights of dryer 1, washing machine 2, and heating device 50.

[0339] Below, refer to Figure 3 , the internal structure of the nursing machine 3 is explained. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the care machine 3 of the clothes processing apparatus A cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0340] The care machine 3 may include a third box 30 forming a space 33 for accommodating clothes therein.

[0341] The nursing machine 3 may include a hanger 36 on which clothes are hung, and an inner panel 34 defining a lower portion of a space 33 for accommodating clothes. The inner panel 34 may be referred to as an "inner plate."

[0342] The inner plate 34 can be located lower than the outer tub 23. The inner plate 34 can also be located lower than the second drum 24. However, if the dryer 1 is positioned below the washing machine 2, the inner plate 34 can be located lower than the first drum 13. This reduces the height of the inner plate 34, thereby increasing the volume of the interior space of the nursing machine 3.

[0343] The hanger 36 may be disposed between the third upper panel 303 and the third lower panel 304 , or may be disposed closer to the third upper panel 303 than to the third lower panel 304 .

[0344] The hanger 36 can be located higher up than the first drum 13. Alternatively, the hanger 36 can be located at a height corresponding to the upper portion of the first drum 13. However, if the dryer 1 is located below the washing machine 2, the hanger 36 can be located higher up than the outer tub 23 or the second drum 24, or at a height corresponding to the upper portion of the outer tub 23 or the second drum 24. Thus, the height at which the hanger 36 is located increases, thereby increasing the volume of the interior space of the nursing machine 3.

[0345] The inner panel 34 may be disposed between the third upper panel 303 and the third lower panel 304 , and may be disposed closer to the third lower panel 304 than the third upper panel 303 .

[0346] The clothes G accommodated in the inner space 33 of the third housing 30 may be located between the hanger 36 and the inner panel 34 .

[0347] The height H of the interior space 33 can refer to the height between the hanger 36 and the inner panel 34. The height H of the interior space 33 can refer to the vertical distance between the upper panel 303 and the inner panel 34. Compared to a case where the heating device 50 is disposed between the inner panel 34 and the third lower panel 304, the height H of the interior space 33 can be further expanded. Therefore, unlike existing care machines, the care machine 3 of the present invention can accommodate clothing G that occupies a large height in the vertical direction, such as a long coat or a suit.

[0348] Furthermore, compared to existing laundry machines, the laundry machine 3 of the present invention can be expanded in the front-to-back width to match the front-to-back widths of the dryer 1 and washing machine 2. Therefore, compared to existing laundry machines, the laundry machine 3 of the present invention can accommodate more laundry in the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back width W3 of the interior space 33 of the laundry machine 3 can refer to the width between the third door 31 and the third rear panel 302.

[0349] The nursing machine 3 may have a third rear surface 30 b. The third rear surface 30 b may refer to the rear surface of the third housing 30.

[0350] The nursing machine 3 may have widths W3, W4, and W5 in the front-to-back direction. The width from the inner side surface of the third door 31 to the inner side surface of the third rear panel 302 may be defined as the third width W3. The third width W3 may be the front-to-back width of the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3. The width from the front surface 31a of the third door 31 to the rear surface 30b of the third box body 30 may be defined as the fourth width W4. The width from the front surface 31a of the third door 31 to the rear surface 44b of the second exhaust duct 44 may be defined as the fifth width W5. However, the first width W1, the second width W2, the third width W3, the fourth width W4, and the fifth width W5 are named for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the widths W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 defined above may be referred to as one of the first width, the second width, the third width, the fourth width, and the fifth width.

[0351] The front-to-back width W3 of the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 may be smaller than the front-to-back widths W1 and W2 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The front-to-back width W4 of the third housing 30 may be smaller than the front-to-back widths W1 and W2 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2.

[0352] The sum of the front-to-back widths W5 of the nursing machine 3 and the duct 44 may be the same as the front-to-back widths W1 and W2 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. However, the sum of the front-to-back widths W5 of the nursing machine 3 and the duct 44 may be similar to or less than the front-to-back widths W1 and W2 of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2.

[0353] In the laundry processing apparatus A according to one aspect of the present invention, the air supply duct 45 and the exhaust duct 44 are arranged behind the laundry storage space 33 , so that the front surface 31 a of the care machine 3 can be aligned with the front surfaces of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 .

[0354] The care machine 3 may have a height 3H in the vertical direction. The height 3H of the care machine 3 may be defined as the length from the upper side 30c to the lower side of the care machine 3.

[0355] The vertical height 3H of the nursing machine 3 may be the same as the vertical height 9H of the tower 9. However, the vertical height 3H of the nursing machine 3 may be similar to the vertical height 9H of the tower 9 or may be greater than the vertical height 9H of the tower 9.

[0356] A storage space 35 may be formed between the inner panel 34 and the third lower panel 304. The storage space 35 may accommodate relatively small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, and gloves. However, the storage space 35 may be a space where the air supply duct 45 and the exhaust duct 44 are disposed.

[0357] The inner panel 34 may be connected to the second air supply duct 45. The third box 30 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44.

[0358] The inner panel 34 may include a first inner panel 341 spaced apart from the upper side of the third lower panel 304 and a second inner panel 342 extending obliquely upward from the first inner panel 341. The second inner panel 342 may extend obliquely upward from the first inner panel 341 toward the third rear panel 302.

[0359] The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the second inner panel 342. The second inner panel 342 may have an air supply port 308 formed therein, opening toward the interior space 33. The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the air supply port 308. Hot air supplied from the heating device 50 may be discharged into the interior space 33 through the air supply port 308.

[0360] The second air supply duct 45 may include a first hot air duct 451 disposed behind the third rear panel 302 and a second hot air duct 452 disposed in front of the third rear panel 302 .

[0361] The first hot air duct 451 can be disposed inside the rear housing 310. The second hot air duct 452 can be disposed within the storage space 35. The first hot air duct 451 and the second hot air duct 452 can be coupled to the third rear panel 302. The first hot air duct 451 can extend upward within the rear housing 310 and connect to the heating device 50. The second hot air duct 452 can extend upward and couple to the second inner panel 342.

[0362] The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the third rear panel 302. An exhaust port 309 may be formed on the third rear panel 302, opening into the interior space 33. The second exhaust duct 44 may be coupled to the third rear panel 302 in a manner corresponding to the exhaust port 309. Hot air discharged into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 may flow into the second exhaust duct 44 through the exhaust port 309 after drying the clothes G.

[0363] The air supply port 308 may be located at the lower part of the nursing machine 3, and the exhaust port 309 may be located at the upper part of the nursing machine 3. However, the positions of the air supply port 308 and the exhaust port 309 are not limited to the above-mentioned situation. For example, the air supply port 308 may be located at the upper part of the nursing machine 3, and the exhaust port 309 may be located at the lower part of the nursing machine 3. In this case, the air supply port 308 may be located at the upper side higher than the hanger 36. By locating the air supply port 308 at the upper side of the hanger 36, dust accumulated on the upper part of the clothing G can be removed. In addition, one of the air supply port 308 and the exhaust port 309 may be located at the upper part and the other may be located at the lower part, and the air supplied through the air supply port 308 may be evenly diffused throughout the entire internal space 33 and then recovered to the heating device 50 through the exhaust port 309.

[0364] The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the third rear panel 302 and extend into the rear housing 310 . The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the third rear panel 302 , thereby extending downward in the rear housing 310 and being connected to the heating device 50 .

[0365] The nursing machine 3 may include rollers 39 protruding downward from the third lower panel 304. A plurality of rollers 39 may be provided, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The roller structure of the nursing machine 3 can also be applied to the second lower panel 204 of the washing machine 2. When the laundry treatment device A is in motion, the rollers of the washing machine 2 and the nursing machine 3 can support the load of the laundry treatment device A.

[0366] Below, refer to Figure 4 , the piping system in the clothes processing device A of the present invention is described. Figure 4 To the left of the middle reference line Y is a diagram showing the piping systems of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. Figure 4 To the right of the center reference line Y is a diagram showing the piping system of the care machine 3 . Figure 4On the left side of the center reference line Y is a diagram conceptually showing the piping system by cutting through the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 using a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. Figure 4 The right side of the center reference line Y is a diagram conceptually showing the back side of the nursing machine 3 in order to illustrate the piping system. Figure 4 The concept of direction used in the description can be compared with Figure 1 The same orientation in .

[0367] You can Figure 4 The left side of the baseline Y in is called the first concept diagram S1. Figure 4 The right side of the baseline Y in is called the second conceptual diagram S2.

[0368] The term "duct system" collectively refers to the flow path through which hot air circulates in the laundry processing apparatus A. The term "duct system" collectively refers to the flow path interconnecting the heating device 50, the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the care machine 3. The term "duct system" collectively refers to the flow path through which the air heated by the heating device 50 flows.

[0369] The heating device 50 may heat air and supply the heated air to each of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , and the care machine 3 .

[0370] The duct system may include a heat exchange channel 42 for heating air. The duct system may include a first air supply duct 43 connecting the heating device 50 and the dryer 1. The duct system may include a second air supply duct 45 connecting the heating device 50 and the care machine 3. The duct system may include a third air supply duct 48 connecting the heating device 50 and the washing machine 2. The duct system may include a dehumidification duct 46 connected to the heating device 50. The air heated by the heat exchange channel 42 is blown by a fan 60 and can be supplied to at least one of the first air supply duct 43, the second air supply duct 45, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46.

[0371] The duct system may include a first exhaust duct 41 connecting the heating device 50 and the dryer 1. The duct system may include a second exhaust duct 44 connecting the heating device 50 and the nursing machine 3. The duct system may include a third exhaust duct 47 connecting the heating device 50 and the washing machine 2. The heated air supplied to the dryer 1 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the first exhaust duct 41. The heated air supplied to the nursing machine 3 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44. The heated air supplied to the washing machine 2 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third exhaust duct 47.

[0372] A heat exchange passage 42 for air flow may be provided inside the heating device 50. The heating device 50 may include a heat exchange unit disposed within the heat exchange passage 42. The heat exchange unit may heat the air flowing within the heat exchange passage 42. The heat exchange unit may include a condenser 52 and an evaporator 53.

[0373] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a fan 60. The fan 60 may blow air through the heat exchange passage 42. The fan 60 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 52. The air heated by heat exchange with the evaporator 53 and the condenser 52 may be blown by the fan 60. The fan 60 may be disposed inside the heat exchange passage 42.

[0374] The air blown by the fan 60 may be supplied to at least one of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , the nursing machine 3 , and the dehumidification duct 46 .

[0375] The clothes treating apparatus A may include an air supply duct 420 surrounding a fan 60. The duct system may include the air supply duct 420. The fan 60 may be disposed inside the air supply duct 420.

[0376] The inner space of the air supply duct 420 may be a part of the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0377] The fan 60 and the air supply duct 420 may be disposed at the discharge end portion 42B of the heat exchange channel 42. The discharge end portion 42B may be located downstream of the condenser 52 and the evaporator 53.

[0378] The air supply duct 420 may include a first outlet port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43. The air supply duct 420 may include a second outlet port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45. The air supply duct 420 may include a third outlet port 426 connected to the third air supply duct 48. The air supply duct 420 may include a fourth outlet port 428 connected to the dehumidification duct 46.

[0379] The first outlet port 425 may protrude upward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first outlet port 425 .

[0380] The second outlet port 427 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420 . The second air supply duct 45 may connect the third housing 30 and the second outlet port 427 .

[0381] The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the air supply duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third discharge port 426 .

[0382] The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to the second discharge port 427. The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428.

[0383] A switching device 70 (see FIG. 1 ) described later may be disposed inside the air supply duct 420. Figure 6 ) is provided with a rotating body 71. The rotating body 71 is connected to a drive motor 711 and is rotatable within the air supply duct 420. The air blown by the fan 60 is driven by the switching device 70 to flow into at least one of the first air supply duct 43, the second air supply duct 45, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46.

[0384] In addition to the switching device 70 described later, the clothing processing device A of the present invention may also include a separate distribution device (not shown). The distribution device can distribute the air blown by the fan 60 to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, the care machine 3 and the dehumidification duct 46. That is, the air blown by the fan 60 can be supplied to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, the care machine 3 and the dehumidification duct 46 at the same time through the distribution device. The distribution device can be arranged inside the air supply duct 420, or it can be arranged in a distribution flow path (not shown) connected to the air supply duct 420. The distribution device can be a valve. The distribution device may include an actuator and a switching damper. The clothing processing device A may include the switching device 70 and the distribution device at the same time, or may include only the switching device 70, or may include only the distribution device.

[0385] Hot air flowing into the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43 dries the laundry inside and then flows into the heat exchange passage 42 via the first exhaust duct 41. The first drum 13 may include a front cover 131 disposed at the front side and a rear cover 132 disposed at the rear side. The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the rear cover 132, and the first exhaust duct 41 may be connected to the front cover 131.

[0386] The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange passage 42. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend downward from the first drum 13 to connect to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0387] A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0388] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a first on-off valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may adjust the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may also shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. When hot air is not supplied to the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43, the first on-off valve 41a may shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41.

[0389] The hot air flowing into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45 can flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 after drying the clothes contained in the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 and the second exhaust duct 44 can be connected to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30.

[0390] The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the third housing 30 and the heat exchange passage 42. The second exhaust duct 44 may extend downward from the upper portion of the third housing 30 and be connected to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0391] The second exhaust duct 44 may include a first duct section 441 located between the heating device 50 and the second housing 20. The first duct section 441 may be disposed on a substrate 575 (see Figure 6 ) between the second upper panel 203 of the second box body 20. The first duct section 441 can be in the partition space 55 (see Figure 6 ) extends along the front-to-back direction.

[0392] A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0393] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a second on-off valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may adjust the air flow within the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may also shut off the air flow within the second exhaust duct 44. When hot air is not supplied to the third housing 30 via the second air supply duct 45, the second on-off valve 44a may shut off the air flow within the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may be disposed in the first duct section 441.

[0394] The hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 dries the clothes contained in the outer tub 23 and can then flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third air exhaust duct 47 .

[0395] The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the heat exchange passage 42. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend upward from the upper portion of the outer tub 23 to connect to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0396] A third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the second exhaust duct 44. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the first duct section 441.

[0397] The third inlet port 424 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second exhaust duct 44. The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third inlet port 424. The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the second exhaust duct 44. The air in the third exhaust duct 47 may merge with the air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0398] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a third on-off valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may adjust the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may also cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. When hot air is not supplied to the outer tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48, the third on-off valve 47a may cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47.

[0399] The hot air flowing through the dehumidification duct 46 may be supplied to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus A through the outlet 462 opened forward. The hot air flowing through the dehumidification duct 46 may be supplied to the indoor space through the outlet 462 .

[0400] The dehumidification duct 46 may include a second duct section 461 located between the heating device 50 and the second housing 20. The second duct section 461 may be disposed on a base plate 575 (see Figure 6 ) between the second upper panel 203 of the second box body 20. The second duct section 461 can be in the later-described separation space 55 (refer to Figure 6 ) extends along the front-to-back direction.

[0401] An external air inlet port 423 connected to the heat exchange channel 42 may be formed at the inlet end portion 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may extend forward from the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may extend forward from the second exhaust duct 44.

[0402] The external air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from a side of the second exhaust duct 44. The external air inlet port 423 may connect the indoor space to the second exhaust duct 44. Air in the external air inlet port 423 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may include an external air inlet 49 that opens forward. Air flowing in through the external air inlet 49 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0403] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a fourth on-off valve 49a disposed at the outside air inlet port 423. The fourth on-off valve 49a may adjust the air flow rate within the outside air inlet port 423. The fourth on-off valve 49a may also shut off the air flow within the outside air inlet port 423. When hot air is not flowing into the dehumidification duct 46, the fourth on-off valve 49a may shut off the air flow within the outside air inlet port 423.

[0404] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the heating device 50 will be described. Figures 5 to 7 The description of the heating device 50 can also be applied to the Figures 1 to 55 However, in this case, the shape of the housing 570, the shape of the air supply duct 420, whether the drum motor 133 is provided, the opening directions of the discharge ports 425, 426, 427, and 428, and the opening directions of the inflow ports 421, 422, 423, and 424, etc. may vary depending on the relative arrangement positions of the clothing processors constituting the clothing processing apparatus.

[0405] Reference Figure 5 The heating device 50 may include a shell 570 , a compressor 51 , a condenser 52 , an evaporator 53 , and an expansion device 54 .

[0406] The compressor 51 , the condenser 52 , the evaporator 53 , and the expansion device 54 may be connected via a refrigerant flow path. The heat pump device may include the compressor 51 , the condenser 52 , the evaporator 53 , and the expansion device 54 .

[0407] The drain pan 531 may be disposed on the lower side of the evaporator 53 .

[0408] The housing 570 may provide a space for disposing the compressor 51 , the condenser 52 , the fan 60 , and the evaporator 53 . The compressor 51 , the condenser 52 , the fan 60 , the evaporator 53 , and the switching device 70 may be disposed in the housing 570 .

[0409] The shell 570 includes: a cover 573; a substrate 575, which is separated from the lower side of the cover 573; a front wall 574, which is arranged in front of the condenser 53; a first side wall 571, which is arranged on one side of the condenser 53; and a second side wall 572, which is arranged on the other side of the condenser 53.

[0410] The drum motor 133 of the first drum 13 of the rotary dryer 1 may be disposed in the housing 570 of the heating device 50. The drum motor 133 may be disposed on the upper side of the housing 570. The housing 570 may include a motor placement portion 133s for mounting the drum motor 133.

[0411] The condenser 52 , the fan 60 , and the evaporator 53 may be disposed on an upper side of the base plate 575 .

[0412] The heat exchange passage 42 may refer to the space enclosed by the base plate 575, the front wall 574, the first side wall 571, and the second side wall 572. The cover 573 may not be included, in which case the upper portion of the heat exchange passage 42 may be open. The heat exchange passage 42 may be connected to the fan 60 disposed at the rear side of the heating device 50. The air inside the heat exchange passage 42 may be blown by the fan 60. The heat exchange passage 42 may also be referred to as a "heating flow path." The condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 may be disposed inside the heat exchange passage 42. The heat exchange passage 42 may refer to a partially open space.

[0413] The heat exchange channel 42 may refer to the space enclosed by the cover 573, the base plate 575, the front wall 574, the first side wall 571, and the second side wall 572. The cover 573 may cover the upper portion of the heat exchange channel 42. The heat exchange channel 42 may refer to the space between the cover 573 and the base plate 575. The cover 573, the base plate 575, the front wall 574, the first side wall 571, and the second side wall 572 may form a "heating duct" surrounding the heat exchange channel 42. The heating duct may be connected to the fan 60, and the air within the heating duct may be blown by the fan 60. The condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 may be disposed within the heating duct. The heat exchange channel 42 may refer to a duct that is shielded on all four sides.

[0414] A heat exchange channel 42 may be formed inside the heating device 50. The heat exchange channel 42 may refer to a portion of the inner space of the heating device 50.

[0415] The first inlet port 421 may be located in front of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may cover the front of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may be connected to the front wall 574. The first inlet port 421 may be formed in the housing 570. The first exhaust duct 41 may be inserted into and fixed to the first inlet port 421.

[0416] The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the machine room S. The controller 81 may control driving of components disposed in the machine room S. The machine room S may provide a space for disposing a PCB (not shown), and the controller 81 may be mounted on the PCB.

[0417] The heating device 50 may include a steam generating device 502 for generating steam and a dehumidifying device 504 for removing moisture from the air flowing through the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0418] The steam generator 502 can generate steam by heating water. The steam generator 502 can be disposed between the condenser 52 and the fan 60. The steam generated in the steam generator 502 is pressurized by the fan 60 and can be supplied to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the treatment machine 3. The steam generated in the steam generator 502 can be supplied to the first drum 13, the second drum 24, and the interior space 33 of the treatment machine 3, respectively.

[0419] Dehumidifier 504 can dehumidify air at room temperature (approximately 25 degrees Celsius). Dehumidifier 504 can dehumidify air using a desiccant. The interior of dehumidifier 504 can be filled with zeolite. The zeolite filled in dehumidifier 504 can be replaced regularly.

[0420] The dehumidifying device 504 may be disposed between the condenser 52 and the fan 60. The dehumidifying device 504 may dehumidify the air flowing through the heat exchange passage 42 even when the compressor 51 is not driven.

[0421] The switching device 70 may adjust the direction of the air blown from the fan 60. The switching device 70 may be disposed inside the machine room S.

[0422] Reference Figure 6 The switching device 70 can adjust the hot air supplied to the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, the nursing machine 3 and the dehumidification duct 46.

