Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus, comprising: a cabinet having an opening in the front thereof; the inner shell is arranged in the box body and provides a space for accommodating clothes; a door coupled to the housing and opening and closing the opening; the clothes hanging part is arranged at the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging part; a machine chamber provided at a position lower than the inner housing and including an inflow body into which air flows from the inner housing and a discharge duct for discharging air to the inner housing; a filtering part which is installed on the inflow main body and filters the dust flowing into the inflow main body; a light-emitting unit which is provided in any one of the inner case, the door, the inflow body, and the discharge duct, and which emits light toward the inside of the filter unit and the inner case; a sensor unit provided in the inner case or the door and sensing light emitted from the light emitting unit and passing through the filter unit; and a control unit that determines whether the clothes fall or not and whether the filter unit is attached or detached or not on the basis of the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit sensed by the sensor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry processing device and a control method of the laundry processing device, and more particularly to a laundry processing device capable of determining at least one of whether laundry has fallen or not and whether a filter has been installed or removed by means of 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 the 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 care (refresh) operation of drying or sterilizing 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 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional clothes treating apparatus having a steam supply unit.

[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] The clothes treating device 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 at the lower part of the inner shell 2. In addition, a clothes hanging part for placing the clothes may be provided inside the inner shell 2. 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 clothes.

[0008] On the other hand, referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0065886, a clothes treating device is provided which measures the material of clothes inside an inner housing, the amount of clothes loaded, etc. using a light sensor.

[0009] In the above-mentioned conventional laundry processing apparatus, control parameters for the air supply device or the steam generation device are determined based on the estimated laundry load, thereby having the advantages of being able to effectively perform laundry management and shortening the time required for management.

[0010] However, the existing clothing processing device has the following problem: when clothing falls off from the hanging part inside the inner shell 2 during clothing processing, the user cannot recognize the clothing that has fallen off the hanger during clothing processing, so the clothing is damaged when the fallen clothing blocks the steam or hot air injection port.

[0011] Furthermore, since the user realizes after the clothing treatment process is finished that the clothing has not been properly treated due to shedding, he or she is unable to take active measures, which reduces the satisfaction with the product.

[0012] Therefore, a clothing processing device has been developed that directly detects whether clothing has fallen or not by installing a load sensor on a hanger, etc. However, the load sensor has a problem of not being able to detect whether clothing has fallen or not normally due to vibrations generated during clothing processing and the weight of relatively light clothing (less than 1 kg).

[0013] Therefore, the necessity of providing a clothes treating device that can accurately determine whether clothes have fallen or not has become a social concern.

[0014] 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 .

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Additionally, mechanical reed switches wear out over time and thus have a limited lifespan.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In addition, the existing clothes processing device also has the problem that a device for sensing clothes falling and a device for sensing filter installation and removal need to be separately provided. Therefore, the existing clothes processing device requires multiple components, and there is the inconvenience that the control unit needs to judge and control separately. Summary of the invention

[0022] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0023] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device which uses an illumination sensor to sense whether clothes have fallen during the clothes treating process.

[0024] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device which uses an illumination sensor to sense whether a filter is installed or removed.

[0025] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device which uses an illumination sensor to sense whether clothes or the like have fallen and whether a filter has been installed or removed.

[0026] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device capable of determining whether clothes have fallen or not 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.

[0027] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes processing device which can indirectly and quickly grasp whether clothes have fallen or not by sensing the change in illumination of light even if the sensor is not in direct contact with the clothes.

[0028] 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 clothing has fallen 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.

[0029] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device which can sense abnormal illumination changes during the clothes treating process and interrupt the operation, thereby preventing the clothes from being damaged.

[0030] Means used to solve problems

[0031] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a clothes processing device, characterized in that it includes: a box body, an opening portion is provided at the front; an inner shell body is provided inside the box body and provides a space for accommodating clothes; a door is combined with the box body to open and close the opening portion; a clothes hanging portion is provided at the upper part of the inner shell body, and the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging portion; a machine room is provided at a position lower than the inner shell body, including an inflow body and an exhaust pipe, air flows from the inner shell body into the inflow body, and the exhaust pipe exhausts air to the inner shell body; a filter part is installed on the inflow body to filter dust flowing into the inflow body; a light emitting part is provided at any one of the inner shell body, the door, the inflow body and the exhaust pipe, and emits light toward the filter part and the inner shell body; a sensor part is provided at the inner shell body or the door, and senses the light emitted from the light emitting part and passing through the filter part; and a control part determines whether the clothes fall or not and 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

[0032] The sensor unit is provided as a single unit, and can determine whether the clothes have been dropped or not and whether the filter unit has been installed or removed or not.

[0033] The inflow body is arranged at a position further forward than the discharge duct, the light emitting unit is arranged at the inflow body, and the sensor unit is provided at the back side of the inner housing or the door.

[0034] The sensor unit is disposed on the inner housing or the door, and is arranged closer to the filter unit than the clothes hanging unit.

[0035] The sensor further includes a reflecting portion that is disposed above the filter portion and guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the sensor portion.

[0036] The filter unit further includes: a main body filter installed on the inflow body; and a filter cover arranged at a position higher than the main body filter; and the reflection unit may be arranged between the filter cover and the main body filter.

[0037] The control unit may further determine the contamination degree of the filter unit by the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

[0038] The control unit may sterilize the filter unit by using the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

[0039] When the filter unit is installed on the inflow body and the clothes have not fallen, the sensor unit senses a first value; if the sensor unit senses a value smaller than the first value, the control unit can determine that the clothes have fallen, and if the sensor unit senses a value greater than the first value, the control unit can determine that the filter unit is not installed on the inflow body.

[0040] When the filter part is not contaminated, the sensor part senses a second value which is smaller than the first value. If the sensor part senses a value smaller than the second value, the control part may determine that the filter part is contaminated.

[0041] The inflow body can be arranged at a position further forward than the discharge pipe; the light emitting part is arranged at the inflow body and arranged at a position further below the filter part; the sensor part is arranged at the inner shell and arranged closer to the filter part than the clothes hanging part.

[0042] A reflective portion may be further included, wherein the reflective portion is disposed between the filter portion and a bottom surface of the inner housing so as to guide the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the sensor portion.

[0043] The control unit may block driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor if any one of the dropping of the laundry and the non-installation of the filter unit is sensed.

[0044] It also includes a display unit, which is arranged on the box body or the door and displays the information transmitted from the control unit; the control unit can display any one of the state of the clothes falling and the state of the filter unit not being installed on the display unit.

[0045] If it is sensed that the filter unit is not installed, the control unit may control to block driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor even if it is determined that the clothes have not fallen.

[0046] If it is sensed that the filter is installed, the control part may allow the compressor to be driven even if the laundry is sensed to have fallen.

[0047] The control unit determines whether the filter unit is installed or removed by sensing an increase in the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit through the sensor unit, and determines whether the clothes are dropped or not by sensing a decrease in the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit through the sensor unit.

[0048] If the light emitted from the light emitting unit is blocked and cannot reach the sensor unit before at least one of the heater and the compressor is driven, the control unit may block the driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor and wait.

[0049] Effects of the Invention

[0050] The present invention has the effect of being able to accurately sense whether clothes have fallen or not by using an illumination sensor.

[0051] The present invention has the effect of being able to accurately sense whether a filter is installed or removed by using an illumination sensor.

[0052] The present invention has the effect of being able to determine whether clothes have fallen or whether a filter has been installed or removed by using an illumination sensor that is less affected by shock and vibration and whose light source has an unlimited life as long as power is supplied.

[0053] The present invention has the effect of being able to indirectly and quickly grasp whether clothes have fallen or whether the filter has been installed or removed by sensing the change in light illumination even if the sensor is not in direct contact with the filter.

[0054] 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 be used to sense the illumination change to determine whether the clothes have fallen or the filter has been installed or removed.

