Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to clothing treatment equipment having means for separating foreign matter attached to heat exchangers (such as condensers and evaporators), wherein the means is capable of providing mechanical force for separating foreign matter from the heat exchangers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, a type of garment processing equipment has emerged that performs a drying process that removes moisture from clothing. Traditional garment processing equipment can not only significantly shorten the drying time of clothes by supplying hot air to the drum in which the clothes are contained, but also sterilize and disinfect the clothes.

[0003] Traditional garment processing equipment uses electric heaters to supply hot air to the drum. Hot air is generated by heating the air flowing into the drum through a heater installed on a pipe connected to the drum.

[0004] Recently, a garment processing device has emerged that uses a heat pump system to heat the air flowing into the drum. This garment processing device can cool the air discharged from the clothes to condense moisture through an evaporator, and then reheat the air through a condenser to produce hot and dry air.

[0005] The advantages of clothing processing equipment with heat pump systems are that they are more energy efficient than clothing processing equipment using electric heaters, are easy to install, and are easy to maintain and replace.

[0006] However, a problem with traditional garment processing equipment is that foreign objects such as lint adhere to the evaporator because the air expelled from the garments directly collides with it. These foreign objects can interfere with heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator and the air exiting from the drum, thus reducing drying efficiency.

[0007] In particular, the problem is that when foreign objects remaining in the evaporator are corroded by bacteria, even the clothes contained in the drum can become contaminated.

[0008] Referring to Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2012-0110498, a clothing treatment device capable of washing the evaporator with water has been disclosed.

[0009] Clothing treatment equipment can automatically remove foreign objects attached to the evaporator by supplying water to the evaporator, thus avoiding the need for users to directly clean the evaporator.

[0010] Figure 1 The evaporator of a traditional garment processing device is shown.

[0011] The evaporator 41 of a conventional garment processing device may include: a plurality of heat exchange fins P; a refrigerant pipe configured to pass through the heat exchange fins P; a fixing member P1 for fixing the heat exchange fins P; and a water inlet 35 defined in the top surface of the evaporator 41 and capable of supplying water to the heat exchange fins P or the fixing member P1.

[0012] When air discharged from the drum flows into the heat exchange fins P, it can be cooled and condensed through heat exchange with the refrigerant. However, because the air discharged from the drum contains foreign objects such as lint, these objects may not pass through the heat exchange fins P and may adhere to the inflow surface of the evaporator.

[0013] In this regard, when water is supplied to the inlet 35, the water flows along the heat exchange fins P, thereby removing foreign matter. However, the pressure of the water sprayed onto the cleaning nozzle 35 may not be high, and the sprayed water may not be supplied to the entire inflow surface of the evaporator 41.

[0014] Furthermore, the water sprayed from the inlet 35 does not provide the force to directly separate foreign objects from the evaporator, except to push them away.

[0015] Therefore, even when traditional garment cleaning equipment has a structure that allows for water washing of the evaporator, there is still a problem that foreign matter adhering to the evaporator surface remains even after water is sprayed.

[0016] Furthermore, a fundamental limitation of traditional garment handling equipment is that foreign objects cannot be removed when they are firmly attached to the surface of the evaporator (e.g., tightly tangled together). Summary of the Invention

[0017] Technical issues

[0018] This disclosure aims to provide a garment processing apparatus in which a device is installed to separate foreign matter adhering to the surface of an evaporator.

[0019] This disclosure aims to provide a garment processing apparatus capable of providing mechanical force for separating foreign matter from an evaporator.

[0020] This disclosure aims to provide a garment processing apparatus, wherein a device is installed that can be detachably connected to an evaporator and can separate foreign matter adhering to the evaporator.

[0021] This disclosure aims to provide a garment processing apparatus in which, upon completion of foreign matter separation, the means for separating foreign matter from the evaporator can be reconnected to the evaporator.

[0022] This disclosure aims to provide a garment processing device, wherein the device can automatically control the separation of foreign matter from the evaporator.

[0023] Technical solution

[0024] To address the aforementioned problems, the garment processing apparatus according to this disclosure may include: a housing for forming the exterior of the garment processing apparatus; a drum housed within the housing for holding garments therein; a circulation channel configured to resupply air discharged from the drum into the drum; a fan disposed within the circulation channel to circulate air; and a heat exchanger including an evaporator and a condenser, the evaporator being mounted within the circulation channel to cool the air discharged from the drum, and the condenser being spaced apart from the evaporator to heat the air.

[0025] In addition, the garment processing equipment may also include a removal section connected to the evaporator or the condenser, the removal section being reciprocating to separate foreign matter from the evaporator or the condenser.

[0026] The removal section may include: a separation body disposed on a surface of the evaporator or the condenser; and a driver for reciprocating the separation body between toward and away from the circulating flow channel.

[0027] The separation body can be disposed on one of the surfaces of the evaporator facing the circulating flow channel upstream.

[0028] The evaporator may be configured to contact the air supplied from the circulating flow channel before the condenser, wherein the separation body is disposed on one surface of the evaporator, and the air is introduced into the surface from the circulating flow channel.

[0029] The garment handling device may further include a pivoting portion connected to and pivotally supporting the separating body, the actuator providing power to pivot the pivoting portion.

[0030] The garment handling device may further include a placement section spaced apart from the pivot section and connected to the separation body, and the actuator is connected to the placement section to push or pull the placement section.

[0031] The garment processing apparatus may further include a washer for supplying water to one surface of the evaporator to remove foreign matter, wherein the actuator is configured to receive water from the washer and use the water to push the placement portion.

[0032] The placement section can be configured to remove foreign matter by receiving water from the driver and delivering the water to one of the surfaces of the separation body or the evaporator.

[0033] The placement portion may include: an inflow body, connected to the drive and receiving water; and a placement body, connected to the separation body and supplying water supplied from the inflow body to one surface of the separation body or the evaporator.

[0034] The actuator may include a flexible tube configured to communicate the washer and the inflow body to each other, wherein the flexible tube is configured to push the inflow body when water is supplied from the washer and to pull the inflow body when water supply from the washer is obstructed.

[0035] The actuator may include: a mounting conduit fixed to the evaporator; a suction tube extending from the mounting conduit and connected to the washer; and an extension tube disposed in the mounting conduit to communicate with the suction tube and connected to the resilient tube.

[0036] The pivoting portion may include: a pivoting body connected to one end of the separate body; and a pivoting link for pivotally supporting the pivoting body on one surface of the evaporator or the circulating flow channel.

[0037] The pivoting body may include: a body support connected to the separate body; and a support member disposed on the body support and limiting the pivoting angle of the separate body.

[0038] The pivoting portion can be connected to one end of the separating body, and the mounting portion is disposed at the other end of the separating body.

[0039] The pivoting portion may include a plurality of pivoting portions disposed along one surface of the evaporator, and the actuator is controlled to rotate the plurality of pivoting portions in sequence.

[0040] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0041] The advantage of this disclosure is that it provides a garment processing device, which includes a means for separating foreign matter adhering to the surface of an evaporator.

[0042] The effect of this disclosure is to provide mechanical force for separating foreign matter from the evaporator.

[0043] The advantage of this disclosure is that it can be detachably connected to the evaporator and allows foreign matter attached to the evaporator to be separated.

[0044] The advantage of this disclosure is that, once the separation of foreign matter is complete, the device for separating foreign matter from the evaporator can be reconnected to the evaporator to restore its position.

[0045] The advantage of this disclosure is that it enables automatic control of the device for separating foreign matter from the evaporator. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 The evaporator structure of a traditional garment processing device is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 An embodiment of the construction of a garment processing device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 3 The internal structure of the garment processing device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 4 A condensate management structure for a garment processing device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 5 The piping structure of a garment processing device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 The structure in which the removal portion is mounted on the evaporator of the garment processing device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 7 The process of removing the part is shown.

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A sectional view.

[0054] Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the removed portion can be detached from or reattached to the evaporator. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout this specification, even in different embodiments, the same and similar reference numerals are assigned to the same and similar parts, and their description is replaced by a first description. As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of relevant known art will be omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions might obscure the essential points of the embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the accompanying drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be noted that the technical concepts disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited by the drawings.

[0056] Figure 2 The basic features of the garment processing apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 1 includes a front panel 11 that defines the front surface of the garment handling device. The front panel 11 has an inlet 111 and a door 112 defined therein, the inlet 111 communicating with the roller 2, and the door 112 being pivotally connected to the housing to open and close the inlet 111.

[0058] Control panel 117 is located on front panel 11. Control panel 117 may include input unit 118 for receiving control commands from user and display 119 for outputting information (such as control commands selectable by user). A controller may be installed to control commands used to perform the drying process of the garment processing equipment.

