Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus, comprising: a light emitting unit which is disposed at a distance from a filter unit and emits light toward the filter unit; and a sensor unit that senses the light emitted from the light emitting unit and passing through the filter unit. The device further comprises a control part, and the control part is used for sensing one or more of whether the filtering part is assembled or disassembled and the pollution degree of the filtering part according to the amount of light emitted by the light emitting part and sensed by the sensor part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes treating device, and more particularly to a clothes treating device capable of determining whether a filter of the clothes treating device is installed or removed by using an illumination sensor. Background Art

[0002] Generally, the concept of a clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine that wets clothes with water to make wet clothes and then removes foreign matter through the chemical action of detergent and the physical action of drum rotation, and a drying machine that dries the wet clothes using hot air and steam.

[0003] However, in recent years, a clothing care machine has emerged that keeps clothes comfortable and clean without soaking clothes in a dry state. This clothing care machine can deodorize the clothes by supplying steam or hot air while the clothes are hung, or perform a refresh program to dry or sterilize the clothes.

[0004] Such clothing care machines can even selectively add fragrance to the clothing, and in recent years, in addition to washing machines and dryers, such clothing care machines have occupied an important proportion among clothing treatment devices.

[0005] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the conventional clothes processing apparatus.

[0006] Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0057545, the existing clothes processing device includes a box body 1 forming an appearance and an inner shell 2, wherein the inner shell 2 is arranged inside the box body 1, and clothes are placed in the inner shell 2.

[0007] A machine room may be provided at the lower part of the inner shell 2 of the laundry treatment device. The machine room may be provided with: a circulation duct 13 for circulating the air of the inner shell 2; a heat exchanger 15 provided in the circulation duct 13 for exchanging heat with the air; and a compressor 14 for supplying a high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger 15. If the compressor 14 is driven, hot air may be supplied to the inner shell 2, thereby increasing the temperature inside the inner shell 2 and drying or sterilizing the laundry.

[0008] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may include a filter at an upper portion of the machine room to prevent dust from flowing into the inside of the circulation duct 13 .

[0009] However, there is a problem that the user uses the laundry processing device without installing the filter, resulting in incorrect use of the laundry processing device, and when the filter is not installed, there is a high possibility that larger dust flows into the circulation duct 13 and causes hygiene problems.

[0010] Therefore, there is a clothing processing device that uses a reed switch or the like provided on the filter to determine whether the filter is attached or detached.

[0011] However, due to their mechanical characteristics, reed switches are greatly affected by shock and vibration, which can cause the contacts of the switch to separate, thereby reducing the stability of the component and thus limiting accuracy.

[0012] Additionally, mechanical reed switches wear out over time and thus have a limited lifespan.

[0013] On the other hand, referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1995-0008839, there is a laundry processing device that uses light to sense filter clogging. However, in the conventional laundry processing device, light is not directly emitted to the filter, so there is a problem that it is impossible to detect whether the filter is not installed.

[0014] As a result, the clothes treating apparatus cannot accurately determine whether the filter is installed, and thus there is a problem that the clothes treating apparatus is driven even when the filter is not installed. Summary of the invention

[0015] Issues to be solved

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus for sensing whether a filter is attached or detached using an illumination sensor.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of judging whether a filter is attached or detached based on an increase in the illuminance of light sensed by a sensor unit when the filter is not attached.

[0018] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of determining whether a filter is attached or detached by using an illumination sensor which is less affected by shock and vibration and whose light source has an unlimited life as long as power is supplied.

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device which can indirectly and quickly detect whether a filter is attached or detached by sensing a change in the illumination of light even if a sensor and the filter are not in direct contact.

[0020] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing processing device which can use the sensor part to sense the illumination change to determine whether the filter is installed or not, regardless of where the light emitting part and the sensor part are arranged, as long as the light emitted from the light emitting part can reach the sensor part.

[0021] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of determining the degree of contamination of a filter using an illumination sensor.

[0022] Technical solutions to problems

[0023] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a clothing processing device, which includes: a light-emitting part, which is separated from a filter part and emits light toward the filter part; and a sensor part, which senses the light emitted from the light-emitting part and passes through the filter part; and also includes a control part, which senses whether the filter part is loaded or unloaded and one or more of the contamination degree of the filter part according to the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting part sensed by the sensor part.

[0024] The filter unit may be disposed between the light emitting unit and the sensor unit.

[0025] Either one of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit may be arranged above the filter unit, and the remaining one may be arranged below the filter unit.

[0026] The light emitting portion may be disposed on the inflow body; and the sensor portion may be provided on the inner shell or the door.

[0027] The sensor portion may be disposed closer to the filter portion than the hanger portion.

[0028] A reflecting portion may be further included. The reflecting portion is disposed above the light emitting portion and the filter portion and guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the sensor portion.

[0029] The filter unit may further include: a main body filter mounted on the inflow body; and a filter cover disposed above the main body filter; and the reflector is disposed between the filter cover and the main body filter.

[0030] Any one of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit may be arranged at a lower position than the filter unit; and the remaining one of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit may be arranged on an upper surface of the inner shell.

[0031] It may also include a hanger portion, which is arranged at the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the hanger portion; either the light emitting portion or the sensor portion may be configured at a position lower than the filter portion and the hanger portion.

[0032] The light emitting part and the sensor part may be disposed at the inflow body so as to be blocked from being exposed to the inner case.

[0033] The filter unit may further include a filter cover disposed above the main body filter, and the light emitting unit and the sensor unit may be disposed below the filter cover.

[0034] The light emitting unit and the sensor unit may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter; the laundry treating apparatus may further include a reflecting unit configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting unit to the sensor unit through the main body filter.

[0035] The present invention provides a clothing processing device, which includes: a light-emitting part, which is separated from the filter part and emits light toward the filter part; a sensor part, which senses the light emitted from the light-emitting part and passes through the filter part; and a control part, which determines whether the filter part is installed or not according to the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting part sensed by the sensor part; when the filter part is installed to the inflow body, the sensor part senses a first value; if the sensor part senses a value greater than the first value, the control part determines that the filter part is not installed to the inflow body.

[0036] The mechanical room may include a steam generator and a compressor, wherein the steam generator generates steam supplied to the inner shell, and the compressor pressurizes a refrigerant that exchanges heat with air supplied to the inner shell; if it is determined that the filter unit is not installed, the control unit may block the driving of at least one of the steam generator and the compressor.

[0037] The sensor unit may sense a second value when the filter unit is not contaminated; the second value may be smaller than the first value, and the control unit may determine that the filter unit is contaminated if a value smaller than the second value is sensed.

[0038] The control unit may include a display unit, which is provided on either the housing or the door and displays the status of the filter unit. The control unit may be configured to display contamination information of the filter unit on the display unit if it is determined that the filter is contaminated.

[0039] The present invention provides a clothes processing device, which comprises: a light emitting part, which is separated from the filter part and emits light to the filter part; the light emitting part sterilizes the main body filter by the light.

[0040] The light emitting portion may emit visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm.

[0041] The filter portion may be formed to be coated with a chemical substance that releases a sterilizing substance when in contact with the visible light.

[0042] The light emitting portion can emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum.

[0043] Effects of the Invention

[0044] The present invention utilizes an illumination sensor to sense whether the filter is installed or removed, thereby preventing the incorrect use of the clothing processing device and reducing the hygienic problems.

[0045] The present invention has the effect of being able to determine whether the filter is attached or detached by using an illuminance sensor which is less affected by shock and vibration and whose light source life is not limited as long as it is powered.

[0046] The present invention has the effect of being able to indirectly and quickly grasp whether the filter is attached or detached by sensing the change in illumination of light even if the sensor is not in direct contact with the filter.

[0047] The present invention has the effect that no matter where the light emitting part and the sensor part are arranged, as long as the light emitted from the light emitting part can reach the sensor part, the sensor part can sense the illumination change to determine whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0048] The present invention has the effect of being able to judge the degree of contamination of the filter by utilizing the illumination sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the conventional clothes processing apparatus.

[0050] Figure 2 It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0051] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the upper structure of the inner casing.

[0052] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a machine room of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a base structure of a machine chamber of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a circulation duct structure of a clothes processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the shape of the circulation duct of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pipeline.

[0057] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a control unit installation portion provided on a base of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0058] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the air exhaust part 323 of the clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0059] Fig.11 It is a figure which shows the structure of the base cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0060] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of an external gas pipe.

[0061] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing through the circulation duct.

[0062] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0063] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a specific structure of a steam supply unit.

[0064] Fig.16 It is a figure which shows the filter part of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0065] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the position and area division of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0066] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0067] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0070] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0071] Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0072] Fig.24 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0073] Fig.25 It is a diagram showing the structure of the first reflection plate.

[0074] Fig.26 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 27 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0076] Fig.28 It is a figure which shows the structure of the filter cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0077] Fig.29 The figure shows an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit for sterilizing the filter unit of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0078] Fig.30 1 is a diagram showing a control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0079] Fig.31 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Below, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, for the same or similar configurations, the same or similar figure marks are given even in different embodiments, and the first description replaces the subsequent description. Unless the context clearly indicates another meaning, the singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions. In addition, in the process of describing the embodiments recorded in this specification, when it is determined that the specific description of the relevant known technology makes the subject of the embodiments disclosed in this specification unclear, its detailed description will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are only for the easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be interpreted as the technical idea of ​​the present invention being limited by the drawings.

[0081] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 (a) The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention may include: a housing 100 forming an exterior; and a door 40 rotatably coupled to the housing 100 .

[0083] The door 40 may include a main body 410 forming the front side of the cabinet 100 and a setting body 420 extending from one side of the main body 410 and capable of setting a display for displaying information of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0084] The setting body 420 may be configured to form a step 43 from the main body 410 toward the rear of the box body 100 .

[0085] On the other hand, at least a portion of the setting body 420 may be configured to overlap in the front-rear direction behind the main body 410. Thus, the step 43 may function as a handle.

[0086] The setting body 420 may be provided with a different material or a different color from the main body 410. In addition, the setting body 420 may be provided with a translucent material through which light emitted from the display can pass.

[0087] Reference Figure 2 (b), an inner shell 200 may be provided inside the box 100, and the inner shell 200 has a storage space 220 for storing clothes. An opening 210 may be provided in front of the inner shell 200, and clothes are put in and out through the opening 210, and the opening 210 may be shielded by the door 40.

[0088] The inner shell 200 may be made of a plastic resin system, and may be made of a reinforced plastic resin system that is not deformed by air having a temperature higher than normal temperature or heated air (hereinafter referred to as hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0089] The inner housing 200 may be configured to have a height greater than a width, so that the clothes can be accommodated in the accommodation space 220 in an undone or unwrinkled state.

[0090] The laundry processing apparatus 1 of the present invention may include a placement portion 500 in the accommodation space 220 of the inner housing 200 for placing laundry.

[0091] The placement portion 500 may include a hanger portion 510 , which is disposed on the upper surface of the inner housing 200 and is used to place clothes.

[0092] If the clothes are placed on the hanger portion 510 , the clothes may be suspended in the air inside the receiving space 220 .

[0093] On the other hand, the placement portion 500 may further include a pressurizing portion 520 that is combined with the inner surface of the door 40 and can fix the clothes.

[0094] The hanger part 510 may be provided in a rod shape arranged along the width direction of the inner housing 200 and may support a hanger on which clothes are hung. In addition, as shown in the figure, the hanger part 510 may also be provided in a clothes hanger shape so that clothes can be directly placed.

[0095] The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention may further include a vibrating unit, and the vibrating unit can remove foreign matter such as dust attached to the clothes by vibrating the hanger unit 510 .

[0096] The placement part 500 may include a pressurizing part 520, which is provided on the door 40 and can fix the clothes by applying pressure. The pressurizing part 520 may include: a supporting part 522 fixed to the inner surface of the door 40 to support one side of the clothes; and a pressing part 521 to pressurize the clothes supported by the supporting part 522.

[0097] The pressing portion 521 may be disposed to move toward or away from the supporting portion 522. For example, the pressing portion 521 may be rotatably disposed on the supporting portion 522 or the inner surface of the door 40.

