Clothes processing device

Abstract

A clothing processing device includes: a box body, which is provided with an inlet on one side; a first chamber, located inside the box body, and clothes are accommodated in the first chamber through the inlet; a second chamber, located at the bottom of the first chamber, forming a space separated from the first chamber; a steam unit, arranged inside the second chamber, generating steam and supplying it to the first chamber; a door, rotatably coupled to the box body to open and close the inlet; an inner surface of the door, located on the side of the door facing the first chamber; a base plate, coupled to the inner surface of the door; a first axis, arranged on the door in a direction parallel to the height direction of the door; a second axis, arranged on the door in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the door; a first pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the first axis and arranged facing the base plate to place and press the pants; a second pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the second axis and arranged facing the first pressure plate to press the pants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device, and more particularly, to a device for removing wrinkles from clothing. Background Art

[0002] Laundry treatment machines are devices developed for washing and drying clothes and removing wrinkles in homes and laundromats. These devices include washing machines for washing clothes, dryers for drying clothes, washer / dryers that combine washing and drying functions, laundry managers for refreshing clothes, and steamers for removing wrinkles.

[0003] A steamer is a device that applies steam to clothes to remove wrinkles. Unlike conventional irons, steamers use convection to apply heat to clothes to remove wrinkles, rather than applying heat directly to the clothes (for example, by contacting the clothes with a hard object).

[0004] On the other hand, a laundry machine is a device that keeps clothes comfortable and clean. It removes dust and odors from clothing, dries clothes, and adds fragrance. It also prevents static electricity, uses dehumidified air or steam to remove wrinkles, and sterilizes clothes.

[0005] According to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2099179, when clothes are placed in the accommodation space inside the box, the clothes treating apparatus can remove creases while deodorizing by supplying hot air or pressing the clothes using a supply part located at the bottom of the box.

[0006] In addition, the above-mentioned laundry treatment device can dry and deodorize the clothes or remove creases by supplying hot air or steam to the clothes while the clothes are unfolded inside the box due to their own weight. In addition, by using a presser provided on the inner surface of the door to press the surface of the clothes, creases can be effectively removed or creases can be formed in the clothes, and ironing can be omitted after washing or drying.

[0007] In particular, a unit called a press or pants press is provided on the inner surface of the door, which uses steam to remove unnecessary wrinkles or folds and maintain the creases or pleats preset in the clothes (the creases or pleats intended from the clothing design stage).

[0008] However, the pressurizer presses the garment from one side by rotating. Therefore, since the garment is pressed from one side, it can only be pressed from one side to the other side in sequence. In this case, the portion of the garment close to the pressurizer is subjected to relatively greater pressure, while the portion farther from the pressurizer is subjected to relatively less pressure, resulting in uneven pressurization of the garment.

[0009] Furthermore, when the clothes are pressurized by the pressurizer, there is a problem that the fixed shape of the clothes is pushed by the pressurizer and deformed or its position is changed.

[0010] In addition, even if the clothes are placed, they cannot be fixed, so there is a problem that the position of the clothes cannot be prevented from changing when pressed. In addition, in the existing clothes processing device, there is a problem that the wrinkles of the clothes become more or wrinkles completely different from the intended direction are generated.

[0011] In addition, there is the problem that the placement height of the clothes on the inner surface of the door is high. In addition, there is not only a problem of occupying the most part of the inner surface of the door, but also only pressing a part of the overall length of the clothes. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the frequency of unintended wrinkles or creases caused by clothing being pressed from one side.

[0013] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to remove creases or unintended wrinkles in clothing by uniformly pressing the clothing and to improve the formation of intended wrinkles.

[0014] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to press the entire area of ​​clothing.

[0015] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to more easily place clothes to be pressed.

[0016] To reduce the phenomenon of trousers being squeezed in existing left-right opening and closing trouser organizers, the trouser organizer door (or second pressure plate) is designed to slide. Specifically, the trouser organizer door can be raised by rotating or sliding it. This creates a separation between the first pressure plate (or sub-plate) and the base plate (or back plate). Conversely, when the door descends and presses by rotating or sliding, the entire area of ​​trousers placed on the first pressure plate is simultaneously pressed, thereby reducing the phenomenon of trousers being squeezed.

[0017] The door includes a locking device for pressing the pants, and the unlocking of the locking device can be operated by a handle (handle) provided on the door. When the pants organizer is in use, the door and the first pressure plate may include an opening to facilitate steam to enter the pants, and may include a hinge for opening and closing the door.

[0018] The first pressure plate or sub-plate is a structure for mounting pants, and has a hinge structure that allows the sub-plate to move up and down and rotate left and right. The up and down movement is linked to the pants organizer door, so when the door is raised, the sub-plate will automatically slide upward. After that, due to the hinge structure that allows the sub-plate to rotate to one of the two sides, Figure 4 As shown in (c), the trousers are installed after the sub-plate is rotated and opened. A more detailed sliding hinge structure is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In addition, fixing clips capable of fixing the upper end and the lower end of the trousers are provided on both sides of the sub-plate.

[0019] The trouser installation process is as follows. Pulling the handle on the lower end of the door unlocks it, then lifting it upward and securing it, exposes the sub-panel for trouser placement. To install the trousers, rotate the sub-panel to one side and secure the lower end of the trousers to the securing clip (or first clip) on the back of the sub-panel. The securing clip is a structure that allows for variable installation according to the length of the trousers. After securing the lower end of the trousers, secure the trousers to the upper end securing clip (or second clip) on the front of the sub-panel.

[0020] After the trousers have been installed, the sub-plate is rotated to its original position and the trouser organizer door is closed, thereby enabling pressure to be applied to the trousers.

[0021] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a clothing processing device is provided, which includes: a box body, on one side of which an inlet is provided; a first chamber, located inside the box body, and clothes are accommodated in the first chamber through the inlet; a second chamber, located at the bottom of the first chamber, forming a space separate from the first chamber; a steam unit, arranged inside the second chamber, generating steam and supplying it to the first chamber; a door, rotatably coupled to the box body to open and close the inlet; an inner surface of the door, located on the side of the door facing the first chamber; a base plate, coupled to the inner surface of the door; a first axis, arranged on the door in a direction parallel to the height direction of the door; a second axis, arranged on the door in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the door; a first pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the first axis and arranged facing the base plate to place and press pants; and a second pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the second axis and arranged facing the first pressure plate to press the pants.

[0022] The first pressure plate may include a first clip located at a lower portion of a side of the first pressure plate facing the base plate, for fixing one of the bottom end and the top end of the trousers.

[0023] The first pressure plate may include a second clip located at a lower portion of the other side of the first pressure plate facing the second pressure plate, for fixing the other side of the bottom and the top of the trousers.

[0024] The second clip may be an angled clip, with a predetermined gap formed between the second clip and the first pressure plate, and a portion of one side surface of the trousers may be inserted into the predetermined gap to fix the trousers.

[0025] Furthermore, the height length of the second pressure plate may be smaller than the height length of the first pressure plate. When the second pressure plate is rotatably coupled to the first pressure plate, the second clip is exposed to the outside of the first pressure plate.

[0026] The first pressure plate may include: a first surface, which is the surface of the first pressure plate facing the base plate; a second surface, which is the other surface of the first pressure plate facing the second pressure plate; and a placement corner portion, having a curved surface shape, connecting the first surface and the second surface, the trousers are placed on the placement corner portion, and in the placement corner portion, the curvature of the curved surface connected to the first surface and the curvature of the curved surface connected to the second surface may be different.

[0027] The placement corner portion may be connected to the first surface via a curved surface and may be convex toward the second pressure plate.

[0028] The first surface may include: a first groove, which is recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent the first surface from interfering with the seam set on the trousers, and the second surface may also include: a second groove, which is recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent the second surface from interfering with the seam set on the trousers.

[0029] The base plate may be coupled to the inner surface of the door so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the door by a predetermined distance.

[0030] On the other hand, the base plate may include: a clip accommodating portion, which is recessed or penetrates the base plate in a shape corresponding to the first clip, and when the first pressure plate presses the base plate, the first clip is accommodated in the clip accommodating portion.

[0031] The width of the second pressure plate may be greater than the widths of the first pressure plate and the base plate.

[0032] The clothing processing device of the present invention may also include: an air supply unit, which is arranged inside the second chamber and draws in air from the first chamber; a heat pump unit, which is arranged inside the second chamber and dehumidifies and heats the drawn-in air; a first opening portion, which penetrates the first pressure plate along the thickness direction; and a second opening portion, which penetrates the second pressure plate along the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first opening portion, and the first opening portion and the second opening portion are used to expose the trousers to the dehumidified and heated air and steam.