[0055] The present invention has the effect of stopping the operation and controlling whether the subsequent operation is performed when it is sensed that the clothes have fallen off or that the filter is not installed during the clothes processing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the conventional clothes processing apparatus.

[0057] Figure 2 It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0058] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the upper structure of the inner casing.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a machine room of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a base structure of a machine chamber of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0061] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a circulation duct structure of a clothes processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7It is a diagram for explaining the shape of the circulation duct of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pipeline.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Fig.11 It is a figure which shows the structure of the base cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0067] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of an external gas pipe.

[0068] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing through the circulation duct.

[0069] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0070] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a specific structure of a steam supply unit.

[0071] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing a laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention provided with a light emitting unit and a sensor unit.

[0072] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the spatial area division of the inner casing of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Fig.24 A diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting portion of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0080] Fig.25 It is a figure which shows the filter part of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0081] Fig.26 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the position and area division of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0082] Fig. 27 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.

[0083] Fig.28 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.

[0084] Fig.29 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.

[0085] Fig.30 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.

[0086] Fig.31 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.

[0087] Fig.32 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.

[0088] Fig.33 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.

[0089] Fig.34 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention sterilizes the filter unit.

[0090] Fig.35 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another embodiment in which the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention sterilizes the filter unit.

[0091] Fig.36 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.

[0092] Fig.37FIG. 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.

[0093] Fig.38 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.

[0094] Fig.39 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.

[0095] Fig.40 It is a diagram showing the structure of the first reflection plate.

[0096] Fig.41 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0097] Fig.42 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0098] Fig.43 1 is a diagram showing a laundry drop area of ​​the laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0099] Fig.44 It is a figure which shows the structure of the filter cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0100] Fig.45 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control method of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention when abnormal illumination is sensed.

[0101] Fig.46 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control method of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention when abnormal illumination is sensed.

[0102] Fig.47 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control method of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention when abnormal illumination is sensed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] 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.

[0104] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0105] 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 .

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 .

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The placement portion 500 may include a clothes hanging portion 510 , and the clothes hanging portion 510 is disposed on the upper surface of the inner shell 200 and is used to place clothes.

[0115] If the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging portion 510 , the clothes may be suspended in the air inside the accommodation space 220 .

[0116] 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.

[0117] The clothes hanging 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 clothes hanging part 510 may also be provided in a hanger shape so that clothes can be placed directly.

[0118] 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 clothes hanging unit 510 .

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 .

[0123] 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 .

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 .

[0129] 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 .

[0130] 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.

[0131] The discharge hole 232 may be disposed at a position biased toward the back side of the lower surface of the inner shell 200. For example, the discharge hole 232 may be disposed between the lower surface and the back side of the inner shell 200 and inclined to the ground so as to face the clothes hanging portion 510.

[0132] 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 .

[0133] 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.

[0134] On the other hand, a water supply tank 3 capable of supplying water to the steam supply part 800 and a drainage tank 4 for collecting condensed water condensed in the heating part 340 may be provided in front of the machine room 300 .

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the upper structure of the inner casing.

[0138] The clothes hanging 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 clothes hanger 511 swing.

[0139] A hanging portion 512 for placing or positioning the hanger 511 may be provided at the lower portion of the power transmission portion 513 .

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] Figure 3 The illustration is based on the situation that the clothes hanging part 510 and the power transmission part 513 are arranged along the width direction of the inner case 200.

[0143] The clothes hanging part 510 and the power transmission part 513 can 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 clothes hanging part 510 and the power transmission part 513 can be arranged in the front-to-back direction of the inner shell 200.

[0144] The following description will be based on the situation where the clothes hanging part 510, the plurality of power transmission parts 513 and the plurality of hanging parts 512 are arranged along the width direction of the inner shell 200, but this is only one embodiment. The clothes hanging part 510, the plurality of power transmission parts 513 and the plurality of hanging parts 512 can be arranged along a direction designed to place or arrange a plurality of clothes in the storage space.

[0145] The clothes hanging part 510 may further include a driving part 514 , and the driving part 514 provides power to move the power transmission part 513 .

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 .

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a machine room of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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 .

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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 .

[0159] The circulation duct 320 may be disposed to communicate with the external gas duct 370 and selectively inhale external air.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] The machine room 300 may include a base cover 360 configured to communicate with the circulation pipe 320 and the inflow hole 231 .

[0163] 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 .

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The steam supply part 800 may be disposed behind the inflow part 362 .

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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 .

[0170] 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 .

[0171] 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 .

[0172] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a base structure of a machine chamber of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0173] The base portion 310 may be provided with a compressor installation portion 312, and the compressor 342 supplying the refrigerant to the heat exchangers 341 and 342 is installed in the compressor installation portion 312. The compressor installation portion 313 may be disposed outside the circulation pipe 320.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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 9310 viewed from the rear.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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 .

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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 .

[0188] The circulation duct 320 may include an external gas suction portion 322 formed through a front surface of the duct body 321 .

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] The structure of the control unit setting unit 313 will be described later.

[0196] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a circulation duct structure of a clothes processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0197] 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 3432. The heat exchanger setting portion 3212 may be set inside the duct body 321.

[0198] 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 .

[0199] 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 .

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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 .

[0202] 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 causes the refrigerant passing through the condenser 343 to expand for cooling.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] In addition, the duct body 321 may be expanded with the partition wall 3211 as a reference width and extend rearward.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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 .

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the shape of the circulation duct of the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0214] The base bottom 310 and the circulation flow path 320 of the base portion 310 may be integrally formed by mold injection.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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 .

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pipeline.

[0221] 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.

[0222] The heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be formed between the heat exchanger installation partition wall 3211 and the air discharge portion 323 .

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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 (321c) may refer to the distance between the rear opening of the circulation duct and the partition wall 3211 set on the heat exchanger.

[0226] 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.

[0227] Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram showing a method of installing the control unit C in the control unit installation part 313.

[0228] The control unit C can be configured to control the laundry processing device of the present invention to execute all devices required for any program for performing laundry care operations. 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.

[0229] The control unit C may be inserted into and placed in the control unit setting portion 313 .

[0230] The control unit installation portion 313 may be disposed at a lower portion of the circulation pipe 320 .

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] The control part C can be introduced into the control part setting part 313 in a sliding manner from the back to the front.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which a control unit is provided in the control unit setting portion.

[0237] As described above, the control portion C may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with the base bottom 311 .

[0238] 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.

[0239] The control portion C may include a support member 3132 that is formed to protrude toward the side.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] The rib 3134 may be formed integrally with the base portion 310. The rib 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] The base portion 310 may include an air discharge portion 323 for discharging processed air toward the fan housing.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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 .

[0251] 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.

[0252] A motor for rotating the air supply fan 353 may be coupled to and supported outside the fan cover 351 .

[0253] Fig.11It is a figure which shows the structure of the base cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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 .

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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 .

[0258] The inflow body 361 may function as an inflow duct for moving the air in the inner casing 200 toward the circulation duct 320 .

[0259] An inflow portion 362 through which the air of the inner case 200 can pass may be provided inside the inflow body 361 .

[0260] 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 .

[0261] The first rib 362 a and the second rib 362 b may be disposed in parallel. The first rib 362 a and the second rib 362 b may be disposed in a plate shape extending in a vertical direction, and a height may correspond to a height of the inflow body 361 .

[0262] The front surface of the inflow body 361 and the first rib 362 a may form a first inflow port 3621 , the first rib 362 a and the second rib 362 b may form a second inflow port 3623 , and the second rib 362 b and the rear surface of the inflow body 361 may form a third inflow port 3622 .

[0263] 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 .

[0264] 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 .

[0265] 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 .

[0266] 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 .

[0267] 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 .

[0268] 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.

[0269] 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.

[0270] 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.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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.

[0273] The first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3622 may be selectively opened by the driving unit 365 .

[0274] 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 .

[0275] 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 .