[0423] The switching device 70 may include a rotating body 71 rotatably disposed within the air supply duct 420. The switching device 70 may include a drive motor 711 for rotating the rotating body 71. The rotating body 71 may be rotated within the air supply duct 420 by the drive motor 711. The fan 60 may be disposed within the rotating body 71.

[0424] The driving motor 711 can rotate the rotating body 71. The driving gear 712 can be fixed to the rotating shaft of the driving motor 711. The driving gear 712 can be a pinion gear or a spur gear.

[0425] The driven gear 713 can rotate by meshing with the driving gear 712. The driven gear 713 can be fixed to the rotating body 71, or can be formed integrally with the rotating body 71. The driven gear 713 can be a ring gear. The driven gear 713 can be an annular rack.

[0426] The driving gear 712 and the driven gear 713 can mesh with each other. As the driving gear 712 rotates, the driven gear 713 can move circumferentially around the rotation axis of the fan 60. When the driven gear 713 moves circumferentially, the rotating body 71 to which the driven gear 713 is fixed can also move circumferentially around the rotation axis of the fan 60.

[0427] The drive motor 712 can be disposed outside the air supply duct 420. A cutout 714 can be provided on a side (e.g., the back) of the air supply duct 420 that faces the rotating body 71. The cutout 714 can be located at a position corresponding to the driven gear 713. A portion of the drive gear 712 can be inserted into the cutout 714. The drive gear 712 and the driven gear 713 can mesh with each other in the cutout 714.

[0428] The rotation axis of the driving motor 711 may be arranged parallel to the back surface of the air supply duct 420. Thus, the volume occupied by the driving motor 711 and the driving gear 712 in the front-to-back direction may be reduced.

[0429] The drive motor 711 may be a motor capable of controlling the rotation position, rotation angle, and rotation direction. As an example, the drive motor may be a BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor. Alternatively, the drive motor 711 may be a stepper motor. The drive motor 711 may be electrically connected to the control panel 8 and / or the controller 81. The drive motor 711 may receive an electrical signal from the control panel 8 and / or the controller 81 to control the rotation. The control panel 8 and / or the controller 81 may control the direction of the hot air supply by controlling the rotation angle of the drive motor 711.

[0430] On the other hand, the driving motor 711 can rotate the rotating body 71 in various known ways in which a motor rotates a rotating body. For example, a belt-pulley system, a plurality of gears meshing, or a motor shaft can rotate integrally with the rotating body.

[0431] The air supply duct 420 may be connected to the first air supply duct 43 , the second air supply duct 45 , the third air supply duct 48 , and the dehumidification duct 46 .

[0432] The air supply duct 420 can be connected to the motor mount 64, and the fan motor (not shown) of the rotary fan 60 is fixed to the motor mount 64. The motor mount 64 can be arranged on the back side of the air supply duct 420. The drive motor 711, the drive gear 712, and the driven gear 713 can be located radially outward relative to the motor mount 64.

[0433] The air supply duct 420 may include a first discharge port 425 , a second discharge port 427 , a third discharge port 426 , and a fourth discharge port 428 .

[0434] The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the first discharge port 425. The first air supply duct 43 may be inserted into the first discharge port 425. The first discharge port 425 may face upward from the air supply duct 420. The first discharge port 425 may provide an air supply port that opens up and down.

[0435] The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the second discharge port 427. The second air supply duct 45 may be inserted into the second discharge port 427. The second discharge port 427 may face sideways from the air supply duct 420. The second discharge port 427 may provide an air supply port open in the left-right direction.

[0436] The third air supply duct 48 may be connected to the third discharge port 426. The third air supply duct 48 may be inserted into the third discharge port 426. The third discharge port 426 may face downward from the air supply duct 420. The third discharge port 426 may provide an air supply port that opens in the vertical direction.

[0437] The dehumidification duct 46 can be connected to the fourth discharge port 428. The dehumidification duct 46 can be inserted into the fourth discharge port 428. The fourth discharge port 428 can face in the opposite direction of the second discharge port 427. The fourth discharge port 428 can face sideways on the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 can provide an air supply port that opens in the left-right direction.

[0438] The heating device 50 may be connected to the first exhaust duct 41, the second exhaust duct 44, the third exhaust duct 47, and the external air inlet port 423. The third exhaust duct 47 and the external air inlet port 423 may be connected to the heating device 50 via the second exhaust duct 44.

[0439] The heating device 50 may include a first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 and a second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44. The first inlet port 421 may extend upward, and the second inlet port 422 may extend downward. The first inlet port 421 and the second inlet port 422 may protrude from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0440] The air flowing into the heating device 50 through the first exhaust duct 41 , the second exhaust duct 44 , the third exhaust duct 47 and the external air inlet port 423 may flow into the fan 60 through the heat exchange channel 42 by the suction force of the fan 60 .

[0441] Reference Figure 7 The air flowing in the first exhaust duct 41 , the second exhaust duct 44 , the third exhaust duct 47 and the external air inflow port 423 may be combined in the heat exchange channel 42 and flow into the fan 60 .

[0442] The third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may protrude downward from the second exhaust duct 44 . The air in the third exhaust duct 47 may merge with the air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0443] An external air inlet port 423 communicating with the indoor space may protrude forward from the second exhaust duct 44 . Air flowing into the external air inlet port 423 through the external air inlet 49 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0444] The air flowing into the heat exchange passage 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 may merge with the air flowing into the heat exchange passage 42 through the first exhaust duct 41 and flow toward the fan 60 .

[0445] The heating device 50 may include a first support plate 576 extending downward from the base plate 575 , and a second support plate 577 extending downward from the base plate 575 and spaced apart from the first support plate 576 .

[0446] A separation space 55 may be formed between the first support plate 576 and the second support plate 577 .

[0447] The second exhaust duct 44, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46 may be disposed in the partition space 55. The second exhaust duct 44, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46 may be disposed between the first support plate 576 and the second support plate 577. The second exhaust duct 44, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46 may be disposed on the lower side of the base plate 575.

[0448] The dehumidification duct 42 can be arranged on the lower side of the base plate 575 and extend forward, and can discharge air forward through the hot air outlet 462. Figure 10 ) Open the front of the separated space 55, and the air discharged through the hot air outlet 462 can be discharged to the front of the clothing processing device A.

[0449] A portion of the second exhaust duct 44 located at the lower side of the base plate 575 may be defined as a first duct section 441 .

[0450] A portion of the dehumidification duct 46 located on the lower side of the base plate 575 may be defined as a second duct section 461 .

[0451] Below, refer to Figure 8 , a method for adjusting the direction of blowing air in the switching device 70 is described. Figure 8 (a) is an example diagram of the operation when air is supplied to the first air supply duct 43 by driving the switching device 70. Figure 8 (b) is an example diagram of the operation when air is supplied to the first air supply duct 43 and the second air supply duct 45 simultaneously by driving the switching device 70. Figure 8 The description of the switching device 70 can also be applied to the reference Figures 1 to 55 However, in this case, the opening directions of the discharge ports 425, 426, 427, 428, the arrangement and connection structure of the exhaust ducts 41, 44, 47, etc. may be different depending on the relative arrangement positions of the laundry processors constituting the laundry processing apparatus.

[0452] The fan 60 may be a sirocco fan. The fan 60 may rotate to blow air in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 61. The fan 60 may also blow air in a direction intersecting the rotation direction. The air blown from the fan 60 is concentrated within a predetermined angle range with the rotation axis 61 as the center.

[0453] The fan 60 may include a rotating shaft 61 connected to a fan motor (not shown) for rotation; a plurality of blades 62 spaced radially outward from the rotating shaft 61; and an outer body 63 connected to the blades 62 and extending in the direction of rotation of the fan 60. The outer body 63 may be annular. The rotating shaft 61 and the blades 62 may be connected by the outer body 63. When the rotating shaft 61 rotates, the outer body 63 and the blades 62 may also rotate along with the rotating shaft 61.

[0454] The rotating body 71 may include a rotating plate 71 a formed with a driven gear 713 , a scroll member 71 b connected to the rotating plate 71 a , and a shaft through-hole 71 c formed in the rotating plate 71 a .

[0455] The rotating plate 71a may be disc-shaped and may be located behind the fan 60. The driven gear 713 may be formed in a ring shape on one side of the rotating plate 71a. The driven gear 713 may be formed integrally with the rotating plate 71a. If the driven gear 713 and the driving gear 711 engage and rotate, the rotating plate 71a may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the fan 60. The rotating plate 71a may include a shaft through-hole 71c for the rotating shaft 61 to pass through. The rotating shaft 61 may pass through the shaft through-hole 71c and be connected to a fan motor (not shown).

[0456] The fan 60 may be disposed between the heat exchange passage 42 and the rotating plate 71a. That is, the rotating plate 71a may be disposed further rearward than the heat exchange passage 42 and the fan 60. The rotating plate 71a may be disposed further rearward than the fan 60 within the air supply duct 420.

[0457] The scroll member 71b may be integrally formed with the rotating plate 71a. When the rotating plate 71a rotates, the scroll member 71b may also rotate. The scroll member 71b may extend along the rotation direction of the fan 60. The scroll member 71b may be configured to surround the fan 60. The fan 60 may be disposed inside the scroll member 71b.

[0458] The scroll 71b may include an air supply passage 72. The air supply passage 72 may refer to a cutout portion of the outer circumference of the scroll 71b. The scroll 71b may cover the outside of the fan 60, or the air supply passage 72 may refer to an area outside the fan 60 not covered by the scroll 71b. Air blown from the fan 60 may be discharged outside the air supply duct 420 through the air supply passage 72.

[0459] The rotation of the scroll 71b by the rotating plate 71a causes the position of the air supply passage 72 to change. Specifically, the rotation of the scroll 71b causes the position of the air supply passage 72 to change about the rotating shaft 61. The drive motor 711 rotates the scroll 71b to change the position of the air supply passage 72, thereby adjusting the direction of the air discharged from the air supply duct 420.

[0460] The air duct 420 may have a square longitudinal cross-section, thereby preventing the scroll 71 b from interfering with the air duct 420 due to the rotation of the scroll 71 b.

[0461] The air supply duct 420 may include a first wall 420 a located above the fan 60 , a second wall 420 b located below the fan 60 , a third wall 420 c located on one side of the fan 60 , and a fourth wall 420 d located on the other side of the fan 60 .

[0462] The first discharge port 425 may protrude upward from the first wall 420a. The second discharge port 427 may protrude laterally from the third wall 420c. The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the second wall 420b. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the fourth wall 420d.

[0463] according to Figure 8 In step (a), the driving motor 711 can rotate the rotating body 71 by a first angle. When the rotating body 71 rotates by the first angle, the air blown from the fan 60 can be supplied to the first air supply duct 43. In this case, the air supply passage 72 can communicate only with the interior space of the first outlet port 425. Therefore, the air blown by the fan 60 can be supplied only to the dryer 1.

[0464] according to Figure 8 (b), the driving motor 711 can cause the rotating body 71 to rotate the second angle. If the rotating body 711 rotates the second angle, the air blown from the fan 60 can be supplied to the first air supply duct 43 and the second air supply duct 45 at the same time. At this time, the air supply channel 72 can be connected to the internal space of the first discharge port 425 and the internal space of the second discharge port 427. Therefore, the air blown by the fan 60 can be supplied to the dryer 1 and the care machine 3 at the same time. The air supply channel 72 may include: a first air supply channel 72a, which is connected to the internal space of the first discharge port 425; and a second air supply channel 72b, which is connected to the internal space of the second discharge port 427. The air blown from the fan 60 can be supplied to the dryer 1 through the first air supply channel 72a. The air blown from the fan 60 can be supplied to the care machine 3 through the second air supply channel 72b.

[0465] The user can control the switching device 70 by inputting a signal to the control panel 8. If a signal is input to the control panel 8, the signal is transmitted to the drive motor 711, thereby controlling the rotation angle of the drive motor 711. For example, if the user inputs a signal to supply hot air to the dryer 1 to the control panel 8, the drive motor 711 can rotate the rotating body 71 so that the air supply channel 72 moves to the position shown in FIG. Figure 8 For example, if the user inputs a signal to the control panel 8 to simultaneously supply hot air to the dryer 1 and the care machine 3, the driving motor 711 can rotate the rotating body 71 so that the air supply channel 72 moves to the position shown in (a). Figure 8 The position shown in (b).

[0466] Below, refer to Figure 9 , illustrating the structure of the heating device 50 supplying hot air and steam to each clothing processor 1, 2, 3.

[0467] The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the second upper panel 203. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the housing 10 of the dryer 1.

[0468] The switching device 70 may be disposed on the upper side of the second upper panel 203. The switching device 70 may be disposed inside the housing 10 of the dryer 1.

[0469] The air supply duct 420 may be connected to the first air supply duct 43 , the second air supply duct 45 , and the third air supply duct 48 .

[0470] The first air supply duct 43 may extend upward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the first drum 13 .

[0471] The second air supply duct 45 can extend laterally from the air supply duct 420. The second air supply duct 45 can be connected to the nursing machine 3.

[0472] The third air supply duct 48 may extend downward from the air supply duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may extend through the partition space 55 to the interior of the second housing 20 .

[0473] The clothing processing device A may include: a first steam supply pipe 502a connecting the steam generating device 502 and the first drum 13; a second steam supply pipe 502b connecting the steam generating device 502 and the care machine 3; and a third steam supply pipe 502c connecting the steam generating device 502 and the outer barrel 23.

[0474] The steam generating device 502 can be disposed within the heating device 50. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be ejected into the interior of the first drum 13 via the first steam supply pipe 502a. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be ejected into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the second steam supply pipe 502b. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be ejected into the interior of the second drum 24 via the third steam supply pipe 502c.

[0475] The first steam supply pipe 502 a may extend upward from the steam generating device 502 and be connected to the first drum 13 .

[0476] The second steam supply pipe 502 b may extend laterally from the steam generating device 502 and be connected to the care machine 3 .

[0477] The third steam supply pipe 502 c may extend downward from the steam generating device 502 and be connected to the outer tub 23 .

[0478] The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can flow toward each of the first drum 13, the second drum 24, and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by the air supply force generated by the fan 60. That is, the fan 60 can pressurize the steam generated in the steam generating device 502 and make it flow toward the first drum 13, the second drum 24, and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3.

[0479] Each of the first steam supply pipe 502a, the second steam supply pipe 502b, and the third steam supply pipe 502c may be equipped with a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of steam. The controller 81 may adjust the amount of steam supplied to each of the first drum 13, the second drum 24, and the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3 by adjusting the opening of the valve (not shown).

[0480] The washing machine 2 may be connected to a cold water supply pipe 278 that supplies cold water to the outer tub 23 and a hot water supply pipe 279 that supplies hot water to the outer tub 23 .

[0481] The steam generating device 502 may be connected to the third water supply pipe 277 branched from the cold water supply pipe 278 or the hot water supply pipe 279. The steam generating device 502 may be connected to the third water supply pipe 277 branched from the hot water supply pipe 279.

[0482] The steam generating device 502 may receive hot water through the third water supply pipe 277. The steam generating device 502 may generate steam by heating water supplied through the third water supply pipe 277.

[0483] The water supply ports 273 and 274 may be arranged closer to the second upper panel 203 than the second lower panel 204. The steam generating device 502 may be arranged between the second upper panel 203 and the first drum 13. Thus, since the distance between the steam generating device 502 and the water supply pipes 278 and 279 becomes closer, the length of the third water supply pipe 277 may be shortened.

[0484] Below, refer to Figure 10 , the connection structure between the first box body 10 and the second box body 20 is described.

[0485] The base plate 575 of the heating device 50 may be spaced apart from the upper side of the second upper panel 203 of the washing machine 2. A space 55 may be formed between the base plate 575 and the second upper panel 203.

[0486] The first side panels 105 and 106 of the dryer 1 may protrude further downward than the base plate 575. The first side panels 105 and 106 may be referred to as "first side walls."

[0487] The first side walls 105 and 106 may include: a first outer side wall 105 forming a side surface of the clothes treating apparatus A; and a first inner side wall 106 facing the third housing 30 .

[0488] The heating device 50 may include a first support plate 576 extending downward from the base plate 575 . The first support plate 576 may be disposed inside the first outer sidewall 105 .

[0489] The heating device 50 may include a second support plate 577 extending downward from the base plate 575 . The second support plate 577 may be disposed inside the first inner sidewall 106 .

[0490] The base plate 575 and the support plates 576 and 577 may be integral. The first outer side wall 105 and the first support plate 576 may be integral. The first inner side wall 106 and the second support plate 577 may be integral.

[0491] The first sidewalls 105 and 106 may include first protrusions 105a and 106a that protrude downward. The first outer sidewall 105 may include a first outer protrusion 105a that protrudes downward. The first inner sidewall 106 may include a first inner protrusion 106a that protrudes downward. The first protrusions 105a and 106a may protrude downward from the lower ends of the first sidewalls 105 and 106.

[0492] The second housing 20 may include a first groove 203a for the first protrusions 105a and 106a to be inserted into. The first groove 203a may be formed in the second upper panel 203. The first groove 203a may be formed at a position corresponding to the first protrusions 105a and 106a above and below.

[0493] Support plates 276 and 277 may include second protrusions 576a and 577a that protrude downward. First support plate 276 may include a second outer protrusion 576a that protrudes downward. Second support plate 577 may include a second inner protrusion 577a that protrudes downward. Second protrusions 576a and 577a may protrude downward from the lower ends of support plates 576 and 577.

[0494] The second housing 20 may include a second groove 203b into which the second protrusions 576a and 577a are inserted. The second groove 203b may be formed in the second upper panel 203. The second groove 203b may be formed at a position corresponding to the second protrusions 576a and 577a above and below.

[0495] The first protrusions 105a, 106a and the second protrusions 576a, 577a may be referred to as “protrusions.” The first groove 203a and the second groove 203b may be referred to as “grooves.”

[0496] The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may be combined by inserting the protrusions 105a, 106a, 576a, 577a into the grooves 203a, 203b.

[0497] The mechanical chamber S is formed at an upper side of the base plate 575. Therefore, the mechanical chamber S may be spaced apart from an upper side of the second upper panel 203.

[0498] A separation space 55 may be formed between the first support plate 576 and the second support plate 577 .

[0499] The second exhaust duct 44 , the dehumidification duct 46 , and the third air supply duct 48 may be disposed in the partition space 55 . The second exhaust duct 44 , the dehumidification duct 46 , and the third air supply duct 48 may be disposed between the second upper panel 203 and the base plate 575 .

[0500] The third air supply duct 48 may protrude downward toward the second upper panel 203. The third air supply duct 48 may include a first connecting duct 48a extending downward from the air supply duct 420 and a second connecting duct 48b connected to the outer tub 23.

[0501] The first connecting pipe 48 a may be disposed in the partition space 55 .

[0502] The second connecting duct 48b may extend downward from the second upper panel 203 and be connected to the outer tub 23. The second connecting duct 48b may have a first insertion port 48s formed therein for inserting the first connecting duct 48a.

[0503] The first connecting pipe 48a is inserted into the first insertion port 48s and can be fixed to the second connecting pipe 48b.

[0504] The third inflow port 424 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44 and may be disposed in the partition space 55 .

[0505] The third inflow port 424 is inserted into a second insertion port 47 s formed inside the third exhaust duct 47 , and can be fixed to the third exhaust duct 47 .

[0506] When assembling the first and second housings 10 and 20 , the first connecting pipe 48 a and the third inflow port 424 are inserted and fixed to the first and second insertion ports 48 s and 47 s , respectively, thereby facilitating assembly and alignment of the first and second housings 10 and 20 .

[0507] The clothes treating apparatus A may include an auxiliary panel 58 disposed at the rear of the partition space 55 .

[0508] The auxiliary panel 58 may shield the rear side of the partition space 55. The auxiliary panel 58 may be coupled to the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202. The first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202 may be connected to each other through the auxiliary panel 58.

[0509] The auxiliary panel 58 may include a duct through-hole 59 for the second exhaust duct 44 to pass through. The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the auxiliary panel 58 and extend into the partition space 55.

[0510] The auxiliary panel 58 may be combined with the first side panels 105 , 106 and the support panels 576 , 577 .

[0511] The opening member 463 may shield the front side of the partition space 55. The opening member 463 may be disposed in front of the dehumidification duct 46 and the external air inlet 423.

[0512] The clothes treating apparatus A may include a hinge 463a connected to the opening member 463 and a motor 463b rotating the hinge 463a.