[0059] The input unit 118 may be configured to include a power request unit for requesting power to the garment handling device, a program input unit for allowing the user to select a desired program from multiple programs, and an execution request unit for requesting the start of the program selected by the user. The display 119 may be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and graphics and a speaker capable of outputting audio signals and sound.

[0060] In one embodiment, the garment processing device of this disclosure may include a water reservoir 7 configured to separately store moisture generated during the garment drying process. The water reservoir 7 may include a storage body 72 configured to extend outwards from one side of the front panel 11. The storage body 72 may be configured to collect condensate (described later) delivered from the wash pump. A user can remove the storage body 72 from the housing 1 to remove the condensate, and then reinstall the storage body 72 in the housing 1. Therefore, the garment processing device of this disclosure can be placed anywhere where there is no sewer or similar installation.

[0061] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus of this disclosure may further include a steam supply unit 200 capable of supplying steam to the garment or to the housing. The steam supply unit 200 may be configured to generate steam by receiving fresh water instead of condensate. The steam supply unit 200 may be configured to generate steam by heating water, using ultrasound, or evaporating water.

[0062] Because the steam supply unit 200 is configured to generate steam by receiving a certain amount of water, it can occupy a certain volume. In this regard, a door and control panel 117 are installed on the front panel 11 of the housing, and pipes for supplying air to or venting air from the drum, water supply devices, etc., can be installed on the rear panel 12 of the housing, so that the steam supply unit 200 can be advantageously installed on the side panel 14 of the housing.

[0063] Furthermore, the garment handling apparatus of this disclosure may include a steam controller 800 configured to separately control the steam supply 200. The steam controller 800 may be mounted on the control panel 117, but may be configured as a separate control panel to prevent overloading of the control panel 117 and to prevent increased manufacturing costs.

[0064] The steam controller 800 can be located near the steam supply unit 200. The steam controller 800 can be located on the side plate 14 on which the steam supply unit 200 is mounted, in order to reduce the length of control lines and the like connected to the steam supply unit 200.

[0065] Since the steam supply unit 200 supplies steam that can come into contact with clothing, it is preferable to use clean water to generate the steam. Because the water collected in the water reservoir 7 is generated from clothing, the water collected in the water reservoir 7 is likely to contain lint or foreign objects. Therefore, the water collected in the water reservoir 7 may not be suitable for generating steam.

[0066] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of this disclosure can supply water to the steam supply unit 200, but may include a water supply unit 300 constructed separately from the water storage unit 7. The water supply unit 300 may be constructed to store clean water therein, or to receive clean water from the outside and supply clean water to the steam supply unit 200.

[0067] For example, the water supply unit 300 may include an external water supply unit 500 and an internal water supply unit 400. The external water supply unit can receive water from an external water source and deliver the water to the steam supply unit 200. The internal water supply unit can store clean water in itself and supply the clean water to the steam supply unit 200.

[0068] The internal water supply unit 400 may also include a water tank 420, a water pump 430, and a water tank housing 410. The water tank is constructed separately from the water storage tank 7 to store clean water therein. The water pump is configured to supply water from the water tank 420 to the steam supply unit 200. The water tank housing houses the water tank 420 and the water pump 430 inside the housing.

[0069] The garment processing device disclosed herein can also be configured such that the water tank 420 and the steam supply 200 are installed at different vertical heights, so that water in the water tank 420 is supplied to the steam supply 200 through its own load.

[0070] When the vertical height difference between the water tank 420 and the steam supply unit 200 is not fixed, an additional water pump 430 may be required. Furthermore, the advantage of having an additional water pump 430 is that the space within the housing 1 can be utilized more efficiently.

[0071] The external water supply unit 500 may include a direct water valve 520 connected to an external water supply source to receive water.

[0072] Furthermore, the garment handling apparatus of this disclosure may also include a determining unit 700 that determines whether to supply water to the steam supplier 200 by prioritizing the use of either the external water supplier 500 or the internal water supplier 400. The determining unit 700 may be structurally configured to determine which of the external water supplier 500 and the internal water supplier 400 is preferentially used.

[0073] In one embodiment, the water tank 420 may be configured to store fresh water therein. Preferably, the water tank 420 is configured to protrude to the outside of the housing 1 so as to be frequently refilled with fresh water.

[0074] However, since both the water tank 420 and the water reservoir 7 are configured to store water, users may be confused. Therefore, the garment handling device of this disclosure can be configured such that the water tank 420 and the water reservoir 7 protrude from the housing in different directions and at different locations. For example, the water tank 420 can be configured to protrude through the top surface panel 13, while the water reservoir 7 can be configured to protrude through the front panel 11. Thus, even when both the water tank 420 and the water reservoir 7 are arranged, user confusion can be prevented.

[0075] The volume of water tank 420 may be relatively smaller than that of water reservoir 7 because water tank 420 must store clean water and must maintain the cleanliness of the stored water. Therefore, users can distinguish water tank 420 and water reservoir 7 from each other by their volume difference.

[0076] Since the volume of the water tank 420 is smaller than that of the water reservoir 7, the water tank 420 can be easily pulled upwards. Therefore, the water tank 420 can be configured to be pulled upwards from the top surface plate 13. Thus, since the water tank 420 and the water reservoir 7 are removed in different directions, the possibility of user confusion can be further reduced.

[0077] The top surface panel 13 of the garment processing apparatus of this disclosure may include a water tank extraction hole 131 defined therein, the water tank extraction hole being configured such that the water tank 420 can be exposed to the outside, or the water tank 420 can be extracted to the outside of the housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank extraction hole 131 may correspond to or be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank 420.

[0078] The top surface panel 13 may also include a pull-out cover 132 configured to cover the tank extraction port 131 to prevent the tank 420 from being arbitrarily pulled out. The pull-out cover 132 may include one or more panel connection portions 1321 configured to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the tank extraction port 131. The panel connection portions 1321 may extend from one side of the pull-out cover 132 to pivotally connect the pull-out cover 132 to the top surface panel 13. The panel connection portions 1321 and the top surface panel 13 may be hinged together.

[0079] In one embodiment, the pull-out cover 132 may have a panel handle 1323 on its surface for a user to grip, the panel handle 1323 being defined as a recessed groove extending downward from the pull-out cover 132. Furthermore, the pull-out cover 132 may also include a panel retaining portion 1332 detachably coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the top surface panel 13 or the water tank extraction port 131. The panel retaining portion 1332 may be button-coupled to the top surface panel 13 or the water tank extraction port 131.

[0080] The garment processing apparatus disclosed herein may also include a filter capable of removing foreign matter from the circulating air. The front panel 11 may have a filter mounting hole 113 defined therein, through which the filter is pulled out or inserted.

[0081] Figure 3 The internal structure of the garment processing apparatus of this disclosure is shown.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the garment processing device 100 includes: a housing 1; a drum 2 rotatably disposed inside the housing to define a space for storing garments therein; a duct 3 defining a flow channel for resupplying air discharged from the drum 2 to the drum 2; and a heat exchanger 4 for dehumidifying and heating the air introduced into the duct 3, and then resupplying the dehumidified and heated air to the drum 2.

[0083] When the roller 2 is constructed as a cylindrical roller body 21 with an open front surface and an open rear surface, a first support 17 that rotatably supports the front surface of the roller 2 so that it can rotate, and a second support 19 that supports the rear surface of the roller 2 so that it can rotate can be arranged inside the housing 1.

[0084] The first support member 17 may be configured to include: a first fixed body 171, fixedly disposed inside the housing 1; a roller inlet 173, configured to extend through the first fixed body and communicate with the interior of the inlet 112 and the roller body 21; and a first support body 175, disposed on the first fixed body 171 and inserted into the front surface (first opening surface) of the roller body 21.

[0085] The first fixing body 171 can have any shape, as long as the roller inlet 173 can be defined therein and the first support body 175 can be disposed thereon. The first support body 175 can be formed as a tube protruding from the first fixing body 171 toward the roller body 21. The diameter of the first support body 175 can be larger than the diameter of the roller inlet 173 and smaller than the diameter of the front surface of the roller body 21. In this case, the roller inlet 173 can be located inside the space defined by the first support body 175.

[0086] The first support member 17 can be configured to also include a connecting body 177 for interconnecting the inlet 111 and the roller inlet 173. The connecting body 177 can be formed as a tube extending from the roller inlet 173 to the inlet 111. The connecting body 177 can have a vent 178 defined therein, which communicates with the pipe 3. Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust port 178 is a flow channel along which air inside the roller body 21 can flow to the circulation flow channel 3. This flow channel can be implemented by being constructed to extend through the through hole connecting the body 177.