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] 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 .

[0279] The circulation pipe 320 may be provided with a coupling portion coupled to the inflow hook 3612 in a detachable manner.

[0280] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of an external gas pipe.

[0281] Reference Fig.12 (a), the external gas pipe 370 may be combined with the base portion 310 .

[0282] The external gas pipe 370 may be provided to communicate with the external gas suction part 322 .

[0283] 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 .

[0284] 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 .

[0285] 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 .

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] 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 .

[0289] 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 .

[0290] The partition rib 3712 may be configured to partition the interior of the external air port 3711 , thereby blocking entry of foreign matter or a user's body.

[0291] 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.

[0292] 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.

[0293] 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.

[0294] Thus, the dehumidified air can be discharged from the discharge port.

[0295] 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 .

[0296] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing through the circulation duct.

[0297] 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 .

[0298] 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 .

[0299] 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 .

[0300] The air passing through the heat exchanger may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 via the fan installation part 350 .

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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 .

[0304] 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 .

[0305] 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 .

[0306] The air passing through the heat exchanger may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 via the fan installation part 350 .

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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 .

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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 .

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0315] The steam supply part 800 may be seated and supported on the base cover 360 .

[0316] The steam supply part 800 may include a steam housing 810 disposed at the base cover 360 and storing water for generating the steam.

[0317] 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 .

[0318] The setting bracket 870 may be combined with the base cover 360 and fix the steam housing 810 .

[0319] 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 .

[0320] 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.

[0321] The fixing clip 873 may be detachably disposed on the upper portion or side of the steam housing 810 .

[0322] The compressor 342 may be disposed at a lower position than the steam supply part 800 .

[0323] 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 .

[0324] The bracket 870 may also prevent the fire from spreading to the steam supply unit 800 when a fire occurs in the compressor 342 .

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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 .

[0327] 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.

[0328] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a specific structure of a steam supply unit.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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 .

[0331] 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.

[0332] 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 .

[0333] 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 .

[0334] 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 .

[0335] 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 .

[0336] The housing body 811 may include a recovery pipe 814 capable of discharging water contained therein to the outside.

[0337] 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.

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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.

[0340] The fixing clip 831 may be configured to accommodate or surround at least a portion of the heater portion 840 .

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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, water can be prevented from flowing back through the water supply pipe 815 again.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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 .

[0345] 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.

[0346] The sensor body 851 may be coupled to the housing cover 820 using a sensor fastening member 853 .

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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 .

[0349] 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 .

[0350] 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 .

[0351] 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.

[0352] 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.

[0353] The heater part 840 may include a first heater 841 which heats water by receiving a first power, and a second heater 842 which heats water by receiving a power greater than the first power.

[0354] As a result, the second heater 842 may be configured to heat more water than the first heater 841 to generate more steam.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] The following description will be based on a case where the heater unit 340 includes the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0359] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be formed of metal pipes in a “U” shape.

[0360] 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 .

[0361] 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 .

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing a laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention provided with a light emitting unit and a sensor unit.

[0365] In the existing clothes treating apparatus, there is a problem that clothes fall off the hanger during the clothes treating process.

[0366] As a result, the user cannot recognize the clothes that have fallen off the hanger during the clothes treatment process, so there is a problem that the clothes are damaged when the steam or hot air injection port is blocked by the fallen clothes.

[0367] Furthermore, since the user realizes after the clothing treatment process is finished that the clothing has not been properly treated due to shedding, he or she is unable to take proactive measures, which reduces the satisfaction with the product.

[0368] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention can provide a clothing processing device, which includes: a box body 100, in front of which an opening is provided; an inner shell body 200, which is provided inside the box body 100 and provides a space for accommodating clothing; a door 40, which is combined with the box body and opens and closes the opening; a hanging part 510, which is provided on the upper part of the inner shell body 200, and the clothing is placed on the hanging part 510; a machine room 300, which is provided at a position lower than the bottom surface of the inner shell body 200 and is provided to supply at least one of hot air and steam to the inside of the inner shell body 200; a light emitting part 600, which is provided on any one of the inner shell body 200, the door 40, and the machine room 300, and emits light to the inside of the inner shell body 200; and a sensor part 700, which is provided on any one of the inner shell body 200, the door, and the machine room, and senses that the clothing dropped from the hanging part 510 blocks at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600.

[0369] In the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention, no matter where the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are arranged, as long as the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 reaches the sensor unit 700, the sensor unit 700 can sense the illumination change to determine whether the laundry has fallen or not.

[0370] The laundry treating apparatus may include a light emitting unit 600 configured to emit light toward the inside of the inner housing 200 .

[0371] 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 be in the range of ultraviolet rays, visible rays, and the like.

[0372] 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 range. Since infrared rays can pass through objects, they will pass through the clothes even if they fall, while visible rays are electromagnetic waves that can be recognized by the human eye and cannot pass through objects. In addition, if visible rays are used, it is more suitable to sense the falling of clothes by blocking light and can protect the user's vision.

[0373] 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.

[0374] The laundry treating apparatus may include a sensor part 700 receiving the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 .

[0375] 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.

[0376] The sensor part 700 may sense at least one of whether the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 is received and the intensity of the light.

[0377] 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.

[0378] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in one or more portions.

[0379] When there are two or more light emitting units 600, the amount of light received by the sensor unit 700 increases, so whether the clothes have fallen off can be more accurately understood.

[0380] In the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention, when laundry falls during the laundry processing process, it can be determined whether the laundry has fallen based on the change in illumination of the light sensed by the sensor unit 700 .

[0381] For example, the sensor unit 700 is arranged at a position closer to the bottom surface of the inner shell 200 than the clothes hanging unit, and the sensor unit 700 senses a first value when the clothes have not fallen. If the sensor unit 700 senses a value smaller than the first value, the control unit C can determine that the clothes have fallen.

[0382] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the spatial area division of the inner casing of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0383] The inner case 200 may include a first space area V1, a second space area V2, and a third space area V3 divided according to height.

[0384] The first spatial region V1 may be defined by a space between a first position a and a second position b.

[0385] The second position b may be located at a position spaced downward from the first position a by a first height.

[0386] The second position b may be spaced apart from the first position a by a length corresponding to 1 / 3 of a length from the first position a to a fourth position d.

[0387] The height of the first spatial region V1 may be a first height.

[0388] The first height may be greater than a length of the clothes hanging portion in a height direction.

[0389] The first height may be 1 / 3 of the length from the first position a to the fourth position d.

[0390] A clothes hanging portion 510 may be provided in the first space area V1.

[0391] Small clothing such as small jackets, children's clothing, skirts, etc., which are shorter than the first height, can be arranged in the first space area V1.

[0392] The second space region V2 may be disposed at a lower position than the first space region V1 and defined by a space between the second position b and a third position c disposed at a lower position than the second position b.

[0393] The second space region V2 may include a central portion of the inner shell 200 in a height direction.

[0394] Clothes of normal length, such as shirts and jackets, can be placed in the second spatial area V2.

[0395] The third space region V3 may be disposed at a lower position than the second space region V2 and may be defined by a space between the third position c and the fourth position d.

[0396] Longer clothing such as coats and pants can be placed in the third space area V3.

[0397] The dropped clothes can be placed in the lower part of the third space area V3.

[0398] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in at least one space among the first space region V1 , the second space region V2 , and the third space region V3 .

[0399] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a position lower than the first position a.

[0400] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a position higher than the fourth position d.

[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 laundry processing apparatus or the control unit C of the present invention can determine whether the laundry has fallen by sensing an increase in illumination through the sensor unit 700 .

[0403] When the clothes are hung on the clothes hanging part 510, the clothes block the light emitted from the light emitting part 600. When the clothes fall, the light blocked by the clothes reaches the sensor part 700 due to the falling of the clothes. As a result, the clothes treating device or the control part C can determine whether the clothes fall by sensing the increase in illumination.