[0098] Thus, the pressing part 521 and the supporting part 522 can remove wrinkles of the clothes by applying pressure to both sides of the clothes, and can also form expected creases.

[0099] The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a machine room 300 , and the machine room 300 is provided with various devices capable of supplying one or more of hot air and steam to the accommodating space 220 , or purifying or dehumidifying the external air of the housing 100 .

[0100] The machine room 300 may be configured to be separated or partitioned from the inner case 200 , and disposed to communicate with the inner case 200 .

[0101] The machine room 300 may be disposed at a lower portion of the inner case 200. Thus, if hot air and steam having a small specific gravity are supplied to the inner case 200, the hot air and steam may be naturally supplied to the laundry.

[0102] The machine room 300 may include a heating unit 340 capable of supplying hot air to the inner casing 200. The heating unit 340 may be configured as a heat pump system or as a heater that directly uses electric energy to heat air.

[0103] In the case where the heating unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, the air exhausted from the inner casing 200 may be dehumidified and heated again and supplied to the inner casing 200. The specific structure of the heating unit 340 will be described later.

[0104] The machine room 300 may include a steam supply part 800 capable of supplying steam to the inside of the inner housing 200. The steam supply part 800 may be configured to directly supply steam to the inside of the inner housing 200. The specific structure of the steam supply part 800 will be described later.

[0105] To this end, the inner housing 200 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 230 , and the plurality of through holes 230 penetrate through one side of the inner housing 200 and communicate with the machine chamber 300 .

[0106] The air in the accommodation space 220 may be supplied to the machine room 300 through the through hole 230 , and one or more of hot wind and steam generated in the machine room 300 may be supplied to the accommodation space 200 .

[0107] The through hole 230 may include: an inlet hole 231, which passes through the lower surface of the inner shell 200, and the air inside the inner shell 200 is discharged or sucked into the machine room 300 through the inlet hole 231; and an outlet hole 232, which passes through the lower surface of the inner shell 200 and spits out the hot air generated in the machine room 300.

[0108] The discharge hole 232 may be disposed at a position biased toward the back side of the lower surface of the inner case 200. For example, the discharge hole 232 may be disposed between the lower surface and the back side of the inner case 200 and inclined to the ground so as to face the hanger portion 510.

[0109] In addition, the inflow hole 231 may be disposed at a position biased toward the front in the lower surface of the inner housing 200 . Thus, the inflow hole 231 may be disposed to be separated from the discharge hole 232 .

[0110] The through hole 230 may include a steam hole 233 for supplying the steam generated by the steam supply part 800. The steam hole 233 may be disposed at one side of the discharge hole 232.

[0111] On the other hand, a water supply tub 3 for supplying water to the steam supply part 800 and a drainage tub 4 for collecting condensed water condensed in the heat supply part 340 may be provided in front of the machine room 300 .

[0112] The water supply tub 3 and the drainage tub 4 may be installed so as to be detachable in front of the machine room 300. Thus, the laundry processing apparatus 1 of the present invention may be freely installed without being restricted by a water supply source or a drainage source.

[0113] On the other hand, a drawer 5 can be provided in front of the machine room 300, and the drawer 5 can be introduced and drawn out from the front to form an additional storage space. The drawer 50 can also store a steam generator or an iron.

[0114] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the upper structure of the inner casing.

[0115] The hanger part 510 of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention may include a power transmission part 513 , which is disposed on the upper part of the inner housing 200 and configured to make the hanger 511 swing.

[0116] A hanging portion 512 for placing or positioning the hanger 511 may be provided at the lower portion of the power transmission portion 513 .

[0117] Therefore, when the power transmission part 513 moves, it drives the hanging part 512 to move, which has the effect of shaking the clothes as the hanger 511 placed on the hanging part 512 shakes.

[0118] The power transmission parts 513 may be provided in plurality, and the hanging parts 512 coupled to the power transmission parts 513 may also be provided in plurality. Thus, a large number of clothes corresponding to the number of the power transmission parts 513 can be placed inside the inner housing 200 for care.

[0119] Figure 3 The illustration is based on the case where the hanger portion 510 and the power transmission portion 513 are arranged along the width direction of the inner housing 200 .

[0120] The hanger 510 and the power transmission unit 513 may be arranged along the direction in which the clothes are arranged in the storage space. Therefore, if the clothes are arranged in the front-to-back direction in the inner shell 200, the hanger 510 and the power transmission unit 513 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction of the inner shell 200.

[0121] The following description will be based on the situation where the hanger portion 510, the plurality of power transmission portions 513, and the plurality of hanging portions 512 are arranged along the width direction of the inner shell 200, but this is only one embodiment. The hanger portion 510, the plurality of power transmission portions 513, and the plurality of hanging portions 512 can be arranged along a direction designed to place or arrange a plurality of clothes in the storage space.

[0122] The hanger portion 510 may further include a driving portion 514 that provides power to move the power transmission portion 513 .

[0123] The driving unit 514 may also be provided to be exposed to the inside of the inner housing 200 as long as it can transmit power to the power transmission unit 513. However, since the driving unit 514 is operated by receiving electric energy, it is preferably not exposed to steam or hot air.

[0124] Thus, the driving unit 514 may be disposed between the upper surface of the inner housing 200 and the box body 100 without being exposed to the accommodation space 210 .

[0125] The power transmission part 513 may penetrate the upper part of the inner housing 200 and receive the power of the driving part 514. The power transmission part 513 may penetrate the upper part of the inner housing 200 and extend downward, and the lower end of the power transmission part 513 may be exposed to the accommodation space 210.

[0126] The power transmission part 513 may be provided in a rod shape, a tube shape, a plate shape, or the like whose length is greater than its thickness.

[0127] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a machine room of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 4 (a) is a view of the machine room 300 viewed from the front. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram of the machine room 300 as viewed from the rear.

[0129] The machine room 300 may include a structure for supplying hot air to the clothes processing space, circulating the air in the clothes processing space, supplying steam to the clothes processing space, or purifying the air outside the cabinet.

[0130] The machine room 300 may include a base portion 310 that supports various devices or a space for installing various devices. The base portion 310 may provide an area for installing various devices.

[0131] The base portion 310 may be provided with a circulation duct 320 in which air flowing in from the inner case 200 or the outside of the housing 100 moves.

[0132] The circulation duct 320 may be provided in a shell shape with an open top surface, and a part of the heat supply unit 340 may be provided inside the circulation duct 320 .

[0133] When the heat supply unit 340 is configured as a heat pump system, the circulation pipe 320 may include heat exchangers 341 and 343 described below and a compressor 342 for supplying a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the heat exchangers.

[0134] The heat exchangers 341 and 343 may be accommodated in the circulation duct 320 and dehumidify the air by cooling the air flowing in the circulation duct 320 , or may generate hot air by heating the air.

[0135] In the case where the circulation duct 320 is configured to suck air from outside the housing 100 , an external air duct 370 for sucking external air may be provided in front of the circulation duct 320 .

[0136] The circulation duct 320 may be disposed to communicate with the external gas duct 370 and selectively inhale external air.

[0137] The water supply bucket and the drainage bucket may be detachably coupled to the front of the circulation pipe 320. The water supply bucket 3 and the drainage bucket 4 may be placed and arranged on the upper portion of the external gas pipe 370.

[0138] The circulation duct 320 may be combined with the base portion 310, or may be integrally provided with the base portion 310. For example, the base portion 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0139] The machine room 300 may include a base cover 360 configured to communicate with the circulation pipe 320 and the inflow hole 231 .

[0140] The base cover 360 may be combined with an upper portion of the circulation duct 320 and configured to guide the air sucked from the inflow hole 231 to the inside of the circulation duct 320 .

[0141] The base cover 360 may block the air inside the circulation duct 320 from being discharged to the outside by shielding the upper surface of the circulation duct 320. The lower portion of the base cover 360 and the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 may form one side of the flow path of the circulation duct 320.

[0142] The base cover 360 may include an inflow portion 362 connecting the inflow hole 231 and the circulation duct 320. The inflow portion 362 may be provided in a duct shape and function as an air intake duct transferring air inside the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0143] The machine room 300 may be provided with a steam supply unit 800 that receives water by connecting with the water supply tub 3 and generates steam and supplies it to the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 may be installed and disposed on an upper portion of the base cover 360.

[0144] The steam supply part 800 may be disposed behind the inflow part 362 .

[0145] The machine room 300 may include a fan setting part 350, and the fan setting part 350 is configured to communicate with the circulation duct 320 and the inner housing 200. The fan setting part 350 may include: an air supply fan 353, which provides power for the air inside the circulation duct 320 to move in one direction; and a fan cover 351, which accommodates the air supply fan 353 and is combined with or extended to the circulation duct 320.

[0146] The fan installation portion 350 may further include an exhaust duct 352 , and the exhaust duct 352 is configured to communicate with the circulation duct 320 and the exhaust hole 232 .

[0147] The exhaust duct 352 may be provided to extend from the lower portion of the fan cover 351 toward the exhaust hole 232 with a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional area corresponding to the exhaust hole 232 .

[0148] As a result, air inside the inner case 200 may flow in through the base cover 360 , pass through the circulation duct 320 , and then be supplied to the inner case 200 again through the fan installation portion 350 .

[0149] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a base structure of a machine chamber of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0150] The base portion 310 may be provided with a compressor installation portion 312, and the compressor 342 that supplies the refrigerant to the heat exchangers 341 and 343 may be installed at the compressor installation portion 312. The compressor installation portion 313 may be disposed outside the circulation pipe 320.

[0151] In addition, the base portion 310 may be provided with a control portion or a control panel C for controlling the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0152] The base portion 310 may be provided with a control unit installation portion 313 , and the control unit installation portion 313 forms a space at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320 into which the control unit C can be inserted.

[0153] The control unit C may be configured to control all electronically controllable components, such as the compressor 342 , the steam supply unit 800 , the air supply fan 353 , and the like.

[0154] Since the control unit C is inserted and supported by the base 310 , it is possible to buffer vibration or impact applied to the control unit C. In addition, since the control unit C is disposed close to all electronic components, the occurrence of control errors such as noise can be minimized.

[0155] In addition, a steam supply unit is disposed at the upper portion of the circulation duct 320, and a control unit C is disposed at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320. Thus, the circulation duct 320 can be provided in a straight duct shape between the steam supply unit 800 and the control unit C. Therefore, the flow path resistance of the air passing through the circulation duct 320 can be minimized.

[0156] The circulation pipe 320 , the external gas pipe 370 , the steam supply part 800 , the control part C, and the heating part 340 may be provided on the base part 310 in a module form.

[0157] Thus, the base portion 310 can be easily installed and maintained as it is introduced into or withdrawn from the machine room 300 to the front or rear.

[0158] Figure 5 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the base portion 310 viewed from the front. Figure 5 (b) and Figure 5 (c) is a three-dimensional view of the base portion 310 as viewed from the rear.

[0159] The base portion 310 may be disposed on a base plate forming a lower surface of the laundry treating apparatus. The base portion 310 itself may form a lower surface of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0160] The base portion 310 may include a base bottom 311 forming a support surface. The base bottom 311 may form a lower surface of the laundry treatment device. In addition, the base bottom 311 may be disposed on an upper surface of the bottom surface of the housing 100 forming a lower surface of the laundry treatment device.

[0161] The base portion 310 may be integrally provided with the circulation duct 320 forming at least a portion of a flow path for air movement. The circulation duct 320 may be formed by extending upward from the base bottom portion 311 .

[0162] The circulation duct 320 may include: a duct body 321 extending from the bottom 311 of the base to form a flow path; a heat exchanger setting portion 3212 providing a space inside the duct body 321 for setting an evaporator 341 or a condenser 343; and an air exhaust portion 323, which is arranged at the rear of the duct body 321 to exhaust the air of the duct body 321.

[0163] The air discharge portion 323 may be provided in a tube shape extending rearward from the duct body 321. A diameter of the air discharge portion 323 may be smaller than a width of the duct body 321.

[0164] The air discharge portion 323 may be connected to the fan housing 350 . The air discharged from the air discharge portion 323 may be guided to the inside of the inner housing 200 through the fan housing 350 .

[0165] The circulation duct 320 may include an external gas suction portion 322 formed through a front surface of the duct body 321 .