[0033] The second pressure plate may include: protective side surfaces, which are bent from the two side surfaces of the second pressure plate toward the inner surface of the door. When the second pressure plate presses the first pressure plate and the base plate, the protective side surfaces can cover the two side surfaces of the base plate and the two side surfaces of the first pressure plate.

[0034] The cover surface of the two surfaces of the second pressure plate, which is located in a direction away from the inner surface of the door, may be further provided with a handle for a user to hold the second pressure plate to rotate the second pressure plate.

[0035] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include: an auxiliary shaft, which is vertically connected to the first shaft; and a connecting portion, which is rotatably connected to the auxiliary shaft, wherein the first pressure plate can rotate around the first shaft and can also rotate in parallel with the second shaft using the auxiliary shaft.

[0036] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include: a first gear, coupled to the connecting portion and rotating together with the connecting portion; and a second gear, located on a side surface of the second pressure plate, connected to the first gear and rotating together with the second pressure plate. When the second pressure plate rotates around the second axis, the first pressure plate can utilize the second gear, the first gear, the connecting portion and the auxiliary shaft to rotate in a manner parallel to the second axis.

[0037] The laundry processing apparatus of the present invention may further include: a third gear located between the first gear and the second gear, connecting the first gear and the second gear.

[0038] The second pressure plate may include: a pressure surface pressing the first pressure plate and the trousers; and a cover surface located in the opposite direction of the pressure surface, and when the second gear teeth provided on only a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second gear rotate until the second pressure plate rotates so that the cover surface is parallel to the inner surface of the door, the first pressure plate moves from a first position pressing the base plate to a second position spaced a specified distance apart from the base plate and parallel to the base plate.

[0039] When the second pressure plate rotates in a first rotation direction, the first gear and the connecting portion may rotate in the first rotation direction, and the third gear rotates in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0040] The base plate may include a gear through-hole penetrating the base plate at a position corresponding to the first gear, wherein the gear through-hole prevents the first gear from interfering with the base plate when the first gear rotates.

[0041] The present invention has the effect of reducing the frequency of unintended wrinkles or creases caused by pressing the clothes from one side.

[0042] In addition, the present invention can remove creases or unintended wrinkles of clothing by uniformly pressing the clothing, and can improve the formation of preset intended wrinkles.

[0043] Additionally, the present invention is capable of pressing the entire area of ​​the garment.

[0044] In addition, the present invention can more easily position the clothes to be pressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 (a) shows an example of a conventional clothes processing apparatus and an example of a pressurizer for removing wrinkles from clothes. Figure 1 (b) shows a state where the second pressing plate is opened and the first pressing plate is rotated to place the laundry using the pressing portion which is a feature of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 An example of the air supply unit, the heat pump unit, and the steam unit installed in the second chamber is shown.

[0047] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) schematically illustrates the problem that occurs when the trousers are pressed from one side in the existing clothes processing device.

[0048] Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 (e) lists in order the method of using the pressure applying portion of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 (a) shows a case where the corner portion of the first pressure plate has an asymmetric cross-section. Figure 5 (b) shows an enlarged view of the placement corner portion.

[0050] Figure 6 (a) shows the positions of the first rotating part and the second rotating part. Figure 6(b) shows the first rotating part and the second rotating part in an enlarged manner.

[0051] Figure 7 (a) shows the first shaft, the auxiliary shaft, and the connecting portion in an enlarged manner. Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 (c) shows a mechanism in which the first pressure plate rotates when the second pressure plate rotates because the rotational force is transmitted via the first gear portion, the connection portion, and the auxiliary shaft when the second gear rotates.

[0052] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows a situation in which the first pressure plate is rotated in the up and down directions of the door using the connection portion and the auxiliary connection portion, so that clothes can be placed between the first pressure plate and the base plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The device structures or control methods described below are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the claims of the present invention. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same structural elements.

[0054] The specific terms used in this specification are only used to facilitate description and are not intended to limit the embodiments shown.

[0055] For example, expressions such as “same” and “identical” indicate not only a state of being strictly the same but also a state of being different to the extent that a tolerance or the same function can be obtained.

[0056] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "toward a direction", "along a direction", "parallel", "perpendicularly", "toward the center", "concentrically" or "coaxially" not only indicate a state of being configured strictly in the above manner, but also indicate a state of being relatively shifted at an angle or distance with a tolerance or a degree to which the same function can be achieved.

[0057] In this specification, wrinkles not explicitly mentioned and used refer to unintended wrinkles or folds that occur in clothing after wearing, washing, or drying. Specifically, these wrinkles are caused by wear, or by unintended wrinkles during washing or drying, rather than intentional wrinkles or creases incorporated into the design for design or functionality. Therefore, these wrinkles require ironing or other methods to remove.

[0058] Figure 1(a) shows an example of a conventional laundry processing device 2000. The laundry processing device 2000 includes: a housing 150 having an inlet 120 formed on one side thereof; a first chamber 100 located inside the housing 150, wherein laundry is stored in the first chamber 100 through the inlet 120; a second chamber 200 located below the first chamber 100, forming a space separated from the first chamber 100; and a steam unit 250 (see Figure 2 ), disposed within the second chamber 200, generating steam and supplying it to the first chamber 100; and a door 400, rotatably coupled to the housing 150, opening and closing the inlet 120. Considering the general user's usage, the inlet 120 is preferably disposed on the front of the housing 150.

[0059] In addition, the clothes processing device 2000 may further include: an air supply unit 220 (refer to Figure 2 ), located inside the second chamber 200, sucking in the air from the first chamber 100; and a heat pump unit 230, dehumidifying and heating the sucked air and then discharging it to the first chamber 100.

[0060] The housing 150 can be made of a metal material, or a plastic material as long as it maintains strength. Alternatively, the first chamber 100 can be formed by plastic injection molding. The first chamber 100 can be coupled to the housing 150 via a frame (not shown). Alternatively, a foamed plastic such as polyurethane can be used to fill the space between the housing 150 and the first chamber 100.

[0061] Clothes including tops and bottoms can be placed in the first chamber 100, and the air supply unit 220 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), heat pump unit 230 (refer to Figure 2 ) and steam unit 250 (refer to Figure 2 ) to care for clothes. That is, the air supply unit 220 (refer to Figure 2 ), heat pump unit 230 (refer to Figure 2 ) and steam unit 250 (refer to Figure 2 ) generates steam and / or heated air to sterilize and deodorize clothes, remove creases formed due to use, etc.

[0062] The first chamber 100 may include a clothing support portion 190 for placing clothing in an upper portion of the first chamber 100. The clothing support portion 190 can accommodate a hanger with clothing hung thereon and is connected to a drive portion (not shown) that can reciprocate the clothing support portion 190 left and right. The movement of the clothing support portion 190 can cause the clothing to shake, thereby removing foreign matter, including dust particles, from the clothing. In addition, by exposing the clothing placed on the clothing support portion 190 to steam or moisture supplied from the second chamber 200 while shaking the clothing, wrinkles on the clothing can be removed to a certain extent.

[0063] That is, the clothing supporting portion 190 allows the clothing to be placed in an unfolded state in the first chamber 100 due to its own weight, thereby allowing the clothing to be evenly exposed to the dehumidified and heated air and / or steam supplied from the second chamber 200 .

[0064] Typically, when water boils at 100°C under atmospheric pressure, the water vapor produced is called steam. Moisture, on the other hand, refers to water suspended in the air at room temperature in the form of droplets smaller than 1 mm. For example, mist is similar to this. Generally, because steam produced by boiling water has a higher temperature than water, it has a superior bactericidal effect. Furthermore, because water molecules in steam move more actively at high temperatures, they penetrate clothing more effectively. Therefore, steam is more effective than water for clothing care.

[0065] The first chamber 100 includes a first chamber upper surface 109, on which the driving unit (not shown) of the clothing support 190 is located; a first chamber bottom surface 101, which forms the bottom; and left and right side surfaces 105 and 107 of the first chamber, and a first chamber back surface 103, which connect the first chamber upper surface 109 and the first chamber bottom surface 101. If the side with the inlet 120 is the front side, the first chamber back surface 103 will be located in the opposite direction.