[0404] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in single units.

[0405] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in the same spatial region.

[0406] When the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are disposed below the fifth position e, light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is not blocked from the beginning and does not reach the sensor unit 700, so the sensor unit 700 cannot sense changes in illumination.

[0407] For example, when the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are arranged in the second spatial area V2 or the third spatial area V3, since short and small clothes are only arranged in the first spatial area V1, the sensor unit 700 cannot sense the increase in illumination even if the clothes fall.

[0408] Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are preferably provided at least at a position above the fifth position e.

[0409] The fifth position e is set in at least one of the first spatial area V1, the second spatial area V2, and the third spatial area V3. Even when the fifth position e is in the first spatial area V1, in order to sense the falling of clothes, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are preferably set at an upper position in the first spatial area V1.

[0410] In addition, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are preferably disposed below the clothes hanging unit 510. Thus, the sensor unit 700 can sense changes in light intensity by blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 with clothes while minimizing the influence of the clothes hanging unit 510.

[0411] 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.

[0412] The sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may also be disposed in different spatial regions. For example, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed in the second spatial region V2, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in the first spatial region V1.

[0413] 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.

[0414] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on surfaces of the inner housing 200 that face each other.

[0415] The light emitting unit 600 may be arranged so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 can pass through the first space region V1. Thus, even when short clothes are hung, the sensor unit 700 can sense the increase in illuminance of the light by blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 with the clothes.

[0416] In order to guide the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 to the sensor unit 700 disposed in another spatial region, a reflective unit 400 or the like may be additionally provided.

[0417] 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.

[0418] At least one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided.

[0419] 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.

[0420] Even when two or more light emitting units 600 are provided, only one sensor unit 700 may be provided.

[0421] More than two light emitting units 600 may be disposed in different spatial regions. For example, the light emitting unit 600 may further include a first light emitting unit 610 disposed in the first spatial region V1 and a second light emitting unit 620 disposed in the second spatial region V2.

[0422] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed on one surface of the inner housing 200 .

[0423] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed side by side along a height direction of one side of the inner housing 200 .

[0424] The sensor unit 700 may be provided so that a surface facing a surface on which the light emitting unit 600 is provided faces at least one of the first light emitting unit 610 and the second light emitting unit 620 .

[0425] The first light emitting portion 610 may be configured such that light emitted from the first light emitting portion 610 reaches the sensor portion 700 through the first spatial region V1 and the second spatial region V2 .

[0426] The second light emitting portion 620 may be configured such that light emitted from the second light emitting portion 620 reaches the sensor portion 700 through the second space region V2.

[0427] Therefore, the clothing processing device or control unit C can use the blocking of light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 610 to sense the falling of clothing set in the first space area V1, and can use the blocking of light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 620 to sense the falling of clothing set in the second space area V2.

[0428] Thus, the sensor unit 700 can determine whether the clothes have fallen or not by sensing the change in illumination of light regardless of where the fifth position e is set.

[0429] 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] On the other hand, clothes can be placed on the clothes hanging portion 510 provided in the first space region V1 from one side surface of the inner shell 200 toward the direction opposite to the one side surface.

[0432] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be respectively disposed on two side surfaces of the inner housing 200. However, in the case of a plurality of clothes, even if the clothes fall, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may be fundamentally blocked by the clothes placed in front of the fallen clothes, so that the sensor unit 700 cannot sense the illumination change.

[0433] Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided on at least one of the rear surface of the inner housing 200 and the door.

[0434] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed on the door so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is directed toward the inside of the inner housing 200 .

[0435] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the rear surface of the inner housing 200 to face the light emitting unit 600 .

[0436] Different from the above description, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed on the back side of the inner housing 200 , and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the door.

[0437] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged on the same line as the width direction of the clothes hung on the clothes hanging unit 510. In addition, the light emitting unit 600 may be arranged to emit light toward the side of the clothes hung on the clothes hanging unit 510. Therefore, in the case where the clothes are not dropped, the clothes hung on the clothes hanging unit 510 may block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600.

[0438] The number of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be equal to the number of the clothes hanging unit 510. For example, if five clothes hanging units 510 are provided, the number of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may also be five.

[0439] The light emitting portion 600 may further include a first light emitting portion 610 , a second light emitting portion 620 , a third light emitting portion 630 , a fourth light emitting portion 640 and a fifth light emitting portion 650 .

[0440] The first light emitting portion 610 , the second light emitting portion 620 , the third light emitting portion 630 , the fourth light emitting portion 640 , and the fifth light emitting portion 650 may be arranged in a row such that the intervals therebetween are the same as the intervals between the clothes hanging portions 510 .

[0441] The sensor unit 700 may further include a first sensor unit 710 , a second sensor unit 720 , a third sensor unit 730 , a fourth sensor unit 740 , and a fifth sensor unit 750 .

[0442] The intervals between the first sensor portion 710 , the second sensor portion 620 , the third sensor portion 730 , the fourth sensor portion 740 , and the fifth sensor portion 750 may be the same as the intervals between the clothing hanging portions 510 .

[0443] That is, the first sensor unit 710, the second sensor unit 720, the third sensor unit 730, the fourth sensor unit 740 and the fifth sensor unit 750 can be arranged in a row so that the intervals between them are the same as the intervals between the first light-emitting unit 610, the second light-emitting unit 620, the third light-emitting unit 630, the fourth light-emitting unit 640 and the fifth light-emitting unit 650.

[0444] The first sensor portion 710 , the second sensor portion 720 , the third sensor portion 730 , the fourth sensor portion 740 and the fifth sensor portion 750 face the first light emitting portion 610 , the second light emitting portion 620 , the third light emitting portion 630 , the fourth light emitting portion 640 and the fifth light emitting portion 650 , respectively.

[0445] If clothing located between the first light emitting portion 610 and the first sensor portion 710 falls, light emitted from the first light emitting portion 610 due to the falling clothing reaches the first sensor portion 710, and the first sensor portion 710 may sense an increase in the illumination of the light.

[0446] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed in any one of the first space region V1 , the second space region V2 , and the third space region V3 .

[0447] When the fifth position e is located above the sensor unit 700, the clothes cannot block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600, and thus it may be impossible to determine whether the clothes have fallen. Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are most preferably disposed in the first space region V1.

[0448] If at least one of the clothes hung on the clothes hanging part 510 falls off, the sensor part 700 senses the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 arranged on the same line as the clothes. As a result, the clothes treating apparatus or the control part C can sense that the illuminance of the light emitted from the light emitting part 600 increases.

[0449] Therefore, even when there are a plurality of clothes, the clothes treating apparatus can determine whether clothes have fallen by sensing an increase in the illumination of light through the sensor unit 700, and can even determine which clothes have fallen.

[0450] 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.

[0451] The laundry processing device or the control unit C may also determine whether the laundry has fallen by sensing the decrease in illumination through the sensor unit 700. When the laundry falls, the fallen laundry blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 cannot reach the sensor unit 700, so that the sensor unit 700 can sense the abnormal decrease in illumination.

[0452] That is, the sensor part 700 can be configured to be closer to the bottom surface of the inner shell 200 than the clothes hanging part, and the sensor part 700 can sense a first value when the clothes have not fallen. If the sensor part 700 senses a value less than the first value, the control part C can determine that the clothes have fallen.

[0453] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged in a width direction or a front-rear direction based on the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 . Thus, part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may be blocked by the clothing dropped to the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 .

[0454] For example, the sensor part 700 may be disposed on the back side of the inner shell 200 , and the light emitting part 600 may be disposed at a position closer to the front than the sensor part 700 ; or the sensor part 700 may be disposed on a side surface of the inner shell 200 , and the light emitting part 600 may be disposed on the side surface of the sensor part 700 .

[0455] The sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed on different surfaces of the inner housing 200 .

[0456] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed on a surface facing a surface on which the light emitting unit 600 is disposed.