[0166] The external gas suction part 322 may be provided to communicate with the external gas pipe 370. The external gas pipe 370 may be disposed and supported in front of the external gas suction part 322.

[0167] The circulation duct 320 may be provided with a damper for opening and closing the external air suction part 322. By opening and closing the damper, the external air may be allowed or blocked to flow into the circulation duct 320.

[0168] The base portion 310 may include a compressor installation portion 312, and the compressor installation portion 312 provides a space for installing the compressor 342. The compressor installation portion 312 may be formed at one side of the base bottom 311 and may be formed integrally with the base bottom 311.

[0169] The compressor installation portion 312 may also be formed with a protrusion capable of supporting the compressor 342. The compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed at a position biased toward the rear of the base portion 310. The compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed so that at least a portion overlaps with the air discharge portion 323 in the width direction.

[0170] The compressor installation portion 312 may be provided with a buffer member that reduces vibration transmitted from the compressor 342. The buffer member may be fixed to the protrusion.

[0171] The base 310 may include a control unit installation portion 313 in which the control unit C is installed. The control unit installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation portion 313 may be installed between the base bottom 311 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation portion 313 may be installed in a duct shape that is open at the lower part of the circulation duct 320 in either the front or the rear.

[0172] The structure of the control unit setting unit 313 will be described later.

[0173] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a circulation duct structure of a clothes processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0174] The circulation duct 320 may extend from the bottom of the base to the upper part to form a flow path for air flow. The circulation duct 320 may include a heat exchanger setting portion 3212, and the heat exchanger setting portion 3212 provides a space for setting the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The heat exchanger setting portion 3212 may be set inside the duct body 321.

[0175] The duct body 321 may be provided with an upper surface opened. The condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 may be inserted and installed through the opening of the duct body 321 .

[0176] The opening of the duct body 321 may be shielded by the base cover 360 , and the base cover 360 and the duct body 321 may form a flow path of the circulation flow path 320 .

[0177] The front surface of the duct body 321 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the front end of the base bottom 311 toward the rear.

[0178] Thus, the base bottom 311 can ensure a support surface 3111 for installing and supporting at least one of the water supply bucket 3 or the drainage bucket 4 and the external gas pipe 370 .

[0179] On the other hand, the heating unit 340 may include: an evaporator 341, which is arranged inside the circulation pipe 320 and is configured as a heat exchanger for dehumidifying by cooling the air flowing into the circulation pipe 320; a condenser 343, which is configured as a heat exchanger for forming hot air by heating the air passing through the evaporator 341; a compressor 342, which supplies a refrigerant for heat exchange with the air to the condenser 343 and is configured outside the circulation pipe 320; and an expansion valve 344, which expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser 343 for cooling.

[0180] On the other hand, since the duct body 321 is integrally formed on the base portion 310 , the height of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 can be more ensured, and the heights of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 can be increased.

[0181] As a result, the width of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction can be shortened, thereby reducing the number of refrigerant pipes passing through the condenser and the evaporator. This has the effect of reducing the flow loss of air passing through the condenser and the evaporator.

[0182] On the other hand, the sum of the length of the evaporator 341 and the length of the condenser 343 may be less than the length of the heat exchanger setting part 3212. Thus, the front-to-back length of the heat exchanger setting part 3212 may be equal to or less than half the length of the duct body 321.

[0183] Therefore, the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be sufficiently separated from the external air suction portion 322 , thereby ensuring a sufficient space in the circulation duct 320 for the external air and the air in the inner casing 200 to flow in.

[0184] On the other hand, the interior of the duct body 321 may include a setting partition wall 3211 that divides the heat exchanger setting part 3212 and the outside of the heat exchanger setting part 3212. The setting partition wall 3211 may protrude from the side of the duct body 321 and support the front of the evaporator 341.

[0185] In addition, the duct body 321 may be expanded with the partition wall 3211 as a reference width and extend rearward.

[0186] As a result, the width of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 can be set to be larger than half of the width of the base portion 310. In addition, the width of the circulation duct 320 can be set to be larger than half of the width of the base portion 310.

[0187] The width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 may also be set to be greater than half of the entire width of the base portion 310 .

[0188] As described above, if the widths of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 are ensured, there is an effect that the heat exchange capacity can be sufficiently ensured.

[0189] In addition, the fan cover 350 may be configured to overlap the condenser 343 or the evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction. Thus, the air passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 can flow into the fan cover 350 without bending the flow path. That is, the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 does not bend the flow path in the process of moving to the fan cover, thereby having the effect of minimizing flow loss.

[0190] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the shape of the circulation duct of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0191] The base bottom 310 and the circulation flow path 320 of the base portion 310 may be integrally formed by mold injection.

[0192] The mold for molding the inner surface of the duct body 321 can be drawn out and removed from the inside of the duct body 321 toward the upper direction. At this time, the wall surface of the duct body 321 can be set to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the removal direction of the mold to facilitate the drawing out of the mold.

[0193] The width of the lower surface 321 a of the duct body 321 may be greater than the width of the upper surface 321 b of the duct body 321 .

[0194] Specifically, the distance between the walls of the duct body 321 facing each other can increase as they move away from the base bottom 311. The distance between the left side and right side of the circulation flow path facing each other can increase along the lead-out direction of the mold. Thus, the mold can be easily removed.

[0195] On the other hand, the air discharge part 323 may include: an air extension pipe 3231 extending from the rear of the duct body 321 to have a smaller diameter and width; and an air discharge pipe 3232 extending from the air extension pipe 3231 in a pipe shape with a uniform diameter, and a hollow 3233 is formed inside the air discharge pipe 3232. The air extension pipe 3231 may perform the function of a nozzle, thereby being able to increase the speed of the discharged air.

[0196] In addition, the mold for molding the air discharge portion 323 can be removed as shown in the previous figure. After the inner side of the air discharge portion 323 is led forward into the inside of the circulation flow path 320, it can be removed toward the upper open surface of the circulation flow path 320. In the above process, the air discharge portion 323 can be formed in a structure that is easy to remove from the mold.

[0197] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pipeline.

[0198] The partition wall 3211 may be protruded inward from the inner wall of the pipe body 321, or the outer wall of the circulation pipe may be recessed inward.

[0199] The heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be formed between the heat exchanger installation partition wall 3211 and the air discharge portion 323 .

[0200] The mold for forming the air outlet portion 323 can be removed by leading it toward the front of the air outlet portion 323 and then leading it toward the upper part. When leading the mold for forming the air outlet portion 323 toward the front from the inside of the air outlet portion 323, it is necessary to prevent it from interfering with the partition wall provided for the heat exchanger. To this end, the design value of the air outlet portion 323 can be adjusted.

[0201] Specifically, when forming the air discharge portion 323, the mold for forming the front side and the mold for forming the rear side can be separately set based on the parting line 3233 of the air discharge portion 323 in the figure. As a result, the removal directions of the molds can also be different from each other. Based on the parting line of the air discharge portion 323, the mold for forming the front part can be led out forward, and based on the parting line of the air discharge portion 323, the mold for forming the rear part can be led out rearward.

[0202] That is, in order to prevent the mold that is led out to the front from interfering with the partition wall set on the heat exchanger during the process of being led out, the distance 1 (321a) in the accompanying drawing may be smaller than the distance 2 (321c). The distance 1 (321a) may refer to the distance between the parting line of the air discharge portion 323 and the front end of the air discharge portion 323. In addition, the distance 1 (321a) may refer to the distance between the parting line of the air discharge portion 323 and the rear opening of the circulation duct. The distance 2 (321c) may refer to the distance between the front end of the air discharge portion 323 and the partition wall set on the heat exchanger. In addition, the distance 2 (323c) may refer to the distance between the rear opening of the circulation duct and the partition wall 3211 set on the heat exchanger.

[0203] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a control unit installation portion provided on a base of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0204] Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram showing a method of installing the control unit C in the control unit installation part 313.

[0205] The control unit C can be configured to control the laundry processing device of the present invention to execute all devices required for any process of the program for nursing laundry. The control unit C can be configured with a PCB substrate, but is not limited thereto, and can be configured with various devices for control.

[0206] The control unit C may be inserted into and placed in the control unit setting portion 313 .

[0207] The control unit installation portion 313 may be disposed at a lower portion of the circulation pipe 320 .

[0208] The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 may form the top surface of the control unit installation portion 313. The control unit installation portion 313 may be disposed at a lower position than the air discharge portion 323.

[0209] The control part setting part 313 may be formed integrally with the base bottom 311. The control part setting part 313 may be formed as a recessed space at the lower part of the circulation duct during the process of molding the circulation duct 320 on the base 310.

[0210] The control part C can be introduced into the control part setting part 313 in a sliding manner from the back to the front.

[0211] A support 3131 surrounding the control part may also be provided on the surface of the control part C. The support 3131 may be provided above and below the control part to prevent foreign matter from entering the control part.

[0212] In addition, the bracket 3131 can prevent heat or vibration from being transferred to the control unit C and causing damage to the circuit substrate inside the control unit C. The bracket 3131 can be made of a metal material.

[0213] Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which a control unit is provided in the control unit setting portion.

[0214] As described above, the control portion C may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with the base bottom 311 .

[0215] For example, the control portion C may be configured to be inclined toward the water storage portion 326. Thus, when water flows to the upper portion of the control portion C, the water can quickly escape from the control portion C, and the bottom surface of the circulation pipe 320 may be formed to be inclined toward the water storage portion 326.

[0216] The control portion C may include a support member 3132 that is formed to protrude toward the side.

[0217] The control unit setting portion 313 may include ribs 3134 protruding from both sides of the setting portion. The support member 3132 of the control unit may be placed on the upper side of the ribs 3134.

[0218] The support member 3132 of the control part may support the entire load of the control part C. If the support member 3132 of the control part is supported on the upper side of the rib 3134 , the control part C may be spaced apart from the base bottom 311 by a predetermined distance.

[0219] The ribs 3134 may be formed integrally with the base portion 310. The ribs 3134 may be formed together with the base portion 310 during injection molding, so as to be integrally formed with the base bottom 311, the circulation pipe 320, and the like.

[0220] A protrusion 3133 may be provided on the front side of the control unit C. In addition, a guide member protruding toward the rear may be provided on the inner side of the control unit setting part 313. The protrusion may be combined with the guide member. The protrusion may be inserted into the guide member. When the control unit is introduced into the control unit setting part, the control unit may be aligned to a specified position in such a way that the protrusion is combined with the guide member.

[0221] In addition, the two side surfaces of the control part can be positioned in a manner that the support members are placed on the ribs as described above. Using the above-described coupling process, the control part can be coupled to a prescribed position of the control part setting part without an additional fastening member.

[0222] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the air exhaust part 323 of the clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0223] The base portion 310 may include an air discharge portion 323 for discharging processed air toward the fan housing.

[0224] The air discharge portion 323 may be arranged to communicate with the inside of the circulation duct 320 or the duct body 321 and the fan cover 350. The air discharge portion 323 may be arranged in a bell mouth shape. By being arranged in a bell mouth shape, the flow loss of air can be reduced and the air circulation efficiency can be improved.

[0225] The air exhaust pipe 3232 of the air exhaust portion 323 can be set in a tube shape, with the parting line 3233 as a reference. During the process of removing the mold, the mold arranged in front of the parting line 3233 can be led out forward, and the mold arranged behind the parting line 3233 can be led out backward.

[0226] The fan installation part 350 may be supported by being coupled to the air outlet pipe 3232. The fan cover 351 may have a coupling hole coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the air outlet pipe 3232, and the air supply fan 353 may be disposed at the coupling hole.

[0227] The fan cover 351 may include a discharge duct 352 extending from an outer peripheral surface or an outer side of the air supply fan 353 toward the discharge hole 232 .

[0228] The fan cover 351 and the exhaust duct 352 may form a flow path inside which the air supply fan 353 is accommodated and through which air can flow.

[0229] A motor for rotating the air supply fan 353 may be coupled to and supported outside the fan cover 351 .

[0230] Fig.11 It is a figure which shows the structure of the base cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0231] The base cover 360 may be combined with an upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to prevent the inside of the circulation duct 320 from being exposed.