[0066] An air supply port 1011 and a steam supply port 1012 for supplying steam generated by the steam unit 250 inside the second chamber 200 and air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 230 to the first chamber, as well as an air intake port 1013 for inhaling air from the first chamber 100 using the air supply unit 220 can be provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber.

[0067] like Figure 1As shown in (a), the air supply port 1011 and the steam supply port 1012 may be located in the area where the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber meets the back surface 103 of the first chamber. In addition, the area where the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber meets the back surface 103 of the first chamber may be a smooth inclined shape. The air intake port 1013 may be located at a position near the inlet 120 in the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber. Therefore, the air inside the first chamber 100 will be discharged through the air supply port 1011 and inhaled through the air intake port 1013 to circulate. Steam is also discharged through the steam supply port 1012 and condensed, and then after being inhaled through the air intake port 1013, it is collected in a water collector (not shown) for storing condensed water.

[0068] In order to more smoothly discharge the condensed water condensed inside the first chamber 100 to the second chamber 200 through the air intake port 1013 , the first chamber bottom surface 101 may be tilted downward from the first chamber back surface 103 toward the inlet 120 .

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 , in the laundry treatment apparatus 2000, a water supply tank 310 for supplying water to the steam unit 250 and a drain tank 330 for draining and storing condensed water collected in a sump (not shown) may be provided in front of the second chamber 200. Furthermore, a tank module frame (not shown) is provided to form a tank installation space (not shown) for installing the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330, thereby separating the tank installation space (not shown) from the second chamber 200. Specifically, a tank installation space 351 and the second chamber 200 may be provided below the first chamber 100. The tank installation space may be located near the door 400, and the second chamber 200 may be located behind the tank installation space.

[0070] The water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330 can be respectively installed on the tank module frame (not shown) in a detachable manner. However, differently from this, the water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330 can also be integrated into one and installed in a detachable manner at the same time.

[0071] The door 400 may include a door inner surface 401. When the door 400 is closed, the door inner surface 401 is located at the back of the door 400 or in a direction from the door 400 toward the first chamber 100. The door 400 is rotatably connected to the box body 150 in a hinged manner to open and close the input port 120.

[0072] When the user closes the door 400, the front of the water supply tank 310 and the front of the drainage tank 330 face the inner surface 401 of the door. When the user opens the door 400, the front of the water supply tank 310 and the front of the drainage tank 330 are exposed to the outside. In addition, a water supply tank window 313 and a drainage tank window 333 may be provided on the front of the water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330, respectively, so that the water levels stored in the water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330 can be directly checked.

[0073] The front of the water supply tank 310 and the front of the drain tank 330 may include a water supply tank handle 315 and a drain tank handle 335, respectively. When a user pulls the water supply tank handle 315 and the drain tank handle 335, the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 rotate about the front ends of the water supply tank and the drain tank, respectively, and detach from the tank module frame (not shown). Furthermore, when the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 are mounted on the tank module frame (not shown), they are similarly rotated to be positioned within the tank module frame (not shown).

[0074] In the case of the existing clothing processing device 2000, a clothing fixing part 405 and a pressurizer 50 can be provided on the inner surface of the door 401 or inside the first chamber 100. The clothing fixing part 405 hangs the hanger 403 after the pants P are hung upside down on the hanger 403, and the pressurizer 50 presses the pants fixed by the clothing fixing part 405 and the hanger 403.

[0075] The reason why the pants P are hung upside down, i.e., with their bottom hem facing upwards, is that the weight of the waist portion of the pants P, i.e., the upper end of the pants P, is greater than the weight of the lower end of the pants P, i.e., the pant leg portion. Therefore, a tensile force is applied to the pants P under the action of the pants P's own weight, so that the pants P are evenly stretched.

[0076] The pressurizer 50 may include a support plate 51 coupled to the inner surface of the door 401 to support the garment, and a rotating plate 52 that rotates toward the support plate 51 and presses the trousers P. When the rotating plate 52 rotates and engages with the support plate 51, the trousers P are compressed. Afterwards, by closing the door 400 and exposing the trousers P to steam and dehumidified and heated air within the first chamber 100, creases can be removed. In this case, the rotating plate 52 may include a through-hole 54 to facilitate steam penetration into the trousers P. Furthermore, recesses 55 may be provided on either side of the rotating plate that contacts the trousers P to prevent compression of seams formed along the length of the trouser legs.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 The second chamber 200 may include an air supply unit 220 for drawing air from the first chamber 100; a steam unit 250 for receiving water from the water supply tank 310 and generating steam to supply steam to the first chamber 100; and a heat pump unit 230 for dehumidifying and heating the air drawn in by the air supply unit 220 before discharging the air to the first chamber 100. Furthermore, a control unit (not shown) may be provided for controlling the air supply unit 220, the steam unit 250, and the heat pump unit 230.

[0078] Therefore, to supply dehumidified and heated air to the first chamber 100, the air inside the first chamber 100 is sucked in through the air inlet duct 221 by the air supply fan 226 to generate suction force. The air is then moved to the heat pump unit 230 for heat exchange before being supplied to the first chamber 100 again.

[0079] Reference Figure 2 The air supply unit 220 may include an air supply fan 226 and an air inlet duct 221. When the direction of the inlet 120 is referred to as the front and the direction of the back of the first chamber is referred to as the rear, the air inlet duct 221 may be located in front of the air supply fan 226. A tank module frame (not shown) may be located in front of the air inlet duct 221. Thus, the tank module frame may separate the tank installation space 351 from the second chamber 200.

[0080] The water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330 mounted on the tank module frame can be located closer to one of the two side surfaces of the tank body 150. For example, in the tank installation space (not shown), the right side of the tank body 150 can be closer to the water supply tank 310 than the left side of the tank body. Conversely, the left side of the tank body 150 can be closer to the drainage tank 330 than the right side of the tank body 150.

[0081] Similar to the position of the water supply tank 310, the right side of the tank body 150 can be closer to the steam unit 250 than the left side of the tank body 150 within the second chamber 200. This is to simplify the connection flow path for water to flow from the water supply tank 310 to the steam unit 250 by arranging the steam unit 250 behind the water supply tank 310.

[0082] The steam unit 250 may utilize a heater to heat water inside the steam unit 250 , and the generated steam may be communicated with the steam supply port 1012 provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber along a steam flow path (not shown).

[0083] If the water supply tank 310 is located closer to the left side of the housing 150 than the right side of the housing 150 , the steam unit may be located closer to the left side of the housing 150 than the right side of the housing 150 accordingly.

[0084] Furthermore, the air inlet duct 221 may include an air inlet duct inlet 2213 that communicates with the air intake port 1013 provided on the first chamber bottom surface 101 and draws air from the first chamber 100. Furthermore, the air inlet duct inlet 2213 may form an inclined flow path. This allows condensed water generated in the first chamber 100 and the door 400 to easily flow through the air inlet duct inlet 2213, which communicates with the first chamber bottom surface 101, along the inclined flow path toward a water collector (not shown) provided at the lower portion of the inner side of the air inlet duct 221.

[0085] The air inlet duct 221 is located in front of the air supply fan 226, and the steam unit 250 and the heat pump unit 230 may be arranged behind the air supply fan 226. In addition, the heat pump unit 230 may be supported by a support member 265. The support member 265 may be provided on the base portion 210 forming the bottom of the second chamber 200. Therefore, the support member 265 may form a predetermined separation distance between the base portion 210 and the heat pump unit 230, and a predetermined installation space may be formed between the support member 265 and the base portion 210. The steam unit 250 may be located in the installation space and may be combined with the support member 265 in the installation space. Figure 2 Although an example is shown in which the control unit 270 is installed in the support 265 below the steam unit 250 , the control unit 270 may be installed at any position inside the second chamber 200 , such as behind the steam unit 250 .

[0086] The heat pump unit 230 may further include a housing 231 in which the first heat exchanger (or evaporator, not shown) and the second heat exchanger (or condenser, not shown) are disposed; and an air outlet 2312 communicating with the air supply port 1011 disposed in the first chamber 100 to discharge the dehumidified and heated air in the housing 231 into the first chamber 100. A compressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant may be disposed outside the support member 265.