[0087] The second support member 19 can be configured to include: a second fixed body 191, fixedly disposed inside the housing 1; and a second support body 195, disposed on the second fixed body 191 and inserted into the rear surface (second opening surface) of the roller body 21. An air inlet 198 is defined in the second support member 19, extending through the second fixed body 191 and communicating between the interior of the roller body 21 and the interior of the housing 1. In this case, the conduit 3 can be configured to connect the exhaust port 178 and the air inlet 198 to each other.

[0088] The hollow cylindrical roller body 21 can be rotated by various types of drives. As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the drive 28 includes: a motor 23, which is fixedly mounted inside the housing 1; a pulley 25, which is rotated by the motor; and a conveyor belt 27 that connects the circumferential surface of the pulley 25 and the circumferential surface of the roller body 21 to each other.

[0089] In this case, the first support member 17 may have a circumferential surface supporting the roller body 21 so as to allow the first roller 179 to rotate, and the second support member 19 may have a circumferential surface supporting the roller body so as to allow the second roller 199 to rotate.

[0090] Pipe 3 can define a circulation channel for circulating air discharged from the roller and then resupplying the circulating air to the roller.

[0091] The pipe 3 can be configured to include: an exhaust pipe 31 connected to an exhaust port 178; an air supply pipe 33 connected to an air inlet 198; and a connecting pipe 35 that connects the exhaust pipe and the air supply pipe to each other.

[0092] The heat exchanger 4 can be implemented in various ways, as long as these devices can sequentially dehumidify and heat the air introduced into the circulation channel 3. For example, the heat exchanger 4 can be implemented as a heat pump system.

[0093] The heat exchanger 4 may include: a fan 49 for causing air to flow along the pipe 3; a first heat exchanger (absorber) 41 for removing moisture from the air introduced into the pipe 3; and a second heat exchanger (radiator) 43 disposed inside the pipe 3 and heating the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 41.

[0094] Fan 49 can be configured to include an impeller 491 disposed inside the duct 3 and an impeller motor 493 that rotates the impeller 491 (see Figure 4 The impeller 491 can be installed anywhere in the exhaust pipe 31, the connecting pipe 35, and the air supply pipe 33. Figure 3 As an example, the impeller 491 is shown in the air supply duct 33 (where the impeller 491 is located at the rear of the radiator).

[0095] The evaporator 41 is implemented as a plurality of metal plates arranged along the width direction (Y-axis direction) or along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the connecting pipe 35. The condenser 43 can be implemented as a plurality of metal plates arranged along the width direction or along the height direction of the connecting pipe. The evaporator 41 and the condenser 43 are arranged sequentially in the connecting pipe 35 in the direction from the exhaust pipe 31 toward the supply pipe 33, and are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe 48 that defines a circulation flow path for the refrigerant (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0096] The refrigerant moves along the refrigerant line 48 through the compressor 45 located outside the circulation flow channel 3. The refrigerant line 48 is equipped with a pressure regulator 47, which controls the pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the radiator 43.

[0097] Evaporator 41 can refer to a component that cools air and causes refrigerant to evaporate by transferring heat from the air flowing into the exhaust pipe 31 to the refrigerant. Condenser 43 can refer to a component that heats air and condenses refrigerant by transferring heat from the refrigerant passing through the compressor 45 to the air. In this case, when air passes through evaporator 41, moisture contained in the air can accumulate along the surface of evaporator 41 on the bottom surface of connecting pipe 35.

[0098] A water collector is installed in the garment processing equipment 100 to collect water removed from the air passing through the evaporator 41.

[0099] Water collected in the collector can be collected in the storage tank 7 and then discharged centrally. The storage tank 7 may include: a storage body 72, which is detachably disposed in the housing 1 to define a space therein for storing water; and an inlet 722 configured to penetrate the storage body 72 to introduce water discharged from the water supply pipe 633 into the storage body 72.

[0100] The storage body 72 can be configured as a drawer-type storage slot extending from the housing 1. In this case, the front panel 11 of the housing must have a water reservoir mounting hole defined therein for the storage body 72 to be inserted. The panel 71 is fixed to the front surface of the storage body 72, and the panel 71 can be configured to be detachably attached to the water reservoir mounting hole to form part of the front panel 11.

[0101] The panel 71 may also include a recess 711 into which a user's hand can be inserted. In this case, the panel 71 will also function as a handle, extending the storage unit 72 out of the housing or retracting the storage unit 72 back into the housing.

[0102] The inlet 722 can be defined to receive water discharged from a nozzle 722a fixed to the housing 1. The nozzle 722a can be fixed to the top surface plate 13 of the housing so as to be positioned above the inlet 722 when the storage body 72 is inserted into the housing 1.

[0103] The water reservoir 7 with the above structure allows the user to empty the water inside the storage body 72 by flipping or tilting the storage body 72 in the direction of the inlet 722 after extending the storage body 72 from the housing 1. It may also be provided with a communication hole 721 configured to penetrate the top surface of the storage body 72, so that the water inside the storage body 72 can be easily discharged through the inlet 722.

[0104] The steam supply unit 200 can be configured to be spaced apart from the water reservoir 7. As described above, the steam supply unit 200 can be configured to connect to the internal water supply unit 400 and the external water supply unit 500 to receive water to generate steam. The external water supply unit 500 may include a direct water valve 520 adjacent to or fixed to the rear panel 13, and a direct water pipe 510 supplying water from the direct water valve 520 to the steam supply unit 200. The direct water valve 520 can be configured to connect to an external water source. For example, the direct water valve 520 may connect to a water supply pipe extending to the rear surface of the housing. Therefore, the steam supply unit 200 can be configured to receive water directly through the direct water valve 520. Thus, even when the internal water supply unit 400 is omitted, or when water is not stored in the internal water supply unit 400, the steam supply unit 200 can receive water through the direct water valve 520 whenever needed. The direct water valve 520 can be directly controlled by the steam controller 800.

[0105] In one embodiment, the steam supply 200 may be located near the direct water valve 520. This prevents unnecessary residual water from remaining in the direct water pipe 510 and allows for immediate water supply when needed.

[0106] The internal water supply unit 400 may include: a water tank 420 for storing water therein; a water pump 430 for receiving water from the water tank 420 and supplying water to the steam supply unit 200; and a water tank housing 410 defining a space for mounting the water tank 420 and the water pump 430 therein. The water pump 430 and the water tank 420 may be arranged at a vertical height corresponding to the steam supply unit 200. A water tank extraction port 131 may be installed in the area of ​​the top surface plate 13 corresponding to the portion where the water tank 420 is mounted. Therefore, the unnecessary exposure of the water pump 430 through the water tank extraction port 131 can be prevented as much as possible. An extraction cover 132 may be pivotally coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the water tank extraction port 131 to prevent the water tank 420 from being unnecessarily exposed to the outside.

[0107] The steam supply unit 200 can receive water through the water supply unit 300 to generate steam, and then supply the water to the drum 2 or the pipe 3 through the steam discharge pipe 213. The steam discharge pipe 213 can be directly connected to the drum 2 to supply steam to the drum 2, and can be connected to the pipe 3 or the second support member 19 to indirectly supply steam to the drum 2.

[0108] When connected to pipe 3, steam discharge pipe 213 can communicate with air supply pipe 33, and when connected to second support member 19, it can communicate with air inlet 198. Therefore, using the power of blower fan 49, steam can be introduced into drum 2 more smoothly.

[0109] When a steam supply mode using steam is executed during the drying process, the steam supply unit 200 can be controlled to generate steam. The steam supply mode can correspond to a series of drying processes, such as disinfecting clothing, increasing the temperature inside the drum during the drying process, or removing wrinkles from the clothing at the end of the drying process. The steam supply unit 200 can be controlled to receive water from both the external water supply unit 500 and the internal water supply unit 400 as needed, thereby supplying steam to the drum 2.

[0110] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 4 is configured to condense the moisture in the circulating air in the evaporator 41. Therefore, even as the air circulates in the drum 2, the air can be continuously dried inside the drum 2 because the moisture it contains is removed by the evaporator 41.

[0111] The water condensed in the evaporator 41 can first be collected in the water collector 37, and then in the water reservoir 7. The water collector 37 can be located inside the connecting pipe 35, and can be set up separately in a space separated from the connecting pipe 35.

[0112] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment is shown in which the water collector 37 can be disposed inside the connecting pipe 35, but this is for illustrative purposes only. The water collector 37 can have any structure as long as it can collect condensate.

[0113] Figure 4 The detailed structure of the water collector 37, heat exchanger 4, scrubber 6, etc. is shown.