[0513] The hinge 463a can be rotatably coupled to the first front panel 101. The hinge 463a can extend in the left-right direction. The opening member 463 can rotate in the front-to-back direction with the hinge 463a as the rotation axis. The opening member 463 can be formed integrally with the hinge 463a. If the motor 463b rotates the hinge 463a, the opening member 463 can rotate together with the hinge 463a. The opening member 463 can rotate forward to open the front of the partition space 55. If the opening member 463 opens the front of the partition space 55, external air of the clothing processing apparatus A can flow into the heat exchange channel 42 via the external air inlet port 423, and air passing through the dehumidification duct 46 can be discharged to the outside of the clothing processing apparatus A.

[0514] The controller 81 may be electrically connected to the motor 463 b. The controller 81 may control the driving of the motor 463 b. The user may open the partition space 55 by operating the control panel 8.

[0515] Below, refer to Figure 11 , the front-to-back width of the laundry processing apparatus A will be described. Figure 11 The widths of the dryer 1, washing machine 2 and nursing machine 3 described above can also be applied to the reference Figures 1 to 55 The laundry treating apparatus of all the embodiments described.

[0516] The front-to-back width W4 of the nursing machine 3 can be smaller than the front-to-back width W1 of the tower 9. When the front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3 is aligned with the front surface of the tower 9, a gap X can be formed between the rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3 and the rear surfaces 10b, 20b of the tower 9. The rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3 can be closer to the front than the rear surfaces 10b, 20b of the tower 9 and can be located further forward than the rear surfaces 10b, 20b of the tower 9 by the gap X.

[0517] Part of the first inner wall 106 of the dryer 1 and part of the second inner wall 206 of the washing machine 2 may be located further rearward than the rear surface 30 b of the nursing machine 3. Part of the first inner wall 106 and part of the second inner wall 206 may be exposed to the rear of the third housing 30.

[0518] The laundry processing apparatus A may include a rear housing 310 disposed at the rear of the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3. The rear housing 310 may be disposed at the rear of the third housing 30.

[0519] The rear housing 310 may be respectively coupled to the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , and the care machine 3 .

[0520] The rear housing 310 may provide a space for accommodating the second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44. The second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 may be accommodated inside the rear housing 310.

[0521] The second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 for circulating hot air to the nursing machine 3 may be arranged at the rear of the third housing 30 .

[0522] The second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 may be located further rearward than the third rear panel 302 .

[0523] The second air supply duct 45 may extend downward from the heating device 50 and be connected to the inner panel 34 .

[0524] The second air supply duct 45 may face the second inner sidewall 206 of the washing machine 2. The second air supply duct 45 may be arranged parallel to the second inner sidewall 206.

[0525] The second air supply duct 45 may include a first hot air duct 451 and a second hot air duct 452. The first hot air duct 451 may include a first connecting portion 451a connected to the heating device 50, a first extending portion 451b extending downward from the first connecting portion 451a, and a second connecting portion 451c connected to the second hot air duct 452.

[0526] The first connection portion 451a may pass through the first inner wall 106 of the first housing 10. The first connection portion 451a may be connected to the air supply duct 420, and air blown by the fan 60 may flow into the air supply duct. The first connection portion 451a may extend from the heating device 50 in a horizontal direction.

[0527] The first extension portion 451b may be bent downward from the first connection portion 451a. The first extension portion 451b may extend downward from one end of the first connection portion 451a. The first extension portion 451b may face the second inner sidewall 206 of the washing machine 2 and may be arranged parallel to the second inner sidewall 206.

[0528] The second connecting portion 451c may be coupled to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The second connecting portion 451c may be coupled to the second hot air duct 452. That is, the third rear panel 302 may be disposed between the second hot air duct 452 and the second connecting portion 451c. The second connecting portion 451c may extend from the first extending portion 451b in the front-to-back direction.

[0529] The water supply ports 273 and 274 may be connected to water supply pipes 278 and 279 connected to an external water source (not shown). The outer tub 23 may receive water from the external water source (not shown) through the water supply pipes 278 and 279.

[0530] The outer tub 23 can receive cold water through the cold water supply pipe 278 , and can also receive hot water through the hot water supply pipe 279 .

[0531] The clothes treating apparatus A may include a cooling pipe 275 branched from the cold water supply pipe 278 or the hot water supply pipe 279. The cooling pipe 275 may branch from the cold water supply pipe 278.

[0532] The cooling pipe 275 can be configured to branch off from the cold water supply pipe 278 and perform heat exchange with the second air supply pipe 45. The cooling pipe 275 can extend parallel to the second air supply pipe 45 or can be in contact with the second air supply pipe 45. The hot air flowing in the second air supply pipe 45 can exchange heat with the water flowing in the cooling pipe 275 to reduce the temperature. The cooling pipe 275 can be configured to perform heat exchange with the first extension portion 451b or can be in contact with the first extension portion 451b.

[0533] The cooling pipe 275 may be connected to the drain pump 26. Water branching from the cold water supply pipe 278 and flowing into the cooling pipe 275 may flow into the drain pump 26 after heat exchange with the hot air flowing in the second air supply duct 45. The drain pump 26 may drain the water flowing in through the cooling pipe 275 to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus A.

[0534] The clothes processed in the care machine 3 may be clothes that are easily damaged when dried at high temperatures. The clothes dried in the care machine 3 may need to receive hot air at a lower temperature than when the clothes are processed in the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The high-temperature hot air generated in the heating device 50 can be directly supplied to the dryer 1 or the washing machine 2. On the contrary, it is necessary to cool the high-temperature hot air generated in the heating device 50 before supplying it to the care machine 3. Therefore, in the clothes processing device A of the present invention, the water supply pipes 275, 278, and 279 of the washing machine 2 are used to supply hot air at a lower temperature than the hot air supplied to the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 to the care machine 3, thereby preventing the clothes contained in the care machine 3 from being damaged. In addition, the water used to reduce the temperature of the hot air supplied to the care machine 3 is discharged to the outside by the drainage pump 26, thereby effectively managing the water used to cool the hot air.

[0535] The second exhaust duct 44 may include: a third connection portion 441 connected to the nursing machine 3 ; a second extension portion 442 extending downward from the third connection portion 441 ; and a fourth connection portion 443 connected to the heating device 50 .

[0536] The third connection portion 441 can be coupled to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The third connection portion 441 can communicate with the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3, allowing air circulating within the nursing machine 3 to flow therein. The third connection portion 441 can be connected to the exhaust port 309. The third connection portion 441 can extend rearward from the third housing 30. The location where the third connection portion 441 is connected to the third housing 30 can be located between the third upper panel 303 and the clothes hanger 36. The exhaust port 309 can be located between the third upper panel 303 and the clothes hanger 36.

[0537] The second extension portion 442 may be bent downward from the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may extend downward from the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may extend downward from one end of the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may face the first inner sidewall 106 of the dryer 1 and may be arranged parallel to the first inner sidewall 106.

[0538] The fourth connection portion 443 may extend into the partition space 55. The fourth connection portion 443 may extend in the left-right direction from the second extension portion 442. The fourth connection portion 443 may be connected to the heating device 50 in the partition space 55.

[0539] The rear housing 310 may have a front-to-rear width W6. The front-to-rear width W6 of the rear housing 310 may be smaller than the front-to-rear width W1 of the tower 9. The front-to-rear width W6 of the rear housing 310 may be the same size as the interval X.

[0540] The rear surface 310b of the rear housing 310 may be aligned with the rear surfaces 10b, 20b of the tower 9. The rear surface 310b of the rear housing 310 may be located on the same plane as the rear surfaces 10b, 20b of the tower 9.

[0541] The sum of the front-to-back width W6 of the rear housing 310 and the front-to-back width W4 of the nursing machine 3 (W4+W6) may be the same as the front-to-back width W1 of the tower 9. However, the sum of the front-to-back width W6 of the rear housing 310 and the front-to-back width W4 of the nursing machine 3 (W4+W6) may be similar to the front-to-back width W1 of the tower 9 or may be greater than the front-to-back width W1 of the tower 9.

[0542] In the laundry processing apparatus A according to one aspect of the present invention, a constant width in the front-to-back direction can be achieved by disposing the rear housing 310 behind the nursing machine 3. Specifically, by disposing the rear housing 310 behind the nursing machine 3, the rear surface 310b of the rear housing 310 and the rear surfaces 10b and 20b of the tower 9 can be aligned simultaneously with the front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3 and the front surface of the tower 9.

[0543] The rear housing 310 may have a height 310H in the vertical direction. The height 310H of the rear housing 310 may be the same as the height 3H of the nursing machine 3 and the height 9H of the tower 9. However, the height 310H of the rear housing 310 may be similar to or lower than the height 3H of the nursing machine 3 and the height 9H of the tower 9.

[0544] The rear housing 310 can be secured to the nursing machine 3 via a fastening member 316 extending through a fastening plate 317 extending in the front-to-back direction. A plurality of fastening plates 317 can be provided, spaced apart from one another. The fastening plates 317 can extend in the front-to-back direction and be coupled to the sidewalls of each of the rear housing 310 and the third housing 30. The fastening member 316 can extend through the sidewalls of each of the rear housing 310 and the third housing 30 and the fastening plates 317.

[0545] Below, refer to Figure 12 , the alignment structure of the front and rear sides of the clothes processing device A will be described. Figure 12 The alignment structure of the laundry treatment device described above can also be applied to Figures 1 to 55 The laundry treating apparatus of all the embodiments described.

[0546] The front surface 31a of the treatment machine 3 and the front surface 9a of the tower 9 may be aligned in the horizontal direction. The front surface 31a of the treatment machine 3 and the front surface 9a of the tower 9 may be located on the same plane.

[0547] The doors 11 and 21 may be disposed inside the housings 10 and 20, and their front surfaces 11a and 21a may be coplanar with the front surfaces 10a and 20a of the housings 10 and 20. The front surfaces 11a and 21a of the doors 11 and 21 may be touch screens, and users may open the doors 11 and 21 by touching the front surfaces 11a and 21a of the doors 11 and 21.

[0548] The front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3, the front surfaces 10a, 20a of the housings 10, 20, and the front surfaces 11a, 21a of the doors 11, 21 may be aligned in the horizontal direction. The front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3, the front surfaces 10a, 20a of the housings 10, 20, and the front surfaces 11a, 21a of the doors 11, 21 may be located on the same plane.

[0549] The rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3 may be closer to the front than the rear surface 9b of the tower 9. The rear surface 9b of the tower 9 may include the rear surface 10b of the dryer 1 and the rear surface 20b of the washing machine 2.

[0550] The rear surface 310b of the rear housing 310 may be aligned in a horizontal direction with the rear surface 9b of the tower 9. The rear surface 310b of the rear housing 310 and the rear surface 9b of the tower 9 may be located on the same plane.

[0551] A space may be formed between the rear surface 30 b of the nursing machine 3 and the rear surface 310 b of the rear housing 310 , and the second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 may be disposed inside the space.

[0552] The laundry treating apparatus A may have a front-to-rear width W. The front-to-rear width W of the laundry treating apparatus A may remain the same in a horizontal direction.

[0553] Below, refer to Figure 13 , illustrating the alignment structure of the clothes processing device A' according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0554] The care machine 3 ′ may have a height H1 in the vertical direction. The height H1 of the care machine 3 ′ may be a length from the upper side 30 c of the third housing 30 to the lower side 30 d of the third housing 30 .

[0555] The tower 9 ′ may have a height H2 in the vertical direction. The height H2 of the tower 9 ′ may be a length from the upper side 10 c of the first tank 10 to the lower side 20 d of the second tank 20 .

[0556] The height H1 of the nursing machine 3' can be higher than the height H2 of the tower 9'. The upper side 30c of the nursing machine 3' can be located at a higher position than the upper side 10c of the tower 9'. A height difference H3 can be formed between the upper side 30c of the nursing machine 3' and the upper side 10c of the tower 9'.

[0557] The laundry treating apparatus A' may include an auxiliary panel 93 that may be movably connected to the first housing 10 in the up-down direction. The auxiliary panel 93 may be movably disposed on the tower 9' in the up-down direction.

[0558] The auxiliary panel 93 can be moved upward from the first housing 10 to form the upper end 91' of the front face of the tower 9'. The auxiliary panel 93 can be vertically movable within the first housing 10. The auxiliary panel 93 can be vertically retractable within the first front panel 101. Alternatively, the auxiliary panel 93 can be positioned as the upper end of the front face of the dryer 1. The upper end of the auxiliary panel 93 can be the upper end of the front face of the tower 9'. The upper end of the auxiliary panel 93 can be the upper end of the front face of the dryer 1.

[0559] The upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93 may be aligned horizontally with the upper end 307 of the front surface of the care machine 3'. The upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93 may be located on the same plane as the upper end 307 of the front surface of the care machine 3'.

[0560] The height H4 of the auxiliary panel 93 protruding toward the upper side of the first box body 10 can be the same as the height difference H3 between the upper side surface 30c of the nursing machine 3' and the upper side surface 10c of the dryer 1. That is, the auxiliary panel 93 can protrude toward the upper side of the first box body 10 by the height difference H3 between the nursing machine 3' and the tower 9".

[0561] The auxiliary panel 93 may protrude upward from the upper side 10c of the first housing 10. A space facing the nursing machine 3' may be formed behind the auxiliary panel 93. Although not shown, an additional housing (not shown) or storage box (not shown) may be configured on the upper side of the first housing 10. The housing (not shown) or storage box (not shown) may be obscured by the auxiliary panel 93, making it impossible to see the housing (not shown) or storage box (not shown) from the front.

[0562] The nursing machine 3 ′ may have a width W8 in the front-to-back direction. The width W8 of the nursing machine 3 ′ may be a length from the front surface 31 a of the third door 31 to the rear surface 30 b of the third housing 30 .

[0563] The tower 9' may have a width W7 in the front-to-back direction. The width W7 of the tower 9' may be the length from the front side 10a, 20a of the box 10, 20 or the front side 11a, 21a of the door 11, 21 to the rear side 10b, 20b of the box 10, 20.

[0564] The width W8 of the nursing machine 3' can be smaller than the width W7 of the tower 9'. The rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3' can be closer to the front than the rear surfaces 10b and 20b of the tower 9'. A depth difference X can be formed between the rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3' and the rear surfaces 10b and 20b of the tower 9'.

[0565] The clothing processing device A' may include a support block 38, which is connected to the care machine 3 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The support block 38 may be coupled to the rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The support block 38 may protrude rearward from the rear surface 30b of the care machine 3'. The support block 38 may protrude from the rear surface 30b of the care machine 3' by a prescribed width W9. The width W9 by which the support block 38 protrudes from the rear surface 30b of the care machine 3' may be the same as the depth difference X between the care machine 3' and the tower 9'. That is, the support block 38 may protrude from the rear surface 30b of the care machine 3' by the depth difference X between the care machine 3' and the tower 9'.

[0566] A block receiving groove 37 that is recessed forward may be formed on the rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The block receiving groove 37 extends in the up-down direction and may provide a space for receiving the support block 38.

[0567] A plurality of block storage slots 37 and support blocks 38 may be arranged in a vertically spaced arrangement. One of the plurality of support blocks 38 may be arranged at a position horizontally corresponding to dryer 1. Another of the plurality of support blocks 38 may be arranged at a position horizontally corresponding to washing machine 2. The support block 38 arranged at a position horizontally corresponding to dryer 1 may be referred to as a "first support block." The support block 38 arranged at a position horizontally corresponding to washing machine 2 may be referred to as a "second support block."

[0568] The laundry treating apparatus A′ may include a proximity sensor 389 that senses the proximity of an object located behind the care machine 3 .

[0569] The proximity sensor 389 may be disposed on the rear panel 302 of the third housing 30 . The proximity sensor 389 may sense the proximity of an object approaching the rear panel 302 of the third housing 30 .

[0570] The laundry treatment device A' may include a side support block 38', which is disposed on the other side 305 of the care machine 3' opposite to the side facing the tower 9' and may extend in a direction opposite to the direction facing the tower 9'.

[0571] The side support block 38' can be disposed on the outer side wall 305 of the third box body 30. A side block receiving groove 37' can be formed in the outer side wall 305 of the third box body 30. The side block receiving groove 37' can provide a space for accommodating the side support block 38'.

[0572] The side support block 38 ′ may extend in a direction opposite to the direction facing the tower 9 ′ and may protrude toward one side of the outer side wall 305 .

[0573] The laundry treatment device A' can be positioned adjacent to a wall in an indoor space. In this case, a wall can be provided to one side and behind the nursing machine 3'. When the laundry treatment device A' is positioned indoors, the support blocks 38, 38' prevent collisions between the laundry treatment device A' and the wall. Furthermore, when the laundry treatment device A' is positioned indoors, the support blocks 38, 38' can buffer vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. Vibrations generated in the washing machine 2 are absorbed by the support blocks 38, 38' in contact with the wall. Furthermore, the support blocks 38 prevent the third door 31 of the nursing machine 3' from being positioned further to the rear than the front of the tower 9' due to the depth difference X between the nursing machine 3' and the tower 9'. Specifically, by placing the support blocks 38 between the rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3' and the wall, a space can be maintained between the nursing machine 3' and the wall, thereby aligning the front surface 31a of the nursing machine 3' with the front surface of the tower 9'.

[0574] Below, refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , illustrating the structure of the driving support block 38. Figure 14 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the rear surface 30b of the nursing machine 3'. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the structure shown.

[0575] The support block 38 can be rotatably connected to the nursing machine 3 ′. The support block 38 can be rotatably connected to the rear panel 302 of the third box body 30 .

[0576] The laundry treating apparatus A' may include a rotating shaft 383 penetrating the support block 38 in a horizontal direction, and a motor 381 connected to the rotating shaft 383 via a motor shaft 382. The motor 381 may be referred to as a "block motor."

[0577] The rear panel 302 may have a thickness in the front-to-back direction, and a motor receiving space 384 for disposing the motor 381 may be formed inside the rear panel 302. The motor 381 may generate power to rotate the rotating shaft 383, and the rotating shaft 383 may rotate by the rotation of the motor shaft 382.

[0578] The rotation shaft 383 may penetrate one side wall 371 and the other side wall 372 of the block receiving groove 37. The one side wall 371 and the other side wall 372 may face each other in a horizontal direction.

[0579] The support block 38 can rotate in the front-to-back direction about the rotation axis 383. The support block 38 can rotate rearward about the rotation axis 383 to protrude toward the rear of the nursing machine 3'. The support block 38 can rotate forward about the rotation axis 383 to be stored in the block storage slot 37.

[0580] The support block 38 may protrude rearward by a predetermined width W9 from the rear surface 30b of the treatment machine 3'. The support block 38 may protrude rearward by a depth difference X between the treatment machine 3' and the tower 9' (W9=X).

[0581] The support block 38 may include: a first support portion 38a coupled to the nursing machine 3 ′; and a second support portion 38b disposed at the rear end of the first support portion 38a and including an elastic body.

[0582] The first support portion 38 a may be rotatably coupled to the third case 30 within the block receiving groove 37 .

[0583] The second support portion 38b may form the rear end of the first support portion 38a. The second support portion 38b may be made of a material with a high elastic modulus. This allows the support block 38 to cushion the impact of a collision with an object behind the nursing machine 3'.

[0584] The rear end 38b of the support block 38 may be aligned horizontally with the rear face 10b, 20b of the tower 9'.

[0585] The controller 81 may be electrically connected to the proximity sensor 39 and the motor 381. The controller 81 may receive information from the proximity sensor 39 regarding the proximity of an object located behind the nursing machine 3'.

[0586] When the proximity measured by the proximity sensor 39 is greater than a preset reference value, the controller 81 can control the motor 381 to cause the support block 38 to protrude toward the rear of the nursing machine 3'. When the proximity measured by the proximity sensor 39 is greater than the reference value, the motor 381 can rotate the rotating shaft 383 to rotate the support block 38 toward the rear. When the proximity measured by the proximity sensor 39 is less than the reference value, the motor 381 can rotate the rotating shaft 383 to rotate the support block 38 toward the front, allowing the support block 38 to be stored within the block storage slot 37.

[0587] Below, refer to Figure 16 , the operation mode of the auxiliary panel 93 is explained. Figure 16FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of operation of the auxiliary panel 93 of the laundry treating apparatus A′ according to the first operation embodiment.

[0588] The auxiliary panel 93 can be configured to be drawn upward from the first housing 10. The first housing 10 can include a first front panel 101 having a predetermined thickness and a space formed therein, and the auxiliary panel 93 can be configured to be movable in the vertical direction inside the first front panel 101.

[0589] The auxiliary panel 93 may include: a panel body 932 arranged on the first housing 10 in a manner that can move in the vertical direction; a rack 933 extending downward from the panel body 932; and a sensor 931 arranged at the upper end of the front side of the panel body 932.