[0087] and Figure 2 Different from the above, the air supply unit circulates the air of the first chamber, and the evaporator and the condenser can be arranged inside the duct for moving the air circulated by the air supply unit. That is, the air supply unit is composed of the air inlet duct 221, the air supply fan 226, the connecting duct (with Figure 2 The shell corresponds to) and the exhaust pipe (corresponding to Figure 2 The heat pump unit may include an evaporator and a condenser arranged inside the connecting pipe, and a compressor and an expansion unit arranged outside the air supply unit.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 In (b), the door 400 may include: a door inner surface 401 located toward the first chamber 100 from the door 400; a door gasket 486 disposed on the door inner surface 401, in tight contact with the edge of the housing 150 to form a seal between the door 400 and the housing 150; and door liners 482 and 484 disposed on the door inner surface 401 to direct condensed water generated in the first chamber 100 toward the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber when the door 400 is closed. In some embodiments, the door 400 is structured to simultaneously open and close the first chamber 100 and the housing installation space 351. In another embodiment, multiple doors are disposed on the housing 150, each independently capable of opening and closing the first chamber 100 and the housing installation space 351. When the door 400 is closed, the door liners 482 and 484 are disposed facing the first chamber 100 and may include an upper door liner 482 and a lower door liner 484. The door linings 482 and 484 can discharge condensed water generated on the surfaces of the door linings 482 and 484 to a water collector (not shown) provided on the lower side of the air inlet duct via the air intake port 1013 provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber.

[0089] The door gasket 486 is mounted on the door inner surface 401 so as to surround the door inner surface 401. The door gasket 486 can seal the door 400 and the box body 150. In addition, the door gasket 486 can also seal the first chamber 100 and the box installation space 351 separately.

[0090] in addition, Figure 1 (b) shows a clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a pressurizing unit 500 that is different from the pressurizing unit 50 provided in the conventional clothes treating apparatus 2000 for removing wrinkles from trousers.

[0091] That is, the laundry processing device 1000 may include: a housing 150, on one side of which is provided with an inlet 120; a first chamber 100, located inside the housing 150, and accommodating laundry through the inlet 120; a second chamber 200, located below the first chamber 100, forming a space separated from the first chamber 100; a steam unit 250 (refer to Figure 2), disposed inside the second chamber 200, generating steam and supplying it to the first chamber; a door 400, rotatably coupled to the housing 150 to open and close the inlet 120; a door inner surface 401, located on one side of the door facing the first chamber 100; a base plate 510, coupled to the door inner surface 401; a first shaft 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ), and is arranged parallel to the height direction of the door 400; the second axis 5621 is arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400; the first pressure plate 530, using the first axis 5611 (reference Figure 6 ) is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 and is arranged opposite to the base plate 510, for placing and pressing the pants; and a second pressure plate 550 is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 using the second axis 5621 and is arranged opposite to the first pressure plate 530, for pressing the pants.

[0092] The second pressure plate 550 can be combined with the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530 to press the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530, but differently from this, it can also simply be combined with the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530 to protect the pants placed on the first pressure plate 530, or only serve as a cover for protecting the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530.

[0093] In particular, the pressure portion 500 includes: a base plate 510, coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door; a first shaft 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ), and is arranged parallel to the height direction of the door 400; the second axis 5621 is arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400; the first pressure plate 530, using the first axis 5611 (reference Figure 6 ) is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 and is arranged opposite to the base plate 510, for placing and pressing the pants P; and a second pressure plate 550 is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 using the second axis 5621 and is arranged opposite to the first pressure plate 530, for pressing the pants.

[0094] The pressure part 500 can generally include: a second pressure plate 550, which can rotate in the vertical direction of the door 400; a first pressure plate 530, which can rotate in the left and right direction of the door 400; and a base plate 510, which is combined with the inner surface of the door. The first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 can be respectively arranged along the height direction of the door with a first axis 5611 (refer to FIG. Figure 6) and the first axis 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ) rotates around a second vertically arranged axis 5621.

[0095] When the second pressure plate 550 rotates along the width direction of the door 400 (rotates around the axial direction of the second shaft), the first pressure plate 530 that can be used to place and fix pants can be exposed. Figure 6 ) is rotated while maintaining a certain height of the first pressure plate 530. That is, it can rotate in the left and right directions like the door 400 around the first axis.

[0096] Figure 1 (b) shows an example in which the first pressure plate 530 rotates about a first axis 5611 provided on the left side of the first pressure plate 530, and the second pressure plate 550 rotates about a second axis 5621 provided on the upper side of the second pressure plate 550. However, differently from this, the first axis 5611 may be provided on the right side of the first pressure plate 530, and the second axis 5621 may be provided on the lower side of the second pressure plate 550. In other words, as long as the first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 can respectively rotate about the respective axial directions of the first axis 5611 and the second axis 5621, it does not matter on which side the first axis 5611 and the second axis 5621 are located.

[0097] That is, the first and second axes of the pressure portion can be arranged on opposite sides depending on whether the user is left-handed or right-handed, thereby making the first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 rotate in opposite directions. This feature is called reversible.

[0098] Figure 3 The pressurizer 50 of the conventional laundry processing apparatus 2000 is schematically shown. In particular, Figure 3 (a) shows a situation where the rotating plate 52 rotates toward the supporting plate 51 on which the pants P are placed. Figure 3 (b) schematically shows a situation in which the rotating plate 52 rotates and is combined with the supporting plate 51 , thereby pressing the pants P located between the rotating plate 52 and the supporting plate 51 .

[0099] The rotating plate 52 rotates and presses the pants P using a rotating joint (not shown) located on one of its two side surfaces, such as a hinge. The pressing action begins on the side of the pants P where the rotating joint is located. Specifically, the pressing action begins in region R2, which is near the rotating joint. When the rotating plate 52 is fully rotated and faces the support plate 51, i.e., when the other side of the rotating plate 52 engages with the support plate 51, the pressing action extends to region R1.

[0100] Therefore, during the rotation of the rotating plate 52, uniform pressure is not applied to the pants P. In this case, the portion of the pants P close to the rotating joint (region R2) is subjected to relatively greater pressure, while the portion away from the rotating joint (region R1) is subjected to relatively less pressure, which may cause the pants P to be unevenly compressed.

[0101] Furthermore, when the trousers P are pressed by the rotating plate 52, the trousers P may be pushed by the rotating plate 52 and their fixed shape may be dislocated or their position may be changed. Figure 3 As shown by the dotted circle in (b), there may be a problem that the wrinkles of the clothes become more numerous or wrinkles are generated in a direction completely different from the intended direction. Figure 3 (b) is exaggerated to emphasize the above situation.

[0102] In addition, even if the trousers P are placed, they are simply hung on the clothing placement portion 56 (see Figure 1 (a)) and cannot be fixed, so there is a problem that the position of the clothes cannot be prevented from changing when being pressed.

[0103] In addition, when the trousers P are placed on the inner surface of the door with their entire length without being folded, the clothes placement portion 56 (see FIG. Figure 1 The height of (a)) is high, so it may cause inconvenience to the user. In addition, since most of the door inner surface 401 is occupied, there is a problem that the utilization of the door inner surface 401 is reduced.

[0104] The present invention relates to a method comprising Figure 1 The pressure applying unit 500 shown in (b) is an example of a laundry processing apparatus 1000 to solve the aforementioned problem. The pressure applying unit 500 can fold the trousers using the first pressure applying plate 530, so that the space occupied by the pressure applying unit 500 or the trousers P on the inner surface 401 of the door can be reduced to half.

[0105] On the other hand, the trousers P can be fixed by using a clip or the like provided on the first pressure plate 530. In addition, even if the first pressure plate is completely rotated along the height direction of the door in the same direction as the rotation direction of the door 400, that is, with the first axis as the reference, the first pressure plate 530 will not be directly coupled to the base plate 510 and press the trousers P, but a prescribed spacing distance will be separated between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510, and the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 are arranged facing each other. Thereafter, when the second pressure plate 550 is rotated along the width direction of the door, that is, with the second axis 5621 as the reference and coupled with the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510, the first pressure plate 530 can be coupled with the base plate 510. In this case, the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 are parallel to each other, and the first pressure plate 530 approaches the base plate 510, so that the entire area of ​​the trousers P can be pressed evenly at the same time. In this regard, by Figures 4 to 8 The details will be described later.

[0106] Figure 4 The method of removing wrinkles from pants P using the pressure applying portion 500 provided on the door 400 is shown in sequence. The pressure applying portion 500 may be provided on the inner surface 401 of the door or the side surface 105 of the first chamber. Figure 4 An example in which the pressure applying portion 500 is provided on the door inner surface 401 is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 4 (c), the pressure portion 500 includes: a base plate 510, coupled to the inner surface of the door 401; a first shaft 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ), and is arranged parallel to the height direction of the door 400; the second axis 5621 is arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400; the first pressure plate 530, using the first axis 5611 (reference Figure 6 ) is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 and is arranged opposite to the base plate 510, for placing and pressing the pants; and a second pressure plate 550 is rotatably coupled to the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510 using the second axis 5621 and is arranged opposite to the first pressure plate 530, for pressing the pants.