[0114] The water collector 37 can be implemented as a water collector body 371, which is fixed to the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 35 and communicates with the interior of the connecting pipe. To prevent the absorber and radiators 41 and 43 from contacting the water (condensate) stored in the water collector body 371, a heat exchanger support 372 can also be provided inside the water collector body 371. The heat exchanger support 372 may include: a support plate 373 in contact with the absorber 41 and radiator 43; a spacer 375 maintaining a gap between the support plate 373 and the bottom surface of the water collector body 371; and a support plate through-hole 376 configured to pass through the support plate 373.

[0115] The support plate through-hole 376 may be limited only to the portion of the support plate 373 where the evaporator 41 is supported, or it may be limited separately to the portions of the support plate 373 where the absorber and radiator are supported. When the support plate through-hole 376 is limited below the condenser 43, water that has flowed along the support plate 373 to the condenser 43 can be discharged into the water collector body 371 (thus preventing a decrease in heat transfer efficiency when the radiator comes into contact with water).

[0116] To minimize the accumulation of foreign matter (lint) discharged from the drum body 21 on the evaporator 41 and condenser 43, a filter unit for filtering air can also be provided in the garment processing equipment 100. As an example, Figure 3 The following configuration is shown: the filter unit is configured as a first filter unit 5 disposed in the connecting pipe 35 and a second filter unit 8 disposed in the exhaust pipe 31.

[0117] The second filter unit 8 can be configured as a component for filtering air flowing from the drum body 21 into the exhaust duct 31, and the first filter unit 5 can be configured as a component disposed between the second filter unit 8 and the heat absorber 41 for filtering air that has passed through the second filter unit. The diameter of the filter holes defined in the first filter unit 5 can be set to be smaller than the diameter of the filter holes defined in the second filter unit 8.

[0118] The second filter unit 8 may include a frame 81 and a filter (fourth filter) 83, the frame being detachably inserted into the exhaust pipe 31 through an exhaust port 178, and the filter being disposed in the frame to filter air.

[0119] The first filter unit 5 is detachably disposed in the connecting pipe 35. In this case, the front panel 11 of the housing may have: a filter mounting hole 113 (see... Figure 1 The first filter unit 5 is pulled out through the filter mounting hole 114, the mounting hole door opens and closes the filter mounting hole, and the pipe 3 can define a pipe through hole 34 for the first filter unit 5 to be inserted into (see...). Figure 3 Therefore, when necessary, after separating the first filter unit 5 from the garment processing device, the user can remove foreign matter remaining in the first filter unit 5 and clean the first filter unit.

[0120] The first filter unit 5 may be configured to include: filter unit bodies 51, 53, 57 and 58, which are inserted into the filter mounting holes 113 and the pipe through holes 34 and positioned between the second filter unit 8 and the absorber 41; and filters 531, 551 and 571, which are arranged in the filter unit bodies to filter the fluids (air and water) flowing toward the evaporator 41 and the water collector body 371.

[0121] Based on the shape of the cross-section (YZ plane and XZ plane) of the connecting pipe 35, the filter unit body can be of various shapes. Figure 1 The case where the filter unit body has a shape similar to a hexahedron is shown.

[0122] In this case, the filter unit body may include a front surface 51 that is shaped to close the pipe through-hole 34, a rear surface 53 positioned between the front surface and the evaporator 41, a bottom surface 55 that connects the front surface and the rear surface, and a first side surface 57 and a second side surface 58 that respectively form the left and right surfaces of the filter unit body.

[0123] The front surface 51 may have a lock 513 that is detachably connected to a locking element 16 on the housing. Figure 1 An embodiment is shown in which the lock 513 is configured as a rod pivotally connected to the front surface 51 of the filter unit body, and the locking member 16 is configured to define a recess in which the free end of the rod is received. Preferably, each lock 513 is provided on each opposite side of the front surface 51, and each locking member 16 is provided on each opposite side of the filter mounting hole 113.

[0124] A handle 511 may also be provided on the front surface 51 to facilitate inserting the filter unit body into or separating the filter unit body from the connecting pipe 35.

[0125] A first filter 531 and a second filter 551 for filtering the fluids (air and water) introduced into the filter unit body can be respectively disposed on the rear surface 53 and the bottom surface 55. The rear surface 53 has a rear surface through-hole defined therein, which communicates the interior of the filter unit body with the interior space of the pipe 3, and the first filter 531 is disposed in the rear surface through-hole. The bottom surface 55 has a bottom surface through-hole defined therein, which communicates the interior of the filter unit body with the interior space of the pipe 3, and the second filter 551 is disposed in the bottom surface through-hole. Therefore, the first filter 531 becomes a component for filtering the fluids (air and water) supplied to the evaporator 41, and the second filter 551 becomes a component for filtering the fluids supplied to the water collector body 371.

[0126] The first side surface 57 and the second side surface 58 can be configured to connect the front surface 51, the rear surface 53 and the bottom surface 55 to each other.

[0127] The first filter unit 5 having the above structure can be configured to communicate with the exhaust pipe 31 through the top surface or the second side surface 58 of the filter unit body. As an example, Figure 1 The following situation is shown: the first filter unit 5 is connected to the exhaust pipe 31 through a top surface through hole configured to penetrate the top surface of the filter unit body and a side surface through hole configured to penetrate the second side surface 58.

[0128] The first filter 531 can be configured to be inclined at 90 to 100 degrees toward the front surface of the evaporator 41 relative to the bottom surface 55 of the filter unit body. This is so that when water is sprayed onto the first filter 531 through the scrubber 6, foreign matter remaining in the first filter can easily flow to the bottom surface 55, which will be described later.

[0129] The second filter 551 can be configured to slope downwards at 10 to 20 degrees from the front surface 51 toward the first filter 531 (the second filter can be configured to slope upwards at 10 to 20 degrees in the direction in which the filter mounting hole is positioned from the bottom of the first filter). When the second filter 551 is configured to slope downwards toward the first filter 531, since the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551 will be the lowest point in the space defined in the first filter unit, foreign matter in the first filter unit 5 may concentrate at the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551. When foreign matter is concentrated at the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551, the user will be able to remove foreign matter from inside the first filter unit 5 more easily.

[0130] However, when foreign matter accumulates at the junction of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551, the water sprayed by the scrubber 6 may take a long time to drain into the collector body 371. To solve this problem, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the first side surface 57 may also include a bypass hole defined therein for communicating the interior of the first filter unit 5 with the water collector body 371 and the third filter 571 disposed in the bypass hole. Figure 3 As shown, the bypass port and the third filter 571 can be located higher than the top of the second filter 551 and lower than the top of the first filter 531. Therefore, the garment processing device can minimize the phenomenon that water sprayed into the first filter unit 5 cannot be collected back into the water collector body 371 due to foreign matter remaining in the first filter unit 5.

[0131] In one embodiment, the garment processing device 100 may further include a washer 6 that uses water stored in a water collector body 371 to wash the first filter unit 5. That is, the water stored in the water collector body 371 may be collected separately into a water reservoir 7 or selectively directed to the washer 6.

[0132] The scrubber 6 can be configured to wash at least one of the components of the first filter 531, the second filter 551, the third filter 571, and the heat absorber 41 by spraying water stored in the collector body 371 onto the first filter unit 5. The scrubber 6 can be configured to include a sprayer 65 disposed in the pipe 3 to supply water to the first filter unit 5, and a scrubbing pump 61 to direct water stored in the collector body 371 to the sprayer 65.

[0133] The washing pump 61 can be connected to the water collector body 371 via a first connecting pipe 611 and to the sprayer 65 via a second connecting pipe 613. When the garment handling apparatus 100 is configured to use only one washing pump 61 to direct water from the water collector body 371 to the sprayer 65 and the water reservoir 7, the garment handling apparatus 100 may also include a flow channel switch 63. In this case, the flow channel switch 63 may be configured to be connected to the washing pump 61 via the second connecting pipe 613, the sprayer 65 may be configured to be connected to the flow channel switch 63 via a sprayer supply pipe 631, and the water reservoir 7 may be configured to be connected to the flow channel switch 63 via a water reservoir supply pipe 633.

[0134] In this case, the water supply pipe 633 must be configured to connect the nozzle 722a and the flow channel switch 63 to each other.

[0135] The flow channel switch 63 has valves for controlling the opening and closing of the sprayer supply pipe 631 and the water storage supply pipe 633. Therefore, the garment handling device 100 can supply water stored in the water collector body 371 to the sprayer 65 or the water storage tank 7 by controlling the valves provided on the flow channel switch 63.