[0590] The panel body 932 protrudes upward from the upper side 10c of the dryer 1 and may form the upper end portion 91' of the front face of the tower 9'. The upper end portion 91' of the front face of the tower 9' may refer to the upper end portion of the panel body 932.

[0591] The rack 933 may extend in the up-down direction and may form a plurality of gear teeth spaced apart from each other.

[0592] The sensing portion 931 may be disposed at an upper end portion of the panel body 932. The sensing portion 931 may be disposed to face the third door 31 in a horizontal direction.

[0593] The clothes treating apparatus A' may include a motor 94 for generating power and a driving gear 95 connected to the motor 94 for rotation.

[0594] The motor 94 may provide power for raising and lowering the auxiliary panel 93. The motor 94 may be referred to as a "panel motor."

[0595] The driving gear 95 may receive power from the motor 94 to rotate. The driving gear 95 may be a spur gear and may be engaged with the rack 933.

[0596] When the motor 94 rotates the drive gear 95, the rack 933 meshed with the drive gear 95 can move in the vertical direction. The panel body 932 can be formed integrally with the rack 933 and can move in the vertical direction together with the rack 933.

[0597] The driving gear 95 and the rack 933 may be referred to as a “power transmission device.” The power transmission device may include the driving gear 95 and the rack 933 , and may transmit power generated in the motor 94 to the panel body 932 .

[0598] The laundry treating apparatus A′ may include a transmission unit 311 disposed at the upper end portion 307 of the third door 31 and transmitting a predetermined signal in a horizontal direction.

[0599] Transmitter 311 can transmit electrical signals horizontally. Transmitter 311 can transmit radio waves horizontally. Transmitter 311 can transmit infrared signals horizontally. Transmitter 311 can generate electromagnetic force horizontally. Transmitter 311 can be a permanent magnet.

[0600] The sensing unit 931 can sense the signal sent by the transmitting unit 311. The sensing unit 931 can be a Hall IC sensor, an infrared sensor, or a magnet.

[0601] As an example, the sensing unit 931 and the transmission unit 311 can transmit and receive infrared signals. The sensing unit 931 can be a device that transmits infrared rays horizontally and detects infrared rays reflected from the transmitted infrared rays. The transmission unit 311 can be a reflector. The sensing unit 931 can sense infrared rays that are horizontally transmitted to and reflected from the transmission unit 311. When the upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93 and the upper end 307 of the third door 31 are horizontally aligned, the sensing unit 931 can sense the infrared rays reflected from the transmission unit 311.

[0602] As another example, the sensing unit 931 and the transmission unit 311 can transmit and receive magnetic signals. The sensing unit 931 can be a Hall IC sensor, which can be a device that senses changes in a magnetic field. The transmission unit 311 can be a permanent magnet. The sensing unit 931 can sense the magnetic force generated by the transmission unit 311. In addition, the sensing unit 931 and the transmission unit 311 can be permanent magnets with different polarities. When the upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93 and the upper end 307 of the third door 31 are aligned in the horizontal direction, the sensing unit 931 can sense the magnetism of the transmission unit 311.

[0603] The controller 81 can be electrically connected to the sensor unit 931 and the motor 94. When the upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93 and the upper end 307 of the third door 31 are horizontally aligned, the sensor unit 931 can sense the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 311. If the sensor unit 931 senses the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 311, the controller 81 can stop the motor 94. Therefore, when the upper end 91' of the tower 9' and the upper end 307 of the nursing machine 3 are horizontally aligned, the motor 94 stops, thereby stopping the vertical movement of the auxiliary panel 93.

[0604] Below, refer to Figure 17, another operation mode of the auxiliary panel 93' is described. Figure 17 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of operation of the auxiliary panel 93 ′ of the laundry treating apparatus A′ according to the second operation embodiment.

[0605] Except for the manner in which the sensing portion 931 ′ and the transmitting portion 311 ′ transmit and receive signals, the auxiliary panel 93 ′ of the second operating embodiment may operate in the same manner as the auxiliary panel 93 of the first operating embodiment.

[0606] The sensing unit 931' may be disposed at the upper end 91' of the auxiliary panel 93' facing upward. The conveying unit 311' may extend horizontally from the upper end 307 of the nursing machine 3 toward the tower 9' and may be located higher than the auxiliary panel 93'.

[0607] The sensing portion 931' can sense signals transmitted from the transmission portion 311'. For example, contact between the sensing portion 931' and the transmission portion 311' can cause a change in the current flowing therein, thereby enabling detection of contact between the sensing portion 931' and the transmission portion 311'. Alternatively, the sensing portion 931' and the transmission portion 311' can be permanent magnets having different polarities. If the sensing portion 931' and the transmission portion 311' are brought into proximity, the sensing portion 931' can sense the polarity of the transmission portion 311' and adhere to the transmission portion 311'.

[0608] The controller 81 can control the driving of the motor 94'. The motor 94' can move the rack 933' upward by rotating the driving gear 95'. If the rack 933' moves upward, the panel body 932', which is integrated with the rack 933', can move upward together with the rack 933'. When the panel body 932' moves upward, the sensing part 931' can contact the transmission part 311'. The sensing part 931' can sense the signal transmitted from the transmission part 311' by contacting the transmission part 311'. If the sensing part 931' senses the signal transmitted from the transmission part 311', the controller 81 can stop the driving of the motor 94'. Therefore, when the upper end 91' of the tower 9' and the upper end 307 of the nursing machine 3 are aligned in the horizontal direction, the driving of the motor 94' stops, thereby stopping the up and down movement of the auxiliary panel 93'.

[0609] Below, refer to Figure 18 , a clothing processing device A" according to another aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0610] The clothes treating apparatus A" may include upper shells 901 and 902 arranged on the upper side of the drying machine 1" or the upper side of the care machine 3".

[0611] The upper shells 901 and 902 may include: a first upper shell 901, which is configured on the upper side of the dryer 1"; and a second upper shell 902, which is configured on the upper side of the care machine 3". The upper shells 901 and 902 may be configured with only one of the first upper shell 901 and the second upper shell 902. The first upper shell 901 may be included in the dryer 1". The second upper shell 902 may be included in the care machine 3". The first upper shell 901 may form the upper end portion of the front face of the dryer 1". The second upper shell 902 may form the upper end portion of the front face of the care machine 3".

[0612] The first upper housing 901 may be a storage box having a space 901s formed therein, and the second upper housing 902 may be a storage box having a space 902s formed therein.

[0613] The laundry treating apparatus A″ may include a first tower T1 including a dryer 1 ″, a washing machine 2 ″, and a first upper housing 901 .

[0614] The laundry treating apparatus A″ may include a second tower T2 including a care machine 3 ″ and a second upper shell 902 .

[0615] The first upper shell 901 may form an upper end portion 901a of the front side of the first tower T1 , and the second upper shell 902 may form an upper end portion 902a of the front side of the second tower T2 .

[0616] The upper end 901a of the front side of the first tower T1 and the upper end 902a of the front side of the second tower T2 may be aligned in the horizontal direction. The upper end 901a of the front side of the first tower T1 and the upper end 902a of the front side of the second tower T2 may be located on the same plane.

[0617] The height H9 of the first tower T1 and the height H10 of the second tower T2 may be the same. The first tower T1 and the second tower T2 may be arranged side by side.

[0618] A height H5 of the washing unit 9 ″ including the dryer 1 ″ and the washing machine 2 ″ may be smaller than a height H6 of the nursing machine 3 ″. A height H7 of the first upper housing 901 may be greater than a height H8 of the second upper housing 902 .

[0619] The sum (H5+H7) of the height H5 of the washing unit 9" and the height H7 of the first upper shell 901 may be the same as the sum (H6+H8) of the height H6 of the nursing machine 3" and the height H8 of the second upper shell 902.

[0620] By configuring the upper shells 901 and 902 in the clothing processing device A", even if there is a height difference between the washing unit 9" and the care machine 3", the height of the clothing processing device A" can be evenly matched, and space can be provided to accommodate the components of the clothing processing device A".

[0621] Reference Figures 1 to 18 The description of the dryer 1, washing machine 2, nursing machine 3 and heating device 50 can also be applied to the reference Figures 19 to 55 A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0622] In addition, even when referring to Figures 19 to 55 Explanation: The clothes treatment device is not in the process Figures 19 to 55 The corresponding components are shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 18 The description of the components shown in the figure can also be applied to Figures 19 to 55 For example, even in Figures 19 to 55 The rear housing 310 is not shown. Figures 19 to 55 When explaining, refer to Figures 1 to 18 The description of the rear housing 310 is also applicable to Figures 19 to 55 Description.

[0623] Below, refer to Figures 19 to 23 , illustrating another aspect of the present invention, a clothing processing device B, B'.

[0624] Reference Figure 19 In the clothes processing apparatus B, the dryer 1 may be disposed below the washing machine 2 , and the heating device 50 may be disposed below the dryer 1 .

[0625] The second upper panel 203 of the washing machine 2 and the third upper panel 303 of the nursing machine 3 may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0626] The first lower panel 104 of the drying machine 1 and the third lower panel 304 of the care machine 3 may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0627] The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the dryer 1. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first housing 10. The heating device 50 may be disposed at the lower portion of the first housing 10 or at the lower side of the first drum 13.

[0628] Reference Figure 20 The clothing processing device B includes a pipe system connecting a drying machine 1 , a washing machine 2 , a care machine 3 and a heating device 50 .

[0629] The air supply duct 420 may include a first outlet port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43. The air supply duct 420 may include a second outlet port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45. The air supply duct 420 may include a fourth outlet port 428 connected to the dehumidification duct 46. The third air supply duct 48 may branch from the second air supply duct 45, and the third outlet port 426 may be formed at the location where the third air supply duct 48 branches from the second air supply duct 45.

[0630] The first outlet port 425 may protrude upward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first outlet port 425 .

[0631] The second discharge port 427 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The second air supply duct 45 may connect the nursing device 3 and the second discharge port 427. The second air supply duct 45 may connect the air supply port 308 and the second discharge port 427.

[0632] The third discharge port 426 may protrude upward from the second air supply duct 45. The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third discharge port 426. The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the second air supply duct 45.

[0633] The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to the second discharge port 427. The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428.

[0634] Hot air flowing into the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43 dries the laundry inside and then flows into the heat exchange passage 42 via the first exhaust duct 41. The first drum 13 may include a front cover 131 disposed at the front side and a rear cover 132 disposed at the rear side. The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the rear cover 132, and the first exhaust duct 41 may be connected to the front cover 131.

[0635] The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange passage 42. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend downward from the first drum 13 to connect to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0636] A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0637] The laundry processing apparatus B may include a first on-off valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may adjust the air flow rate in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may also shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. When hot air is not supplied to the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43, the first on-off valve 41a may shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41.

[0638] The hot air flowing into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45 can then flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 after drying the clothes contained in the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 can be connected to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The second exhaust duct 44 can pass through the third inner sidewall 306 of the third housing 30 and connect to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0639] The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the exhaust port 309 and the heat exchange channel 42 . The second exhaust duct 44 may extend sideways from the lower portion of the third housing 30 and connect to the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0640] A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend laterally from the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend laterally from the third exhaust duct 47. The second inlet port 422 may extend laterally from the first duct section 471.

[0641] The second inlet port 422 may protrude laterally from a side surface of the third exhaust duct 47. The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 and the second inlet port 422. The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 and the third exhaust duct 47. Air in the second exhaust duct 44 may merge with air in the third exhaust duct 47 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0642] The laundry processing apparatus B may include a second on-off valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may adjust the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may also cut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. When hot air does not flow into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45, the second on-off valve 44a may cut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44.

[0643] The hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third air exhaust duct 47 after drying the clothes accommodated in the outer tub 23 .

[0644] The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the heat exchange channel 42. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend from an upper portion of the outer tub 23 and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0645] The third exhaust duct 47 may include a first duct section 471 between the base plate 575 of the heating device 50 and the first lower panel 104. The first duct section 471 may be disposed in the partition 55 of the heating device 50. The first duct section 441 may extend in the partition 55 along the front-rear direction.

[0646] A third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0647] The laundry processing apparatus B may include a third on-off valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may adjust the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may also cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. When hot air does not flow into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48, the third on-off valve 47a may cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47.

[0648] The external air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from a side of the third exhaust duct 47. The external air inlet port 423 may connect the indoor space with the third exhaust duct 47. Air in the external air inlet port 423 may merge with air in the third exhaust duct 47 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may include an external air inlet 49 that opens forward. Air flowing in through the external air inlet 49 may merge with air in the third exhaust duct 47 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0649] Reference Figure 21 The heating device 50 can be arranged at the lower part of the dryer 1 and can supply hot air to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3.

[0650] The second air supply duct 45 for supplying hot air to the nursing machine 3 may be disposed at the rear of the third housing 30. The second air exhaust duct 44 may be disposed at the lower side of the inner panel 34.

[0651] The second air supply duct 45 may be located further rearward than the third rear panel 302 .

[0652] The second air supply duct 45 may extend laterally from the heating device 50 and be connected to the inner panel 34 .

[0653] The second air supply duct 45 may penetrate the first inner wall 106 of the dryer 1. The second air supply duct 45 penetrates the first inner wall 106 and extends to the inside of the rear housing 310.

[0654] The first hot air duct 451 may be combined with the first inner sidewall 106. The first hot air duct 451 may be connected to the air supply duct 420, and the air blown by the fan 60 may flow into the first hot air duct 451. The first hot air duct 451 may extend from the heating device 50 in a horizontal direction.

[0655] The second hot air duct 452 may be bent upward from the first hot air duct 451. The second hot air duct 452 may extend upward from one end of the first hot air duct 451.

[0656] The air supply port 308 of the care machine 3 can be located at the bottom of the care machine 3. Since the heating device 50 and the air supply port 308 are located at the bottom of the laundry processing apparatus B, the length of the second air supply duct 45 connecting the heating device 50 and the air supply port 308 can be shortened. This minimizes heat loss during the passage of air heated by the heating device 50 toward the air supply port 308. Furthermore, since the hot air supplied from the heating device 50 is discharged into the internal space 33 through the air supply port 308 located at the bottom of the care machine 3, the hot air can be evenly distributed throughout the upper portion of the care machine 3.

[0657] The second exhaust duct 44 may be disposed on the lower side of the inner panel 34 . The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the exhaust port 309 formed in the inner panel 34 .

[0658] The second exhaust duct 44 may extend in the left-right direction and be connected to the heating device 50. The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the third exhaust duct 47. The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the support plate 577 and be connected to the third exhaust duct 47.

[0659] The third air supply duct 48 may branch from the second air supply duct 45. The third air supply duct 48 may branch from the first hot air duct 451. The third air supply duct 48 may branch from the first hot air duct 451 at the rear of the third housing 30.

[0660] The clothes treating apparatus B may include a regulating valve 453 disposed at a position where the third air supply duct 48 branches off from the second air supply duct 45 .

[0661] The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the second air supply duct 45. The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the first hot air duct 451. The regulating valve 453 can open and close the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 48. The regulating valve 453 can open only one of the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 48. The regulating valve 453 can open both the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 48. The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow rate of air supplied to the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 48. The regulating valve 453 can distribute the air blown into the second air supply duct 45 by the fan 60 to the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 48.

[0662] The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 45 to the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 45 to the outer tub 23.

[0663] The third air supply duct 48 may extend upward from the second air supply duct 45. The third air supply duct 48 may face the first inner sidewall 106. The third air supply duct 48 may extend upward from the second air supply duct 45, pass through the second inner sidewall 206, and connect to the outer tub 23. The second drum 24 may receive hot air heated in the heating device 50 through the third air supply duct 48.

[0664] The third exhaust duct 47 may extend from the outer tub 23 and penetrate the second inner sidewall 206 .

[0665] The third exhaust duct 47 may include a first connection portion 47a passing through the second inner wall 206 and connected to the outer barrel 23 ; an extension portion 47b extending downward from the first connection portion 47a ; and a second connection portion 47c bent from the extension portion 47b and connected to the heating device 50 .

[0666] The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the support plate 577. The second air supply duct 45 may penetrate the first inner sidewall 106.

[0667] The fan 60 may be positioned closer to the first inner sidewall 106 than the first outer sidewall 105. The fan 60 may be positioned adjacent to the nursing machine 3. The fan 60 may be positioned closer to the first rear panel 102 than the first front panel 101. The fan 60 may be positioned further rearward than the third rear panel 302 of the nursing machine 3. The fan 60 may be positioned between the first drum 13 and the first lower panel 104. The fan 60 may be positioned between the base plate 575 and the first drum 13.

[0668] The switching device 70 for adjusting the air supply to the first air supply duct 43 and the second air supply duct 45 can be located at a height corresponding to the lower portion of the nursing machine 3. The switching device 70 can be arranged below the first drum 13. The switching device 70 can be arranged between the first drum 13 and the first lower panel 104. The switching device 70 can be arranged between the first drum 13 and the base plate 575.

[0669] The above-described arrangement minimizes the lengths of the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45. Specifically, by locating the fan 60 and switching device 70 adjacent to both the first drum 13 and the treatment machine 3, the lengths of the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45 can be minimized. Consequently, heat loss during the passage of air heated by the heating device 50 through the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45 can be reduced.

[0670] The laundry treatment apparatus B may include a steam generating device 502 . The steam generating device 502 may generate steam by heating water. The steam generating device 502 may be disposed inside the heating device 50 .

[0671] The steam generating device 502 can be connected to the first drum 13 via a first steam supply pipe 502a. The steam generating device 502 can be connected to the nursing machine 3 via a second steam supply pipe 502b. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be supplied to the interior of the first drum 13 via the first steam supply pipe 502a. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be supplied to the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the second steam supply pipe 502b.

[0672] Reference Figure 22 The heating device 50 can be configured at the lower part of the clothing processing device B, and the pipeline system can be connected to the lower part of the clothing processing device B.

[0673] The base plate 575 of the heating device 50 may be located at an upper side higher than the first lower panel 104. A partition space 55 may be formed at a lower side of the base plate 575.

[0674] A separation space 55 may be formed between the first support plate 576 and the second support plate 577 .

[0675] The clothes treating apparatus B may include an auxiliary panel 58 and a first lower panel 104 .

[0676] The auxiliary panel 58 may shield the rear side of the partitioned space 55. The auxiliary panel 58 may be combined with the first rear panel 102 and the first side panels 105,106.

[0677] The first lower panel 104 may shield the lower side of the partitioned space 55. The first lower panel 104 may be combined with the support plates 576, 577 and the auxiliary panel 58.

[0678] The first support plate 576 may include a first protrusion 576a protruding downward. The second support plate 577 may include a second protrusion 577a protruding downward. The first protrusion 576a and the second protrusion 577a may be referred to as "protrusions."

[0679] The first lower panel 104 may include a groove 104a into which the protrusions 576a and 577a are inserted. The groove 104a may be recessed from the top surface of the first lower panel 104 to the bottom.

[0680] The first lower panel 104 may be combined with the heating device 50 by inserting the protrusions 576a and 577a into the groove 104a.

[0681] The dehumidification duct 46 and the third exhaust duct 47 may be disposed in the partitioned space 55. The third exhaust duct 47 in the partitioned space 55 may be defined as a first duct section 471, and the dehumidification duct 46 in the partitioned space 55 may be defined as a second duct section 461.

[0682] The dehumidification duct 46 may extend in the front-to-back direction. A hot air outlet 462 may be formed at the front side of the dehumidification flow path 46. The air heated in the heating device 50 may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to the indoor space through the dehumidification duct 46.

[0683] The second exhaust duct 44 can extend horizontally and into the partitioned space 55. The second exhaust duct 44 can penetrate the third inner sidewall 306 and the second support plate 577. The second exhaust duct 44 can be connected to the third exhaust duct 47 in the partitioned space 55. The air in the second exhaust duct 44 can merge with the air in the third exhaust duct 47 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0684] Reference Figure 23 , the third air supply pipe 480 can directly connect the heating device 50 and the washing machine 2 without being branched from the second air supply pipe 450 .

[0685] The third air supply duct 480 and the third exhaust duct 470 may be directly connected to the heating device 50. The third air supply duct 480 may be directly connected to the heating device 50 without branching from the second air supply duct 450. The third air supply duct 480 may be connected to the air supply duct 420.

[0686] The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the air supply duct 420. The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the second wall 420b of the air supply duct 420.

[0687] The third outlet port 426 may be connected to the third air supply duct 480 . Air blown from the fan 60 may be supplied to the inside of the third air supply duct 480 connected to the third outlet port 426 .

[0688] The third air supply duct 480 may include a first air supply portion 480a connected to the third discharge port 426, a second air supply portion 480b extending rearward from the first air supply portion 480a, and a third air supply portion 480c extending upward from the second air supply portion 480b.