[0108] If only the pressure part 500 is considered, the pressure part 500 may include: a second pressure plate 550, which can rotate in the vertical direction on the inner surface 401 of the door; a first pressure plate 530, which can rotate in the left and right direction on the inner surface 401 of the door; and a base plate 510, which is combined with the inner surface of the door. The first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 can be respectively arranged along the first axis 5611 (refer to Figure 6) and the first axis 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ) rotates around a second vertically arranged axis 5621.

[0109] In this specification, the vertical rotation of the door 400 refers to the rotation around an axis parallel to the width direction of the door 400, and the horizontal rotation of the door 400 refers to the rotation around an axis parallel to the height direction of the door 400. The height direction of the door 400 and the width direction of the door 400 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the first axis 5611 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the second axis 5621 are perpendicular to each other, the first axis 5611 and the auxiliary axis 5612 connected to the first axis (refer to Figure 6 ) are also perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the second axis 5621 and the auxiliary axis 5612 (refer to Figure 6 ) are arranged parallel to each other.

[0110] In addition, in this specification, penetrating in the thickness direction means that, in the case of a member having a very large height (or thickness) such as a plate-shaped member, the upper surface and the lower surface formed by the transverse and longitudinal directions are penetrated from the upper surface toward the lower surface or from the lower surface toward the upper surface.

[0111] Reference Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) When the door 400 is opened, the second pressure plate 550 in the pressure portion 500 can be exposed to the outside. Therefore, the second pressure plate 550 can function as a cover to protect the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530. Figure 4 As shown in (c), when the pants P are placed, the second pressure plate 550 can also perform the function of pressing a portion of the pants, including the waist portion. The second pressure plate 550 can include a pressure surface 555 facing the pants and a cover surface 558 located opposite the pressure surface. The second pressure plate 550 can also include a second opening 552 formed along the thickness direction of the second pressure plate 550, that is, from the pressure surface 555 toward the cover surface 558. The second opening 552, together with the first opening 532 that passes through the first pressure plate 530, described later, can make it easier for steam to penetrate into the pants P placed on the pressure plate 500, thereby increasing the moisture content of the clothes.

[0112] Furthermore, the cover 558 may include a handle 551 that allows a user to grasp the second pressure plate 550 to rotate it vertically. Preferably, the handle 551 is located at the bottom of the cover 558. The handle 551 can be a simple handle, but can also function to release the lock between the locking hook 542 and the locking hole 547, described later. Specifically, pulling the handle 551 releases the engagement between the locking hook 542 and the latch portion (not shown) provided within the locking hole 547.

[0113] In addition, the second pressure plate 550 can also protect the sides of the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530, thereby serving as a cover to protect the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. In this case, the second pressure plate 550 can also include protective side surfaces 559 that are bent from both side surfaces of the second pressure plate 550 toward the inner surface 401 of the door. To this end, the width of the second pressure plate 550 is greater than the width of the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510.

[0114] On the inner surface 401 of the door, the second pressure plate 550 can be rotated in the vertical direction of the door (A1) by using the second axis 5621 formed parallel to the width direction of the door 400. Of course, it can also be Figure 4 Rotates in the opposite direction as shown by the arrow in (e).

[0115] The inner surface 401 of the door can be recessed toward the inside of the door by a length corresponding to the thickness of the second pressure plate 550 to form a recessed space 402 for accommodating the second pressure plate 550, so that when the second pressure plate 550 rotates along the width direction of the door and tilts upward, that is, when the cover surface 558 faces the inner surface 401 of the door, the degree to which the second pressure plate 550 protrudes from the inner surface 401 of the door is minimized.

[0116] Figure 4 (a) shows a situation where the user opens the door 400 to expose the pressure portion 500. Figure 4(b) shows a user rotating the second pressure plate 550 using a second shaft 5621 disposed along the width of the door 400 and positioning the second pressure plate 550 within the recessed space 402 to accommodate the trousers P. Furthermore, the pressure surface 555 includes a recessed prevention groove 557 to prevent compression of the seams of the trousers P. The prevention groove 557 is formed along the length of the pressure surface 555 and, when the second pressure plate 550 is closed, prevents compression of the seams (or seams) formed when the front and back panels of the trousers are sewn together. Because seams typically protrude beyond the material of the trousers, compression of the seams may result in unwanted creases or folds around them.

[0117] Reference Figure 4 (b) and Figure 4 In (c), the first pressure plate 530 may be located between the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550. The first pressure plate 530 may include a first surface 535 facing the second pressure plate; a second surface 538 facing the base plate 510; and a first shaft 5611 disposed along the height direction of the door 400 to enable the first pressure plate 530 to rotate left and right. The first shaft 5611 allows the first pressure plate 530 to be rotatably coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510. The first pressure plate 530 can rotate left and right using the first shaft 5611 (A2).

[0118] On the other hand, the first pressure plate 530 may include a first clip 531 and a second clip 533 to fix the pants P placed on the first pressure plate 530. The first clip 531 may be located at the lower portion of the second surface 538, and the second clip 533 may be located at the lower portion of the first surface 535. The first clip 531 may fix a portion of the pants including the bottom end (hem) of the pants. Figure 4 (d) The second clip 533 can fix the two side surfaces of the opposite parts of the bottom end (hem) of the trousers, that is, the two side surfaces of the trouser waist portion and the trouser leg portion connected to the trouser waist portion.

[0119] The first pressure plate 530 may further include a placement corner portion 539 at its upper end. The placement corner portion 539 is a corner for placing the pants P. The placement corner portion 539 is formed as a curved surface, so that even if the pants P is placed on the placement corner portion 539, wrinkles or creases can be prevented.

[0120] In addition, the corner portion 539 may include: a first curved surface 5391 (refer to Figure 5(b)), connected to the first surface 535; and the second curved surface 5392 (refer to Figure 5 (b)), connecting the first curved surface and the second surface 538. The first curved surface 5391 (refer to Figure 5 (b)) and the second curved surface 5392 (refer to Figure 5 (b)) can have different curvatures from each other, thus forming an asymmetric shape. That is, the first curved surface 5391 (refer to Figure 5 (b)) can be a shape that is more convex in the direction away from the door inner surface 401 than the first surface 535. Therefore, the first curved surface 5391 (refer to Figure 5 (b)) may have a radius of curvature greater than that of the second curved surface 5392 (refer to Figure 5 (b) The radius of curvature of .

[0121] The first pressure plate 530 may further include a first opening 532 extending through the thickness of the first pressure plate 530. The first opening 532 may be located on the first pressure plate 530 corresponding to a second opening 552 provided on the second pressure plate 550. This allows steam to easily penetrate the trousers P through the second opening 552 when the second pressure plate 550 is closed, i.e., when the second pressure plate 550 is rotated about the second axis so that the pressure surface 555 of the second pressure plate 550 faces the first pressure plate 530 and the trousers P.

[0122] In addition, the two sides of the first pressure plate 530, namely the first side 535 and the second side 538, can respectively include a first groove 536 and a second groove 537 having a concave shape along the length direction of the first pressure plate 530 to prevent the seams of the pants P from being pressed when pressing.

[0123] On the other hand, the first pressure plate 530 may include a first clip 531 and a second clip 533 for securing the placed trousers P. The first clip 531 may be provided on the second surface 538 and may have a U-shape. The first clip 531 may be a biased member that applies force only in the direction of pressing the garment inserted into the clip toward the first pressure plate 530 unless an external force is applied. For example, the first clip 531 may be a biased member made of an elastic member and utilizing elastic force.

[0124] The first clip 531 may include a clip fixing portion 5311 that secures the first clip 531 to the first pressure plate 530, and clip support portions 5312 that bend and extend at both ends of the clip fixing portion. When the trousers P are inserted into the clip support portions 5312, an elastic force acts on the first pressure plate 530, thereby securing the trousers P.