[0457] At this time, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 cannot reach the sensor unit 700 due to the fallen clothes, it is preferred that the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are arranged to face each other.

[0458] For example, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be respectively disposed on two side surfaces of the inner housing 200 to face each other.

[0459] Alternatively, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be respectively disposed to face at least one of the back surface of the inner housing 200 and the door.

[0460] An embodiment of the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention is shown in which the light emitting unit 600 is disposed on the door, and the sensor unit 700 is disposed on the back side of the inner housing 200 .

[0461] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed in the middle of the width direction of the door. Thus, no matter where the sensor unit 700 is disposed, the unsensable area can be reduced, so that no matter where the clothes fall, the clothes can be sensed and more light from the light emitting unit 600 can be received.

[0462] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged in the same spatial region. For example, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged in the third spatial region V3. Since the clothes are located in the third spatial region V3 when the clothes fall, it is preferred that the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are arranged in the third spatial region V3.

[0463] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged at a position lower than the clothes hanging unit 510. The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged at a position lower than the lowest height e of the clothes. That is, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be arranged closer to the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 than the clothes hanging unit 510. Thus, the clothes processing device or the control unit C can minimize the influence of the clothes hung on the upper part to determine whether the clothes have fallen or not.

[0464] Therefore, when judging whether the clothes have fallen or not by sensing the reduction in illumination of light caused by the fallen clothes through the sensor unit 700, it is possible to judge whether the clothes have fallen or not by only using the reduction in illumination of light blocked by the fallen clothes without being affected by the length of the clothes or the like.

[0465] In addition, when the sensor unit 700 senses the decrease in light illumination caused by the fallen clothes to determine whether the clothes have fallen, it is possible to more simply and accurately determine whether the clothes have fallen even when there are a plurality of clothes.

[0466] In addition, by using the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 to a minimum, material costs and the like can be reduced.

[0467] 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.

[0468] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed to face each other at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the inner housing 200 .

[0469] The light emitting portion 600 may be disposed on an upper surface of the inner housing 200 .

[0470] The light emitting portion 600 may be disposed at a lower portion of the clothes hanging portion 510 .

[0471] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 so that the sensor portion 700 is blocked by clothing when clothing falls.

[0472] Alternatively, the sensor unit 700 may be disposed inside the machine room or the inflow body, thereby facilitating repair and power supply.

[0473] Different from the above description, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the lower portion of the inner housing 200, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the upper portion of the inner housing 200. In this case, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed in the machine room or in the inflow body.

[0474] The light emitting portion 600 and the sensor portion 700 may be disposed to face each other on a straight line.

[0475] Specifically, if the clothes fall, the sensor unit 700 is blocked, so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is blocked. As a result, the clothes treating device or the control unit C can determine whether the clothes fall by sensing the decrease in illumination of the light through the sensor unit 700.

[0476] At least one of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided. In particular, the more the sensor units 700, the better. In most cases, when clothes fall, they fall to the periphery of the previously hung area due to gravity. Therefore, when a plurality of the sensor units 700 are provided, the sensor unit 700 can more accurately determine whether the clothes have fallen.

[0477] For example, three sensor parts 700 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 . The sensor part 700 may include a first sensor part 710 , a second sensor part 720 , and a third sensor part 730 .

[0478] The first sensor unit 710 , the second sensor unit 720 , and the third sensor unit 730 may be arranged in a row.

[0479] At least one of the first sensor portion 710 , the second sensor portion 720 , and the third sensor portion 730 may be disposed to face the light emitting portion 600 .

[0480] When clothes fall, the clothes may fall on the upper part of at least one of the first sensor part 710, the second sensor part 720 and the third sensor part 730, and block at least one of the first sensor part 710, the second sensor part 720 and the third sensor part 730.

[0481] Thus, the clothing processing device or the control unit C can determine whether the clothing has fallen by sensing a decrease in the illumination of light through at least one of the first sensor unit 710, the second sensor unit 720 and the third sensor unit 730.

[0482] In addition, whether the clothes have fallen or not can be judged only by utilizing the reduction in illumination of the light blocked by the fallen clothes, without being affected by the length, quantity, etc. of the clothes.

[0483] Fig.24 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0484] On the other hand, in the case where the light emitting portion 600 and the sensor portion 700 are arranged to face each other, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 goes straight and reaches the sensor portion 700. Therefore, in the case where clothing is dropped in an area other than the area where the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 goes straight, the light is not blocked by the clothing, and thus the sensor portion 700 may not sense the illumination change.

[0485] The laundry treatment device may include: a first drop region S1 disposed between the light emitting portion 600 and the sensor portion 700; and an unsensible region X defined by a region outside the first drop region S1. If laundry drops in the first drop region S1, the dropped laundry blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600, so the sensor portion 700 can sense a decrease in illumination, but if laundry drops in the unsensible region, the dropped laundry cannot block the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600, so the sensor portion 700 cannot sense a decrease in illumination.

[0486] However, in the case where the dropped clothes slightly fall to the first drop area S1, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is also blocked by a part of the clothes, so the sensor unit 700 can sense the reduction of illumination.

[0487] In order to minimize the unsensable area X and thereby determine whether the clothes have fallen regardless of where the clothes have fallen, the clothes treating apparatus may further include a reflecting portion 400 .

[0488] The reflective portion 400 may be provided with more than one reflective plate.

[0489] The reflection plate may be provided on a surface different from a surface on which the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are provided.

[0490] The reflective portion 400 may include: a first reflective plate 410 disposed on a side surface of the inner housing 200; and a second reflective plate 420 disposed on a surface facing a surface on which the first reflective plate 410 is disposed.

[0491] The first reflection plate 410 and the second reflection plate 420 may be disposed at the center of the width direction of one side of the inner housing 200. Thus, the unsensible area may be reduced by widening the second drop area S2 and the third drop area S3.

[0492] The first reflecting plate 410 and the second reflecting plate 420 may be disposed to face each other.

[0493] The first reflective plate 410 and the second reflective plate 420 may be disposed at the center of one surface of the inner housing 200 in the width direction.

[0494] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a second dropping area S2 formed by light reflected by the first reflecting plate 410 , and a third dropping area S3 formed by light reflected by the second reflecting plate 420 .

[0495] The width of the non-sensible area is reduced when the reflecting portion 400 is provided, compared to the case where the reflecting portion 400 is not provided. When the clothes fall and a part of the clothes falls to any one of the first drop area S1, the second drop area S2, and the third drop area S3, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 is blocked by the fallen clothes, so that the sensor portion 700 can sense the reduction in illumination.

[0496] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus can minimize the unsensable area X, so that no matter where the clothes fall on the bottom surface of the inner shell 200, it can be determined whether the clothes have fallen.

[0497] Fig.25 It is a figure which shows the filter part of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0498] In the laundry treating apparatus 1 , a filter 380 may be included at an upper portion of the machine room 300 to prevent dust from flowing into the inside of the circulation duct 320 .

[0499] The filter unit 380 may be installed at the inflow body 361 and filter dust flowing into the inflow body 361 .

[0500] 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.

[0501] 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 3622. The portion of the main body cover 385 that shields the top surface of the first inflow port 3621 and the third inflow port 3622 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.

[0502] 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.

[0503] 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.

[0504] A blocking cover 381 may be provided 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.

[0505] Fig.26 It is a diagram showing the position and area division of the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0506] 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 .

[0507] The first area and the second area may be divided by the body filter 386 .

[0508] 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 .

[0509] 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.

[0510] 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.

[0511] The first area and the second area are not divided into upper and lower parts, left and right parts, etc. based on the main body filter 386, as long as the main body filter 386 is provided between the first area and the second area.

[0512] 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.

[0513] The A, B, C, and D positions may be set in the first area.

[0514] The A position may include an area corresponding to the upper portion of the inner housing 200. For example, the A position may be the upper surface of the inner housing 200, the lower portion of the clothes hanging portion 510, the clothes hanging portion 510, or the like.