[0689] The first air supply portion 480a may extend downward from the third discharge port 426. The first air supply portion 480a may extend in the vertical direction within the partition space 55.

[0690] The second air supply portion 480b may extend rearward within the partitioned space 55. A portion of the second air supply portion 480b may be located within the partitioned space 55, and the remainder of the second air supply portion 480b may be located outside the partitioned space 55. The rear end portion of the second air supply portion 480b may be disposed further rearward than the first rear panel 102.

[0691] The third air supply portion 480c may extend upward from the second air supply portion 480b and be connected to the washing machine 2. An end of the third air supply portion 480c may be connected to the outer tub 23. The third air supply portion 480c may be disposed behind the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202. The third air supply portion 480c may face the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202.

[0692] The third exhaust duct 470 may be connected to the heating device 50 through the rear of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1. That is, the third exhaust duct 470 may extend in the vertical direction behind the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202, rather than extending inside the rear housing 310.

[0693] The third exhaust duct 470 may include a first duct section 471 disposed in the partition space 55 , and a duct extension portion 472 connected to the first duct section 471 .

[0694] The first duct section 471 may extend forward within the partitioned space 55. The first duct section 471 may be connected to the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second exhaust duct 440 may extend in the left-right direction below the inner panel 34 and may be connected to the first duct section 471 within the partitioned space 55. The air in the second exhaust duct 440 may merge with the air in the first duct section 471 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0695] The first duct section 471 may include a communication hole 471 a communicating with the duct extension 472 . The communication hole 471 a may be open to the rear. The duct extension 472 may be inserted into the communication hole 471 a and fixed to the first duct section 471 .

[0696] The duct extension portion 472 may include a first duct extension portion 472 a connected to the first duct section 471 , and a second duct extension portion 472 b extending upward from the first duct extension portion 472 a .

[0697] The first duct extension portion 472a may extend rearward from the first duct section 471 and may be disposed outside the partition space 55. The first duct extension portion 472a may be disposed rearward of the first rear panel 102.

[0698] The second duct extension 472b may be bent upward from the first duct extension 472a. The second duct extension 472b may be connected to the outer tub 23. The end of the second duct extension 472b may be connected to the outer tub 23. The second duct extension 472a may be positioned behind the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202. The second duct extension 472a may face the first rear panel 102 and the second rear panel 202.

[0699] However, the structure of the air supply duct and the exhaust duct connected to the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3 of the laundry processing device B is not limited to the above structure. Figure 21 The structure is provided with an air supply pipe, such as Figure 23 The exhaust duct can be set in the following structure. Figure 23 The structure is provided with an air supply pipe, such as Figure 21 The exhaust duct is arranged in the structure.

[0700] Below, refer to Figures 24 to 30 , illustrating another aspect of the clothing processing apparatus C, C' of the present invention.

[0701] Reference Figure 24 In the laundry processing device C, a dryer 1 may be disposed below the washing machine 2, and a heating device 50 may be disposed between the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 may be disposed between the first drum 13 and the outer tub 23.

[0702] The second upper panel 203 of the washing machine 2 and the third upper panel 303 of the nursing machine 3 may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0703] The first lower panel 104 of the drying machine 1 and the third lower panel 304 of the care machine 3 may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0704] The laundry treatment apparatus C may include a drawer 14 having a space for storing water therein. The drawer 14 may be disposed inside the first housing 10. The drawer 14 may be disposed near the care machine 3. The drawer 14 may be disposed above the dryer 1. The drawer 14 may be disposed on a higher side than the first door 11.

[0705] The drawer 14 may include a first handle 141. The user may draw out the drawer 14 by gripping the first handle 141. The user may draw out the drawer 14 to the outside of the first housing 10, thereby removing water stored therein.

[0706] The laundry treatment device C may include a detergent supply device 15 having a space for storing detergent therein. The detergent supply device 15 may be disposed within the first housing 10. The detergent supply device 15 may be disposed farther from the care machine 3 than the drawer 14. The detergent supply device 15 may be horizontally separated from the drawer 14. The detergent supply device 15 may be disposed above the dryer 1. The detergent supply device 15 may be disposed on a higher side than the first door 11.

[0707] The detergent supply device 15 may include a second handle 151. The user may draw out the detergent supply device 15 by gripping the second handle 151. The user may draw out the detergent supply device 15 to the outside of the first housing 10 so as to fill the detergent therein.

[0708] The detergent stored in the detergent supply device 15 can be pumped into the detergent supply device 152 (see Figure 28 ) is transported to the detergent tank 28 arranged at the top of the washing machine 2.

[0709] Reference Figure 25 The condensed water generated in the heating device 50 can fall into the drawer 14 .

[0710] The drain pump 26 may be disposed inside the machine room S. The drain pump 26 may be spaced apart from one side of the heat exchange channel 42. The drain pump 26 may be disposed inside the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0711] The first water supply pipe 271 may branch into a third water supply pipe 275. The third water supply pipe 275 branched from the first water supply pipe 271 may be connected to the detergent supply device 15. The detergent supply device 15 may dissolve detergent in water received through the third water supply pipe 275, and the dissolved detergent may be pumped out through the detergent pump 152 (see FIG. Figure 28 ) is transported to the detergent tank 28.

[0712] The machine room S may be located inside the second housing 20. The machine room S may refer to a portion of the inner space of the second housing 20.

[0713] The dryer 1 may include a motor 133 for rotating the first drum 13. A pulley 134 may be fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 133. A belt may connect the pulley 134 and the circumferential surface of the drum 13. The rotational force of the motor 133 may be transmitted to the drum 13 via the pulley 134 and the belt.

[0714] The motor 133 may be disposed on the lower side of the first drum 13. The motor 133 may be disposed on the upper side of the first lower panel 104. A space for disposing the motor 133 may be formed between the first drum 13 and the first lower panel 104.

[0715] The drawer 14 may be disposed between the first drum 13 and the outer tub 23. The drawer 14 may be disposed below the heating device 50. The drawer 14 may be disposed below the evaporator 53. The drawer 14 may be disposed below the drain pan 531.

[0716] The drawer 14 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 . The drawer 14 may be disposed on an upper portion of the first housing 10 . The drawer 14 may be disposed between the first upper panel 103 and the first drum 13 .

[0717] The drawer 14 may have a space 148 therein for storing condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 .

[0718] The drawer 14 may be spaced apart from the front of the first rear panel 102. A rear space 149 may be formed between the drawer 14 and the first rear panel 102, through which the first air supply duct 43 passes. The drawer 14 may include a rear wall 142 spaced apart from the front of the first rear panel 102 and facing the first rear panel 102. The rear space 149 may be formed between the first rear panel 102 and the rear wall 142.

[0719] The condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may be stored in the inner space 148 of the drawer 14. The condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may fall due to gravity and may be accommodated in the inner space 148 of the drawer 14.

[0720] A drain pan 531 may be disposed between the evaporator 53 and the drawer 14. Condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may be temporarily stored in the drain pan 531 and then fall into the interior space 148 of the drawer 14. However, the condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may fall directly into the drawer 14 without including the drain pan 531. That is, without including the drain pan 531, the drawer 14 may be disposed so that the lower side of the evaporator 53 faces the evaporator 53, and the condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may fall directly into the interior space 148 of the drawer 14.

[0721] The clothes treating apparatus C may include a drain pipe 532 connecting the drain pan 531 and the drawer 14. The drain pipe 532 may extend downward from the drain pan 531 to be connected to the drawer 14.

[0722] The drawer 14 may include: the aforementioned rear wall 142 ; a head 145 spaced apart from the front of the rear wall 142 ; and a roof 144 extending forward from the rear wall 142 .

[0723] The first handle 141 may be formed to be recessed in the head portion 145 .

[0724] The clothes treating apparatus C may include a water level sensor 143 for measuring the amount of water stored in the drawer 14. The water level sensor 143 may be disposed on the rear wall 142 and may be fixed to the rear wall 142.

[0725] The top cover 144 may be spaced apart from the rear of the head portion 145. The top cover 144 may extend forward from the upper end of the rear wall 142.

[0726] The drain pan 531 may include a first hole 531a open toward the lower side. The drawer 14 may include a second hole 144a open toward the upper side. The first hole 531a and the second hole 144a may communicate with each other. The first hole 531a and the second hole 144a may face each other in the upper and lower directions.

[0727] The drain pipe 532 may pass through the first hole 531a and the second hole 144a. The drain pipe 532 may extend downward through the first hole 531a and may extend into the interior space 148 of the drawer 14 through the second hole 144a. The first hole 531a and the second hole 144a may be connected to each other through the drain pipe 532. However, the first hole 531a and the second hole 144a may be directly connected facing each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the bottom surface of the drain pan 531 and the top surface of the top cover 144 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction so that the first hole 531a and the second hole 144a face each other, thereby connecting the first hole 531a and the second hole 144a. In this case, an additional filler (not shown) may be arranged between the drain pan 531 and the top cover 144 without including the drain pipe 532.

[0728] Condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 may be stored in the inside of the drawer 14 through the drain pipe 532 after being temporarily stored in the drain pan 531 .

[0729] The laundry treating apparatus C may include a second drain pipe 533 connecting the drain pump 26 and the drain pan 531. The drain pipe 532 connecting the drain pan 531 and the drawer 14 may be referred to as a "first drain pipe 532," and the drain pipe 533 connecting the drain pan 531 and the drain pump 26 may be referred to as a "second drain pipe 533."

[0730] The drain pump 26 can be positioned on one side of the drain pan 531. The second discharge pipe 533 can extend laterally from the drain pan 531 and connect to the drain pump 26. The second discharge pipe 533 can transport water stored in the drain pan 531 to the drain pump 26. The drain pump 26 and the drain pan 531 can be positioned on the upper side of the base plate 575. The drain pump 26 can be positioned lower than the drain pan 531. Condensed water stored in the drain pan 531 can flow into the drain pump 26 through the second discharge pipe 533.

[0731] The clothes treating apparatus C may include a first valve 261 a to adjust the amount of water flowing in the first drain pipe 261 , and a second valve 533 a to adjust the amount of water flowing in the second drain pipe 533 .

[0732] The controller 81 may be electrically connected to the drain pump 26 , the first valve 261 a , and the second valve 533 a .

[0733] The controller 81 can be electrically connected to the water level sensor 143 and can receive information about the amount of water stored in the drawer 14 from the water level sensor 143. If the measured value of the water level sensor 143 exceeds a preset value, the controller 81 can transmit a signal to the control panel 8. This signal can be displayed on the control panel 8, indicating that the water stored in the drawer 14 needs to be emptied. If the measured value of the water level sensor 143 exceeds a preset value, the control panel 8 can display a message externally indicating that the water in the drawer 14 needs to be emptied. The user can view the message displayed on the control panel 8 and remove the water stored in the drawer 14 by opening the drawer 14.

[0734] When the washing machine 2 is operating and the first valve 261a is in an open state, the controller 81 can open the second valve 533a. In other words, the controller 81 can open the second valve 533a during the operation of the washing machine 2, so that the condensed water inside the drain pan 531 is drained out of the laundry processing device C together with the water in the outer tub 23. The second valve 533a can be opened when the washing machine 2 is performing a laundry amount sensing process, a washing process, a dehydration process, a rinsing process, and the like.

[0735] When the washing machine 2 is not in operation and the first valve 261a is in a closed state, the controller 81 can close the second valve 533a. That is, when the washing machine 2 is not in operation, the controller 81 can close the second valve 533a so that the condensed water inside the drain pan 531 falls into the inside of the drawer 14 instead of flowing into the drain pump 26.

[0736] The amount of condensed water stored in the drain pan 531 may be less than the amount of water flowing into the drain pump 26 through the first drain pipe 261. Therefore, if the drain pump 26 is operated to drain the condensed water in the drain pan 531 while the washing machine 2 is not operating and no water is flowing through the first drain pipe 261, the impeller of the drain pump 26 may rotate while not being fully submerged in the water. When the impeller rotates while not fully submerged in the water, it may idle, potentially generating excessive heat within the impeller, shortening the life of the drain pump and reducing its energy efficiency. Therefore, in the laundry processing device C of the present invention, the condensed water in the drain pan 531 is automatically drained by the drain pump 26 only when the washing machine 2 is operating. When the washing machine 2 is not operating, the condensed water is allowed to fall into the drawer 14 and be stored there.

[0737] The first discharge pipe 532 may be provided with a third valve 532a for opening and closing the first discharge pipe 532. The controller 81 may be electrically connected to the third valve 532a.

[0738] When the washing machine 2 is in operation, the controller 81 may close the third valve 532 a . Therefore, when the washing machine 2 is in operation, the condensed water in the drain pan 531 may be drained by the drain pump 26 .

[0739] When the washing machine 2 is not in operation, the controller 81 may open the third valve 532 a . Therefore, when the washing machine 2 is not in operation, the condensed water in the drain pan 531 may fall into the drawer 14 .

[0740] The drawer 14 can be disposed between the first drum 13 and the first lower panel 104. The drawer 14 can be disposed horizontally apart from the drum motor 133. The drawer 14 can be disposed at the bottom of the dryer 1. In this case, the wider space below the first drum 13 within the first housing 10 can be used as space for the drawer 14.

[0741] The washing machine 2 may include a partition wall 208 disposed in the second housing 20. The partition wall 208 may extend horizontally. The partition wall 208 may be disposed on the lower side of the outer tub 23. The partition wall 208 may be disposed on the upper side of the second lower panel 204.

[0742] The machinery compartment S may refer to the space between the partition wall 208 and the second lower panel 204. The drain pump 26 may be disposed below the partition wall 208. The drain pump 26 may be disposed inside the machinery compartment S. A first drain pipe 261 may extend downward from the outer tub 23 and penetrate the partition wall 208. The first drain pipe 261 may penetrate the partition wall 208 and extend into the machinery compartment S. The first drain pipe 261 may be connected to the drain pump 26 inside the machinery compartment S.

[0743] A buffer member 209 may be disposed between the cover 573 of the heating device 50 and the partition wall 208. The buffer member 209 may be a vibration-damping member. The buffer member 209 may reduce vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. The washing machine 2 may include a suspension 231 connected to the outer tub 23. The suspension 231 may dampen vibrations generated in the outer tub 23. The suspension 231 may be connected to the partition wall 208. Vibrations generated in the outer tub 23 and transmitted to the second housing 20 may be reduced by the suspension 231 and the buffer member 209. The suspension 231 may be connected to the cover 573.

[0744] Reference Figure 26 The clothing processing device C may include a piping system connecting the drying machine 1 , the washing machine 2 , the care machine 3 and the heating device 50 .

[0745] The air supply duct 420 may include a first outlet port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43. The air supply duct 420 may include a second outlet port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45. The air supply duct 420 may include a third outlet port 426 connected to the third air supply duct 48. The air supply duct 420 may include a fourth outlet port 428 connected to the dehumidification duct 46.

[0746] The first outlet port 425 may protrude downward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first outlet port 425 .

[0747] The second discharge port 427 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420 . The second air supply duct 45 may connect the air supply port 308 and the second discharge port 427 .

[0748] The third discharge port 426 may protrude upward from the air supply duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third discharge port 426 .

[0749] The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to the second discharge port 427. The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428.

[0750] The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange passage 42. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend upward from the first drum 13 and be connected to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0751] A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the second exhaust duct 44. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the first duct section 441.

[0752] The first inlet port 421 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second exhaust duct 44. The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the first inlet port 421. The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the second exhaust duct 44. Air in the first exhaust duct 41 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0753] The laundry processing apparatus C may include a first on-off valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may adjust the air flow rate in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may also shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. When hot air is not supplied to the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43, the first on-off valve 41a may shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41.

[0754] The hot air flowing into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45 can flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 after drying the clothes contained in the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 and the second exhaust duct 44 can be arranged at the rear of the third housing 30.

[0755] The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the third housing 30 and the heat exchange passage 42. The second exhaust duct 44 may extend downward from the upper portion of the third housing 30 and be connected to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0756] The second exhaust duct 44 may include a first duct section 441 between the heating device 50 and the second housing 20. The first duct section 441 may be disposed between the base plate 575 and the first upper panel 103 of the first housing 10. The first duct section 441 may extend in the front-rear direction of the partition space 55.

[0757] A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0758] The laundry processing apparatus C may include a second on-off valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can adjust the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can also shut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. When hot air is not supplied to the third housing 30 via the second air supply duct 45, the second on-off valve 44a can shut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can be disposed in the first duct section 441.

[0759] The hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third air exhaust duct 47 after drying the clothes accommodated in the outer tub 23 .

[0760] The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the heat exchange channel 42. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend from the upper portion of the outer tub 23 to the lower side and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0761] A third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend upward from the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend upward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0762] The laundry processing apparatus C may include a third on-off valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may adjust the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may also cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. When hot air is not supplied to the outer tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48, the third on-off valve 47a may cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47.

[0763] The external air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from a side of the second exhaust duct 44. The external air inlet port 423 may connect the indoor space to the second exhaust duct 44. Air in the external air inlet port 423 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may include an external air inlet 49 that opens forward. Air flowing in through the external air inlet 49 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0764] Reference Figure 27 The steam generating device 502 arranged inside the heating device 50 can supply steam to the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3.

[0765] The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the first upper panel 103. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the second housing 20 of the washing machine 2.

[0766] The laundry treating apparatus C may include: a third steam supply pipe 502 c connecting the steam generating device 502 and the outer tub 23 ; and a second steam supply pipe 502 b connecting the steam generating device 502 and the care machine 3 .

[0767] The steam generating device 502 may be disposed in the heating device 50. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 may be ejected into the interior of the outer tub 23 through the third steam supply pipe 502c. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 may be ejected into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 through the second steam supply pipe 502b.

[0768] The second steam supply pipe 502 b may extend laterally from the steam generating device 502 and be connected to the care machine 3 .

[0769] The third steam supply pipe 502 c may extend upward from the steam generating device 502 and be connected to the outer tub 23 .

[0770] The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 flows toward each of the second drum 24 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by the air supply force formed by the fan 60. That is, the fan 60 can pressurize the steam generated in the steam generating device 502 and make it flow toward the second drum 24 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3.

[0771] Each of the second steam supply pipe 502b and the third steam supply pipe 502c can be configured with a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of steam. The controller 81 can adjust the amount of steam supplied to each of the second drum 24 and the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3 by adjusting the opening of the valve (not shown).

[0772] The laundry processing apparatus C may include a second steam generating device 506 disposed inside the dryer 1. The laundry processing apparatus C may include a plurality of steam generating devices 502 and 506. The steam generating device 502 disposed in the heating device 50 may be referred to as a "first steam generating device," and the steam generating device 506 disposed inside the dryer 1 may be referred to as a "second steam generating device."

[0773] The laundry treating apparatus C may include: a first steam supply pipe 506 a connecting the second steam generating device 506 and the first drum 13 ; and a fourth steam supply pipe 506 b connecting the second steam generating device 506 and the care machine 3 .

[0774] The second steam generating device 506 may be disposed in the first housing 10. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 may be ejected into the first drum 13 via the first steam supply pipe 506a. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 may be ejected into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the fourth steam supply pipe 506b.

[0775] The fourth steam supply pipe 506 b may extend laterally from the second steam generating device 506 and be connected to the nursing machine 3 .

[0776] Each of the first steam supply pipe 506a and the fourth steam supply pipe 506b can be configured with a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of steam. The controller 81 can adjust the amount of steam supplied to each of the first drum 13 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by adjusting the opening of the valve (not shown).

[0777] Reference Figure 28 The condensed water generated in the heating device 50 can be stored inside the drawer 14 .

[0778] A separation space 55 may be formed between the substrate 575 and the first upper panel 103 .

[0779] The second side panels 205 and 206 may include first protrusions 205a and 206a that protrude downward. The second outer side wall 205 may include a first outer protrusion 205a that protrudes downward. The second inner side wall 106 may include a first inner protrusion 206a that protrudes downward. The first protrusions 205a and 206a may protrude downward from the lower ends of the second side panels 205 and 206.

[0780] The first housing 10 may include a first groove 103a into which the first protrusions 205a and 206a are inserted. The first groove 103a may be formed in the first upper panel 103. The first groove 103a may be formed at a position corresponding to the first protrusions 205a and 206a.

[0781] Support plates 276 and 277 may include second protrusions 576a and 577a that protrude downward. First support plate 276 may include a second outer protrusion 576a that protrudes downward. Second support plate 577 may include a second inner protrusion 577a that protrudes downward. Second protrusions 576a and 577a may protrude downward from the lower ends of support plates 576 and 577.

[0782] The first housing 10 may include a second groove 103b into which the second protrusions 576a and 577a are inserted. The second groove 103b may be formed in the first upper panel 103. The second groove 103b may be formed at a position corresponding to the second protrusions 576a and 577a.