[0125] The second clip 533 can be located at the bottom of the first surface 535 facing the second pressure plate 550, preventing the opposite portion of the pants secured by the first clip 531 from moving. Preferably, the first clip 531 secures the bottom end of the pants leg, while the second clip 533 secures the opposite portion, i.e., the sides of the waistband. The second clip 533 can be configured as an angled clip, such as an angled bracket. The second clip 533 can be made of an elastic member and secure the pants like a clamp. However, preferably, the second clip 533 is configured as a pair of angled clips connected to the sides of the lower portion of the first surface 535. Thus, the angled second clip 533 creates a predetermined gap 5331 between the second clip 533 and the first surface 535. This gap 5331 is always maintained, and the sides of the pants can be inserted into the predetermined gap 5331 to secure the pants.

[0126] The second clip 533, which secures the pants using the specified gap 5331, does not require a physical force, such as an elastic force, like the first clip 531. This is to account for the varying lengths of the pants P placed on the first pressure plate 530. Specifically, adult and children's pants may differ in length. If the positions of the first and second clips 531, 533, were fixed based on the length of the adult pants, the children's pants might not be secured. Therefore, while the first clip 531 is secured, the position of the second clip 533 must be adjustable. However, since adjusting the position of the second clip 533 requires additional structural elements, this increases the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 and complicates the device. To simplify this issue, the pants P can be secured by inserting the second clips 533 onto both sides of the first pressure plate 530, rather than by securing the ends of the pants P.

[0127] The second pressure plate 550 may be coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 . Figure 4FIG. 5 shows an example in which the second pressure plate 550 is combined with the base plate 510. In addition, the first pressure plate 530 can also be combined with the inner surface 401 of the door or the base plate 510, but Figure 4 An example in which the second pressure plate 550 is combined with the base plate 510 is shown.

[0128] The first pressure plate 530 may include a locking pin 546 coupled to a distal edge (proximal side-edge) located opposite to the proximal side-edge of the first axis 5611, along a direction perpendicular to the first axis or the width direction of the door. Furthermore, the base plate 510 includes a locking pin coupling portion 541 disposed at a corresponding position for coupling with the locking pin 546.

[0129] Therefore, when the first pressure plate 530 rotates along the first axis 5611 and approaches the base plate 510, the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 can be coupled together as the locking pin 546 is fastened to the locking pin coupling portion 541. The locking pin coupling portion 541 can be formed of an elastic member. Therefore, when the locking pin 546 is accommodated in the locking pin coupling portion 541, because the diameter of the locking pin 546 is smaller than the entrance of the receiving portion of the locking pin coupling portion 541, a slight external force is required to force the locking pin 546 into the interior of the locking pin coupling portion 541 and engage. The locking mechanism between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 can also be configured differently. In other words, any method can be used as long as the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 can be coupled and separated, and the coupling between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 can be maintained after coupling.

[0130] The base plate 510 may further include a locking hook 542 for coupling with the second pressure plate 550. Although the locking hook 542 is shown as an angled shape, the locking hook 542 may be configured in any shape that allows the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550 to be coupled and separated. The locking hook 542 is inserted into a locking hole 547 provided on the second pressure plate 550 to maintain the locking between the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550. The locking hole 547 may be located on the pressure surface 555, and a buckle portion (not shown) may be provided inside the locking hole 547 to couple with the locking hook 542.

[0131] The width of the base plate 510 can be greater than the width of the first pressure plate 530. Therefore, the portion of the engaging surface 511 of the base plate 510 that is opposite to the first pressure plate and that does not contact the first pressure plate is located near the two side surfaces of the base plate 510. Since one locking hook 542 is provided near each of the two side surfaces, when the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 are engaged, there is no interference with the locking hook 542.

[0132] Therefore, when the second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the base plate 510, the latch portion (not shown) located inside the locking hole 547 will engage and lock the locking hook 542. Furthermore, when the handle 551 is pulled to unlock the locking hook 542 and the latch portion, the locking hook 542 can escape from the locking hole 547. This is one of many possible implementation methods; different methods may also be used to couple the second pressure plate 550 and the base plate 510.

[0133] Figure 4 (d) shows a configuration in which, after placing the pants P on the first pressure plate 530, the first pressure plate 530 is rotated again about the first axis 5611 to face the base plate 510. The first pressure plate 530 may further include a coupling member for coupling with the base plate 510. Figure 4 (e) shows the second pressure plate 550 rotating about the second axis 5621 and engaging with the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. Therefore, after being placed on the first pressure plate 530, the pants P can be pressed by the second pressure plate 550, the first pressure plate 530, and the base plate 510.

[0134] In addition, refer to Figure 4 In (a), even when the second pressure plate 550 is rotated to face the first pressure plate 530 and closed, the second clip 533 can be exposed to the outside. This is because the second clip 533 is configured to protrude from the first pressure plate 530. Therefore, in consideration of this situation, the height of the second pressure plate 550 can be made shorter than the height of the first pressure plate 530.

[0135] Despite Figure 4 Although not shown in (d), as will be described later, until the second pressing plate 550 presses the pants by its rotation, a portion of the pants located between the first pressing plate 530 and the base plate 510 may not be pressed. Figure 4In the state (d), the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 may be parallel to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween. However, differently from this, the first pressure plate 530 may be rotated and coupled to the base plate 510 to press a portion of the pants P located between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510.

[0136] Reference Figure 4 (c) The base plate 510 may include: a coupling surface 511 for pressing the trousers placed on the first pressure plate; and a mounting surface 512, located in the opposite direction of the coupling surface 511, for coupling the base plate 510 to the door inner surface 401. The door inner surface 401 may also replace the base plate 510 to play the role of the base plate 510. However, preferably, the base plate 510 may be separated from the door inner surface 401 by a specified distance, and the base plate 510 may be coupled to the door inner surface using a supporting member (not shown). The supporting member may be an elastic member. This is to maintain a specified pressure between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 so that the trousers P are tightly attached.

[0137] The base plate 510 may further include a clip receiving portion 513, which is recessed in a shape corresponding to the first clip and capable of receiving the first clip 531. This prevents damage to the base plate 510 due to the first clip 531 protruding from the first pressure plate 530 when the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 are in close contact with each other without pants P being placed thereon. The clip receiving portion 513 may be recessed or extend completely through the base plate 510.

[0138] Considering that the first clip 531 is located below the first pressure plate 530, the clip accommodating portion 513 may also be located below the base plate 510. Because the clip-fixing portion 5311 of the first clip is located below the first pressure plate, the portion of the clip-accommodating portion 513 corresponding to the clip-fixing portion of the first clip can be shorter than the rest of the base plate 510. Specifically, the first length P1 of the portion of the base plate corresponding to the clip-fixing portion 5311 can be shorter than the second length P2 of the rest of the base plate.

[0139] Although not shown in the figure, in order to avoid pressing the seams of the pants P pressed between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510, the base plate 510 may also include a pressure prevention groove (not shown) arranged at a position corresponding to the second groove 537 of the first pressure plate 530.

[0140] Figure 5 (a) shows the case where the corner portion 539 has an asymmetric shape. Figure 5 (b) shows an enlarged view thereof.

[0141] Reference Figure 5 In step (a), the bottom end of the pants P is secured by the first clip 531 located on the second surface 538, and the middle portion of the pants can be placed on the smoothly connected curved surface of the corner portion 539. Thereafter, the remaining portion of the pants P can be placed on the first surface 535. Because the remaining portion of the pants P is longer than the first pressure plate 530, a portion of the waist portion of the pants P can be positioned further below the lower side of the first pressure plate 530. Therefore, the second clip 533 can secure the pants P by inserting the two side surfaces of the pants P into the specified gap 5331, rather than securing the ends of the pants P.

[0142] The placement corner portion 539 is formed as a curved surface, so even if the trousers P are placed on the placement corner portion 539, wrinkles and creases can be prevented from being generated.

[0143] Reference Figure 5 (b), the corner placement portion 539 may include: a first curved surface 5391 connected to the first surface 535; and a second curved surface 5392 connecting the first curved surface 5391 and the second surface 538. The first curved surface 5391 and the second curved surface 5392 may have different curvatures from each other, and thus may be asymmetric shapes. That is, the first curved surface 5391 may be convex in a direction away from the door inner surface 401 compared to the first surface 535. Therefore, when the center of the first pressure plate is shown by a dotted line, the curvature radius S1 of the first curved surface 5391 may be greater than the curvature radius S2 of the second curved surface 5392 with the dotted line as a reference. In other words, the curvature of the first curved surface 5391 may be smaller than the curvature of the second curved surface 5392. The curvature radius of the second curved surface 5392 is approximately half the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 , while the curvature radius of the first curved surface 5391 is greater than half the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 .