[0232] The base cover 360 may include: an inflow body 361 combined with an upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to connect the inner shell 200 and the circulation duct 320 ; and a shielding body 363 extending from the inflow body 361 to shield the circulation duct 320 .

[0233] The inflow body 361 may be in a pipe shape and is provided to communicate the inflow hole 231 of the inner shell with the inside of the circulation pipe 320. The inflow body 361 may be more protruding upward than the shielding body 363.

[0234] The inflow body 361 may be disposed at a position further forward than the evaporator 341 so as not to face the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 , and may be disposed at a position further forward than the partition wall 3211 .

[0235] The inflow body 361 may function as an inflow duct for moving the air in the inner casing 200 toward the circulation duct 320 .

[0236] An inflow portion 362 through which the air of the inner case 200 can pass may be provided inside the inflow body 361 .

[0237] Specifically, the base cover 360 may include: a first rib 362 a extending along the width direction of the inflow body 361 ; and a second rib 362 b spaced rearward from the first rib 362 a and extending along the width direction of the inflow body 361 .

[0238] The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may be disposed in parallel. The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may be disposed in a plate shape extending in a vertical direction, and the height may correspond to the height of the inflow body 361 .

[0239] The front surface of the inflow body 361 and the first rib 362a may form a first inflow port 3621 , the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may form a second inflow port 3623 , and the second rib 362b and the rear surface of the inflow body 361 may form a third inflow port 3622 .

[0240] The area of ​​the first inlet 3621 and the area of ​​the third inlet 3622 may be the same as each other, and the area of ​​the second inlet 36222 may be smaller than the areas of the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622 .

[0241] The base cover 360 may include: a damper portion 364 configured to open and close the inflow portion 362 ; and a driving portion 365 coupled to the damper portion 364 to control the opening and closing of the damper portion 364 .

[0242] The damper portion 364 may include: a first damper portion 3641 configured to open and close the first inlet 3621 ; and a second damper portion 3642 configured to open and close the third inlet 3622 .

[0243] The first damper portion 3641 may be provided in a plate shape having an area corresponding to the first inlet 3621 , and may be rotatably coupled to both side surfaces of the inlet body 361 inside the first inlet 3621 .

[0244] The second damper portion 3642 may be provided in a plate shape having an area corresponding to the third inlet 3622 , and may be rotatably provided on both side surfaces of the inlet body 361 inside the third inlet 3622 .

[0245] The second inlet 3623 may be provided with a blocking filter 366 . Although the blocking filter 366 allows air to pass through, it can filter foreign matter such as dust and fluff.

[0246] The blocking filter 366 may be provided so as to be inserted into the second inlet 3623 to partition the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622. The blocking filter 366 may be extended to the second inlet 3623 to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

[0247] The blocking filter 366 may be provided as a filter capable of filtering even the moisture. For example, the blocking filter 366 may be provided as a high efficiency particulate air filter or the like.

[0248] On the other hand, the second inlet 3623 may be further combined with a shielding member that shields the second inlet 3623 if the blocking filter 366 is inserted.

[0249] The driving part 365 may include: a motor that provides power capable of selectively rotating the first damper part 364 and the second damper part 365; and a plurality of gear members that can selectively rotate the first damper part 364 and the second damper part 365 as they rotate by meshing with the motor.

[0250] The first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3622 may be selectively opened by the driving unit 365 .

[0251] The air contained in the inner shell 200 may flow into the circulation duct 320 along the first inlet 3621 or along the third inlet 3622 through the driving unit 365 .

[0252] Of course, the driving unit 365 can control the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642 to fully open the first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3622 , or can control the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642 to fully cover the first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3622 .

[0253] The driving unit 365 may be provided in any structure as long as it can rotate the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642. For example, it may be provided in combination of a motor, a driving gear rotated by the motor, and a driven gear coupled to the first damper and the second damper and rotated by the rotation of the driving gear.

[0254] The base cover 360 may include a shielding body 363 extending from the inflow body 361 and capable of shielding the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The shielding body 363 may have a plate shape.

[0255] The base cover 360 may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 using an inflow hook 3612 extending from the lower surface of the inflow body 361 .

[0256] The circulation pipe 320 may be provided with a coupling portion coupled to the inflow hook 3612 in a detachable manner.

[0257] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of an external gas pipe.

[0258] Reference Fig.12 (a), the external gas pipe 370 may be combined with the base portion 310 .

[0259] The external gas pipe 370 may be provided to communicate with the external gas suction part 322 .

[0260] The external air duct 370 may include an external air damper 373 for opening and closing the external air suction part 322 , and an external air driving part 374 for controlling to selectively open the external air suction part 322 by rotating the external air damper 373 .

[0261] The external air damper 373 may be provided in a plate shape capable of sealing the external air suction part 322 , and may be rotatably coupled to both side surfaces of the external air suction part 322 .

[0262] The external gas driving part 374 may be provided with an actuator that is coupled to the external gas pipe 370 or the circulation pipe 320 and rotates the external gas damper 373 .

[0263] The external gas pipeline 370 may include: an extension pipeline 372 extending forward from the external gas suction part 322 in front of the external gas suction part 322; and an intake pipeline 371 extending forward from the extension pipeline 372, and external gas can flow in through the intake pipeline 371.

[0264] The air intake duct 371 may extend from the lower portion of the extension duct 372, and a water supply bucket 3 and a water discharge bucket 4 may be disposed on the upper portion of the air intake duct 371. The water supply bucket 3 and the water discharge bucket 4 may be combined with the air intake duct 371, or may be disposed on the air intake duct 371.

[0265] The air intake duct 371 may include: an external air port 3711 formed at one end or a free end of the air intake duct 371 , through which external air is sucked; and a partition rib 3712 configured to partition the external air port 3711 .

[0266] The external air port 3711 may be disposed at a lower position than the door 40 so as not to be blocked by the door 40 .

[0267] The partition rib 3712 may be configured to partition the interior of the external air port 3711 , thereby blocking entry of foreign matter or the user's body.

[0268] Reference Fig.12 (b), if the external air driving unit 374 rotates the external air damper 373 to open the external air suction unit 322, the suction duct 371 and the circulation duct 320 may be communicated with each other.

[0269] At this time, if the air supply fan 352 is driven, the air outside the cabinet may flow into the circulation duct 320. If the compressor 342 is driven, the outside air may be dehumidified while passing through the circulation duct 320 and supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0270] The door 40 may further include: an exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the inner housing 200 to the outside; and an exhaust damper for selectively opening and closing the exhaust port. The exhaust port may be arranged to face the accommodation space of the inner housing 200.

[0271] Thus, the dehumidified air can be discharged from the discharge port.

[0272] In addition, the external air may be filtered while passing through the blocking filter 366 and discharged again to the outside of the housing 100 .

[0273] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing through the circulation duct.

[0274] Reference Fig.13 (a) can be controlled so that the external air damper 373 shields the external air intake portion 322 , the first damper 3641 opens the first inlet 3621 , and the second damper 3642 shields the third inlet 3622 .

[0275] When the air supply fan 352 is driven, air inside the inner housing 200 may flow in from the first inlet 3621 and be filtered while passing through the blocking filter 366 .

[0276] If the compressor 342 is driven, the air passing through the blocking filter 366 may be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0277] The air passing through the heat exchanger may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 via the fan installation part 350 .

[0278] This state may be a state in which steam is not supplied to the inner case 200. This is because, if steam is supplied to the inner case 200, the moisture wets the blocking filter 366, and thus the performance of the blocking filter 366 cannot be ensured.

[0279] As a result, when steam is not supplied to the inner shell 200, or before steam is supplied to the inside of the inner shell 200, or even after steam is supplied to the inside of the inner shell 200 but the humidity becomes low, the air inside the inner shell 200 can pass through the first inlet 3641 and filter out foreign matter, fluff, etc. when passing through the blocking filter 366.

[0280] Reference Fig.13 (b) can be controlled so that the external air damper 373 covers the external air intake portion 322 , the first damper 3641 covers the first inlet 3621 , and the second damper 3642 opens the third inlet 3622 .

[0281] When the air supply fan 352 is driven, air in the inner case 200 may flow in from the third inlet 3622 . Since the third inlet 3622 is disposed downstream of the blocking filter 366 , the air flowing in from the third inlet 3622 does not pass through the blocking filter 366 .

[0282] If the compressor 342 is driven, the air having passed through the blocking filter 366 may be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0283] The air passing through the heat exchanger may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 via the fan installation part 350 .

[0284] As a result, when steam is supplied to the inner shell 200 or the humidity inside the inner shell 200 is very high, the blocking filter 366 can be blocked from being exposed to moisture by allowing air in the inner shell 200 to flow in from the third inlet 3622 while blocking the air from flowing in from the first inlet 3621.

[0285] Reference Fig.13 (c) can be controlled so that the external air damper 373 opens the external air intake part 322 , the first damper 3641 covers the first inlet 3621 , and the second damper 3642 covers the third inlet 3622 .

[0286] When the air supply fan 352 is driven, the air inside the inner housing 200 is blocked from flowing in through the inlet portion 362, and only the external air of the housing 100 can flow into the circulation duct 320 and pass through the blocking filter 366. Thus, foreign matter such as dust contained in the external air can be filtered by the blocking filter 366.

[0287] If the compressor 342 is driven, the air having passed through the blocking filter 366 may be dehumidified while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0288] The air passing through the heat exchanger is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 via the fan installation part 350, so that fresh hot air can be supplied to the clothes.

[0289] At this time, when the door 40 is provided with a device for discharging the air inside the inner shell 200 to the outside, the air outside the box can be discharged in a purified and dehumidified state as it passes through the blocking filter 366 and the heating unit 340.

[0290] As a result, in the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention, the external air driving part 374 and the inflow driving part 365 can be controlled by the control part C to determine the flow directions of the air inside the inner shell 200 and the air outside the box.

[0291] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0292] The steam supply part 800 may be seated and supported on the base cover 360 .

[0293] The steam supply part 800 may include a steam housing 810 disposed at the base cover 360 and storing water for generating the steam.

[0294] The steam supply part 800 may further include a mounting bracket 870 , and the mounting bracket 870 may be configured to fix the steam housing 810 to the base cover 360 .

[0295] The setting bracket 870 may be combined with the base cover 360 and fix the steam housing 810 .

[0296] The mounting bracket 870 may include: a lower panel 871 for supporting the lower surface of the steam housing 810 ; and side panels 872 for supporting both side surfaces of the steam housing 810 on the lower panel 871 .

[0297] The setting bracket 870 may also include one or more fixing clips 873 that extend from the side panel 872 and prevent the steam housing 810 from detaching.

[0298] The fixing clip 873 may be detachably disposed on the upper portion or side of the steam housing 810 .

[0299] The compressor 342 may be disposed at a lower position than the steam supply part 800 .

[0300] The setting bracket 870 may be provided to block the heat generated in the compressor or the heat generated in the refrigerant compressed in the compressor from being transferred to the steam supply part 800 .

[0301] The bracket 870 may also prevent the fire from spreading to the steam supply unit 800 when a fire occurs in the compressor 342 .

[0302] On the other hand, the base cover 360 may include a fastening portion 3631 provided on the shielding body 363 and detachably coupled to the steam supply portion 800. The fastening portion 3631 may be detachably coupled to a protrusion protruding from the lower portion of the steam housing 810.

[0303] Thus, even if a large amount of water is contained in the steam housing 810 , the steam housing 810 can be stably placed on the base cover 360 .

[0304] In addition, since the steam shell 810 is arranged at a higher position than the circulation duct 320, the distance between the steam shell 810 and the inner shell 200 is smaller than the distance between the circulation duct 320 and the inner shell 200, so that the condensation of the steam generated by the steam shell 810 can be minimized before reaching the inner shell 200.

[0305] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a specific structure of a steam supply unit.

[0306] Reference Fig.15 (a), the steam supply unit 800 may include: a steam housing 810 capable of receiving and storing water for generating steam; and a heater unit 840 accommodated in the steam housing 810, generating steam by heating the water.

[0307] The steam housing 810 may be provided in the form of a housing with an upper portion opened, and may be provided to accommodate the heater unit 840 .