[0783] The first protrusions 205a, 206a and the second protrusions 576a, 577a may be referred to as “protrusions.” The first groove 103a and the second groove 103b may be referred to as “grooves.”

[0784] By inserting the protrusions 205a, 206a, 576a, 577a into the grooves 103a, 103b, the first case 10 and the second case 20 can be combined.

[0785] The first air supply duct 43 may protrude downward toward the first upper panel 103. The first air supply duct 43 may include a first connecting duct 43a extending downward from the air supply duct 420 and a second connecting duct 43b connected to the first drum 13.

[0786] The first connecting pipe 43 a may be disposed in the partition space 55 .

[0787] The second connection duct 43b may extend downward from the first upper panel 103 and be connected to the first drum 13. The second connection duct 43b may be formed with a first insertion port 43s into which the first connection duct 43a is inserted.

[0788] The first connecting pipe 43a can be inserted into the first insertion port 43s and fixed to the second connecting pipe 43b.

[0789] The first inflow port 421 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44 and may be disposed in the partition space 55 .

[0790] The first inflow port 421 may be inserted into a second insertion port 41 s formed inside the first exhaust duct 41 and fixed to the first exhaust duct 41 .

[0791] When assembling the first and second housings 10 and 20 , the first connecting pipe 43 a and the first inflow port 421 are respectively inserted into and fixed to the first and second insertion ports 43 s and 41 s , thereby facilitating assembly and alignment of the first and second housings 10 and 20 .

[0792] The drawer 14 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 and may be disposed on the lower side of the first upper panel 103 .

[0793] The drawer 14 may be disposed in front of the first rear panel 102 and may be closer to the front than the first air supply duct 43. Since the drawer 14 is closer to the front than the first air supply duct 43, interference between the first air supply duct 43 and the drawer 14 may be avoided.

[0794] The drawer 14 can be positioned below the first exhaust duct 41. Since the drawer 14 is positioned below the first exhaust duct 41, interference between the first exhaust duct 41 and the drawer 14 can be avoided. The first exhaust duct 41 can extend upward from the first drum 13 and bypass one side of the drawer 14 to avoid interference with the drawer 14. The first exhaust duct 41 can extend in a curved manner in the vertical direction and can extend in the vertical direction outside the drawer 14.

[0795] The first exhaust duct 41 may include a port insertion portion 41a coupled to the first inflow port 421. The port insertion portion 41a may be connected to the first upper panel 103. The port insertion portion 41a may be disposed at an upper side higher than the drawer 14.

[0796] A detergent supply device 15 may be disposed on one side of the drawer 14 . The detergent supply device 15 may be horizontally spaced from the drawer 14 . The detergent supply device 15 may be disposed on the lower side of the first upper panel 103 and may be disposed inside the first housing 10 .

[0797] The detergent supply device 15 is connected to the detergent pump 152 via a detergent supply pipe 153. The detergent supply device 15 is connected to a third water supply pipe 275 branching from the first water supply pipe 271. The detergent stored in the detergent supply device 15 can be dissolved in the water supplied through the third water supply pipe 275. When the detergent pump 152 is driven, the detergent stored in the detergent supply device 15 can flow into the detergent pump 152 through the detergent supply pipe 153. The detergent pump 152 can be connected to the detergent tank 28 of the washing machine 2 via a detergent delivery pipe 154. The detergent pump 152 can squeeze the detergent flowing into the detergent pump 152 into the detergent tank 28 through the detergent delivery pipe 154.

[0798] The second housing 20 may include a first exhaust hole 579, through which the exhaust pipe 532 extends. The first housing 10 may include a second exhaust hole 103c, through which the exhaust pipe 532 extends. The first exhaust hole 579 may open vertically in a boss protruding downward from the base plate 575. The second exhaust hole 103c may open vertically in the first upper panel 103.

[0799] The drain pipe 532 may extend downward from the drain pan 531 and pass through the first drain hole 579. The drain pipe 532 passing through the first drain hole 579 may extend downward and pass through the second drain hole 103c. The drain pipe 532 passing through the second drain hole 103c may extend toward the interior space 148 of the drawer 14.

[0800] The exhaust pipe 532 passing through the first exhaust hole 579 can be arranged adjacent to the dehumidification duct 46 to perform heat exchange with the air flowing in the dehumidification duct 46. The exhaust pipe 532 can be in contact with the dehumidification duct 46. However, the exhaust pipe 532 can be separated from the dehumidification duct 46 and an additional heat transfer member (not shown) can be arranged between the exhaust pipe 532 and the dehumidification duct 46. The exhaust pipe 532 can be in contact with the dehumidification duct 46 after passing through the first exhaust hole 579. The exhaust pipe 532 can pass through the second exhaust hole 103c after contacting the dehumidification duct 46. The condensed water inside the exhaust pipe 532 can be heat exchanged with the air flowing in the dehumidification duct 46 after passing through the first exhaust hole 579. The air flowing in the dehumidification duct 46 can be cooled by heat exchange with the condensed water inside the exhaust pipe 532.

[0801] Reference Figure 29 The heating device 50 can be arranged between the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, and can supply hot air to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3.

[0802] The second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 for circulating hot air in the nursing machine 3 may be arranged at the rear of the third housing 30 .

[0803] The second air supply duct 45 and the second air exhaust duct 44 may be located further rearward than the third rear panel 302 .

[0804] The second air supply duct 45 may extend downward from the heating device 50 and be connected to the air supply port 308 .

[0805] The second air supply duct 45 may face the first inner sidewall 106 of the dryer 1. The second air supply duct 45 may be arranged in parallel with the first inner sidewall 106.

[0806] The first hot air duct 451 may include a first connection portion 451 a connected to the heating device 50 , a first extension portion 451 b extending downward from the first connection portion 451 a , and a second connection portion 451 c connected to the second hot air duct 452 .

[0807] The first connection portion 451a may pass through the second inner wall 206 of the second housing 20. The first connection portion 451a may be connected to the air supply duct 420, and the air blown by the fan 60 may flow into the air supply duct. The first connection portion 451a may extend from the heating device 50 in a horizontal direction.

[0808] The first extension portion 451b may be bent downward from the first connection portion 451a. The first extension portion 451b may extend downward from one end of the first connection portion 451a. The first extension portion 451b may face the first inner sidewall 106 of the dryer 1 and may be arranged parallel to the first inner sidewall 106.

[0809] The second connection portion 451c may be coupled to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The second connection portion 451c may be coupled to the second hot air duct 452. The second connection portion 451c may extend from the first extension portion 451b in the front-to-rear direction.

[0810] The second exhaust duct 44 may include a third connection portion 441 connected to the exhaust port 309 , a second extension portion 442 extending downward from the third connection portion 441 , and a fourth connection portion 443 connected to the heating device 50 .

[0811] The third connection portion 441 can be coupled to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The third connection portion 441 can communicate with the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3, allowing air circulating within the nursing machine 3 to flow into the interior space 33. The third connection portion 441 can extend rearward from the third housing 30. The location where the third connection portion 441 connects to the third housing 30 can be located between the third upper panel 303 and the hanger 36.

[0812] The second extension portion 442 may be bent downward from the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may extend downward from the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may extend downward from one end of the third connection portion 441. The second extension portion 442 may face the second inner sidewall 206 of the washing machine 2 and may be arranged parallel to the second inner sidewall 206.

[0813] The fourth connection portion 443 may extend into the partition space 55. The fourth connection portion 443 may extend in the left-right direction from the second extension portion 442. The fourth connection portion 443 may be connected to the heating device 50 in the partition space 55.

[0814] Reference Figure 30 In another aspect of the present invention, a clothes treating device C′ may include a drying machine 1 , a care machine 3 and a heating device 50 .

[0815] The laundry treating apparatus C' according to another aspect of the present invention may not include a washing machine.

[0816] The heating device 50 may be arranged on the upper side of the dryer 1. The heating device 50 may be arranged on the side of the care machine 3.

[0817] The heating device 50 may include a cover 573 disposed on an upper side of the heat exchange channel 42. The cover 573 may form a top surface of the heating device 50.

[0818] The cover 573 may shield the upper portion of the heat exchange channel 42. The cover 573 may be disposed on the upper side of the condenser 52 and the evaporator 53.

[0819] The user can detach the cover 573 from the heating device 50. When the user detaches the cover 573, the condenser 52, evaporator 53, and fan 60 are exposed to the outside. The user can then clean the exposed condenser 52, evaporator 53, and fan 60. That is, since no other structures are located above the heating device 50, the cover 573 can be detached to clean the internal structures of the heating device 50.

[0820] Below, refer to Figures 31 to 36 , illustrating another aspect of the clothing processing apparatus D, D' of the present invention.

[0821] Reference Figure 31 In the laundry processing device D, the dryer 1 may be disposed above the washing machine 2, and the heating device 50 may be disposed below the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 may be disposed below the outer tub 23.

[0822] The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the second housing 20. The heating device 50 may be disposed at a lower portion of the interior space of the second housing 20.

[0823] The drain pump 26 may be disposed inside the machine room S. The drain pump 26 may be disposed inside the housing 570 of the heating device 50 (see Figure 33 ).

[0824] The condensed water contained in the drain pan 531 is drained by the drain pump 26 and may be drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus D through the second drain pipe 262 .

[0825] Reference Figure 32 The clothing processing device D includes a pipe system connecting a drying machine 1 , a washing machine 2 , a care machine 3 and a heating device 50 .

[0826] The air supply duct 420 may include a first outlet port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43. The air supply duct 420 may include a second outlet port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45. The air supply duct 420 may include a third outlet port 426 connected to the third air supply duct 48. The air supply duct 420 may include a fourth outlet port 428 connected to the dehumidification duct 46.

[0827] The first outlet port 425 may protrude downward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first outlet port 425 .

[0828] The second discharge port 427 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420 . The second air supply duct 45 may connect the air supply port 308 and the second discharge port 427 .

[0829] The third discharge port 426 may protrude upward from the air supply duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third discharge port 426 .

[0830] The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to the second discharge port 427. The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428.

[0831] Hot air flowing into the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43 dries the laundry inside and then flows into the heat exchange passage 42 via the first exhaust duct 41. The first drum 13 may include a front cover 131 disposed at the front side and a rear cover 132 disposed at the rear side. The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the rear cover 132, and the first exhaust duct 41 may be connected to the front cover 131.

[0832] The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange passage 42. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend downward from the first drum 13 to connect to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0833] The motor 133 for rotating the first drum 13 may be disposed on the upper side of the second housing 20. The motor 133 may be disposed on one side of the first exhaust duct 41. The motor 133 may be disposed parallel to the first exhaust duct 41 in a horizontal direction.

[0834] The first exhaust duct 41 may be bent in the horizontal direction after extending downward from the first drum 13. The first exhaust duct 41 may be disposed below the first drum 13. A portion of the first exhaust duct 41 may extend horizontally inside the first housing 10.

[0835] A space for accommodating a portion of the first exhaust duct 41 and the motor 133 may be formed at the lower side of the first drum 13. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend horizontally at the lower side of the first drum 13 and then be exposed to the outside of the first housing 10.

[0836] A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0837] The first exhaust duct 41 may include a first duct section 411 between the heating device 50 and the second housing 20. The first duct section 411 may be disposed between the base plate 575 and the second lower panel 204 of the second housing 20. The first duct section 411 may extend in the front-rear direction through the partition space 55.

[0838] The laundry processing device D may include a first on-off valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may adjust the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may also shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. When hot air is not supplied to the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43, the first on-off valve 41a may shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41.

[0839] The hot air flowing into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45 can then flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 after drying the clothes contained in the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 can pass through the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 can connect the heat exchange channel 42 and the air supply port 308. The second exhaust duct 44 can pass through the third inner sidewall 306.

[0840] The second exhaust duct 44 can connect the nursing machine 3 and the heat exchange channel 42. The second exhaust duct 44 can connect the exhaust port 309 and the heat exchange channel 42. The second exhaust duct 44 can extend sideways from the lower portion of the third housing 30 and connect to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0841] A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the first exhaust duct 41. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the first duct section 411.

[0842] The second inlet port 422 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the first exhaust duct 41. The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the exhaust port 309 and the second inlet port 422. The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the exhaust port 309 and the first exhaust duct 41. The air in the second exhaust duct 44 may merge with the air in the first exhaust duct 41 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0843] The laundry processing device D may include a second on-off valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may adjust the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a may also cut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. When hot air is not supplied to the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45, the second on-off valve 44a may cut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44.

[0844] The hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third air exhaust duct 47 after drying the clothes contained in the outer tub 23 .

[0845] The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the heat exchange channel 42. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend from the upper portion of the outer tub 23 to the lower side and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0846] A third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend upward from the heat exchange channel 42. The third inlet port 424 may extend upward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0847] The laundry processing device D may include a third on-off valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may adjust the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may also cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. When hot air is not supplied to the outer tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48, the third on-off valve 47a may cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47.

[0848] The external air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from a side of the first exhaust duct 41. The external air inlet port 423 may connect the indoor space with the first exhaust duct 41. Air in the external air inlet port 423 merges with the air in the first exhaust duct 41 and flows into the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may include an external air inlet 49 that opens forward. Air flowing in through the external air inlet 49 may merge with the air in the first exhaust duct 41 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0849] Reference Figure 33 , the drain pump 26 can be configured inside the heating device 50.

[0850] The drain pump 26 can be arranged inside the heating device 50. The drain pump 26 can be arranged inside the machine chamber S. The drain pump 26 can be arranged inside the second box body 20. In the case where the machine chamber S is arranged inside the second box body 20, the drain pump 26 can be arranged in the machine chamber S which is part of the internal space of the second box body 20. The drain pump 26 can be arranged between the cover 573 and the base plate 575. The drain pump 26 can be arranged on the lower side of the outer tub 23, and can be arranged at the same height as the evaporator 53 or at a position lower than the evaporator 53.

[0851] The cover 573 may include a downwardly protruding shielding wall 573a. The shielding wall 573a may separate the space for the drain pump 26 from the heat exchange passage 42. The shielding wall 573a may block the flow of air within the heat exchange passage 42 to the drain pump 26. The shielding wall 573a may be connected to the second side wall 572 and the front wall 574. The drain pump 26 may be located on one side of the shielding wall 573a, and the heat exchange passage 42 may be located on the other side of the shielding wall 573a. The exhaust pipe 532 may extend through the shielding wall 573a and connect to the drain pump 26.

[0852] The drain pump 26 may be connected to the drain pan 531 via a drain pipe 532. The drain pump 26 may drain condensed water flowing in through the drain pipe 532 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus D through the second drain pipe 262. The drain pump 26 may drain water flowing into the outer tub 23 through the first drain pipe 261 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus D through the second drain pipe 262.

[0853] The drain pump 26 may cool the hot air in the second air supply duct 45 using the condensed water flowing in through the discharge pipe 532 .

[0854] The drain pump 26 may include a cooling water supply pipe 265 through which the water flowing into the drain pump 26 flows out, and a cooling water recovery pipe 268 through which the water flowing out through the cooling water supply pipe 265 flows into the drain pump 26 .

[0855] The water in the outer tub 23 and the condensed water in the drain pan 531 can flow into the drain pump 26, where it can be squeezed and discharged into the cooling water supply pipe 265. The cooling water supply pipe 265 can be equipped with a flow control valve 266 to adjust the flow rate of water discharged through the cooling water supply pipe 265. The flow control valve 266 can be electrically connected to the controller 81. The controller 81 can adjust the flow rate of water discharged through the cooling water supply pipe 265 by adjusting the opening of the flow control valve 266.

[0856] The cooling water supply pipe 265 may include a heat exchange portion 267 for performing heat exchange with the second air supply pipe 45. The cooling water supply pipe 265 may be configured to extend from the drain pump 26 toward the second air supply pipe 45 and surround the second air supply pipe 45. The portion of the cooling water supply pipe 265 that surrounds the second air supply pipe 45 may be defined as the heat exchange portion 267. The cooling water supply pipe 265 may be in contact with the second air supply pipe 45 or may surround the second air supply pipe 45. In addition, the cooling water supply pipe 265 may be arranged adjacent to the second air supply pipe 45, and an additional heat exchange member (not shown) may be arranged between the cooling water supply pipe 265 and the second air supply pipe 45.

[0857] The heat exchange portion 267 may be configured to surround the second hot air duct 452. After surrounding the second hot air duct 452, the heat exchange portion 267 may extend across the first hot air duct 451 toward the drain pump 26. Water flowing within the heat exchange portion 267 may exchange heat with the hot air flowing within the second air supply duct 45, thereby cooling the hot air.

[0858] The water flowing through the cooling water supply pipe 265 can flow into the drain pump 26 through the cooling water recovery pipe 268. The water that has undergone heat exchange with the hot air inside the second air supply pipe 45 in the heat exchange section 267 can flow into the drain pump 26 through the cooling water recovery pipe 268. The cooling water supply pipe 265, the heat exchange section 267, and the cooling water recovery pipe 268 can be integrated. A check valve 269 can be provided in the cooling water recovery pipe 268 to prevent water from flowing back. The check valve 269 can prevent the water inside the drain pump 26 from flowing back to the heat exchange section 267 through the cooling water recovery pipe 268. Therefore, the water flowing into the drain pump 26 can be discharged to the cooling water supply pipe 265 and recovered to the drain pump 26 through the cooling water recovery pipe 268, thereby preventing the water from flowing in the reverse direction.

[0859] Water flowing into the drain pump 26 through the cooling water recovery pipe 268 may be drained outside the laundry treatment apparatus D through the second drain pipe 262 . Water used to cool the second air supply pipe 45 may be drained outside the laundry treatment apparatus D through the drain pump 26 .

[0860] The cooling structure utilizing the drain pump 26 and cooling water supply pipe 265 described above can also be applied to cooling the dehumidification duct 46. The cooling water supply pipe 265 can extend from the drain pump 26 and surround the dehumidification duct 46, and can include a heat exchange portion 267. The water flowing in the heat exchange portion 267 can cool the hot air in the dehumidification duct 46. After cooling the hot air in the dehumidification duct 46, the water can be recovered to the drain pump 26 via the cooling water recovery pipe 268.

[0861] The detailed description of the cooling method of the dehumidification duct 46 can be similarly applied to the description of the cooling method of the second air supply duct 45 .

[0862] At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 may be disposed adjacent to the second air supply pipe 45. The second drain pipe 262 may extend from the drain pump 26 to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus D, and a portion of the extended portion may perform heat exchange with the second air supply pipe 45. At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 may surround the second air supply pipe 45 or may be in contact with the second air supply pipe 45. Water flowing in the second drain pipe 262 may cool the hot air inside the second air supply pipe 45. At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 may be disposed adjacent to the second air supply pipe 45, and an additional heat transfer member (not shown) may be disposed between the second drain pipe 262 and the second air supply pipe 45.

[0863] At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 can be positioned adjacent to the dehumidification duct 46. The second drain pipe 262 can extend from the drain pump 26 to the exterior of the laundry processing apparatus D, and a portion of the extended portion can be positioned adjacent to the dehumidification duct 46. At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 can surround the dehumidification duct 46 or can be in contact with the dehumidification duct 46. The water flowing in the second drain pipe 262 can cool the hot air inside the dehumidification duct 46. At least a portion of the second drain pipe 262 can be positioned adjacent to the dehumidification duct 46, and an additional heat transfer member (not shown) can be positioned between the second drain pipe 262 and the dehumidification duct 46.

[0864] The hot air flowing through the second air supply duct 45 and the dehumidification duct 46 can be cooled by selectively using either the cooling water supply pipe 265 (hereinafter referred to as the "first method") or the second drain pipe 262 (hereinafter referred to as the "second method"). However, in the laundry processing apparatus D of the present invention, both the first and second methods can be used simultaneously to cool the hot air flowing through the second air supply duct 45 and the dehumidification duct 46.

[0865] The clothes treating apparatus D may include a circulation pipe 263 connected to the drain pump 26 to spray the condensed water flowing into the drain pump 26 through the discharge pipe 532 toward the evaporator 53 .

[0866] The circulation pipe 263 may extend from the drain pump 26 toward the evaporator 53. The drain pump 26 may discharge condensed water flowing in through the discharge pipe 532 to the circulation pipe 263. In addition, the drain pump 26 may also discharge water flowing into the outer tub 23 through the first drain pipe 261 to the circulation pipe 263.

[0867] A nozzle 264 may be provided at one end of the circulation pipe 263 . The nozzle 264 may be provided to face the evaporator 53 . Condensed water flowing through the circulation pipe 263 may be sprayed to the evaporator 53 through the nozzle 264 .