[0144] On the other hand, the overall length of the pants P (the length of the outer seam) can be greater than the sum of the length of the first surface 535, the length of the positioning corner portion 539, and the length of the second surface 538. In this case, the waist portion of the pants can be located further below the second clip 533. The pants P are pressed from the bottom end (hem) to the middle height of the trouser legs by the base plate 510 and the second surface, and the remaining portion, including the waist portion of the pants (excluding the trouser legs), can be placed on the first surface 535 via the positioning corner portion 539. In this case, the portion that actually needs to be decreased is the trouser leg, not the waist portion. In addition, the location of the seam line of the trouser waist portion may be different from the location of the seam line of the trouser legs. Therefore, the portion that actually needs to be pressed to remove wrinkles is the trouser leg, excluding the waist portion.

[0145] Therefore, in order to compress only the desired portion of the pants P being placed, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface 5391 is increased so that the portion of the pants located between the second surface 538 and the base plate 510 is compressed and creased. Furthermore, the remaining portion of the pants passing through the placement corner portion 539 generates a tensile force due to its own weight, so that the pants as a whole are compressed in a very straight and taut state, making the intended creases of the pants more clear and prominent. Such creases are generally referred to as "clearly visible pants' leg creases."

[0146] Considering the curvature radius of the first curved surface 5391, after passing the first curved surface 5391, the pants P will be separated from the first pressure plate 530 unless the second pressure plate 550 is engaged with the first pressure plate 530. Of course, depending on the shape of the second pressure plate 550, the portion between the first surface 535 and the second pressure plate 550 may also be pressed.

[0147] Figure 6 (a) shows the positions of the first rotating portion 561 and the second rotating portion 562 . Figure 6 (b) shows the first rotating portion 561 and the second rotating portion 562 in an enlarged manner.

[0148] As previously described, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction of the door 400 about the first axis 5611, and the second pressure plate 550 can rotate in the up-down direction of the door 400 about the second axis 5621. Furthermore, when the second pressure plate rotates and opens, the first pressure plate 530 can also rotate in the same direction, so that the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 change from a state of pressing the trousers to a state of releasing the pressing force.

[0149] In order to achieve such rotation, the first pressure plate 530 may further include: a first rotating portion 561, which is combined with the inner surface of the door 401 or the base plate 510, so that the first pressure plate 530 rotates around the first axis 5611 and rotates in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 5611.

[0150] The second pressure plate 550 may further include a second rotating portion 562 coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 , so as to rotate the second pressure plate around a second axis, ie, a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

[0151] The first rotating portion 561 may include a first shaft 5611 disposed along the height direction of the door 400, an auxiliary shaft 5612 perpendicularly connected to the first shaft 5611, and a connecting portion 5615 rotatably connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction of the door 400 using the first shaft 5611 and can also rotate in the up-down direction of the door 400 using the auxiliary shaft 5612.

[0152] The first rotating portion 561 may also include a fixing portion 5614 for fixing the first shaft 5611 to one side of the first pressure plate. A shaft recess 534 is provided on one side of the first pressure plate to accommodate the first shaft 5611. The bracket-shaped fixing portion 5614, which is inserted into the shaft recess 534 and secures the first shaft 5611, secures the first shaft 5611 within the shaft recess 534. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate about the first shaft 5611 in the left-right direction of the door.

[0153] The auxiliary shaft 5612 may extend perpendicularly to the first shaft 5611 and may be configured to extend through the fixing portion 5614 and protrude therefrom. The first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612 may be integrally formed. The first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612 ultimately form two cylindrical shafts joined together to form a T-shape. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate using both the first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.

[0154] The first rotating part 561 may also include: a connecting part 5615, connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612; a first gear 5613, combined with the connecting part and transmitting the rotational force; a first gear shaft 56131, which is the rotating axis of the first gear 5613; and a first supporting part 5618, combined with the inner surface of the door 401 or the base plate 510 and supporting the first gear shaft 56131.

[0155] The first gear 5613 and the connecting portion 5615 may be combined so as to rotate together with the first gear 5613 when the first gear 5613 rotates. Therefore, when the first gear 5613 rotates, the connecting portion 5615 rotates, and as a result, the first pressure plate 530 rotates in the same direction with the auxiliary shaft 5612 as the center. At this time, the first pressure plate 530 rotates at a radius corresponding to the length of the connecting portion 5615. In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, under the action of the deadweight of the first pressure plate 530, the first pressure plate 530 will rotate in a manner that is always parallel to and facing the base plate 510. That is, since only the connecting portion 5615 rotates, as the connecting portion 5615 rotates, the auxiliary shaft 5612 connected to the connecting portion 5615 moves along the trajectory of the connecting portion, so that the first pressure plate 530 appears to be rotating. However, in fact, the angle formed by the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 will not change due to its rotation. When viewed from the perspective of vector calculus, the curl vector value of the base plate corresponding to the rotation of the base plate will be 0. However, since the base plate appears to be rotating, it is described as rotating in this specification.

[0156] The second rotating portion 562 may include a second shaft 5621 for rotating the second pressure plate 550 in the vertical direction of the door or in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft; and a second gear 5623 for rotating together with the second pressure plate 550 about the second shaft 5621. Alternatively, the second gear 5623 and the second shaft 5621 may be integrally formed. The second gear shaft, which serves as the rotation center of the second gear 5623, may be a different shaft from the second shaft 5621. However, this embodiment illustrates a case where the second gear shaft is the same shaft as the second shaft for rotating the second pressure plate.

[0157] When the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the second gear 5623 and the second shaft 5621 are coupled to the second pressure plate 550 and thus rotate together. The second pressure plate 550 may further include a second support portion 5625 coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 to support the rotation of the second gear shaft.

[0158] Reference Figure 7In (b), the first support portion 5618 supports not only the first gear 5613 but also a third gear 5633, which serves as an idle gear, located between the first gear 5613 and the second gear 5623. When the first gear 5613 and the second gear 5623 are spaced apart, the third gear 5633 prevents the diameter of the first gear 5613 or the second gear 5623 from increasing. Therefore, although the first gear 5613 and the second gear 5623 can also engage directly, this example illustrates an indirect connection via the third gear 5633.

[0159] Reference Figure 6 (b) The base plate 510 may further include a gear through-hole 5191 extending through the base plate 510 along its thickness at a position corresponding to the first gear 5613. This is to prevent the first gear 5613, due to its size, from colliding with or interfering with the base plate. Furthermore, as described above, since the base plate 510 is spaced a predetermined distance from the door inner surface 401, even if the first gear 5613 protrudes toward the mounting surface through the gear through-hole 5191, it will not contact the door inner surface 401.

[0160] Figure 7 (a) shows the first shaft, the auxiliary shaft, and the connecting portion in an enlarged manner. Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 (c) shows a mechanism in which the first pressure plate rotates when the second pressure plate rotates because the rotational force is transmitted via the first gear portion, the connection portion, and the auxiliary shaft when the second gear rotates.

[0161] Reference Figure 7 In (a), the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction (Rot1) using a first shaft 5611 arranged parallel to the height direction of the door. The dotted line indicates the center of the cross section of the first shaft 5611. Furthermore, the first pressure plate 530 can also rotate in the up-down direction (Rot2) using an auxiliary shaft 5612 arranged perpendicular to the first shaft 5611.

[0162] Figure 7 (b) shows the second pressure plate 550 with its pressure surface 555 facing the first pressure plate 530. The second pressure plate 550 is combined with the first pressure plate 530 or the base plate 510 to press the placed trousers. In this case, the first pressure plate will obviously press the base plate 510 and the trousers. If no trousers are placed, the first pressure plate will be in close contact with the base plate 510. This position is referred to as the first position.

[0163] Figure 7(c) shows the user opening the second pressure plate 550, i.e., rotating the second pressure plate 550 using the second shaft 5621 so that the cover surface 558 faces the door inner surface 401. At this point, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate by rotating the connecting portion 5615. However, due to its own weight, the first pressure plate 530 will always face the base plate 510 and be separated by a predetermined distance. This position is referred to as the second position.

[0164] When the user opens the second pressure plate 550, the handle 551 of the second pressure plate 550 moves from its original position below the second axis 5621 to the upper position. In other words, the pressure plate 550 moves from a state where the pressure surface 555 faces the base plate 510 and the cover surface 558 is exposed to the outside to a state where the pressure surface 555 is exposed to the outside and the cover surface 558 faces the door inner surface 401.