[0308] The steam supply unit 800 may further include a housing cover 820 , which is combined with the steam housing 810 and prevents the heater unit 840 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the water from flowing out.

[0309] The housing cover 820 may be provided with: a water level sensor 850 for sensing the water level of the steam housing 810 ; and a steam sensor 860 for sensing the temperature inside the steam housing 810 or sensing whether steam is generated inside the steam housing 810 .

[0310] Reference Fig.15 (b), the steam housing 810 may include a housing body 811 providing a space for storing the water and accommodating the heater part 840 .

[0311] The housing body 811 may be provided in a shape with an upper opening, so that various components can be easily provided inside the housing body 811 .

[0312] The housing body 811 may include a heater insertion hole 8111 that penetrates one side of the housing body 811 , and the heater 840 may be inserted into or drawn out of the housing body 811 through the heater insertion hole 8111 .

[0313] The housing body 811 may include a recovery pipe 814 capable of discharging water contained therein to the outside.

[0314] The recovery pipe 814 can remain blocked by the shielding cover 8141 so as to be opened only when the residual water inside the steam shell 810 is removed, and can include a shielding clamp 8142, which keeps the shielding cover 8141 coupled to the recovery pipe 814 to prevent the shielding cover 8141 from being separated at will.

[0315] Therefore, when repairing the steam housing 800 or preventing the steam housing 800 from freezing and cracking, the water inside the steam housing 800 can be discharged through the recovery pipe 814.

[0316] On the other hand, a heater fixing part 830 may be provided inside the housing body 811, and the heater fixing part 830 may support or fix the heater part 840. The heater fixing part 830 may include: a fixing clip 831 to fix the heater part 840; and a clamping member 833 to fix the supporting clip 831 to the housing body 811.

[0317] The fixing clip 831 may be configured to accommodate or surround at least a portion of the heater portion 840 .

[0318] On the other hand, the steam supply part 800 may be provided with a water supply pipe 815 for receiving water. The water supply pipe 815 may receive water by being communicated with the water supply tub 30.

[0319] The water supply pipe 815 may be provided on the housing cover 820 or disposed on the upper portion of the steam housing 810. Thus, it is possible to prevent water from flowing back through the water supply pipe 815 again.

[0320] The steam supply unit 800 may be provided with a steam pipe 813 that discharges steam generated by driving the heater unit 840 to the outside. The steam pipe 813 may also be provided on the upper portion of the housing cover 820 so as to block water from being discharged from the steam pipe 813. The steam pipe 813 may be communicated with the steam hole 233 of the inner housing 200.

[0321] The housing cover 820 may be provided with a water level sensor hole 854 , and the water level sensor may be disposed in the water level sensor hole 854 .

[0322] The water level sensor 850 may include: one or more contact protrusions 852, which are inserted into the water level sensor hole 854 and sense the water level by being immersed in water; and a sensor body 851, which is combined with the water level sensor hole 854 or supported by the shell cover 820 in order to keep the contact protrusion 852 in a floating state inside the steam shell 810.

[0323] The sensor body 851 may be coupled to the housing cover 820 using a sensor fastening member 853 .

[0324] On the other hand, the housing cover 820 may be provided with an insertion hole 864, and the steam sensor 860 may be provided in the insertion hole 864. The steam sensor 860 may include: a sensing device 861 inserted into the insertion hole 864 to sense whether steam is generated inside the steam housing 810; a support platform 863 to fix the sensing device 861 to the housing cover 820; and a coupling member 862 to couple the support platform 863 to the housing cover 820.

[0325] The sensing device 861 may be provided as a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor, and senses whether steam is generated inside the steam housing 810 .

[0326] On the other hand, the housing cover 820 may be provided with a cover hook 821 , and the cover hook 821 may extend forward and be combined with the base cover 860 .

[0327] In addition, a fixing protrusion 822 may be further provided at the rear of the housing cover 820 , and the fixing protrusion 822 may fix the lower portion of the inner housing 200 or an additional steam exhaust portion 900 .

[0328] The heater part 840 may be configured to be inserted into the heater insertion hole 8111 and accommodated in the steam housing 810 and heat water by receiving power.

[0329] The heater unit 840 may be provided by a sheath heater or the like, and may be controlled by the control unit 700 to be repeatedly driven and stopped.

[0330] The heater part 840 may include a first heater 841 to heat water by receiving a first power, and a second heater 842 to heat water by receiving a power greater than the first power.

[0331] As a result, the second heater 842 may be configured to heat more water than the first heater 841 to generate more steam.

[0332] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be configured to share and consume the maximum heater power allowed by the heater unit 840 in the laundry processing apparatus. That is, if the first heater 841 consumes a portion of the maximum heater power, the second heater 842 consumes the remaining portion of the maximum heater power.

[0333] For example, in the case where the normal maximum heater power allowed by the heater unit 840 is 1500 W, the first heater 841 may be set to consume 600 W, and the second heater 842 may be set to consume 880 W. Considering the error, etc., 20 W may be allocated less.

[0334] Of course, the heater unit 840 may include more than three heaters, for example, the first heater 841, the second heater 842 and the third heater 843, and the first heater 841, the second heater 842 and the third heater 843 share and consume the maximum heater power.

[0335] The following description will be based on a case where the heater unit 340 includes the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0336] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be formed of metal pipes in a “U” shape.

[0337] The heater portion 840 may include a heater seal 843 that may fix the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and seal the heater through hole 8111 , and may include a terminal portion 844 that supplies current to the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0338] The terminal portion 844 may include a first terminal 844 a for supplying current to the first heater 841 , and a second terminal 844 b for supplying current to the second heater 842 .

[0339] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be arranged at the same height. Thus, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be configured to generate steam by heating water at the same water level.

[0340] Thus, the control part 700 can adjust the amount of steam generated and the power consumption by using the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 entirely or selectively.

[0341] Fig.16 It is a figure which shows the filter part of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0342] The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a filter 380 at an upper portion of the machine room 300 to prevent dust from flowing into the inside of the circulation duct 320 .

[0343] The filter unit 380 may be installed at the inflow body 361 and filter dust flowing into the inflow body 361 .

[0344] The filter unit 380 may include a main body filter 386, which is installed on the upper portion of the inflow body 361 of the base cover 360 and is configured to shield a portion of the upper surface of the inflow body 361. The main body filter 386 may be formed of a mesh material that can block larger dust and through which light can pass.

[0345] The filter unit 380 may further include a main body cover 385, and the main body filter 386 is placed on the main body cover 385. The main body cover 385 may be arranged on the upper part of the inflow body. The main body cover 385 may shield one side of the upper part of the first inflow port 3621 and the third inflow port 3623. The portion of the main body cover 385 that shields the top surface of the first inflow port 3621 and the third inflow port 3623 may be perforated. In the case where the main body filter 386 is not installed, the main body cover 385 may prevent dust from flowing into the interior of the circulation duct 320 by blocking larger dust.

[0346] The filter unit 380 may further include a filter fixing unit 384 to fix the main body cover 385 and the main body filter 386. The filter fixing unit 384 may be disposed on the upper portion of the base cover 360. The circumferential surface of the main body cover 385 may be coupled to the filter fixing unit 384 and may be attached to and detached from the filter fixing unit 384.

[0347] The laundry processing device may further include a filter cover 382 on the upper portion of the main body cover 385. The filter cover 382 may be larger than the width of the main body cover 385. The filter cover 382 may cover one side of the main body filter 386. The lower surface of the filter cover 382 may be formed as a lattice-shaped injection molding. The filter cover 382 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 so that the air inside the inner housing 200 flows into the circulation duct 320.

[0348] A blocking cover 381 may be disposed on the upper portion of the filter cover 382. The blocking cover 381 may completely shield the top surface of the opening of the machine room 300.

[0349] The filter portion 380 may include the blocking cover 386 .

[0350] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention for determining whether the filter unit 380 is installed or removed will be described. For example, the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention can sense whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed.

[0351] When using the laundry processing device, there is a problem that the user does not install the filter unit 380, which may lead to incorrect use of the laundry processing device. When the filter unit 380 is not installed, large dust flows into the circulation duct 320, which may cause a hygienic problem.

[0352] Therefore, the clothing processing device 1 of the present invention may include: a box body 100, which is provided with an opening portion at the front; an inner shell body 200, which is arranged inside the box body 100 and provides a space for accommodating clothing; a door 40, which is combined with the box body 100 and opens and closes the opening portion 210; a mechanical room, which is arranged at a position lower than the bottom surface of the inner shell body 100, and includes an inlet body 361 and an outlet pipe 352, and air flows from the inner shell body 100 into the inlet body 361, and the outlet pipe 352 discharges air to the inner shell body 100; a filter part 380, which is installed on the inlet body 361 and filters dust flowing into the inlet body 361; a light-emitting part 600, which is separated from the filter part 380 and is configured to emit light toward the filter part 380; and a sensor part 700, which is configured to sense the light emitted from the light-emitting part 600 and passed through the filter part 380.

[0353] The laundry processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a control unit C for sensing at least one of whether the filter unit 380 is installed or removed and the degree of contamination of the filter unit 380 according to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0354] The present invention provides a clothes treating device, which includes a light emitting unit 600 and a sensor unit 700 for sensing whether the filter unit 380 is installed or removed by using light.

[0355] Basically, the positions of the light emitting part 600 and the sensor part 700 are determined such that the filter part 380 is installed between the light emitting part 600 and the sensor part 700 .

[0356] For example, one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed above the filter unit 380 , and the other may be disposed below the filter unit 380 .

[0357] The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention can determine whether the filter 380 is installed or not by the increase in the illumination of the light sensed by the sensor part 700 when the filter 380 is not installed.

[0358] By using light to determine whether the filter is installed or removed, there is an advantage that the light source is less affected by the impact and vibration of the clothes processing device and the life of the light source is not limited as long as it is powered.

[0359] Furthermore, since the door 40 is in a closed state during the laundry treatment process, external light is blocked and cannot enter the inner shell 200, so when light is used, it is easy to sense the change in light illumination to understand whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0360] In addition, the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention can indirectly and quickly detect whether the filter is installed or removed by sensing the change in illumination of light without the sensor being in direct contact with the filter.

[0361] In addition, in the clothing processing device of the present invention, no matter where the light-emitting part 600 and the sensor part 700 are arranged, as long as the light emitted from the light-emitting part 600 passes through the filter part 380 to reach the sensor part 700, the sensor part 700 can be used to sense the illumination change to determine whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0362] In addition, the laundry processing device of the present invention can also use light to determine the degree of contamination of the filter unit 380. The main body filter 386 blocks the large dust generated inside the laundry processing device, so a large amount of dust may be accumulated in the main body filter 386. The laundry processing device of the present invention can sense the illumination of light that gradually changes according to the amount of accumulated dust through the sensor unit 700, thereby determining the degree of dust accumulated in the main body filter 386.

[0363] For example, compared to a case where there is no dust, the illuminance decreases by about 22% when dust is accumulated to a degree that does not cause problems with the performance of the main body filter 386. Therefore, when the illuminance decreases by more than 22%, the laundry processing apparatus 1 or the control unit C may determine that the main body filter 386 is contaminated.

[0364] The laundry treating apparatus may include a light emitting unit configured to emit light toward the filter unit 380 .

[0365] The light emitting unit 600 may emit any light as long as it can be sensed by the sensor unit 700. For example, the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may belong to the ultraviolet light, visible light and the like.

[0366] Compared with infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, etc., it is preferred that the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 belongs to the visible light region. Since infrared rays can pass through objects, they will pass through the main body filter 386 even if the main body filter 386 is installed, while visible rays, as electromagnetic waves recognizable by the human eye, cannot pass through objects. In addition, if visible rays are used, it is more suitable for sensing whether the filter is installed or removed based on light sensing, and it can protect the user's vision.

[0367] The light source of the light emitting unit 600 may be composed of any light emitting device such as an LED or an electric lamp.

[0368] The laundry treating apparatus may include a sensor part 700 receiving the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 .

[0369] The sensor unit 700 may be provided as an illuminance sensor for sensing changes in illuminance of light emitted from the light emitting unit 600. Illuminance is a measure of brightness, and when a large amount of light is incident, the illuminance becomes high, and when a small amount of light is reflected, the illuminance becomes low.