[0868] The condensed water sprayed onto the evaporator 53 may be collected in the drain pan 531 after cleaning the surface of the evaporator 53. The condensed water collected in the drain pan 531 may flow back into the drain pump 26 through the discharge pipe 532.

[0869] The laundry treating apparatus D may include a valve 263a disposed on the circulation pipe 263. The valve 263a may be electrically connected to the controller 81. The controller 81 may adjust the opening of the valve 263a.

[0870] The laundry processing apparatus D can clean the evaporator 53 using the circulation pipe 263 and the nozzle 264. In addition, the condensed water used for cleaning can be easily discharged to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus D through the drain pan 531 and the drain pipe 532. As described above, the cleaning method using condensed water can also be applied to the cleaning of the condenser 52.

[0871] Reference Figure 34 The heating device 50 can supply hot air to each of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3.

[0872] The second air supply duct 45 for circulating hot air in the nursing machine 3 may be disposed at the rear of the third housing 30. The second exhaust duct 44 may be disposed at the lower side of the inner panel 34.

[0873] The second air supply duct 45 may be located further rearward than the third rear panel 302 .

[0874] The second air supply duct 45 may extend laterally from the heating device 50 and be connected to the air supply port 308 .

[0875] The second air supply duct 45 may penetrate the second inner sidewall 206 of the washing machine 2. The second air supply duct 45 may penetrate the second inner sidewall 206 and extend to the inside of the rear housing 310.

[0876] The first hot air duct 451 may pass through the second inner wall 206 of the second housing 20. The first hot air duct 451 may be connected to the air supply duct 420, and the air blown by the fan 60 may flow into the first hot air duct 451. The first hot air duct 451 may extend horizontally from the heating device 50.

[0877] The second hot air duct 452 can be bent upward from the first hot air duct 451. The second hot air duct 452 can extend upward from one end of the first hot air duct 451. The second hot air duct 452 can be disposed in the storage space 35 of the nursing machine 3 or on the lower side of the inner panel 34.

[0878] A third rear panel 302 may be provided between the second hot air duct 452 and the first hot air duct 451 .

[0879] The air supply port 308, which supplies hot air to the interior space 33 of the care machine 3, can be located at the bottom of the care machine 3. Since the heating device 50 and the air supply port 308 are located at the bottom of the laundry processing device D, the length of the second air supply duct 45 connecting the heating device 50 and the air supply port 308 can be shortened. This minimizes heat loss during the passage of air heated by the heating device 50 to the air supply port 308. Furthermore, since the hot air supplied from the heating device 50 is discharged into the interior space 33 through the air supply port 308 located at the bottom of the care machine 3, the hot air can be evenly distributed throughout the upper portion of the care machine 3.

[0880] The second exhaust duct 44 may be disposed on the lower side of the inner panel 34 . The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the exhaust port 309 formed in the inner panel 34 .

[0881] The second exhaust duct 44 may extend in the left-right direction and be connected to the heating device 50. The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the first exhaust duct 41. The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the support plate 577 and be connected to the first exhaust duct 41.

[0882] The first air supply duct 43 may extend upward from the heating device 50. The first air supply duct 43 may be coupled to the air supply duct 420. The first air supply duct 43 may face the second rear panel 202. The first air supply duct 43 may extend upward from the air supply duct 420, penetrate the first rear panel 102, and connect to the first drum 13. The first drum 13 may receive hot air heated in the heating device 50 through the first air supply duct 43.

[0883] The first air supply duct 43 may include a first air supply portion 431 connected to the heating device 50 , a second air supply portion 432 extending upward from the first air supply portion 431 , and a third air supply portion 433 connected to the first drum 13 .

[0884] The first air supply part 431 may be combined with the air supply duct 420. The first air supply part 431 may be disposed in the partition space 55.

[0885] The second air supply portion 432 may extend upward from an end portion of the first air supply portion 431 . The second air supply portion 432 may face the second rear panel 202 and the first rear panel 102 .

[0886] The third air supply portion 433 may extend forward from the upper end of the second air supply portion 432. The third air supply portion 433 may penetrate the first rear panel 102 and be coupled to the first drum 13. The third air supply portion 433 may be coupled to the rear cover 132.

[0887] The first exhaust duct 41 may extend from the first drum 13 to penetrate the first inner sidewall 106 .

[0888] The first exhaust duct 41 may include a first exhaust portion 41a penetrating the first inner wall 106 and connected to the first drum 13; a second exhaust portion 41b extending downward from the first exhaust portion 41a; and a third exhaust portion 41c bending from the second exhaust portion 41b and extending laterally.

[0889] The first exhaust portion 41 a may extend horizontally through the first inner wall 106 , and may extend in the front-to-back direction inside the first housing 10 and be coupled to the front cover 131 .

[0890] The second exhaust portion 41 b may extend downward from the first exhaust portion 41 a and may face the second inner sidewall 206 .

[0891] The third exhaust portion 41c may be bent laterally from the second exhaust portion 41b and connected to the first duct section 411. The third exhaust portion 41c may penetrate the support plate 577 and connect to the first duct section 411. However, the third exhaust portion 41c may also include the first duct section 411.

[0892] The second exhaust duct 44 may penetrate the support plate 577. The second air supply duct 45 may penetrate the second inner sidewall 206.

[0893] The fan 60 can be positioned closer to the second inner sidewall 206 than the second outer sidewall 205. The fan 60 can be positioned adjacent to the nursing machine 3. The fan 60 can be positioned closer to the second rear panel 202 than the second front panel 201. The fan 60 can be positioned further rearward than the third rear panel 302 of the nursing machine 3. The fan 60 can be positioned between the outer tub 23 and the second lower panel 204. The fan 60 can be positioned between the base plate 575 and the outer tub 23.

[0894] The switching device 70 for regulating the air supplied to the first air supply duct 43, the second air supply duct 45, and the third air supply duct 48 can be located at a height corresponding to the lower portion of the nursing machine 3. The switching device 70 can be disposed on the lower side of the outer tub 23. The switching device 70 can be disposed between the outer tub 23 and the second lower panel 204. The switching device 70 can be disposed between the outer tub 23 and the base plate 575.

[0895] The above-described arrangement minimizes the lengths of the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45. Specifically, by arranging the fan 60 and the switching device 70 adjacent to both the first drum 13 and the treatment machine 3, the lengths of the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45 can be minimized. Consequently, heat loss during the passage of air heated by the heating device 50 through the first and second air supply ducts 43, 45 can be reduced.

[0896] The laundry processing device D may include steam generators 502 and 506. The steam generator 502 disposed inside the heating device 50 may be referred to as a "first steam generator." The steam generator 506 disposed inside the drying machine 1 may be referred to as a "second steam generator."

[0897] The steam generating device 502 can be connected to the outer drum 23 via a third steam supply pipe 502c. The steam generating device 502 can be connected to the nursing machine 3 via a second steam supply pipe 502b. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be supplied to the interior of the second drum 24 via the third steam supply pipe 502c. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can be supplied to the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the second steam supply pipe 502b.

[0898] The steam generating device 502 may be disposed adjacent to the fan 60. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 may be supplied to the second drum 24 and / or the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by the air supply force of the fan 60.

[0899] The above configuration minimizes the length of the second and third steam supply pipes 502b, 502c. Specifically, by arranging the fan 60 and the steam generator 502 adjacent to both the second drum 24 and the nursing machine 3, the lengths of the second and third steam supply pipes 502b, 502c can be minimized. This prevents steam generated by the steam generator 502 from being lost while flowing through the second and third steam supply pipes 502b, 502c.

[0900] The laundry treatment device D may include a second steam generating device 506. The second steam generating device 506 may generate steam by heating water. The second steam generating device 506 may be disposed inside the first housing 10. The second steam generating device 506 may be connected to the water supply pipes 278 and 279. The second steam generating device 506 may receive water through the water supply pipes 278 and 279.

[0901] The second steam generating device 506 can be connected to the first drum 13 via a first steam supply pipe 506a. The second steam generating device 506 can be connected to the nursing machine 3 via a fourth steam supply pipe 506b. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 can be supplied to the interior of the first drum 13 via the first steam supply pipe 506a. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 can be supplied to the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the fourth steam supply pipe 506b.

[0902] The fourth steam supply pipe 506b may be connected to the upper portion of the nursing machine 3. The steam flowing into the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3 through the fourth steam supply pipe 506b may be uniformly diffused downward.

[0903] The second steam generating device 506 may be disposed closer to the first inner sidewall 106 than to the first outer sidewall 105. The second steam generating device 506 may be disposed closer to the first rear panel 102 than to the first front panel 101.

[0904] The above-described arrangement minimizes the lengths of the first and fourth steam supply pipes 506a, 506b. Specifically, by arranging the second steam generator 506 adjacent to both the first drum 13 and the nursing machine 3, the lengths of the first and fourth steam supply pipes 506a, 506b can be minimized. This prevents steam generated by the second steam generator 506 from being lost as it flows through the first and fourth steam supply pipes 506a, 506b.

[0905] Reference Figure 35 , the heating device 50 can be connected to the pipeline system.

[0906] The base plate 575 of the heating device 50 may be located at an upper side higher than the second lower panel 204. A partition space 55 may be formed at a lower side of the base plate 575.

[0907] A separation space 55 may be formed between the first support plate 576 and the second support plate 577 .

[0908] The clothes treating apparatus D may include an auxiliary panel 58 and a second lower panel 204 .

[0909] The auxiliary panel 58 may shield the rear side of the partitioned space 55. The auxiliary panel 58 may be combined with the second rear panel 202 and the second side panels 205,206.

[0910] The auxiliary panel 58 may include a duct through-hole 58 a through which the first air supply duct 43 passes.

[0911] A portion of the first air supply duct 43 may be disposed in the partitioned space 55. A portion of the first air supply portion 431 may be disposed in the partitioned space 55.

[0912] The first air supply portion 431 may include a connecting portion 431 a connected to the air supply duct 420 , and an extending portion 431 b extending rearward from the connecting portion 431 a .

[0913] The connection portion 431a may extend in the up-down direction, extend downward from the air supply duct 420, or extend downward from the first outlet port 425.

[0914] The extension portion 431b may extend rearward from the lower end portion of the connection portion 431a. The extension portion 431b may penetrate the duct through-hole 58a and extend rearward.

[0915] The second air supply portion 432 may extend upward from the rear end portion of the extension portion 431 b . The second air supply portion 432 may extend upward from a position further rearward than the auxiliary panel 58 .

[0916] The second lower panel 204 may shield the lower side of the partitioned space 55. The second lower panel 204 may be combined with the support plates 576, 577 and the auxiliary panel 58.

[0917] The first support plate 576 may include a first protrusion 576a protruding downward. The second support plate 577 may include a second protrusion 577a protruding downward. The first protrusion 576a and the second protrusion 577a may be referred to as "protrusions."

[0918] The second lower panel 204 may include a groove 204a into which the protrusions 576a and 577a are inserted. The groove 204a may be recessed from the top surface of the second lower panel 204 to the bottom.

[0919] The second lower panel 204 may be combined with the heating device 50 by inserting the protrusions 576 a and 577 a into the groove 204 a.

[0920] The dehumidification duct 46 and the first exhaust duct 41 may be disposed in the partitioned space 55. The first exhaust duct 41 in the partitioned space 55 may be defined as a first duct section 411, and the dehumidification duct 46 in the partitioned space 55 may be defined as a second duct section 461.

[0921] The dehumidification duct 46 may extend in the front-to-back direction. A hot air outlet 462 may be formed at the front side of the dehumidification flow path 46. The air heated in the heating device 50 may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to the indoor space through the dehumidification duct 46.

[0922] The first exhaust duct 41 may extend in the front-rear direction. An external air inlet port 423 may be formed at the front side of the first exhaust duct 41. Air in the indoor space may flow into the first exhaust duct 41 through the external air inlet port 423.

[0923] The second exhaust duct 44 can extend horizontally and can extend within the partitioned space 55. The second exhaust duct 44 can penetrate the third inner sidewall 306 and the second support plate 577. The second exhaust duct 44 can be connected to the first exhaust duct 41 within the partitioned space 55. The air in the second exhaust duct 44 can merge with the air in the first exhaust duct 41 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0924] Reference Figure 36 The heating device 50 of the clothes treating device D′ may be connected to the dryer 1 through the air supply duct 430 and the air exhaust duct 410 .

[0925] The first air supply duct 430 may branch off from the second air supply duct 450. The first air supply duct 430 may branch off from the second air supply duct 450 and not be directly connected to the heating device 50. In the case where the first air supply duct 430 branches off from the second air supply duct 450, the first outlet port 425 may not be formed. The first air supply duct 430 may extend upward from the first hot air duct 451. The first air supply duct 430 may branch off from the first hot air duct 451.

[0926] The first exhaust duct 410 may be merged with the second exhaust duct 440. The first exhaust duct 410 may be merged with the second exhaust duct 440 without being directly connected to the heating device 50.

[0927] The first air supply duct 430 may include a first air supply portion 436 coupled with the second air supply duct 450 and a second air supply portion 437 connected with the first drum 13 .

[0928] The first air supply portion 436 may extend upward from the second air supply duct 450. The first air supply portion 436 may be located further rearward than the third rear panel 302. The first air supply portion 436 may face the second side panel 206.

[0929] The second air supply portion 437 may extend laterally from the upper end of the first air supply portion 436. The second air supply portion 437 may extend into the interior of the first housing 10. The second air supply portion 437 may be coupled to the rear cover 132 of the first drum 13.

[0930] The clothes treating apparatus D′ may include a regulating valve 453 , which may be disposed at a position where the first air supply duct 430 branches off from the second air supply duct 450 .

[0931] The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the second air supply duct 450. The regulating valve 453 can also adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the first hot air duct 451. The regulating valve 453 can open and close the second hot air duct 452 and the first air supply duct 430. The regulating valve 453 can open only one of the second hot air duct 452 and the first air supply duct 430. The regulating valve 453 can also open both the second hot air duct 452 and the first air supply duct 430. The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow rate of air supplied to the second hot air duct 452 and the first air supply duct 430. The regulating valve 453 can distribute the air blown by the fan 60 into the second hot air duct 450 to the second hot air duct 452 and the first air supply duct 430.

[0932] The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 450 to the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 450 to the first drum 13.

[0933] The first exhaust duct 410 may merge with the second exhaust duct 440 through the rear of the nursing machine 3. Specifically, the first exhaust duct 410 may extend inside the rear housing 310. The first exhaust duct 410 may penetrate the third rear panel 302 and merge with the second exhaust duct 440. Air flowing out of the first drum 13 flows through the first exhaust duct 410 and merges with air flowing in the second exhaust duct 440.

[0934] The first exhaust duct 410 may include a first exhaust portion 413 connected to the first drum 13 , a second exhaust portion 414 extending downward from the first exhaust portion 413 , and a third exhaust portion 415 combined with the second exhaust duct 440 .

[0935] A portion of the first exhaust portion 413 may be disposed within the first housing 10. The first exhaust portion 413 may be coupled to the first roller 13. A portion of the first exhaust portion 413 may extend in the front-to-back direction within the first housing 10. The first exhaust portion 413 may extend through the first inner sidewall 106 and into the interior of the rear housing 310. The first exhaust portion 413 may extend horizontally behind the third rear panel 302.

[0936] The second exhaust portion 414 may extend downward from an end portion of the first exhaust portion 413. The second exhaust portion 414 may face the third rear panel 302. The second exhaust portion 414 may be disposed inside the rear housing 310.

[0937] The third exhaust portion 415 may extend forward from a lower end portion of the second exhaust portion 414. The third exhaust portion 415 may extend forward through the third rear panel 302. The third exhaust portion 415 may merge with the second exhaust duct 440.

[0938] However, the structure of the air supply pipe and the exhaust pipe connected to the dryer 1 and the nursing machine 3 is not limited to the above structure. Figure 34 The structure is provided with an air supply pipe, such as Figure 36 The exhaust duct can be set in the following structure. Figure 36 The structure is provided with an air supply pipe, such as Figure 34 The exhaust duct is arranged in the structure.

[0939] Below, refer to Figures 37 to 44 , illustrating another aspect of the clothing processing apparatus E, E', E".

[0940] Reference Figure 37 In the laundry processing apparatus E, the dryer 1 may be disposed above the washing machine 2, and the heating device 50 may be disposed above the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 or above the first drum 13.

[0941] The heating device 50 may be provided separately from the dryer 1. The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the first housing 10.

[0942] Reference Figure 38 , the heating device 50 may be located at an upper side higher than the outer tub 23 and the first drum 13 .

[0943] The motor 133 for rotating the first roller 13 may be disposed on the lower side of the first roller 13. The motor 133 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 or may be placed on the upper side of the first lower panel 104.

[0944] The machine room S may be a part of the inner space of the first housing 10. The machine room S may refer to the upper space of the first housing 10. The heating device 50 may be disposed in the machine room S.

[0945] The laundry treating apparatus E may include a partition wall 108 disposed inside the first housing 10 . The heating device 50 may be disposed on an upper side of the partition wall 108 .

[0946] The partition wall 108 may partition a space where the first drum 13 is disposed from the machine chamber S. The partition wall 108 may be disposed between the heating device 50 and the first drum 13 .

[0947] The partition wall 108 may be formed integrally with the first housing 10 or may be separated from the first housing 10 .

[0948] The heating device 50 may be disposed between the partition wall 108 and the first upper panel 103. A machine chamber S may be formed between the partition wall 108 and the first upper panel 103. However, in another aspect of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention, the heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the first housing 10. In this case, the heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the first upper panel 103 and may have an additional housing (not shown).

[0949] Reference Figure 39 The clothing processing device E includes a piping system connected to a drying machine 1 , a washing machine 2 and a care machine 3 .

[0950] The air supply duct 420 may include a first outlet port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43. The air supply duct 420 may include a second outlet port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45. The air supply duct 420 may include a third outlet port 426 connected to the third air supply duct 48. The air supply duct 420 may include a fourth outlet port 428 connected to the dehumidification duct 46.

[0951] The first outlet port 425 may protrude downward from the air supply duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first outlet port 425 .

[0952] The second outlet port 427 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420 . The second air supply duct 45 may connect the third housing 30 and the second outlet port 427 .

[0953] The third discharge port 426 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third discharge port 426 .

[0954] The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the air supply duct 420. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to the second discharge port 427. The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428.

[0955] Hot air flowing into the first drum 13 via the first air supply duct 43 dries the laundry inside and then flows into the heat exchange passage 42 via the first exhaust duct 41. The first drum 13 may include a front cover 131 disposed at the front side and a rear cover 132 disposed at the rear side. The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the rear cover 132, and the first exhaust duct 41 may be connected to the front cover 131.

[0956] The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange passage 42. The first exhaust duct 41 may extend upward from the first drum 13 and be connected to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0957] A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the second exhaust duct 44. The first inlet port 421 may extend downward from the first duct section 441.

[0958] The laundry processing apparatus E may include a first on-off valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may adjust the air flow rate in the first exhaust duct 41. The first on-off valve 41a may also shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41. When hot air is not supplied to the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43, the first on-off valve 41a may shut off the air flow in the first exhaust duct 41.

[0959] The hot air flowing into the third housing 30 through the second air supply duct 45 can flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 after drying the clothes contained in the third housing 30. The second air supply duct 45 and the second exhaust duct 44 can be connected to the third rear panel 302 of the third housing 30.

[0960] The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the upper portion of the nursing machine 3. The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the air supply port 308 formed on the upper portion of the nursing machine 3.

[0961] The upper panel 303 of the third box body 30 may be inclined downward as it approaches the rear. The upper panel 303 of the third box body 30 may extend in a manner inclined downward toward the third rear panel 302.

[0962] The air supply port 308 may be formed at an inclined portion of the upper panel 303. The air supply port 308 may be opened so as to be inclined downward toward the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3. The air supply port 308 may be opened so as to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0963] The air supply port 308 may be located between the third upper panel 303 and the hanger 36. The air supply port 308 may be located at an upper side higher than the hanger 36.

[0964] The second exhaust duct 44 may be located at a lower side than the second supply duct 45. The exhaust port 309 may be located at a lower side than the supply port 308.

[0965] The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the exhaust port 309 and the heat exchange channel 42 . The second exhaust duct 44 may extend sideways from the upper portion of the third housing 30 and connect to the heat exchange channel 42 .

[0966] The second exhaust duct 44 may include a first duct section 441 between the heating device 50 and the first drum 13. The first duct section 441 may be disposed between the base plate 575 and the partition wall 108. The first duct section 441 may extend in the front-rear direction of the partition space 55.

[0967] A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42. The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the housing 570 of the heating device 50.