[0515] 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.

[0516] 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.

[0517] 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.

[0518] 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 .

[0519] 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.

[0520] The E position may include an area below the main body filter 386 .

[0521] For example, the E position may be configured at the inflow pipe of the circulation pipe 320 .

[0522] 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 one 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 one side of the inflow body 361 extending from at least one of the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b.

[0523] 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.

[0524] Fig. 27 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.

[0525] 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.

[0526] The filter unit 380 may be disposed between the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 .

[0527] The light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 may pass through the filter unit 380 and be sensed by the sensor unit 700 .

[0528] 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 .

[0529] 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.

[0530] 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 .

[0531] When the light emitting portion 600 is disposed on one side of the main filter 386 and the sensor portion 700 is disposed on the other side of the main filter 386, the light emitting portion 600 and the sensor portion 700 are required to be disposed at the A, B, C, D position or the E position respectively.

[0532] 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.

[0533] 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.

[0534] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the A position, and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position.

[0535] The sensor part 700 may be disposed on an upper portion of the inner housing 200 .

[0536] 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 .

[0537] 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 clothes hanging unit.

[0538] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed at the center of the inner housing 200 in the width direction.

[0539] 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 .

[0540] The light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the center of the machine room in the width direction.

[0541] 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.

[0542] 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.

[0543] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single unit.

[0544] Different from the above description, the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be interchanged with each other.

[0545] Fig.28 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.

[0546] 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.

[0547] Therefore, in order to minimize the influence caused by the clothes hanging inside the inner case 200, the sensor part 700 may be arranged at the lower part closer to the lower surface than the upper surface in the inner case 200.

[0548] 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 .

[0549] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed below the filter cover 382 .

[0550] 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 .

[0551] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the D position, and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position.

[0552] Alternatively, the sensor unit 700 may be provided on the lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0553] 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.

[0554] 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.

[0555] 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.

[0556] and Fig.28 Alternatively, the sensor unit 700 may 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.

[0557] 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.

[0558] 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.

[0559] Fig.29 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.

[0560] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the D position, and the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position.

[0561] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed above the main body filter 386 or at a rear side of the main body cover 385 .

[0562] 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 .

[0563] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the machine room in the width direction.

[0564] 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.

[0565] 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.

[0566] In this case, the filter cover and the blocking cover 381 may not be provided. 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.

[0567] 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.

[0568] Different from the above description, the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be interchanged with each other.

[0569] Fig.30 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.

[0570] At least one of the sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may be provided.

[0571] 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.

[0572] 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.

[0573] Even when two or more light emitting units 600 are provided, only one sensor unit 700 may be provided.

[0574] 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 .

[0575] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed at the E position.

[0576] 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.

[0577] 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 .

[0578] 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 .

[0579] 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.

[0580] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the D position.

[0581] The sensor part 700 may be disposed on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0582] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at the center of the lower surface of the filter cover 382 in the width direction.

[0583] 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.

[0584] 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 .

[0585] 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.

[0586] Fig.31 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.

[0587] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in plural numbers in the same number. In the case where the light emitting unit 600 is provided in plural numbers, the sensor unit 700 may also be provided in plural numbers.

[0588] When two light emitting units 600 are provided, two sensor units 700 may also be provided.

[0589] 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 .

[0590] The first light emitting portion 610 and the second light emitting portion 620 may be disposed at the E position.

[0591] 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.

[0592] 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 .

[0593] 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.

[0594] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed to face at least one light emitting portion 600 .

[0595] 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.

[0596] The first sensor unit 710 and the second sensor unit 720 may be disposed at the D position.

[0597] 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 .

[0598] The first sensor portion 710 and the second sensor portion 720 may be disposed on a lower surface of the filter cover 382 .

[0599] 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.

[0600] 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 .

[0601] 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.

[0602] Fig.32 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.

[0603] 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.

[0604] 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.

[0605] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a lower position than the main body filter 386 .

[0606] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at a lower portion of the body cover 385 .

[0607] The sensor part 700 may be disposed at a lower portion of the perforated plate of the body cover 385 .

[0608] 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.

[0609] 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.

[0610] 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 .

[0611] 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 .

[0612] The reflection portion 400 may be disposed at a lower portion of the filter cover 382 .

[0613] The reflective portion 400 and the light emitting portion 600 may be arranged on a straight line.

[0614] 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.

[0615] 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.

[0616] Fig.33 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.

[0617] 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 in the main body filter 386. After the operation is completed, 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.

[0618] Although the existing clothes treating apparatus has the effect of sterilizing by steam during the steam operation in the clothes treating process, there is a problem that microorganisms may remain in the main body filter 386 after the operation is completed.

[0619] 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.

[0620] 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.

[0621] The light emitting unit 600 may be configured to sterilize the main body filter 386 through the light.

[0622] 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.

[0623] The clothes treating apparatus may include a light emitting unit 600 emitting light of a specific wavelength toward the main body filter 386 .

[0624] 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 .

[0625] 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 .

[0626] The light emitting unit 600 may be configured to emit light in the ultraviolet region.

[0627] 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.

[0628] 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.

[0629] Fig.34 1 is a diagram showing a control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0630] 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 .

[0631] Specifically, if the user turns on the power of the laundry treating apparatus so that power is supplied, the program input / change step A1 may be performed.

[0632] The laundry treating apparatus may further include an input unit, which is disposed at the door 40 or the housing 100 and receives an input or a change instruction of the program.

[0633] In the program input / change step A1, the user can select and input a desired program through the input unit. If the user selects a desired program through the input unit, the compressor 342, the heater unit 840, the vibration unit 520, etc. start to be driven according to the program. For example, when the normal laundry treatment program is selected, the heater unit 840 can be started to generate steam.

[0634] After the program input / change step A1, a laundry treatment step A2 may be performed.

[0635] 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 .

[0636] 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.

[0637] 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.

[0638] The user can also turn on / off the function of automatically executing the filter sterilization step A3.

[0639] Fig.35 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another control method for sterilizing the filter portion in the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0640] The drawing shows a diagram of performing the filter sterilization step B4 when the function of automatically performing the filter sterilization is turned off.

[0641] 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 program 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 program input step B3.

[0642] 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.

[0643] 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 program is input in the program input step B3 during the standby period (when storing clothes).

[0644] 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.

[0645] Fig.36 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.

[0646] In the existing clothes processing device, there is a problem that a device for sensing clothes falling and a device for sensing the installation and removal of the main body filter 386 need to be separately provided. Therefore, the existing clothes processing device has the inconvenience of requiring multiple components and requiring the control unit C to judge and control them separately.

[0647] Light has the following advantages: it can sense the change in illumination without direct contact with the sensor, and it does not matter where the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are located, as long as the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 reaches the sensor unit 700. Therefore, if light is used, it is possible to determine not only whether the clothes have fallen, but also whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed at one time through at least one light emitting unit 600 and at least one sensor unit 700.

[0648] The present invention provides a clothing processing device, characterized in that it comprises: a box body 100, wherein an opening is arranged in front of the box body 100; 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; a clothing hanging part 510, which is arranged at the upper part of the inner shell body 200, and the clothing is placed on the clothing hanging part 510; a machine room 300, which is arranged at a position lower than the inner shell body 200, and comprises an inflow body 361 and an exhaust pipe, wherein air flows from the inner shell body into the inflow body 361, and the exhaust pipe exhausts air to the inner shell body 200; a filter part 380, which is arranged Installed in the inflow body 361, filtering dust flowing into the inflow body 361; the light-emitting unit 600, arranged in any one of the inner shell 200, the door 40, the inflow body 361, and the exhaust pipe, emitting light toward the inside of the filter unit 380 and the inner shell 200; and the sensor unit 700, arranged in the inner shell 200 or the door 40, configured to sense the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 600 and passing through the filter unit 380; and also including a control unit C for judging whether the clothes have fallen or not and whether the filter unit 380 has been loaded or unloaded according to the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit 600 sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0649] The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention can judge whether the clothes have been dropped or whether the main body filter 386 has been installed or removed by the change in the illumination of the light sensed by the sensor unit 700. Specifically, the clothes treating apparatus or the control unit C can judge whether the clothes have been dropped or whether the main body filter 386 has been installed or removed by the decrease in the illumination of the light caused by the dropped clothes when the clothes have been dropped and the increase in the illumination of the light when the main body filter 386 is not installed.