[0136] As an example, one embodiment is shown in which the sprayer 65 is configured to include a pipe through-hole 651 defined therein to pass through the connecting pipe 35 and connect to the sprayer supply pipe 631, a first pipe 653 guiding water supplied from the pipe through-hole to a first filter 531, and a second pipe 655 guiding at least a portion of the water supplied through the first pipe 653 to the front surface of the evaporator 41. In this case, the second guide 655 may be configured as a component for supplying water to the front surface of the evaporator 41 through the first filter 531. That is, when the first filter unit 5 is fixed to the connecting pipe 35, the first filter 531 may be configured to be positioned between the first guide 653 and the second guide 655, and the second guide 655 may be configured as an inclined surface sloping downward from the top surface of the connecting pipe 35 toward the first filter 531.

[0137] A guide hole 654 may also be defined in the first guide member 653. The guide hole 654 is a hole configured to penetrate the first guide member 653. Water introduced into the pipe through the through hole 651 can be supplied to the front region of the absorber 41 through the guide hole 654. The front region of the absorber refers to the region located in the direction facing the first filter 531 based on a vertical line passing through the center of the absorber 41.

[0138] In one embodiment, the garment processing device of this disclosure is preferably configured to include a water level sensor 91 in a water collector 371, which measures the water level in the water collector body 371 and transmits the water level information to a controller. When the water level sensor 91 is provided, the garment processing device can determine the point in time when the water stored in the water collector body 371 flows to the storage body 72. Therefore, backflow of water in the water collector body 371 into the connecting pipe 35 can be prevented.

[0139] The water level sensor 91 can be configured as any device capable of sensing the water level inside the water collector body 371. As an example, Figure 3 A sensor with multiple electrodes of different lengths is shown (the electrodes are electrically connected to each other based on the water level).

[0140] A dryness sensor can be installed in the garment handling equipment 100 to determine the time point for stopping the operation of the heat exchanger 4 by determining the dryness of the garment. The dryness sensor can be configured as at least one of an electrode sensor 95 and a humidity sensor, wherein the electrode sensor 95 is configured to contact the garment to measure the moisture content contained in the garment, and the humidity sensor measures the humidity of the air flowing from the roller 2 to the duct 3.

[0141] The electrode sensor can be configured to include a first electrode 951 and a second electrode 953 fixed to the first fixing body 171 and in contact with the clothing in the roller body 21. As dryness increases, the moisture content of the clothing decreases (the clothing's resistance increases), so the clothing handling device 100 can determine the dryness of the clothing by observing the resistance measured when the two electrodes 951 and 953 are connected to each other through the clothing. In one embodiment, as the dryness of the clothing increases, the moisture content of the air flowing into the circulation channel 3 decreases, so the clothing handling device 100 can determine the dryness of the clothing by observing the humidity of the air introduced into the circulation channel 3 using a humidity sensor.

[0142] In addition, the garment handling equipment 100 may also include a temperature sensor 96 that measures the temperature of the air flowing into the duct 3. The temperature sensor 96 may be configured to be fixed to the top surface of the connecting duct 35 and positioned between the first filter 531 and the second filter 551.

[0143] Figure 5An embodiment is shown, including a connecting pipe 35 and a water collector 37 arranged on the bottom surface of the garment processing device disclosed herein.

[0144] Reference Figure 5 In (a) of this disclosure, the garment processing apparatus may also include a base 39 that defines a conduit 3 and on which a heat exchanger 4 is mounted.

[0145] A portion of the exhaust pipe 31 can be installed on the base 39, and the exhaust pipe 31 and the air supply pipe 33 can be installed at both ends of the connecting pipe 35 respectively.

[0146] Evaporator 41 and condenser 43 can be installed in connecting pipe 35.

[0147] The base 39 may include an equipment mounting section 392, in which equipment such as a compressor may be mounted on one side of the connecting pipe 35.

[0148] The equipment mounting section 392 may include: a compressor mounting section 393, in which a compressor 45 can be mounted; a fan mounting section 391, in which a blower can be mounted; and a driver mounting section 392a, in which a driver can be mounted.

[0149] In one embodiment, the water collector 37 may also be disposed in the equipment mounting portion 392. The water collector 37 may not be disposed below the connecting pipe 35, but may be separated by the partition wall 38 and disposed on one side of the connecting pipe 35.

[0150] Reference Figure 5 In (b), the connecting pipe 35 may include a heat absorber mounting portion 372 in which a heat absorber 41 may be installed, and a heat sink mounting portion 523 in which a heat sink may be installed.

[0151] As the drying process proceeds, when the heat exchanger 4 is activated, the air passing through the evaporator 41 is cooled, and the moisture contained within it is condensed. As the moisture condenses, water may accumulate near the absorber mounting portion 372, as shown in the figure.

[0152] The vertical height of the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 35 can be reduced toward the water collector 37. The partition wall 38 can be configured to block the airflow along the connecting pipe 35 toward the equipment mounting portion 392, but may include a connecting hole 381 defined therein to allow condensate to flow toward the water collector 37.

[0153] Water condensed in the connecting hole 381 can flow to the water collector 37 and be collected therein. A washing pump 61 can be installed in the water collector 37. For this purpose, the water collector 37 may also include a pump mounting portion 535 in which the washing pump 61 is housed and fixed. The pump mounting portion 535 can be configured to separate the bottom surface of the washing pump 61 and the water collector 37 by a predetermined distance.

[0154] Therefore, when enough water has been collected in the water collector 37, the water can be removed by driving the washing pump 61. The flow channel switch 63 can be controlled to spray the supplied water onto the sprayer 65 or to direct the supplied water to the water storage tank 7.

[0155] In one embodiment, the airflow direction can be configured differently depending on the fan drive. In this case, the exhaust pipe 31 can be used as the air supply pipe 33, and the air supply pipe 33 can be used as the exhaust pipe 31. Furthermore, the positions of the evaporator 41 and the condenser 43 can be changed.

[0156] Figure 6 A heat exchanger 4 of a garment processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0157] As described above, the heat exchanger 4 may include an evaporator 41 and a condenser 43. The evaporator is installed inside the pipe 3 or the circulating flow channel to cool the air discharged from the drum 2, and the condenser is configured to be spaced apart from the evaporator to heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 41.

[0158] Both the evaporator 41 and the condenser 43 may include multiple heat exchange fins P. The heat exchange fins P may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity and may be formed in a plate shape. The multiple heat exchange fins P may have a front surface or a rear surface arranged perpendicular to the airflow direction. That is, a surface corresponding to the thickness of the multiple heat exchange fins P may be arranged in the direction of air introduction. The multiple heat exchange fins P may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, air discharged from the drum can flow between the multiple heat exchange fins P.

[0159] Multiple heat exchange fins P may have multiple refrigerant holes H defined therein to support refrigerant lines. The heat exchange fins P of the evaporator 41 may support low-temperature refrigerant lines discharged from the expansion valve, and the heat exchange fins P of the condenser 43 may support high-temperature refrigerant lines discharged from the compressor.

[0160] Therefore, the heat exchange fins P of the evaporator 41 can be cooled by the refrigerant pipe to cool the air flowing between the heat exchange fins P, and the heat exchange fins P of the condenser 43 can be heated by the refrigerant pipe to heat the air flowing between the heat exchange fins P.

[0161] In one embodiment, foreign matter such as lint discharged from the roller may collide with the portion of the heat exchange fin P facing the inflow surface through which air is introduced. In this regard, due to the small spacing between the heat exchange fins P, foreign matter may not pass through the heat exchange fins P, and a large amount of foreign matter may adhere to the inflow surface, which is the upstream portion of the heat exchange fins P.

[0162] In particular, since the evaporator 41 is located upstream of the condenser 43, foreign matter may adhere to the evaporator 41 more easily than to the condenser 43.

[0163] Foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41 or condenser 43 may interfere with the airflow discharged from the drum, thereby reducing drying efficiency. In addition, when foreign matter is corroded by moisture or other substances, it may contaminate the clothes contained inside the drum 2.

[0164] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus according to this disclosure may further include a removal section 900 capable of removing foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41 or the condenser 43. Furthermore, the removal section 900 may be installed in the first filter unit 5 to remove foreign matter adhering to the first filter unit 5.

[0165] The following describes an embodiment in which the removal section 900 removes foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and it is not excluded that the removal section 900 may also be applied to the condenser 43 or the first filter unit 5.

[0166] The removal section 900 can be configured to be detachably disposed on the surface of the evaporator 41 to separate foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41 by applying mechanical force. Therefore, the removal section 900 can separate residual foreign matter even when water is supplied to the evaporator 41. Furthermore, the removal section 900 can also separate foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41 even when water is not supplied to the evaporator 41.