[0968] The laundry processing apparatus E may include a second on-off valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can adjust the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can also shut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. When hot air is not supplied to the third housing 30 via the second air supply duct 45, the second on-off valve 44a can shut off the air flow in the second exhaust duct 44. The second on-off valve 44a can be disposed upstream of the junction of the third exhaust duct 47 and the second exhaust duct 44.

[0969] The hot air flowing into the outer tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third air exhaust duct 47 after drying the clothes accommodated in the outer tub 23 .

[0970] The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the heat exchange passage 42. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend upward from the upper portion of the outer tub 23 to connect to the heat exchange passage 42.

[0971] The third exhaust duct 47 may extend laterally from the upper portion of the outer tub 23 and may extend upward inside the rear housing 310 .

[0972] The third exhaust duct 47 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44. The third exhaust duct 47 may be merged with the second exhaust duct 44 inside the rear housing 310. The air flowing in the third exhaust duct 47 may be merged with the air flowing in the second exhaust duct 44.

[0973] The second exhaust duct 44 may include a third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47. The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the second exhaust duct 44.

[0974] The third inlet port 424 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second exhaust duct 44. The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the third inlet port 424. The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the outer tub 23 and the second exhaust duct 44. The air in the third exhaust duct 47 may merge with the air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0975] The laundry processing apparatus E may include a third on-off valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may adjust the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. The third on-off valve 47a may also cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47. When hot air is not supplied to the outer tub 23 via the third air supply duct 48, the third on-off valve 47a may cut off the air flow in the third exhaust duct 47.

[0976] The hot air flowing through the dehumidification duct 46 may be supplied to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus E through the outlet 462 opened forward. The hot air flowing through the dehumidification duct 46 may be supplied to the indoor space through the outlet 462 .

[0977] The dehumidification duct 46 may include a second duct section 461 between the heating device 50 and the first drum 13. The second duct section 461 may be disposed between the base plate 575 and the partition wall 108. The second duct section 461 may extend in the partition space 55 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0978] The external air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from a side of the second exhaust duct 44. The external air inlet port 423 may connect the indoor space with the second exhaust duct 44. Air in the external air inlet port 423 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42. The external air inlet port 423 may include an external air inlet 49 that opens forward. Air flowing in through the external air inlet 49 may merge with air in the second exhaust duct 44 and flow into the heat exchange channel 42.

[0979] Reference Figure 40 , the heating device 50 may include a heat pump device.

[0980] Different from another embodiment A, the heating device 50 of the clothes treating apparatus E of this embodiment may not include the motor placement portion 133s (see Figure 5 ).

[0981] The motor 133 of the drum 13 of the rotary dryer 1 may be disposed at a lower portion of the dryer 1. The motor 133 may be disposed at a lower side of the first drum 13.

[0982] Reference Figure 41The heating device 50 can supply hot air to the dryer 1, the washing machine 2 and the care machine 3.

[0983] The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the partition wall 108. The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 of the dryer 1.

[0984] The switching device 70 may be disposed on the upper side of the partition wall 108. The switching device 70 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 of the dryer 1.

[0985] The first air supply duct 43 may pass through the partition space 55 and penetrate the first rear panel 102. The first air supply duct 43 may pass through the first rear panel 102 and be connected to the first drum 13.

[0986] The second air supply duct 45 may extend laterally from the air supply duct 420 and pass through the first inner wall 106. The second air supply duct 45 may be bent upward inside the rear housing 310. The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the upper portion of the nursing machine 3.

[0987] The third air supply duct 48 may extend laterally from the air supply duct 420 and may be connected to the outer tub 23 .

[0988] The third air supply duct 48 may include a first air supply portion 481 extending laterally from the air supply duct 420 , a second air supply portion 482 extending downward from the first air supply portion 481 , and a third air supply portion 483 extending laterally from the second air supply portion 482 .

[0989] The first air supply portion 481 may be connected to the air supply duct 420 and may extend laterally from the air supply duct 420. The first air supply portion 481 may penetrate the first inner sidewall 106 and extend into the interior of the rear housing 310. The first air supply portion 481 may be disposed behind the third rear panel 302.

[0990] The second air supply portion 482 may extend downward from an end portion of the first air supply portion 481. The second air supply portion 482 may extend downward inside the rear housing 310. The second air supply portion 482 may face the first inner sidewall 106 and the second inner sidewall 206.

[0991] The third air supply portion 483 may extend laterally from the lower end of the second air supply portion 482. The third air supply portion 483 may extend laterally within the rear housing 310 and penetrate the second inner sidewall 206. The third air supply portion 483 may penetrate the second inner sidewall 206 and connect to the outer tub 23 within the second housing 20.

[0992] The third exhaust duct 47 may be merged with the second exhaust duct 44. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend upward and be merged with the second exhaust duct 44.

[0993] The third exhaust duct 47 may include a first exhaust portion 471 connected to the outer tub 23 , and a second exhaust portion 472 extending upward from the first exhaust portion 471 .

[0994] The first exhaust portion 471 may be connected to the outer tub 23 and may pass through the second inner sidewall 206. The first exhaust portion 471 may pass through the second inner sidewall 206 and extend laterally inside the rear housing 310.

[0995] The second exhaust portion 472 may extend upward from an end portion of the first exhaust portion 471 . The second exhaust portion 472 may face the first inner sidewall 106 and the second inner sidewall 206 .

[0996] The second exhaust portion 472 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44. The upper end of the second exhaust portion 472 may be connected to the lower portion of the second exhaust duct 44. The second exhaust duct 44 may include a third inlet port 424 protruding downward, and the second exhaust portion 472 may be coupled to the third inlet port 424.

[0997] The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the upper portion of the nursing machine 3. The second exhaust duct 44 may extend laterally inside the rear housing 310. The second exhaust duct 44 may extend forward in the partition space 55 and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42.

[0998] A partition space 55 may be formed between the substrate 575 and the partition wall 208. The first duct section 441, the second duct section 461, and the first gas supply duct 43 may be disposed in the partition space 55.

[0999] The steam generating device 502 may be disposed in the heating device 50. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 may be ejected into the interior of the first drum 13 through the first steam supply pipe 502a. The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 may be ejected into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 through the second steam supply pipe 502b.

[1000] The steam generated in the steam generating device 502 can flow toward each of the first drum 13 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by the air supply force formed by the fan 60. That is, the fan 60 can pressurize the steam generated in the steam generating device 502 and make it flow toward the first drum 13 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3.

[1001] Each of the first steam supply pipe 502a and the second steam supply pipe 502b can be configured with a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of steam. The controller 81 can adjust the amount of steam supplied to each of the first drum 13 and the internal space 33 of the care machine 3 by adjusting the opening of the valve (not shown).

[1002] The laundry processing apparatus E may include a second steam generating device 506 disposed inside the washing machine 2. The laundry processing apparatus E may include a plurality of steam generating devices 502 and 506. The steam generating device 502 disposed in the heating device 50 may be referred to as a "first steam generating device," and the steam generating device 506 disposed inside the washing machine 2 may be referred to as a "second steam generating device."

[1003] The laundry treating apparatus E may include: a third steam supply pipe 506 a connecting the second steam generating device 506 and the outer tub 23 ; and a fourth steam supply pipe 506 b connecting the second steam generating device 506 and the care machine 3 .

[1004] The second steam generating device 506 may be disposed in the second housing 20. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 may be ejected into the second drum 24 via the third steam supply pipe 506a. The steam generated in the second steam generating device 506 may be ejected into the interior space 33 of the nursing machine 3 via the fourth steam supply pipe 506b.

[1005] Each of the third steam supply pipe 506a and the fourth steam supply pipe 506b can be configured with a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of steam. The controller 81 can adjust the amount of steam supplied to each of the second drum 24 and the internal space 33 of the nursing machine 3 by adjusting the opening of the valve (not shown).

[1006] Reference Figure 42 , the heating device 50 can be configured on the upper part of the clothing processing device E.

[1007] The second upper panel 203 of the washing machine 2 can be combined with the first lower panel 104 of the dryer 1. The first lower panel 104 can be arranged on the upper side of the second upper panel 203. The first lower panel 104 and the second upper panel 203 can be combined by an additional fastening member (not shown). In addition, a protrusion (not shown) is formed on one of the first lower panel 104 and the second upper panel 203, and a groove (not shown) is formed on the other, so that the first lower panel 104 and the second upper panel 203 can be combined by inserting the protrusion into the groove.

[1008] The dryer 1 can reduce vertical vibration of the washing machine 2. Since the first housing 10 is coupled to the second housing 20 on an upper side of the second housing 20, vibration of the second housing 20 can be reduced.

[1009] The laundry treating apparatus E may include a roller 29 protruding downward from the second housing 20. The roller 29 may protrude downward from the second lower panel 204.

[1010] The roller 29 protruding downward from the second housing 20 may be referred to as a “first roller.” The roller 38 protruding downward from the third housing 30 may be referred to as a “second roller.” The first roller 29 and the second roller 38 may be spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[1011] The rollers 29 and 38 can support the load of the clothes treating apparatus E, and at least a portion of the rollers 29 and 38 can rotate when the clothes treating apparatus E is moved.

[1012] The laundry treating apparatus E may include a leg 39 protruding downward from the third housing 30. The leg 39 may protrude downward from the third outer sidewall 305.

[1013] The legs 39 can support the load of the laundry processing apparatus E. A plurality of legs 39 may be arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction.

[1014] The legs 39 protruding downward from the third housing 30 may be similarly provided on the washing machine 2. That is, the washing machine 2 may include legs (not shown) protruding downward from the second housing 20.

[1015] The legs (not shown) of the washing machine 2 may have the same structure as the legs 38 of the nursing machine 3. The legs (not shown) of the washing machine 2 may protrude downward from the second outer wall 205. A plurality of legs (not shown) of the washing machine 2 may be arranged spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[1016] The rollers and legs can support the load of the laundry treatment device E. Furthermore, the rollers and legs can reduce vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. Vibrations generated in the washing machine 2 are absorbed to the ground by the rollers and legs. The rollers and legs can also reduce shaking of the second housing 20.

[1017] The laundry treating apparatus E may include a plate 90 disposed between the second housing 20 and the third housing 30. The plate 90 may couple the second housing 20 and the third housing 30. The plate 90 may be referred to as a "connector." The plate 90 may be referred to as a "lower connector."

[1018] The plate 90 may include a first plate 96 disposed between the second inner sidewall 206 and the third inner sidewall 306 , a second plate 97 connecting the second lower panel 204 and the third lower panel 304 , and a handle 98 recessed upward from the bottom surface of the second plate 92 .

[1019] The first plate 96 may extend in the vertical direction between the second housing 20 and the third housing 30. The first plate 96 may contact the second housing 20 and the third housing 30. The first plate 96 may be made of a highly elastic material. The first plate 96 may include a vibration-damping material.

[1020] The first plate 96 reduces vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. The first plate 96 absorbs vibrations generated in the washing machine 2 and prevents the second housing 20 from shaking. In particular, when the second drum 24 rotates at high speed, the second inner sidewall 206 may shake left and right due to the vibrations generated by the second drum 24. The first plate 96 is disposed between the second inner sidewall 206 and the third inner sidewall 306 to prevent the second inner sidewall 206 from shaking and colliding with the third inner sidewall 306, thereby preventing noise from being generated.

[1021] The second plate 97 may extend in the horizontal direction at the lower sides of the second lower panel 204 and the third lower panel 304. The second plate 97 may be combined with the second lower panel 204 and the third lower panel 304 by a fastening member 99 penetrating the second plate 97.

[1022] The plate 90 and the third housing 30 can reduce vibrations in the washing machine 2. The third housing 30 is positioned to the side of the second housing 20, thereby attenuating horizontal vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. The plate 90 is positioned between the second housing 20 and the third housing 30, thereby enhancing the vibration reduction effect caused by the third housing 30. In particular, the plate 90 can include a highly elastic material or a vibration-damping material, thereby effectively reducing vibrations generated in the washing machine 2. In addition, because the plate 90 connects the second housing 20 and the third housing 30, it can reduce vibrations generated in the second housing 20. The third housing 30 can support the second housing 20 on one side of the second housing 20.

[1023] The handle 98 may be formed concavely on the plate 90. The handle 98 may provide a space for the user to hold. The user may hold the handle 98 to move the laundry treating apparatus E.

[1024] The opening member 463 may shield the front side of the partition space 55. The opening member 463 may be disposed in front of the dehumidification duct 46 and the outside air inlet 423. The opening member 463 may shield the front side of the hot air outlet 462 and the outside air inlet 49.

[1025] The clothes treating apparatus E may include a hinge 463 a connected to the opening member 463 , and a motor 463 b rotating the hinge 463 a .

[1026] The hinge 463a can be rotatably coupled to the first front panel 101. The hinge 463a can extend in the left-right direction. The opening member 463 can rotate in the front-to-back direction with the hinge 463a as the rotation axis. The opening member 463 and the hinge 463a can be formed as a single piece. If the motor 463b rotates the hinge 463a, the opening member 463 can rotate together with the hinge 463a. The opening member 463 can rotate forward, thereby opening the front of the partition space 55. If the opening member 463 opens the front of the partition space 55, external air of the laundry processing apparatus A can flow into the heat exchange channel 42 via the external air inlet port 423, and air passing through the dehumidification duct 46 can be discharged to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus A.

[1027] The controller 81 may be electrically connected to the motor 463 b. The controller 81 may control the driving of the motor 463 b. The user may open the partition space 55 by operating the control panel 8.

[1028] The dehumidification duct 46 and the external air inlet 423 can be positioned higher up than the first door 11 and the second door 21. This elevated position of the dehumidification duct 46 and the external air inlet 423 prevents the hot, dry air flowing through the dehumidification duct 46 from being blown directly toward the user. The dehumidification duct 46 and the external air inlet 423 can be positioned at a height corresponding to the upper portion of the nursing machine 3.

[1029] Reference Figure 43 , the third air supply pipe 480 may branch from the second air supply pipe 450 .

[1030] The third air supply duct 480 may branch from the second air supply duct 450 and may not be directly connected to the heating device 50. When the third air supply duct 480 branches from the second air supply duct 450, the third outlet port 426 may not be formed. The third air supply duct 480 may branch downward from the first hot air duct 451.

[1031] The second air supply duct 450 may extend laterally from the air supply duct 420. The second air supply duct 450 may extend horizontally behind the third rear panel 302.

[1032] The third air supply duct 480 may branch from the second air supply duct 450 at the rear side of the third rear panel 302. The third air supply duct 480 may extend downward from the second air supply duct 450. The third air supply duct 480 may extend into the second housing 20 and be connected to the tub 23.

[1033] The laundry treating apparatus E′ may include a regulating valve 453 disposed at a position where the third air supply duct 480 branches off from the second air supply duct 450 .

[1034] The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the second air supply duct 450. The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow direction of the air flowing in the first hot air duct 451. The regulating valve 453 can open and close the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 480. The regulating valve 453 can open only one of the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 480. The regulating valve 453 can open both the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 480. The regulating valve 453 can adjust the flow rate of air supplied to the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 480. The regulating valve 453 can distribute the air blown into the second hot air duct 450 by the fan 60 to the second hot air duct 452 and the third air supply duct 480.

[1035] The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 450 to the internal space 33 of the care machine 3. The controller 81 can control the regulating valve 453 to supply the hot air supplied from the fan 60 to the second air supply duct 450 to the inside of the second drum 24.

[1036] However, the structure of the air supply pipe connected to the washing machine 2 and the nursing machine 3 can be selectively used. Figure 41 or Figure 43 That is, the air supply pipe connected to the washing machine 2 and the nursing machine 3 can be set as follows Figure 41 That or like Figure 43 Like that.

[1037] Reference Figure 44 A storage box 950 can be configured between the nursing machine 3 and the tower 9.

[1038] The laundry processing device E″ may include a drying machine 1 , a washing machine 2 , a care machine 3 and a heating device 50 .

[1039] However, the location of the heating device 50 is not limited to the upper side of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2. That is, the heating device 50 can be arranged betwe...

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, wherein: include: The dryer includes a first housing having a first inlet, a first door for opening and closing the first inlet, and a first drum rotatably disposed inside the first housing and accommodating laundry therein; A washing machine comprising a second housing disposed above and below the first housing and having a second inlet, a second door for opening and closing the second inlet, an outer tub disposed within the second housing, and a second drum rotatably disposed within the outer tub and accommodating laundry; A care machine, comprising a third box disposed on one side of the dryer and the washing machine and having an opening, and a third door for opening and closing the opening, wherein a space for accommodating clothes is formed inside the third box; a piping system comprising a first air supply pipe for supplying air to the interior of the first drum, a second air supply pipe for supplying air to the interior space of the third box, and a heat exchange channel connected to the first air supply pipe and the second air supply pipe; as well as a heating device for heating the air passing through the heat exchange channel; The heating device is arranged on one side of the third box and arranged above and below the first roller and the second roller; The heating device comprises: substrate; a first wall extending upward from the base plate; a second wall extending from the base plate to an upper side and spaced apart from the first wall; and a cover, disposed on an upper side of the first wall and the second wall; The heat exchange channel is a space surrounded by the base plate, the first wall, the second wall, and the cover.

2. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The heating device comprises: an evaporator, disposed inside the heat exchange channel; and The condenser is disposed inside the heat exchange channel and is located on the downstream side of the evaporator.

3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The heating device includes an air supply duct having a first discharge port connected to the first air supply duct and a second discharge port connected to the second air supply duct.

4. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The second air supply pipe extends laterally from the second discharge port and is connected to the nursing machine. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein: A fan is included, and the fan is rotatably arranged inside the air supply duct. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein: A switching device is included, which adjusts the discharge direction of the air blown by the fan so that the blown air flows into the first air supply duct or the second air supply duct. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The pipeline system includes: a first exhaust duct connecting the first drum and the heat exchange channel; and The second exhaust pipe connects the nursing machine and the heat exchange channel.

8. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The air supplied to the interior of the first drum circulates inside the heat exchange passage, the first air supply duct, and the first air exhaust duct. The air supplied to the inner space of the third housing circulates inside the heat exchange channel, the second air supply duct, and the second air exhaust duct.

9. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The nursing machine includes: an air supply port, connected to the second air supply pipe, and located at one of the upper part and the lower part of the third box; and The exhaust port is connected to the second exhaust duct and is located at the other of the upper portion and the lower portion of the third housing.

10. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The pipeline system includes a third air supply pipeline connected to the heat exchange channel to supply air to the interior of the second drum. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein: The heat exchange channel is located between the first drum and the second drum. The first air supply pipe extends from the heat exchange channel in one direction, upward or downward, and is connected to the first drum. The third air supply pipe extends from the heat exchange channel in the other direction of upward and downward and is connected to the outer tub.

12. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The duct system includes a dehumidification duct connected to the heat exchange channel to supply air to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus.

13. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein comprising a second exhaust pipe connecting the nursing machine and the heat exchange channel, The substrate is arranged on the lower side of the heat exchange channel; The heating device further includes: a first support plate protruding downward from the base plate; and A second support plate protrudes downward from the base plate and is separated from the first support plate. The second exhaust duct includes a duct section located between the first support plate and the second support plate.

14. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The duct system includes an external air inlet port formed at one end portion of the duct section and opening toward the outside of the laundry treating apparatus.

15. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein include: a steam generating device, disposed on the heating device, for generating steam to be supplied to the first drum and the inner space of the third housing; a first steam supply pipe connecting the steam generating device and the first drum; and The second steam supply pipe connects the steam generating device and the nursing machine.

16. A clothes processing device, wherein: include: A first laundry processor includes a first housing having a laundry inlet, a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet, and a drum rotatably disposed within the first housing and accommodating laundry; The second laundry processor includes a second housing having a laundry inlet, a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet, and a space for accommodating laundry formed inside the second housing; a duct system comprising a first air supply duct for supplying air to the interior of the drum of the first laundry processor, a second air supply duct for supplying air to the interior space of the second housing, and a heat exchange channel, the heat exchange channel having an inlet end for inflow of air and an outlet end for outflow of air, the first air supply duct and the second air supply duct being connected to the outlet ends; and A heating device heats the air passing through the heat exchange channel.

17. A clothes processing device, wherein: include: A first laundry processor includes a first housing and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first housing; A second laundry processor includes a second box disposed on one side of the first box and having a space for accommodating laundry therein; a duct system including a first air supply duct supplying air to the interior of the drum of the first laundry processor and a second air supply duct supplying air to the interior space of the second laundry processor; and The heating device is arranged above and below the drum on one side of the second box body, has a heat exchange channel connected to the first air supply pipe and the second air supply pipe, and heats the air passing through the heat exchange channel.

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