[0370] The sensor part 700 may sense whether or not at least one of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 is received and the intensity of the light.

[0371] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed toward the sensor unit 700 so that the sensor unit 700 can sense light. The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed to emit light toward an area where the sensor unit 700 can sense light.

[0372] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a position where it can completely receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600. The specific disposition positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 will be described later.

[0373] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in one or more portions.

[0374] When two or more light emitting units 600 are provided, the amount of light received by the sensor unit 700 increases, so whether the filter is attached or detached can be more accurately understood.

[0375] For example, when the main body filter 386 is installed, the main body filter 386 may be arranged at a position to block a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600. When the main body filter 386 is removed, the light previously blocked by the main body filter 386 completely reaches the sensor unit 700. As a result, the laundry processing apparatus or the control unit C can determine whether the filter is installed or removed by sensing an increase in illumination.

[0376] In addition, the more dust adhered to the main body filter 386, the lower the illumination is compared to when the main body filter 386 is clean. Therefore, when the contamination reaches a predetermined level or more, the contamination degree of the main body filter 386 can be determined from the reduced illumination amount of light sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0377] Specifically, in the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit C may determine whether the filter unit 380 is installed or removed according to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0378] When the filter unit 380 is installed in the inflow body 361 , the sensor unit 700 senses a first value. If the sensor unit 700 senses a value greater than the first value, the control unit C may determine that the filter unit 380 is not installed in the inflow body 361 .

[0379] If it is determined that the filter unit 380 is not installed, the control unit C may block driving of at least one of the steam generator and the compressor 342 .

[0380] When the filter unit 380 is not contaminated, the sensor unit 700 may sense a second value. The second value may be smaller than the first value. If a value smaller than the second value is sensed, the control unit C may determine that the filter unit 380 is contaminated.

[0381] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a display unit, which is arranged on either the housing 100 or the door 40 and displays the status of the filter unit 380. The control unit C may be configured to display the contamination information of the filter unit on the display unit if it is determined that the filter unit 380 is contaminated.

[0382] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the position and area division of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0383] The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include: a first area V1 disposed on one side of the filter portion 380 ; and a second area V2 disposed on the other side of the filter portion 380 .

[0384] The first region V1 and the second region V2 may be divided by the main body filter 386 .

[0385] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in at least one of the first region V1 and the second region V2 .

[0386] The first region V1 may be defined as a region including the inner housing 200 , an upper portion of the machinery chamber 300 , an upper portion of the main body cover 385 , and the like.

[0387] The second area V2 may be defined as an area including a lower portion of the inner casing 200 , a lower portion of the machine chamber 300 , a lower portion of the body cover 385 , the inflow body 361 , the circulation duct 320 , and the like.

[0388] On the other hand, the first area V1 and the second area V2 may not be divided into upper and lower parts, left and right parts, etc. based on the main body filter 386. It is sufficient that the main body filter 386 is provided between the first area V1 and the second area V2.

[0389] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at at least one of positions A, B, C, D, and E. The marked parts in the drawings represent examples of the respective positions, and the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may also be disposed at positions not marked in the drawings.

[0390] The A, B, C, and D positions may be set in the first area.

[0391] The A position may include a region corresponding to the upper portion of the inner case 200. For example, the A position may be the upper surface of the inner case 200, the lower portion of the hanger portion 510, the hanger portion 510, or the like.

[0392] The B position may include a plurality of side surfaces excluding the upper and lower surfaces of the inner case 200 or an inner surface area of ​​the door 40. The B position may be disposed at the center of one surface of the inner case 200 in the width direction.

[0393] The C position may include the lower surface of the inner case 200 and an area adjacent to the lower portion of the inner case 200. The C position may correspond to any area of ​​the side surface of the inner case 200 including an area adjacent to the lower end thereof.

[0394] For example, the C position may be disposed at a lower portion of the door 40 close to a lower surface of the inner housing 200. In addition, the C position may also be a lower surface of the inner housing 200.

[0395] The D position may include an area above the main body filter 386 at a position lower than the lower surface of the inner housing 200 or the upper surface of the filter unit 380 . The D position may include a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0396] For example, the D position may correspond to the center of the width direction of the lower surface of the filter cover 382. The D position may also be set at the center of the filter cover 382. The D position may be set at one surface of the upper part of the main body cover 385. The D position may be set at the front or rear of the main body cover 385.

[0397] The E position may include an area below the main body filter 386 .

[0398] For example, the E position may be configured at the inflow pipe of the circulation pipe 320 .

[0399] In addition, the E position may be set on one side of the inflow body 361. The E position may be set on at least one of the first inflow port 3621, the second inflow port 3622, and the third inflow port 3623. The E position may be set on the front side or the rear side of the inflow body 361. The E position may be set on a side of the inflow body 361 extending from at least one of the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b of the inflow body 361. The E position may be set on the lower side of the perforated plate of the body cover 385 or on a side of the inflow body 361 extending from at least one of the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b.

[0400] When the light emitting unit 600 is arranged at the E position, it is possible to prevent the dust or the like filtered by the main body filter 386 from degrading the performance of the light emitting unit 600 and prevent the light from being exposed to the user's eyes. In addition, it is convenient for power supply and repair, and it is possible to minimize the influence of the clothes hanging inside the inner housing 200.

[0401] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0402] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in different regions based on the bottom surface of the inner housing 200. The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in different regions of the first region V1 and the second region V2.

[0403] The filter unit 380 may be disposed between the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 .

[0404] The light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may pass through the filter unit 380 and be sensed by the sensor unit 700 .

[0405] Any one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed above the filter unit 380 , and the remaining one may be disposed below the filter unit 380 .

[0406] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed in the first region V1, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in the second region V2. Alternatively, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed in the second region V2, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in the first region V1.

[0407] That is, any one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged at an upper position than the main body filter 386 , and the remaining one may be arranged at a lower position than the main body filter 386 .

[0408] In the case where the light emitting unit 600 is disposed on one side of the main body filter 386 and the sensor unit 700 is disposed on the other side of the main body filter 386, it is necessary that the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are respectively disposed at the A, B, C, D position or the E position (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0409] For example, when the light emitting unit 600 is disposed at the E position, the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at at least one of the positions A, B, C, and D. Conversely, when the sensor unit 700 is disposed at the E position, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at at least one of the positions A, B, C, and D.

[0410] When the light emitting unit 600 or the sensor unit 700 is disposed at the E position, and the sensor unit 700 or the light emitting unit 600 is disposed inside the inner housing 200, that is, one of the A, B, and C positions, a reflecting unit 400 may be further provided for guiding the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 to the sensor unit 700. The specific structure and position of the reflecting unit 400 will be described later.

[0411] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the A position, and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position.

[0412] The sensor part 700 may be disposed on an upper portion of the inner housing 200 .

[0413] For example, any one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a lower position than the filter unit 380 , and the remaining one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the upper surface of the inner shell 200 .

[0414] Alternatively, any one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a lower position than the filter unit 380 and the hanger unit.

[0415] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed at the center of the inner housing 200 in the width direction.

[0416] The light emitting portion 600 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386 or at a rear side of the inflow body 361 .

[0417] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the center of the machine room in the width direction.

[0418] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the same line along a height direction of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0419] At this time, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 needs to be emitted toward the sensor unit 700 along a straight line, and therefore the filter cover 382 and the blocking cover 381 may not be provided.

[0420] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single unit.

[0421] Different from the above description, the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be interchanged with each other.

[0422] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0423] When the sensor unit 700 is disposed on the upper portion of the inner housing 200, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may not reach the sensor unit 700 due to the clothes hanging inside the inner housing 200. As a result, the clothes treating apparatus or the control unit C may not be able to determine whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0424] Therefore, in order to minimize the influence caused by the clothes hanging inside the inner case 200, the sensor part 700 may be disposed closer to the lower surface than the upper surface in the inner case 200.

[0425] In addition, the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the inflow hole 231 and at a position lower than the lower surface of the inner housing 200 .

[0426] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed below the filter cover 382 .

[0427] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in the inflow body 361 and blocked from being exposed to the inner housing 200 .

[0428] Reference Fig.17 , the sensor part 700 can be set at the D position, and the light emitting part 600 can be set at the E position.

[0429] In addition, as shown in the drawing, the sensor unit 700 may be provided on the lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0430] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single unit. Thus, the laundry treating apparatus can reduce material costs and manufacturing costs, and can effectively sense whether the laundry has fallen or not by using a single sensor unit 700.

[0431] The sensor part 700 may be arranged at a position capable of recognizing the light emitting part 600. For example, the sensor part 700 may be arranged to face the light emitting part 600 in the height direction of the laundry processing device or the flow path direction of the inflow duct. The sensor part 700 may be arranged on the same line as the center of the width direction of the inner housing, rather than the center of the width direction of the circulation duct.

[0432] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the width direction of the lower surface of the filter cover 382. Thus, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on a straight line at the center of the width direction of the inner housing 200.

[0433] Different from the drawings, the sensor unit 700 may also be disposed at the center of the filter cover 382. In this case, the sensor unit 700 may not be disposed on the same line as the light emitting unit 600.

[0434] The light emitting part 600 and the sensor part 700 may be disposed on the same line along a height direction of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0435] In addition, different from the above description, the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be interchanged with each other.

[0436] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0437] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the D position, and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position.

[0438] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed above the main body filter 386 or at a rear side of the main body cover 385 .

[0439] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386 or at a rear side of the inflow body 361 .

[0440] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the machine room in the width direction.

[0441] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the same line along a height direction of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0442] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single unit, respectively. Thus, the laundry treating apparatus can reduce material costs and manufacturing costs, and can effectively sense whether the laundry has fallen or not by using a single sensor unit 700.

[0443] At this time, the filter cover and the blocking cover 381 may be omitted. Thus, even when the user does not install the filter cover or the blocking cover 381, it is possible to determine whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed or the degree of contamination.

[0444] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus or the control unit C can minimize the influence of the clothes disposed inside the inner shell 200 to determine whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed or the degree of contamination.

[0445] Different from the above description, the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be interchanged with each other.

[0446] Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0447] At least one of the sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may be provided.

[0448] When two or more light emitting units 600 are provided, the amount of light received by the sensor unit 700 increases, and thus it is possible to more accurately grasp whether the filter is attached or detached.

[0449] The number of the light emitting unit 600 and the number of the sensor unit 700 may be different. When more than two light emitting units 600 are provided, more than two sensor units 700 may also be provided.

[0450] Even when two or more light emitting units 600 are provided, only one sensor unit 700 may be provided.

[0451] The light emitting unit 600 may further include a first light emitting unit 610 and a second light emitting unit 620 configured to emit light toward the body filter 386 .

[0452] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed at the E position.

[0453] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed on one surface of the inflow body 361. The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be configured to be exposed on an inner surface of the inflow body 361.

[0454] For example, the first light emitting portion 610 may be disposed on the front side of the inflow body 361 , and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed on the rear side of the inflow body 361 .

[0455] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed to face each other in a front-rear direction of the inflow body 361 .

[0456] The first light emitting unit 610 may be configured such that light emitted from the first light emitting unit 610 passes through the body filter 386 to reach the sensor unit 700. The second light emitting unit 620 may be configured such that light emitted from the second light emitting unit 620 passes through the body filter 386 to reach the sensor unit 700.

[0457] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the D position.

[0458] The sensor part 700 may be disposed on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0459] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at the center of the lower surface of the filter cover 382 in the width direction.

[0460] The sensor unit 700 may also be disposed at the center of the filter cover 382. Thus, the light emitted from the first light emitting unit 610 and the second light emitting unit 620 can be uniformly received.

[0461] Thus, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 uniformly penetrates the main body filter 386 , the laundry treating apparatus or the control unit C can more accurately measure the contamination degree of the main body filter 386 .

[0462] In addition, since the sensor part 700 receives the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 at one time, the laundry treating apparatus or the control part C can simply control the sensor part 700 at one time.

[0463] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0464] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in the same number. In the case where a plurality of light emitting units 600 are provided, a plurality of sensor units 700 may also be provided.