[0167] The removal section 900 can be provided on the inflow surface through which air is introduced into the evaporator 41. That is, the removal section 900 can be provided on a surface upstream of the heat exchange fins P facing the evaporator 41. Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 can be effectively removed.

[0168] The removal portion 900 may include a separation body 910 disposed on a surface of the evaporator 41 or the condenser 43, and a placement portion 930 for receiving the force that separates the separation body 910 from the pipe 3 or the circulating flow channel.

[0169] The separator 910 can be disposed on the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 and can be configured to be spaced apart from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41. When the separator 910 is configured to be spaced apart from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41, the separator 910 will be spaced apart from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 upstream of the circulating flow channel.

[0170] Therefore, the separation body 910 can separate foreign matter from the evaporator 41.

[0171] The separation body 910 can be configured to be inserted between the heat exchange fins P, can be disposed on the surface of the heat exchange fins P, and can be configured to be separated from the inflow surface of the heat exchange fins P by a predetermined distance. That is to say, the separation body 910 can be disposed anywhere on the heat exchange fins P, as long as it can separate foreign objects from the heat exchange fins P.

[0172] In one embodiment, the separation body 910 may be formed as a plate or rod oriented along the height direction of the heat exchange fins P. The separation body 910 may have a portion corresponding to its thickness, which is as thin as a blade, and the portion corresponding to the thickness may be configured such that its cross-section faces upstream of the circulating flow channel 3.

[0173] In other words, the separator 910 can be formed as a plate (the portion corresponding to the thickness, rather than the portion corresponding to the width or length) and can be positioned upstream of the circulating flow channel. Therefore, interference of the separator 910 with the airflow into the evaporator 41 can be minimized. The separator 910 can separate foreign matter from the surface of the evaporator 41 while minimizing mutual interference with the airflow into the evaporator 41.

[0174] Furthermore, the height of the separation body 910 can be equal to or greater than the height of the heat exchange fins P. Therefore, all foreign matter attached to the heat exchange fins P can be removed.

[0175] Furthermore, the separation body 910 may include a plurality of separation bodies spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the evaporator 41. Therefore, the plurality of separation bodies 910 can remove most of the foreign matter adhering to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41.

[0176] The mounting portion 930 can be connected to the separating body 910 to mount the separating body 910 on the surface of the evaporator 41. The mounting portion 930 can fix the separating body 910 such that the separating body 910 is inserted into the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 or mounted on the front surface of the inflow surface of the evaporator 41.

[0177] The mounting section 930 can be connected to all of the multiple separation bodies 910 to temporarily fix the multiple separation bodies 910 to the surface of the evaporator 41.

[0178] The mounting portion 930 can be connected to one end of the separation body 910, away from the heat exchange fins P. Therefore, when the mounting portion 930 is away from the heat exchange fins P, the separation body 910 can be spaced apart from the surface of the evaporator 41.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the separator 910 is spaced apart from the surface of the evaporator 41, foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 41 can be removed. However, when the separator 910 continues to be spaced apart from the evaporator 41, foreign matter re-adhering to the evaporator 41 cannot be removed. Therefore, even when the separator 910 is spaced apart from the evaporator 41, it is necessary to restore the position of the separator 910.

[0180] For this purpose, the removal section 900 may also include a driver 940, which is capable of separating the separation body 910 from the evaporator 41 into the circulating flow channel and moving the separation body 910 back to the evaporator 41.

[0181] The driver 940 can be configured to cause the separation body 910 to reciprocate from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 toward the circulating flow channel.

[0182] The driver 940 can be configured to be coupled to the mounting portion 930 to reciprocate the separation body 910 by separating the mounting portion 930 from the evaporator 41 or moving the mounting portion 930 back to the evaporator 41.

[0183] The actuator 940 can be of any shape and structure, as long as it is capable of separating at least one of the placement portion 930 and the separation body 910 from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41, or restoring at least one of the placement portion 930 and the separation body 910 to their original positions.

[0184] For example, the driver 940 can be configured such that after the separation body 910 is linearly moved upstream of the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 toward the circulating flow channel, the separation body 910 is restored to its original position, and after the one end of the separation body 910 is pivoted away from the evaporator 41, the one end of the separation body 910 is restored again.

[0185] When the driver 940 is configured as a pivoting disconnect body 910, the removal portion 900 may further include a pivoting portion 920 connected to the disconnect body 910 to pivotally support the disconnect body 910.

[0186] The pivot portion 920 can be configured to be spaced apart from the placement portion 930 and connected to the separation body 910. When the placement portion 930 is connected to one end of the separation body 910, the pivot portion 920 can be configured to be connected to the other end of the separation body 910. Therefore, the placement portion 930 and the pivot portion 920 can support the separation body 910 to be placed in a suitable position.

[0187] Furthermore, the pivot portion 920 can be configured to support multiple separate bodies 910 together with the placement portion 930.

[0188] The mounting portion 930 can be connected to the upper end of the separating body 910, and the pivoting portion 920 can be connected to the lower end of the separating body 910. In one embodiment, the mounting portion 930 can be connected to the lower end of the separating body 910, and the pivoting portion 920 can be connected to the upper end of the separating body 910.

[0189] The drive 940 can be configured to provide power to pivot the pivoting part 920.

[0190] Therefore, when the pivoting part 920 pivots at the lower end or lower part of the evaporator 41, the separating body 910 can be separated from or spaced apart from the surface of the evaporator 41, and foreign matter attached to the surface of the evaporator 41 can be removed.

[0191] Furthermore, when the pivoting portion 920 pivots in the opposite direction at the lower end or lower part of the evaporator 41, the separation body 910 can once again approach the surface of the evaporator 41.

[0192] The pivoting part 920 can be pivotally connected to the pipe 3, or it can be pivotally connected to a component with heat exchange fins P fixed at the lower end of the evaporator 41.

[0193] The driver 940 can be configured as a motor that directly pivots the pivoting portion 920. Alternatively, the driver 940 can be configured to be coupled to the mounting portion 930 and to push or pull the mounting portion 930 to indirectly pivot the pivoting portion 920.

[0194] In one embodiment, when water is supplied to the through-hole 651, water can be supplied to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the evaporator 41. In this regard, the actuator 940 can be configured to communicate the through-hole 651 with the mounting portion 930.

[0195] When water is supplied to the pipe through-hole 651, the water can flow through the actuator 940 to the housing section 930. During this process, the actuator 940 can be configured to space the housing section 930 from the evaporator 41. Furthermore, the actuator 940 can be configured to bring the housing section 930 close to the evaporator 41 when the water supply to the actuator 940 is stopped.

[0196] Therefore, even when the drive 940 is not configured as a separate motor, actuator, etc., the drive 940 can passively cause the housing part 930 to reciprocate by water supplied to the drive 940, so as to approach or move away from the evaporator 41.

[0197] In other words, the drive 940 can use water supplied from the washer 6 to push the placement part 930 to separate the separation body 910 from the evaporator 41 while pivoting the pivot part 920.

[0198] Furthermore, the actuator 940 can be configured to generate a restoring force when the water supply to the washer 6 stops, thereby pulling the mounting portion 930 to pivot the pivot portion 920 in the opposite direction and bringing the separation body 910 closer to the evaporator 41.

[0199] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driver 940 from being configured as a separate power-consuming electronic device.

[0200] Figure 7 An embodiment of the driver 940 is shown.

[0201] The driver 940 can be configured to be coupled to the mounting portion 930 to push or pull the mounting portion 930.

[0202] The drive 940 can be configured to receive water from the washer 6 and use the water to drive the housing part 930.

[0203] The driver 940 may include a mounting pipe 341 mounted on the top surface of the pipe 3 or at the upper end of the evaporator 41. The mounting pipe 341 may have space through which water can flow.

[0204] At least a portion of the mounting portion 930 can be accommodated in the mounting conduit 341. Therefore, the mounting portion 930 can be placed on the evaporator 41 by being accommodated in the mounting conduit 341.

[0205] A surface of the mounting pipe 341 facing the upper part of the circulation channel 3 can be opened so that at least a portion of the mounting portion 930 can be received or withdrawn through the surface.

[0206] A suction pipe 9411, which is connected to the sprayer supply pipe 631 to receive water, can extend from the other surface of the mounting pipe 341 facing the placement portion 930.

[0207] The inhalation tube 9411 can be configured to protrude from the mounting pipe 341 and be detachably connected to the sprayer supply pipe 631.

[0208] In one embodiment, the mounting conduit 341 may include an extension tube 9412 extending inwardly from another surface of the mounting conduit 341 to receive water supplied to the suction tube 9411. The extension tube 9412 may be configured to communicate with the suction tube 9411 and may be configured to extend toward said one surface.