[0165] On the other hand, the handle 551 is not only a unit for holding to rotate the second pressure plate 550, but also can release the second pressure plate 550, the base plate 510, and the first pressure plate 530 from being coupled. That is, when the user pulls the handle 551, the locking device (not shown) for maintaining the second pressure plate 550, the base plate 510, and the first pressure plate 530 coupled together can be unlocked.

[0166] When the user opens the second pressure plate 550, the first pressure plate 530 moves from the first position to the second position. When the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the second gear 5623 rotates in the same first rotational direction as the second pressure plate 550. When the second gear 5623 rotates, the third gear 5633 rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. Furthermore, the first gear 5613 rotates in the first rotational direction.

[0167] When the first gear 5613 rotates in the first rotation direction, the connecting portion 5615 connected thereto can rotate in the first rotation direction. At this time, the auxiliary shaft 5612 rotatably connected to the connecting portion 5615 will move along the first rotation direction under the action of the connecting portion 5615. Therefore, under the action of the first shaft 5611 connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612, the first pressure plate 530 will also move along the first rotation direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown in (c), in the second position, the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate can be parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined separation distance L1. The separation distance is the maximum distance that can be separated between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530. Furthermore, in the first position, the separation distance can be smaller than the distance between the first gear shaft 56131 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.

[0168] Reference Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 In (c), the second gear 5623 is provided with gear teeth 5624 only on a portion of its outer circumference. This is to limit the portion meshing with the third gear 5633 to that portion having the gear teeth. Specifically, if the gear teeth were provided on the entire outer circumference of the second gear 5623, when the second pressure plate 550 rotates in the first position, the first pressure plate 530 would immediately rotate. As a result, the first pressure plate 530 would likely be positioned significantly higher than the second position, rather than being in the second position. In this case, interference with the first support portion 5618 and other components could occur. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary movement of the first pressure plate 530, that is, to enable the first pressure plate 530 to move only between the first and second positions, the gear teeth 5624 of the second gear may be provided on only a portion of the outer circumference of the second gear 5623. In this case, when the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the first pressure plate 530 does not rotate immediately, but rotates after a certain delay. Figure 7 (c) shows a situation where the gear teeth of the second gear are engaged with the gear teeth of the third gear at the second position.

[0169] The same applies when the user rotates the second pressure plate 550 to close it. In this case, in the second position, the first pressure plate 530 begins to rotate simultaneously with the rotation of the second pressure plate 550, and after a predetermined delay after the first pressure plate 530 reaches the first position, the second pressure plate 550 is engaged with the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. In other words, the pressure surface 555 is engaged with the first pressure plate 530 so as to face the first pressure plate 530.

[0170] At this time, the pressurizer 50 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) Differently, since the first pressure plate 530 is parallel to the base plate 510 and presses the pants P, the pants can be pressed uniformly and simultaneously. Therefore, the phenomenon of the pants being pushed and the resulting creases caused by pressing from one side due to rotation can be minimized.

[0171] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows a situation in which the first pressure plate 530 is rotated in the up-down direction of the door using the connection portion 5615 and the auxiliary connection portion 5715 in order to place the trousers P between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 .

[0172] like Figure 7 As described above, when the first pressure plate 530 rotates using the connecting portion, it can rotate toward the base plate 510. This is because the angle of the base plate 510 facing the base plate 510 does not change due to its own weight when the connecting portion 5615 rotates. To further ensure this, one of the two side surfaces of the first pressure plate 530 connected to the connecting portion may also include an auxiliary connecting portion 5715 located below the connecting portion.

[0173] Unlike the connection portion 5615 having the first gear 5613 and thus receiving rotational force when the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the auxiliary connection portion 5715 is simply hingedly coupled to the base plate 510 or the door inner surface 401 and rotates. Therefore, while the connection portion 5615 actively rotates the first pressure plate 530, when the first pressure plate 530 is rotated by the connection portion 5615, the auxiliary connection portion 5715 can passively guide the base plate 510, ensuring that the base plate 510 always faces the first pressure plate 530 and rotates.

[0174] In addition, the connecting portion 5615 and the auxiliary connecting portion 5715 are only provided on one side of the first pressure plate 530 , because the first pressure plate 530 also needs to rotate using the first shaft 5611 .

[0175] Figure 8 (a) schematically illustrates the first pressure plate 530, the connecting portion 5615, and the auxiliary connecting portion 5715 in a first position. The auxiliary connecting portion 5715 may include a subordinate shaft 57131 for hinged connection with the base plate 510 or the inner door surface 401; and a subordinate auxiliary shaft 5712, disposed parallel to the auxiliary shaft 5612, for rotating the first pressure plate 530. The subordinate shaft 57131 and the subordinate auxiliary shaft 5712 function similarly to the first gear shaft 56131 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.

[0176] Figure 8(b) shows the situation where the first pressure plate 530 moves to the second position and a predetermined separation distance L1 is separated between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. After that, the user rotates the first pressure plate 530 using the first shaft 5611 and then uses the first clip 531 and the second clip 533 to place the pants and fix them to the first pressure plate 530. Then, when the first pressure plate 530 is rotated again in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (c), the pants P will be located between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530. Figure 8 As shown in (d), when the second pressure plate 550 is rotated downward, the first pressure plate 530 moves from the second position to the first position and presses the pants P.

[0177] The present invention can be implemented in various forms and variations, and its scope of rights is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, if the variations include structural elements within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they should be considered to fall within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, in, include: The box body is provided with an input port on one side; a first chamber located inside the box body, and for accommodating clothes in the first chamber through the input port; a second chamber, located below the first chamber, forming a space separated from the first chamber; a steam unit, disposed inside the second chamber, generating steam and supplying the steam to the first chamber; a door rotatably coupled to the box body to open and close the input port; an inner surface of the door, located on a surface of the door facing the first chamber; a base plate coupled to the inner surface of the door; A first axis is provided on the door in a direction parallel to the height direction of the door; a second axis, arranged on the door in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the door; a first pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the first shaft and disposed facing the base plate to place and press the trousers; a second pressure plate, rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate using the second shaft and disposed opposite to the first pressure plate to press the trousers; an auxiliary shaft connected perpendicularly to the first shaft; and a connecting portion rotatably connected to the auxiliary shaft; The first pressure plate is rotatable about the first axis and is further rotatable in parallel with the second axis using the auxiliary axis; The laundry processing device further includes: a first gear coupled to the connecting portion and rotating together with the connecting portion; and a second gear, located on a side of the second pressure plate, connected to the first gear and rotating together with the second pressure plate; When the second pressure plate rotates around the second axis, the first pressure plate can rotate in parallel with the second axis by using the second gear, the first gear, the connecting portion, and the auxiliary shaft. The second pressure plate includes: a pressure surface for pressing the first pressure plate and the pants; and a cover surface, located in the opposite direction of the pressure-applying surface; When the second gear teeth which are only provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second gear rotate until the second pressure plate rotates so that the cover surface is parallel to the inner surface of the door, the first pressure plate moves from a first position pressing the base plate to a second position which is separated from the base plate by a prescribed distance and is parallel to the base plate.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure plate comprises: The first clip is located at the lower part of the first pressure plate on the side facing the base plate, and fixes one end of the bottom end and the top end of the trousers.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first pressure plate comprises: The second clip is located at the lower part of the other side of the first pressure plate facing the second pressure plate, and fixes the other end of the bottom end and the top end of the trousers.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first pressure plate comprises: a first surface, which is a surface of the first pressure plate facing the base plate; a second surface, which is the other surface of the first pressure plate facing the second pressure plate; and The placement corner portion has a curved surface shape and connects the first surface and the second surface. The trousers are placed on the placement corner portion. In the placement corner portion, a curvature of a curved surface connected to the first surface and a curvature of a curved surface connected to the second surface are different.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first side includes: The first groove is formed in a concave shape in the longitudinal direction of the door to prevent the first surface from interfering with the seam provided on the trousers. The second side includes: The second groove is formed concavely in the length direction of the door to prevent the second surface from interfering with the seam provided on the trousers. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base plate comprises: The clip accommodating portion is recessed or penetrates the base plate in a shape corresponding to the first clip. When the first pressure plate presses the base plate, the first clip is accommodated in the clip accommodating portion.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base plate comprises: A gear through hole penetrates the base plate at a position corresponding to the first gear. When the first gear rotates, the gear through hole prevents the first gear from interfering with the base plate.

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