[0650] Specifically, the sensor unit 700 can sense a first value when the clothes have not fallen. If the sensor unit 700 senses a value less than the first value, the control unit C determines that the clothes have fallen. If the sensor unit 700 senses a value greater than the first value, it can be determined that the filter unit 380 is not installed on the inflow body 361.

[0651] The sensor unit 700 may be provided as a single one and may determine at least one of whether the clothes have fallen, whether the main body filter 386 has been installed or removed, and the degree of contamination of the main body filter 386 .

[0652] In addition, the contamination degree of the main body filter 386 can also be determined by the stepwise decrease in the illumination of light. The sensor unit 700 can sense a second value when the filter unit 380 is not contaminated, and the second value is smaller than the first value. If a value smaller than the second value is sensed, the control unit C can determine that the filter unit 380 is contaminated.

[0653] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at any position as long as the dropped clothing or the main body filter 386 prevents the sensor unit 700 from sensing the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600. The specific position and structure of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 will be described later.

[0654] Fig.37 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the positions of the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 of the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention.

[0655] At least one light emitting unit 600 may be provided.

[0656] As shown in the figure, the light emitting unit 600 may further include: the first light emitting unit 610 configured to emit light toward the fallen clothes; and the second light emitting unit 620 configured to emit light toward the main body filter 386.

[0657] The first light emitting unit 610 may be disposed in the first space region to emit light toward the inside of the inner housing 200. Since light has a linear property, it is preferably disposed in the first space region to face the sensor unit 700. Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting unit may be blocked by the fallen clothes.

[0658] Specifically, the first light emitting unit 610 may be disposed on the upper surface of the inner housing 200. Alternatively, in order to minimize the influence of the hanging clothes, the first light emitting unit 610 may be disposed on the lower part of the hanger.

[0659] The second light emitting unit 620 may be disposed at the lower portion of the main body filter 386 to emit light toward the main body filter 386. Specifically, the second light emitting unit 620 may be disposed at the rear side of the inflow body 361. That is, the light emitting unit may be disposed to emit light toward the upper portion of the third inlet.

[0660] Thus, the second light emitting unit 620 can be disposed near the center of the laundry processing device and emit light uniformly toward the main body filter 386. In addition, the performance of the light emitting unit 600 can be 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 user's eyes. In addition, it can be advantageous for power supply and repair, and the influence of the clothes hanging inside the inner housing 200 can be minimized when judging whether the clothes have fallen or not.

[0661] In order to use the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 to determine whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed, the light emitting unit 600 needs to be configured so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the main body filter 386 and is sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0662] Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed across the body filter 386. Thus, the light emitting unit 600 is disposed such that light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the body filter 386 and may be sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0663] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at a position higher than the main body filter 386. Thus, the light emitting unit 600 is configured such that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the main body filter 386 and can be sensed by the sensor unit 700. Specifically, the sensor unit 700 may be disposed between the bottom surface of the inner housing 200 and the filter. The sensor unit 700 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the inner housing 200. Alternatively, the sensor unit 700 may be disposed on one side of the main body cover.

[0664] The laundry treating apparatus or the control unit C may determine whether the laundry has fallen by sensing the change in the illumination of the light emitted from the first light emitting unit 610 through the sensor unit 700 .

[0665] The laundry treating apparatus or the control unit C may determine whether the filter is installed or removed and the degree of contamination of the filter by sensing the change in the illumination of the light emitted from the second light emitting unit 620 through the sensor unit 700 .

[0666] Thus, the dropping of clothes, the installation and removal of filters, and the contamination degree of filters can be determined at one time by providing one sensor unit 700. Thus, the clothes treating device can reduce material costs and manufacturing costs, and can effectively sense whether clothes have dropped using one sensor unit 700.

[0667] Fig.38 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.

[0668] The drawing is a cross section of the laundry treating device cut along the front-rear direction.

[0669] As shown in the figure, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be respectively arranged at different positions so as not to face each other.

[0670] If clothes fall, the clothes exist in the third space area, and the sensor part 700 senses that the light is blocked by the fallen clothes. Therefore, the sensor part 700 is preferably arranged at the lower part of the inner shell 200, that is, the third space area.

[0671] In addition, in order to use the light-emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 to determine whether the main filter 386 is installed or removed, the light-emitting unit 600 needs to be configured so that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 600 passes through the main filter 386 and is sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0672] Therefore, the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed across the body filter 386. Thus, the light emitting unit 600 is disposed such that light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the body filter 386 and can be sensed by the sensor unit 700.

[0673] Specifically, as shown in the figure, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the C position.

[0674] 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 may be prevented from being degraded due to dust or the like filtered by the main body filter 386, and light may be prevented from being exposed to the user's eyes. In addition, it may be advantageous for power supply and repair, and the influence of clothes hanging inside the inner housing 200 may be minimized when determining whether clothes have fallen or not.

[0675] Since there is a high possibility that the clothes fall behind the inner case 200 when the clothes fall, it is preferable that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 crosses along the front-rear direction of the inner case 200. It can be arranged that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is directed toward the rear of the inner case 200. Therefore, it is preferable that the sensor unit 700 is also arranged on the back side of the inner case 200 to face the inside of the inner case 200.

[0676] On the other hand, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the main body filter 386 and reaches the sensor unit 700, so that the sensor unit 700 can sense the change in illumination and judge whether the clothes have fallen or not, whether the main body filter 386 has been installed or removed or the degree of contamination. Therefore, in the case where the light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 are arranged not to face each other, the clothes treating apparatus may further include a reflecting unit to guide the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 to the sensor unit 700.

[0677] The reflective portion may be provided in any position, structure, shape, etc., as long as it can guide the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 to the sensor portion 700. The specific structure and position of the reflective portion will be described later.

[0678] Fig.39 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.

[0679] 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 .

[0680] As shown in the figure, the light emitting unit 600 may be disposed at the E position, and the sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the C position.

[0681] The sensor portion 700 may be disposed closer to the filter portion 380 than the clothes hanging portion.

[0682] 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.

[0683] 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.

[0684] In addition, power supply and repair can be facilitated, and the influence of clothes hanging inside the inner shell 200 can be minimized.

[0685] 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 .

[0686] 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.

[0687] 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 .

[0688] 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.

[0689] 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.

[0690] 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.

[0691] 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.

[0692] 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 arrange the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 toward the rear side of the inner housing 200. Thus, even in the D position, the sensor unit 700 can be arranged on the back side of the inner housing 200 toward the inside of the inner housing 200.

[0693] 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.

[0694] 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 .

[0695] 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.

[0696] 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.

[0697] 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 .

[0698] 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.

[0699] 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.

[0700] 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.

[0701] 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.

[0702] 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.

[0703] The reflection portion 400 may be disposed between the filter cover 382 and the main body filter 386 .

[0704] 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.

[0705] 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.

[0706] The light emitting unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be provided in one piece.

[0707] 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.

[0708] The sensor unit 700 may be disposed at the center of the rear surface of the inner housing 200 in the width direction.

[0709] Fig.40 It is a diagram showing the structure of the first reflection plate.

[0710] Fig.40 (a) is a perspective view showing the first reflection plate 410, Fig.40 (b) is a diagram showing the interior of the second reflection portion 410, Fig.40 (c) is a diagram showing the exterior of the first reflection plate 410 .