[0209] The actuator 940 may also include a resilient tube 942 disposed inside the mounting conduit 341. The resilient tube 942 may be configured to have a variable length and disposed inside the mounting conduit 341.

[0210] The elastic tube 942 can be configured such that one end is connected to the extension tube 9412 and the other end is connected to the mounting portion 930, and can be in the shape of a corrugated tube made of elastic material.

[0211] Therefore, when water is introduced into the elastic tube 942, the folds in the elastic tube 942 may expand due to the pressure of the water or its own weight. Therefore, the elastic tube 942 can be configured to push the mounting portion 930 to the outside of the mounting body 341.

[0212] In one embodiment, when water supply to the elastic tube 942 is stopped, the elastic tube 942 returns to its original state by restoring force. Therefore, the length of the elastic tube 942 can be shortened, and the placement portion 930 is pulled toward the mounting body 341.

[0213] The placement section 930 may include an inflow body 932 and a placement body 931, the inflow body being connected to one end of an elastic tube 942 to receive water, and the placement body being connected to a separation body 910 to supply water supplied from the inflow body 932 to the separation body 910 or the evaporator 41.

[0214] The mounting body 931 can be positioned at the upper end of the evaporator 41. At least a portion of the mounting body 931 can be accommodated in the mounting pipe 941, and can be inserted into and removed from the mounting pipe 941 through the opening surface of the mounting pipe 941.

[0215] The inflow body 932 can be configured to receive water from the resilient tube 942 and deliver the water to the mounting body 931. The inflow body 932 may include a support pipe 9321 and an inflow pipe 9322, the support pipe being fixed to the mounting body 931 and the inflow pipe 9322 extending from the support pipe 9321 and being connected to the resilient tube 942.

[0216] The support pipe 9321 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the mounting body 931, and can be connected to the inner surface of the mounting body 931 by press fitting.

[0217] The support pipe 9321 may have a dividing wall 9323 for separating the interior and exterior of the housing body 931 to prevent water introduced into the housing body 931 from escaping, and the inflow pipe 9322 may extend from one surface of the dividing wall 9323.

[0218] The partition wall 9323 may be configured to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the mounting body 931. The partition wall 9323 may be configured to define a space between the mounting body 931 and the support pipe 9321.

[0219] The inlet pipe 9322 can be connected to the flexible pipe 942 to supply water to the space between the support pipe 9321 and the mounting body 931. As the length of the flexible pipe 942 extends, the inlet pipe 9322 can push the support pipe 9321 to separate the mounting body 931 from the installation pipe 341.

[0220] In one embodiment, a portion of the partition wall 9323 disposed on the inlet pipe 9322 may extend vertically from the inner surface of the support pipe 9321. However, in order to guide the water supply introduced from the inlet pipe 9322 to the surface of the separation body 910, a portion of the partition wall 9323 disposed below the inlet pipe 9322 may be formed as an inclined surface 9323a inclined toward the separation body 910.

[0221] The housing portion 930 may also include an outlet orifice 9325 defined therein, which is capable of supplying water supplied through the inlet pipe 9322 to the separation body 910 or the evaporator 41.

[0222] The diameter of the outlet orifice 9325 can be smaller than the diameter of the inlet pipe 9322. Therefore, water flowing into the inlet pipe 9322 can be prevented from being directly discharged into the outlet orifice 9325, and water can be adequately stored in the housing portion 930 and supplied by being evenly distributed throughout the outlet orifice 9325.

[0223] The direction of water introduced into the inlet pipe 9322 and the direction of water discharged from the outlet hole 9325 can be different from each other. Therefore, the water supplied through the inlet pipe 9322 can be evenly distributed inside the mounting portion 930, flowing along the inner surface of the mounting portion 930, and then discharged through the outlet hole 9325. Thus, water can be prevented from being discharged in a concentrated state in a specific part of the outlet hole 9325, allowing water to be discharged to a wider area.

[0224] The outlet port 9325 can be defined in the lower part of the mounting portion 930 and can be located above the separation body 910. Water supplied to the inlet pipe 9322 can be temporarily stored in the mounting body 931 and the support pipe 9321, and then supplied to the outlet port 9325.

[0225] The mounting body 931 may have a receiving groove 9311 defined therein for receiving the support pipe 9321 and for temporarily storing water therein. The mounting body 931 may have an opening in which an inflow pipe 9322 is provided.

[0226] The mounting body 931 may also include a discharge port 9312 extending from the outlet port 9325 to guide water to the separation body 910. The discharge port 9312 may extend from the lower part of the mounting body 931, allowing water discharged from the outlet port 9325 to flow while concentrating along the longitudinal direction of the separation body 910.

[0227] To facilitate the manufacture of the placement portion 930, the placement body 931 and the inflow body 932 can be detachably connected to each other. For this purpose, the inflow body 932 may include a connecting hook 9324 extending from the support pipe 9321 or the partition wall 9323 away from the inflow pipe 9322, and the placement body 931 may have a connecting step 9313 to which the connecting hook 9324 can be detachably connected to form on the inner peripheral surface of the receiving groove 9311.

[0228] Therefore, even when water is supplied between the mounting body 931 and the inflow body 932, or even when the inflow body 932 reciprocates through the elastic tube 942, the relative positions of the mounting body 931 and the inflow body 932 can be fixed, while maintaining their connection.

[0229] The elastic tube 942 may include a first tube 9421 connected to the extension tube 9412, an elastomer 9422 configured to have a variable diameter in the first tube and made of an elastic material, and a second tube 9423 extending from the elastomer 942 and connected to the inlet tube 9422.

[0230] The elastomer 9422 can be configured to stretch or contract, such that the distance between the first tube 9421 and the second tube 9423 can be varied.

[0231] When water is introduced into the first tube 9421 through the sprayer supply pipe 631 and supplied to the elastomer 9422, the water can generate a frictional force on the elastomer 9422, pushing the elastomer 9422 toward the mounting body 931. In this respect, since the first tube 9421 is fixed to the extension tube 9412, the elastomer 9422 can extend while pushing the second tube 9423.

[0232] When the second pipe 9423 extends, the inflow pipe 9322 is pushed out to remove the mounting body 931 from the installation pipe 941.

[0233] When water is introduced into the second pipe 9423, it can be stored inside the support pipe 9321 and the mounting body 931 through the inflow pipe 9322. When the diameter of the inflow pipe 9322 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet hole 9325, the water can be evenly distributed in the receiving tank 9311 because it is stored between the mounting body 931 and the partition wall 9323. Therefore, the water can be evenly discharged into the separation body 910 through the entire outlet hole 9325.

[0234] Figure 8 The structure is shown to enable the pivoting portion 920 of the separate body to pivot.

[0235] The pivot portion 920 may include a pivot body 921 connected to the lower end of the separation body 910, and a pivot link 922 for pivotally supporting the pivot body 921 on a surface of the evaporator 41 or the circulating flow channel 3.

[0236] See Figure 8 In (a), the pivot link 922 can be configured to be pivotally supported by the circulation channel 3.

[0237] The circulation channel 3 may include a pivot pipe 351 that connects from the connecting pipe 35 to the exhaust pipe 31 to support the rotating link 922.

[0238] The pivot conduit 351 can be configured to extend upward at an angle from the connecting conduit 35. The pivot link 922 can be configured to pivot while being supported by the pivot conduit 351, and can be pivotally connected to and secured to the pivot conduit 351.

[0239] The pivoting body 921 may include a body support 9212 connected to the separating body 910 and pivoting about the pivoting link 922, and a support member 9214 disposed on the body support 9212 to limit the pivoting angle of the separating body.

[0240] The main support 9212 can be configured to support a plurality of separate bodies 910 and to pivot the plurality of separate bodies 910.

[0241] The support member 9214 can extend from one surface of the main support 9212 toward the circulation channel 3 or the pivoting pipe 351. When the main support 9212 pivots at a certain angle or greater, the support member 9214 can contact the pivoting pipe 351 to prevent the main support 9212 from over-pivoting.

[0242] The body support 9212 may be configured to receive the lower end of the separate body 910 therein. The pivot body 921 may include a first support 9211 extending from the side surface of the body support 9212 to increase the thickness of the pivot body 921.

[0243] The pivot body 921 can be configured to support a plurality of separate bodies 910 and can have a plurality of body supports 9212 formed therein. In this regard, the plurality of body supports 9212 can be spaced apart from each other at a distance corresponding to the spacing between the separate bodies 910, and each first support 9211 can be disposed between a pair of body supports 9212 in the plurality of body supports 9212.