[0465] For example, when two light emitting units 600 are provided, two sensor units 700 may also be provided.

[0466] The light emitting unit 600 may further include a first light emitting unit 610 and a second light emitting unit 620 configured to emit light toward the body filter 386 .

[0467] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed at the E position.

[0468] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed on one side of the inflow body 361. For example, the first light emitting portion 610 may be disposed on the front side of the inflow body 361, and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed on the rear side of the inflow body 361.

[0469] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed side by side along a front-to-rear direction of the inflow body 361 .

[0470] The first light emitting unit 610 may be configured such that light emitted from the first light emitting unit 610 passes through the body filter 386 to reach the sensor unit 700. The second light emitting unit 620 may be configured such that light emitted from the second light emitting unit 620 passes through the body filter 386 to reach the sensor unit 700.

[0471] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed to face at least one light emitting portion 600 .

[0472] The sensor unit 700 may further include: a first sensor unit 710, which is arranged at the upper part of the first light-emitting unit 610, and receives light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 610; and a second sensor unit 720, which is arranged at a position higher than the second light-emitting unit 620, and receives light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 620.

[0473] The first sensor unit 710 and the second sensor unit 720 may be disposed at the D position.

[0474] The first sensor portion 710 may be configured to face the first light emitting portion 610 , and the second sensor portion 720 may be configured to face the second light emitting portion 620 .

[0475] The first sensor portion 710 and the second sensor portion 720 may be disposed on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0476] The first sensor portion 710 and the second sensor portion 720 may be disposed at a center of a lower surface of the filter cover 382 in a width direction or at a center of the inner housing 200 in a width direction.

[0477] The first sensor portion 710 and the second sensor portion 720 may be disposed side by side along a front-rear direction of the filter cover 382 .

[0478] Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 evenly penetrates the main filter 386 , so the clothing processing device or the control unit C can not only determine whether the main filter 386 is installed or removed, but also measure the contamination degree of the main filter 386 more accurately.

[0479] Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0480] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386. That is, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may both be disposed at the E position.

[0481] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single unit. Thus, the laundry treating apparatus can reduce material costs and manufacturing costs, and can effectively sense whether the laundry has fallen or not by using a single sensor unit 700.

[0482] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386 .

[0483] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at a lower portion of the body cover 385 .

[0484] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at a lower portion of the perforated plate of the body cover 385 .

[0485] The sensor part 700 may be provided on a surface of the inflow body 361 extending from at least one of the first rib and the second rib.

[0486] The sensor part 700 may be provided to contact a lower surface of the perforated plate of the body cover 385 and a surface of the inflow body 361 extending from at least one of the first rib and the second rib.

[0487] Different from the above-mentioned drawings, the sensor unit 700 may be provided on one side of the inflow body 361 , and the light emitting unit 600 may be provided on one side of the body cover 385 .

[0488] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a reflecting portion 400 configured to guide the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 toward the sensor portion 700 through the main body filter 386 .

[0489] The reflection portion 400 may be disposed at a lower portion of the filter cover 382 .

[0490] The reflective portion 400 and the light emitting portion 600 may be arranged on a straight line.

[0491] The reflective portion 400 may be arranged to allow the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 to reach the sensor portion 700. The specific structure and position of the reflective portion 400 will be described later.

[0492] Thus, when the body filter 386 is not installed, light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 passes through the body cover 385 and is reflected by the reflection portion 400. The light reflected by the reflection portion 400 may reach the sensor portion 700, and the sensor portion 700 may sense an increase in illuminance.

[0493] Fig.24 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit of the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0494] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at any position as long as the sensor unit 700 can sense the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 .

[0495] As shown in the drawings, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the C position.

[0496] The sensor part 700 may be disposed closer to the filter part 380 than the hanger part.

[0497] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided via the body filter 386. Thus, the light emitting unit 600 is provided so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the body filter 386 and can be sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0498] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386. Thus, the performance of the light emitting unit 600 is prevented from being degraded due to dust or the like filtered by the main body filter 386, and the light can be prevented from being exposed to the eyes of the user.

[0499] In addition, power supply and repair can be facilitated, and the influence of clothes hanging inside the inner shell 200 can be minimized.

[0500] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the inflow body 361 , and the sensor unit 700 may be provided at the inner housing 200 or the door 40 .

[0501] Even in the E position, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the rear of the inflow body 361 to emit light toward the upper portion of the inflow body 361. That is, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed to emit light toward the upper portion of the first inflow port or the third inflow port. A shielding member for shielding the second inflow port may also be combined with the second inflow port of the inflow body 361. Therefore, light cannot be emitted toward the upper portion of the second inflow port, and thus, it is preferably disposed at the front or back of the inflow body 361 rather than at the side of the inflow body 361.

[0502] The light emitting unit 600 may further include a lighting setting unit capable of setting a light source. The lighting setting unit may penetrate the front side or the back side of the inflow body 361 .

[0503] By disposing the light-emitting portion 600 at the lower part of the main filter 386, the clothing processing device or the control portion C can utilize the sensor portion 700 to sense the change in illumination of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 600, thereby determining not only whether the main filter 386 is installed or removed, but also the degree of contamination of the main filter 386.

[0504] On the other hand, the machine room may be arranged to be biased to the left side of the laundry processing device. The center of the machine room in the width direction may not coincide with the center of the laundry processing device in the width direction. The center of the laundry processing device in the width direction may be on the right side of the machine room.

[0505] Therefore, the light emitting portion 600 may be disposed on the same line as the center of the width direction of the laundry treating apparatus, rather than the center of the width direction of the machine room.

[0506] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided with one each. Thus, the laundry treating apparatus can reduce material costs and manufacturing costs, and can effectively sense whether the laundry has fallen or not by using one sensor unit 700.

[0507] The inner housing 200 is formed such that the length from the machine room to the back side of the inner housing 200 is longer than the length from the machine room to the door 40. Therefore, it is preferable to set the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 toward the rear side of the inner housing 200. Thus, in the D position, the sensor unit 700 may also be set on the back side of the inner housing 200 toward the inside of the inner housing 200.

[0508] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the width direction of the back side of the inner housing 200. Thus, the sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed on a straight line at the center of the width direction of the inner housing 200.

[0509] Contrary to the above description, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed on the back side of the inner shell 200 , and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the rear side of the inflow body 361 .

[0510] In order for the clothing processing device or the control unit C to determine whether the main filter 386 is loaded or unloaded or the degree of contamination, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 needs to pass through the main filter 386. Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 is preferably arranged at the lower part of the main filter 386.

[0511] However, when the light emitting portion 600 is disposed at the lower portion of the main body filter 386, due to the angle of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 and the step between the main body cover 385 and the inner shell 200, the light cannot reach the sensor portion 700 disposed on the back side of the inner shell 200.

[0512] In order for the sensor part 700 to sense the change in the illumination of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 , it is necessary to guide the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 toward the lower part of the inner housing 200 and finally reach the sensor part 700 .

[0513] Therefore, in order to guide the light emitted from the light-emitting part 600 to the sensor part 700 and ensure the required illumination amount is sensed, a reflecting part 400 may be further included. The reflecting part 400 is arranged at a position higher than the light-emitting part 600 and the filter part 380, and guides the light emitted from the light-emitting part 600 to the sensor part 700.

[0514] The reflective portion 400 may be configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 and enable the sensor portion 700 to sense the position, angle, and quantity of the light.

[0515] The reflective portion 400 may be configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 and guide the light to the sensor portion 700 regardless of where the light emitting portion 600 and the sensor portion 700 are disposed.

[0516] The reflective portion 400 may be disposed above the light emitting portion 600 and arranged in a straight line with the light emitting portion 600. The light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 may directly reach the reflective portion 400.

[0517] The reflecting portion 400 may be provided at an upper position than the main body filter 386. The reflecting portion 400 may be provided on one surface of the main body cover 385.

[0518] The reflection portion 400 may be disposed between the filter cover 382 and the main body filter 386 .

[0519] The reflective portion 400 may be disposed on the lower surface of the filter cover 382. Preferably, the reflective portion 400 is disposed on the lower surface of the filter cover 382 to overcome the step between the main body cover 385 and the bottom surface of the inner housing 200, and guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 to the sensor portion 700 existing on the back side of the inner housing 200.

[0520] When the reflector 400 is disposed at the lower portion of the filter cover 382, ​​the filter cover 382 may further include a reflector 400 installation portion for installing the reflector 400 on the lower surface of the filter cover 382. The specific structure of the filter cover 382 will be described later.

[0521] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in one piece.

[0522] The light emitting unit 600 may be provided on the back side of the inflow body 361 so as to be located at the center in the width direction of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0523] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the rear surface of the inner housing 200 in the width direction.

[0524] Fig.25 It is a diagram showing the structure of the first reflection plate.

[0525] Fig.25 (a) is a perspective view showing the first reflection plate 410, Fig.25 (b) is a diagram showing the interior of the second reflection portion 410, Fig.25 (c) is a diagram showing the exterior of the first reflection plate 410 .

[0526] The reflective portion 400 may be configured to reflect light from the light emitting portion 600 .

[0527] The reflective portion 400 may include a first reflective plate 410 that reflects light from the light emitting portion 600 .

[0528] The first reflective plate 410 may be disposed at a height corresponding to the light emitting portion 600 .

[0529] The first reflective plate 410 may be disposed on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0530] The first reflection plate 410 may be disposed at the center of the filter cover 382 in the width direction.

[0531] As shown in the figure, the first reflective plate 410 may be provided with a first reflective surface 411 for directly reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 to the sensor unit 700 .

[0532] The first reflective surface 411 may be disposed toward the rear of the laundry treating device.

[0533] The first reflection plate 410 may be provided with a hook 414 that can be coupled to the filter cover 382 .

[0534] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a first path R1 through which the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 is guided toward the sensor portion 700 via the first reflective surface 411 .

[0535] The first path R1 may pass through a lower portion of the inner case 200. The first path R1 may pass close to a bottom surface of the inner case 200.

[0536] When the main body filter 366 is not installed, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 reaches the sensor unit 700 along the first path R1. Therefore, the sensor unit 700 senses an abnormal increase in illumination, and the laundry treating apparatus or the control unit C can determine whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0537] Fig.26 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0538] Fig.26 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit 380. Fig.26 (b) is a diagram showing a cross section of the machine room cut along the transverse direction.

[0539] Only by the first reflective plate 410 , the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may not be sufficiently transmitted to the sensor unit 700 .

[0540] Therefore, if Fig.26 As shown in (a), the reflective portion 400 may further include a second reflective plate 420 and a third reflective plate 430 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first reflective plate 410 to fully transmit the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 to the sensor portion 700 .

[0541] The second reflective plate 420 and the third reflective plate 430 may be disposed on the lower surface of the filter cover 382 close to two side surfaces of the filter cover 382 .

[0542] At this time, the first reflective plate 410 may further include: a second reflective surface 412 for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 toward the second reflective plate 420 ; and a third reflective surface 413 for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 toward the third reflective plate 430 .

[0543] In addition, the second reflection plate 420 may be provided with a fourth reflection surface 421 for reflecting the light reflected from the second reflection surface 412 toward the sensor unit 700. The third reflection plate 430 may be provided with a fifth reflection surface 431 for reflecting the light reflected from the third reflection surface 413. Thus, the light reflected from the fourth reflection surface 421 and the fifth reflection surface 431 may be sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0544] That is, the first reflection plate 410 may reflect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 toward the second reflection plate 420 and the third reflection plate 430. The light reflected from the second reflection plate 420 and the third reflection plate 430 may be sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0545] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a second path R2 in which the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 is guided toward the sensor portion 700 via the second reflecting surface 412 of the first reflecting plate 410 and the fourth reflecting surface 421 of the second reflecting plate 420 .

[0546] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a third path R3 in which the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 is guided toward the sensor portion 700 via the third reflective surface 413 of the first reflective plate 410 and the fifth reflective surface 431 of the third reflective plate 430 .

[0547] Reference Fig.26 (b), when the filter is not installed, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 reaches the sensor unit 700 along the second path R2 and the third path R3. Thus, the sensor unit 700 can sense the abnormal increase in illumination, and the laundry processing device or the control unit C can determine whether the filter is installed or removed.