[0244] The first support member 9211 may have an inclined surface extending upward from the lower part of the pivot body 921 to the circulating flow channel 3 to increase the pivoting force of the pivot body 921. A second support member 9213 extending upward toward the evaporator 41 may also be provided at the upper end of the first support member 9211.

[0245] The bracket support 9214 can be located at the part where the first support 9211 and the second support 9213 are connected.

[0246] The mounting body 931 can be connected to the top of the separating body 910. The mounting body 931 is connected to the inflow body 932.

[0247] See Figure 8 In (b), when the inflow body 932 moves the placement body 931 toward the circulation channel 3 via the driver 940, the pivoting link 922 can pivot to pivot the pivoting body 921. In this respect, the separation body 910 can be spaced apart from the evaporator 41 by pivoting about the pivoting link 922.

[0248] When the support member 9214 contacts the pivoting conduit 351, it can prevent the pivoting body 921 from pivoting further.

[0249] In one embodiment, the pivot link 922 may include a link connection portion 9225 pivotally connected to the lower end of the evaporator 41. In this respect, there is no problem even when the pivot link 922 is not supported by or in contact with the circulation channel 3 or pivot conduit 351.

[0250] The pivot link 922 is pivotally connected to the lower end of the evaporator 41, and the pivot body 921 can pivot about the pivot link 922.

[0251] Figure 9 The procedure for removing part 900 is shown.

[0252] Reference Figure 9In (a), the mounting portion 930 and the pivoting portion 920 can pivotally support a plurality of separate bodies 910. The mounting portion 930 and the pivoting portion 920 can have the same width and can be configured to support the same number of separate bodies 910.

[0253] The pivoting part 920 may have a pivoting link 922, which may be located at the lower end of the body support 9212 that supports the lower end of the separation body 910.

[0254] The shape of the main body support 9212 can be the same as the shape of the lower end of the separation body 910. However, the number of main body supports 9212 and the spacing between them can correspond to the number of separation bodies 910 and the spacing between them. A first support member 9211 supporting the main body support 9212 and a second support member 9213 extending upward from the first support member 9211 can be disposed between two adjacent main body supports 9212.

[0255] The first support member 9211 can be formed with a smaller thickness at the lower end and a larger thickness at the upper end to facilitate the pivoting body 921 to pivot.

[0256] The second support member 9213 may have an inclined surface extending upward from the first support member 9211 toward the evaporator 41 to enhance the rigidity of the pivot body 921, guide the air discharged from the drum to the evaporator 41, and separate foreign objects falling from the separation body 910.

[0257] When the first support member 9211 extends upward away from the evaporator 41, the second support member 9213 can be considered to extend upward closer to the evaporator 41.

[0258] In this regard, the width of the mounting portion 930 may correspond to the width of the pivot portion 920, and multiple mounting portions may be present. This is to increase the force separating the mounting portion 930 from the evaporator 41 by setting the specific mounting portion 930 to correspond to a portion of the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 and supplying water from the scrubber 6 to the specific mounting portion 930 in a concentrated manner.

[0259] Multiple mounting sections 930 can be arranged along the width of the evaporator 41 and can receive water from the scrubber 6 in sequence.

[0260] The mounting portion 930 may further include a balancing body 933 extending from the mounting body 931 and the inflow body 932 in the left-right direction of the inflow body 932. The balancing body 933 can prevent the mounting portion 930 from moving when twisted.

[0261] See Figure 9In (b), a large amount of foreign matter may adhere to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41.

[0262] When the drying process is complete or a command to clean the evaporator 41 is entered, the specific mounting portion 930 can be spaced apart from the evaporator 41 by the driver 940.

[0263] For example, water can be supplied to a specific installation portion 930 among a plurality of installation portions 930 via a drive 940. Thus, as the length of the elastic tube 942 connected to the specific installation portion 930 extends, the specific pivot portion 920 corresponding to the specific installation portion 930 can pivot as the specific installation portion 930 moves away from the evaporator 41.

[0264] At the same time, at least one separation body 910 connected to the specific placement part 930 and the specific pivot part 920 can be separated or spaced from the inflow surface of the evaporator 41, and foreign matter attached to the outer surface of the separation body 910 can be separated from the evaporator 41.

[0265] Furthermore, the specific placement portion 930 can supply water to the separation body 910. Therefore, the water supplied to the separation body 910 can flow along the longitudinal direction of the separation body 910 to the specific pivot portion 920, and the specific pivot portion 920 can completely escape downward from the evaporator 41 through the second support member 9313.

[0266] Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 and corresponding to the specific placement portion 930 and the specific pivot portion 920 can be removed.

[0267] Subsequently, when water supply to the specific installation section 930 is stopped, the drive 940 can restore the position of the specific installation section 930.

[0268] Simultaneously, when supplying water to the other installation section 930, the above process can be performed in the same manner. Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 and corresponding to the other installation section 930 can be removed.

[0269] In addition, water can be supplied to another resettlement unit 930, and the above process can be carried out.

[0270] Therefore, all foreign matter attached to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 can be separated by the separation body 910 and can be separated downward from the evaporator 41.

[0271] The separated foreign matter can be collected in the water tank 7 along with the condensate via the washing pump 61.

[0272] Multiple installation sections 930 can be supplied with water in an increasing order of distance from the washer 6. Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the inflow surface of the evaporator 41 can be continuously removed.

[0273] However, unlike the illustration, simultaneous water supply to all mounting sections 930 can be controlled. Furthermore, one mounting section 930 may have a width corresponding to the width of the inflow surface of the evaporator 41; therefore, a pivoting section 920 may have a width corresponding to the width of the inflow surface.

[0274] This disclosure can be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Thus, when a modified embodiment includes a component of the claims of this disclosure, the modified embodiment should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: Housing, used to form the exterior of the garment processing equipment; A drum is housed within the casing to hold clothing within the drum; A circulating flow channel is configured to resupply air discharged from the roller back into the roller; A fan is positioned inside the circulating flow channel to circulate air. A heat exchanger, comprising an evaporator and a condenser, wherein the evaporator is installed inside the circulating flow channel and cools the air discharged from the drum, and the condenser is configured to be spaced apart from the evaporator and heat the air; as well as A removal component, connected to the evaporator or the condenser, is capable of reciprocating motion to separate foreign matter from the evaporator or the condenser. The evaporator and the condenser both include multiple heat exchange fins, and the removal part includes a separation body disposed between the heat exchange fins on one surface of the evaporator or the condenser. The actuator is configured to cause the separating body to reciprocate between toward and away from the circulating flow channel. The pivoting portion is connected to the separate body and pivotally supports the separate body. The actuator pivots the pivoting portion, thereby causing the separation body to rotate between the heat exchange fins to remove foreign matter between the heat exchange fins.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The separation body is disposed on one of the surfaces of the evaporator facing upstream of the circulating flow channel.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The evaporator is configured to contact the air supplied from the circulating flow channel before the condenser. The separation body is disposed on one surface of the evaporator on which air is introduced from the circulating flow channel.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 1 further includes a placement portion, the placement portion being spaced apart from the pivot portion and connected to the separating body. in, The driver is connected to the mounting portion to push or pull the mounting portion.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a washer for supplying water to said one surface of the evaporator to remove foreign matter. in, The actuator is configured to receive water from the washer and use the water to propel the placement section.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The placement section is configured to remove foreign matter by receiving water from the driver and delivering the water to one of the surfaces of the separation body or the evaporator.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The placement component includes: The water flows into the body, connects to the drive, and receives water; and The mounting body is connected to the separation body and supplies water supplied from the inflow body to one surface of the separation body or the evaporator.

8. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The actuator includes a flexible tube configured to communicate between the washer and the inflow body. The elastic tube is configured to push the inflow body when water is supplied from the washer, and to pull the inflow body when the water supply from the washer is blocked.

9. The garment processing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The driver includes: The installation pipes are fixed to the evaporator; The suction tube extends from the mounting pipe and is connected to the washer; and An extension tube is disposed in the installation conduit to communicate with the suction tube and connect to the resilient tube.

10. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The pivoting portion includes: A pivoting body, connected to one end of the separated body; and A pivoting link is used to pivotally support the pivoting body on one surface of the evaporator or on the circulating flow channel.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The pivot body includes: The main body support is connected to the separate main body; and A support bracket is mounted on the main body bracket and restricts the pivot angle of the separated body.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The pivoting portion is connected to one end of the separate body. The placement portion is located at the other end of the separate body.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The pivoting portion includes a plurality of pivoting portions disposed along one surface of the evaporator. The driver is controlled to rotate the plurality of pivoting parts in sequence.

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