[0548] Fig. 27 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0549] like Fig.26As shown, when the reflecting part 400 includes the first reflecting plate 410, the second reflecting plate 420, and the third reflecting plate 430, when the clothing falls and blocks at least one of the first path R1, the second path R2, and the third path R3, the sensor part 700 can sense about 0 to 66% of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600. However, when the main body filter 386 is installed and the clothing is not fallen, the sensor part 700 can sense about 60 to 70% of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600. Therefore, the amount of light sensed by the sensor part 700 when the clothing falls and when the clothing is not fallen has an overlapping range, and if less than about 66% of the light is sensed, it cannot be sensed, and there is a possibility that the accuracy of judging the clothing falling is reduced.

[0550] Therefore, in order to eliminate the scope of the duplication, in the clothing processing device, when the light emitting portion 600 is arranged at the lower portion of the main body filter 386, the sensor portion 700 is arranged at the inner shell 200 or the door 40 and is configured to be closer to the filter portion 380 than the hanger portion 510, the reflecting portion 400 may include only the second reflecting plate 420 and the third reflecting plate 430 in addition to the first reflecting plate 410.

[0551] By providing the second reflecting plate 420 and the third reflecting plate 430 , the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 may pass through the body filter 386 and go through the second path R2 and the third path R3 .

[0552] If the laundry falls to the bottom surface of the inner case 200 , the laundry may block at least one of the second path R2 and the third path R3 .

[0553] Thus, the control unit C can determine whether the clothes have fallen by sensing the change in illumination of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 through the sensor unit 700.

[0554] Specifically, when the main body filter 386 is installed and the clothes are not dropped, the sensor part 700 can sense about 60-70% of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600. At this time, when the clothes are dropped and block at least one of the second path R2 and the third path R3, about 0-50% can be sensed.

[0555] Therefore, the overlapping range in the amount of light sensed by the sensor unit 700 when the clothes fall and when the clothes do not fall is eliminated, so that the control unit C can also accurately judge whether the clothes fall and whether the main filter 386 is loaded and unloaded only by the second reflector 420 and the third reflector 430 arranged on both sides of the filter cover 382.

[0556] Fig.28 It is a figure which shows the structure of the filter cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0557] It is a perspective view of the lower portion of the filter cover 382 and a view showing the lower surface of the filter cover 382 on which the reflecting portion 400 is provided.

[0558] The filter cover 382 may be provided with a first reflective plate installation portion 3821 a on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 where the first reflective plate 410 can be installed.

[0559] The filter cover 382 may further include a second reflective plate installation portion 3821b on which the second reflective plate 420 can be installed and a third reflective plate installation portion 3821c on which the third reflective plate 430 can be installed on the lower surface of the filter cover 382. The second reflective plate installation portion 3821b and the third reflective plate installation portion 3821c may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first reflective plate installation portion 3821a.

[0560] The filter cover 382 may be provided with a coupling member installation portion 3822 on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 , where the coupling member 383 may be installed. The coupling member 383 is detachably coupled to the filter fixing portion 384 .

[0561] The filter cover 382 may include a hook 3823 on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 and supported by the filter fixing portion 384 .

[0562] The filter cover 382 may be provided with a fragrance sheet installation portion 3824 at a lower portion of the filter cover 382 where a fragrance sheet may be installed, and the fragrance sheet may deodorize the air.

[0563] Fig.29 The figure shows an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit for sterilizing the filter unit of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0564] On the other hand, the existing clothes processing device has the following problems: as dust generated during clothes processing is accumulated on the main body filter 386, harmful microorganisms are generated on the main body filter 386. After the program is finished, the user needs to directly draw out the main body filter 386 with accumulated dust and remove the dust, which reduces convenience and is unhygienic.

[0565] Although the existing clothes treating apparatus has the effect of sterilizing by steam during the steam program in the clothes treating process, there is a problem that microorganisms may remain in the main body filter 386 after the program ends.

[0566] In addition, as users' concern for the hygiene of clothes treating apparatuses increases, there is a need to enhance the hygiene of not only clothes but also clothes treating apparatuses that treat clothes.

[0567] Therefore, the present invention provides a clothes treating apparatus including a light emitting unit 600 for performing a sterilization function of the main body filter 386 using light.

[0568] The light emitting unit 600 may be configured to sterilize the main body filter 386 through the light.

[0569] The main body filter 386 is located at the upper part of the machine room and is easily affected by heat or temperature. Therefore, when the main body filter 386 is sterilized by light, it has the advantage of not affecting the interior of the machine room.

[0570] The clothes treating apparatus may include a light emitting unit 600 emitting light of a specific wavelength toward the main body filter 386 .

[0571] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at any position as long as it is disposed to uniformly irradiate light to the entire area of ​​the main filter 386 .

[0572] In order to evenly irradiate light to the entire area of ​​the main filter 386 , the filter portion 380 may further include a reflective portion 400 .

[0573] The light emitting unit 600 may be configured to emit light in the ultraviolet region.

[0574] The light emitting unit 600 may be configured to emit visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm. The visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm is harmless to the human body and can sterilize microorganisms only by light.

[0575] A photocatalyst may be added to the main body filter 386. The filter 380 may be formed to be coated with a chemical substance that releases a sterilizing substance when in contact with the visible light. When the light emitting unit 600 is used together with the photocatalyst, a deodorizing function may be performed by capturing odor particles.

[0576] Fig.30 1 is a diagram showing a control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0577] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a filter sterilizing step A3 of sterilizing the main body filter 386 by using the light emitting unit 600 .

[0578] Specifically, if the user turns on the power of the laundry treating apparatus so that power is supplied, the course input / change step A1 may be performed.

[0579] The laundry treating apparatus may further include an input unit I, which is disposed at the door 40 or the housing 100 and receives an input or change instruction of the process.

[0580] In the course input / change step A1, the user may select and input a desired course through the input unit I. If the user selects a desired course through the input unit I, the compressor 342, the heater unit 840, the vibration unit 520, etc. are driven according to the course. For example, when the normal laundry treatment course is selected, the heater unit 840 may be started to generate steam.

[0581] After the course input / change step A1, a laundry treatment step A2 may be performed.

[0582] The laundry treatment step A2 may include at least one of a steam spraying step of supplying steam into the inner case 200 by driving the heater part 840 and a drying step of supplying hot air into the inner case 200 by driving the compressor 342 .

[0583] As shown in the figure, the filter sterilization step A3 can be automatically performed after the clothing treatment step A2 is finished. The filter sterilization step A3 can sterilize the filter using the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 independently of the clothing treatment step A2 such as steaming and drying.

[0584] Thus, the main body filter 386 can be sterilized automatically without the user having to specially sterilize the main body filter 386, thereby providing convenience.

[0585] The user can also turn on / off the function of automatically executing the filter sterilization step A3.

[0586] Fig.31 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0587] The drawing shows a diagram of performing the filter sterilization step B4 when the function of automatically performing the filter sterilization is turned off.

[0588] The filter sterilization step B4 can be performed after the clothing processing step B2 is completed according to the user's setting in the sterilization process input step B3. Thus, the main body filter 386 can be sterilized only when the user wishes. Specifically, the filter sterilization step B5 can be performed only when the filter sterilization step B5 is input in the sterilization process input step B3.

[0589] In the case of performing the filter sterilization step B5, the step of using at least one of the heat pump systems (compressor, steam generator, etc.) may not be performed.

[0590] Regardless of turning on / off the function of automatically executing the filter sterilization, the filter sterilization step can be executed as long as the filter sterilization course is input in the course input step B3 during the standby period (when storing clothes).

[0591] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus can sterilize the filter by using the light emitting unit 600, thereby removing harmful bacteria, viruses, etc. and preventing them from reproducing.

[0592] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, those skilled in the art can make various improvements and changes to the present invention without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as provided in the claims.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: The box body is provided with an opening at the front; An inner shell, disposed inside the box body, providing a space for accommodating clothes; A door, combined with the box body, to open and close the opening; a machine room, arranged at a lower position than the bottom surface of the inner shell, comprising an inlet body and an outlet duct, air flows from the inner shell into the inlet body, and the outlet duct discharges air into the inner shell; A filter unit, installed on the inflow body, to filter dust flowing into the inflow body; a light emitting unit, arranged to be separated from the filter unit and emitting light toward the filter unit; and a sensor unit that senses the light emitted from the light emitting unit and passed through the filter unit; The system further includes a control unit configured to sense at least one of whether the filter unit is attached or detached and a contamination degree of the filter unit based on the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit sensed by the sensor unit.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter unit is arranged between the light emitting unit and the sensor unit.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit is disposed above the filter unit, and the remaining one is disposed below the filter unit.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light emitting portion is disposed on the inflow body; The sensor unit is disposed on the inner housing or the door.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensor portion is arranged closer to the filter portion than the hanger portion.

6. The clothes treating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensor further includes a reflecting portion that is disposed above the light emitting portion and the filter portion and guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the sensor portion.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filter unit also includes: a main body filter mounted on the inflow main body; and A filter cover is arranged at a position higher than the main filter; The reflecting portion is disposed between the filter cover and the main body filter.

8. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Either the light emitting unit or the sensor unit is arranged at a position lower than the filter unit; The remaining one of the light emitting unit and the sensor unit is disposed on an upper surface of the inner housing.

9. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a hanger portion, which is arranged on the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the hanger portion; Either the light emitting unit or the sensor unit is disposed below the filter unit and the hanger unit.

10. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emitting portion and the sensor portion are disposed on the inflow body to block exposure to the inner shell.

11. The clothes treating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The filter unit also includes: a main body filter mounted on the inflow main body; and A filter cover is arranged at a position higher than the main filter; The light emitting unit and the sensor unit are arranged below the filter cover.

12. The clothes treating device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The light emitting unit and the sensor unit are arranged at a lower position than the main body filter; The laundry treating apparatus further includes a reflecting part which guides the light emitted from the light emitting part toward the sensor part through the main body filter.

13. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: Box; An inner shell, disposed inside the box body, providing a space for accommodating clothes; a machine room, arranged at a lower position than the inner shell, comprising an inlet body and an outlet duct, air flows from the inner shell into the inlet body, and the outlet duct discharges air into the inner shell; A filter unit, installed on the inflow body, to filter dust flowing into the inflow body; a light emitting portion, arranged apart from the filter portion and emitting light toward the filter portion; a sensor unit that senses the light emitted from the light emitting unit and passed through the filter unit; as well as a control unit, which determines whether the filter unit is installed or removed according to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit sensed by the sensor unit; When the filter unit is mounted to the inflow body, the sensor unit senses a first value; If the sensor portion senses a value greater than the first value, the control portion determines that the filter portion is not attached to the inflow body.

14. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The machine room includes a steam generator and a compressor, the steam generator generates steam supplied to the inner shell, and the compressor pressurizes a refrigerant that exchanges heat with air supplied to the inner shell; The control unit blocks driving of at least one of the steam generator and the compressor when determining that the filter unit is not installed.

15. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: When the filter portion is not contaminated, the sensor portion senses a second value; The second value is smaller than the first value, and if a value smaller than the second value is sensed, the control unit determines that the filter unit is contaminated.

16. The clothes treating device according to claim 15, characterized in that: A display unit is included, and the display unit is arranged on either the box body or the door to display the state of the filter unit; If the control unit determines that the filter is contaminated, the control unit displays contamination information of the filter unit on the display unit.

17. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: Box; An inner shell, disposed inside the box body, providing a space for accommodating clothes; a machine room, arranged at a lower position than the inner shell, comprising an inlet body and an outlet duct, air flows from the inner shell into the inlet body, and the outlet duct discharges air into the inner shell; A filter unit, installed on the inflow body, to filter dust flowing into the inflow body; as well as a light emitting portion, arranged apart from the filter portion, and emitting light toward the filter portion; The light emitting unit sterilizes the main body filter by using the light.

18. The clothes treating device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The light emitting portion emits visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm.

19. The clothes treating device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The filter portion is formed to be coated with a chemical substance that releases a sterilizing substance when it comes into contact with the visible light.

20. The clothes treating device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The light emitting portion emits light in the ultraviolet region.

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