[0711] The reflective portion 400 may be configured to reflect light from the light emitting portion 600 .

[0712] The reflective portion 400 may include a first reflective plate 410 that reflects light from the light emitting portion 600 .

[0713] The first reflective plate 410 may be disposed at a height corresponding to the light emitting unit 600. The first reflective plate 410 may be provided on a lower surface of the filter cover 382.

[0714] The first reflection plate 410 may be disposed at the center of the filter cover 382 in the width direction.

[0715] The light emitting unit 600 , the sensor unit 700 , and the first reflective plate 410 may be arranged on a straight line, and the first reflective plate 410 may be provided with a first reflective surface 411 for reflecting light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 directly toward the sensor unit 700 .

[0716] The first reflective surface 411 may be disposed toward the rear of the laundry treating device.

[0717] The first reflection plate 410 may be provided with a hook 414 that can be coupled to the filter cover 382 .

[0718] 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 .

[0719] 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.

[0720] When the clothes fall, the fallen clothes block the light passing through the first path R1. Therefore, the sensor part 700 senses the abnormal illumination reduction, so that the clothes treating device or the control part C can determine that the clothes fall.

[0721] Fig.41 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0722] (a) of the drawing is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit 380, and (b) of the drawing is a view showing a cross section of the machine room cut along the horizontal direction.

[0723] 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 .

[0724] Therefore, as shown in the figure (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 .

[0725] 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 .

[0726] 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 .

[0727] 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.

[0728] 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.

[0729] 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 .

[0730] 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 .

[0731] When the clothes fall, the fallen clothes block the light passing through the second path R2 and the third path R3. Thus, the sensor unit can sense the abnormal decrease in illumination, and the clothes processing device or the control unit C can determine that the clothes have fallen. In addition, 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 clothes processing device or the control unit C can determine whether the filter is installed or not.

[0732] Fig.42 It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflecting part of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0733] like Fig.41 As 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.

[0734] 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 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 clothes hanging portion 510, the reflecting portion 400 may only include the second reflecting plate 420 and the third reflecting plate 430 in addition to the first reflecting plate 410.

[0735] 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 .

[0736] 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 .

[0737] 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.

[0738] 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.

[0739] 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.

[0740] Fig.43 1 is a diagram showing a laundry drop area of ​​the laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0741] On the other hand, since the light emitting unit 600 emits light toward the rear of the inner housing 200 when the light emitting unit 600 is disposed in the machine room or the lower part of the main body filter, an area blocked by the filter cover 382 and thus not sensed by the sensor unit 700 may be generated, i.e., an unsensible area X. If clothes fall into the unsensible area X, the fallen clothes cannot block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600, and thus the sensor unit 700 cannot sense the reduction in illumination.

[0742] Therefore, a reflective portion 400 may be further included, wherein the reflective portion 400 is configured to disperse the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 in at least two directions, so that the sensor portion 700 senses that the clothes dropped to the bottom surface block the light emitted from the light emitting portion 600 .

[0743] like Fig.43 As shown in (a), since there is a higher possibility that the clothes fall to the rear of the inner shell 200, or the area of ​​the fallen clothes is larger than the unsensable area X and only falls on a part of the unsensable area X, even if the light-emitting unit 600 is arranged at the lower part of the machine room 300 or the main body filter 366, the sensor unit 700 can sense the illumination change of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 600.

[0744] However, if Fig.43As shown in (b), when a very small piece of clothing such as a scarf falls or falls in front of the inner shell 200, the area of ​​the fallen clothing is narrower than the unsensable area X and therefore may fall into the unsensable area X.

[0745] Therefore, if Fig.43 As shown in (c), in order to minimize the non-sensible area X of the sensor part 700, the reflective part 400 can be arranged between the sensor part 700 and the light emitting part 600 on both sides of the sensor part 700 and the light emitting part 600.

[0746] The second reflective plate 420 and the third reflective plate 430 may be disposed close to both sides of the filter cover 382. In addition, in order to minimize the unsensable area X of the sensor unit 700, the second reflective plate 420 and the third reflective plate 430 may be disposed close to the back side of the filter cover 382.

[0747] Thus, the second reflecting plate 420 and the third reflecting plate 430 may be configured to be maximally close to both sides and the back of the filter cover 382 , thereby minimizing the unsensable area X.

[0748] The reflective portion 400 may be disposed closer to the light emitting portion 600 than the sensor portion 700 .

[0749] The sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 may be arranged along the front-rear direction with the bottom surface as a reference, and the reflective unit 400 may be arranged along the width direction with the bottom surface as a reference.

[0750] The plurality of reflection parts 400 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the sensor part 700 .

[0751] The plurality of reflective units 400 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the sensor unit 700 and the light emitting unit 600 .

[0752] Fig.44 It is a figure which shows the structure of the filter cover of the clothes processing apparatus of this invention.

[0753] 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.

[0754] 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.

[0755] 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.

[0756] 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 .

[0757] 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 .

[0758] 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.

[0759] Fig.45 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control method of a clothes treating apparatus according to the present invention when abnormal illumination is sensed.

[0760] Since the existing clothes processing device cannot determine whether the clothes have fallen before or during the clothes processing, even if the clothes have fallen, the operation can only be continued without ending.

[0761] Specifically, in the conventional clothes processing apparatus, the clothes processing step starts after the program input / change step of the user selecting the program, and the clothes processing step is not interrupted even if the clothes fall, but is continuously executed until a prescribed time has passed.

[0762] Therefore, the conventional clothes treating apparatus has a risk that, in the case where clothes fall and the fallen clothes block the steam spraying port, the clothes are damaged by the hot and humid wind sprayed during the steam operation in the clothes treating step.

[0763] In addition, there is also a problem that steam cannot be normally sprayed into the interior of the inner shell 200, resulting in that the clothes that have not fallen but are in a hanging state cannot be properly processed.

[0764] In addition, there is also the following problem: even if it is possible to sense whether the filter is installed or not, due to user's incorrect use, the clothing processing process will continue without installing the filter, causing large dust to flow into the machine room.

[0765] Therefore, there arises a necessity to stop the operation and control whether or not a subsequent operation is performed when it is sensed that laundry has fallen during laundry treatment or when it is sensed that a filter is not installed.

[0766] The present invention provides a laundry processing apparatus provided with a sensor unit 700 capable of sensing an illumination value of light, thereby being able to interrupt a laundry processing step when the laundry processing apparatus or the control unit C senses abnormal illumination.

[0767] The case where abnormal illumination is sensed refers to the case where the illumination value recognized by the sensor unit 700 is greatly increased or decreased compared with the reference value. That is, it includes the following cases: the case where the clothing treatment device or the control unit C recognizes the illumination change or the case where the light cannot reach the sensor unit 700 and the clothing treatment device or the control unit C cannot recognize the illumination change. The reference value can be defined as the illumination value recognized by the sensor unit 700 when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 passes through the main body filter 386 and is completely received by the sensor unit 700 when the clothing is not dropped and the main body filter 386 is installed.

[0768] Specifically, when the clothes fall, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is blocked by the fallen clothes, so that the sensor unit 700 recognizes an illumination value smaller than the reference value, and the clothes processing device or the control unit C can sense a decrease in illumination. When the main body filter 386 is not installed, the sensor unit 700 senses an illumination value greater than the reference value, so that the clothes processing device or the control unit C can sense an increase in illumination. On the other hand, in the case where the light cannot reach the sensor unit 700 at all, such as when the sensor unit 700 is blocked and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 is blocked, a situation where an illumination value significantly smaller than the reference value is recognized may also occur.

[0769] As described above, the abnormal illumination sensing step A1 in which the laundry treating apparatus or the control part C can sense abnormal illumination may be performed. The abnormal illumination sensing step A1 may be performed any time before or during the laundry treating step after the laundry treating apparatus is powered on.

[0770] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the laundry treating apparatus may be provided with the sensor unit 700, and preferably, the sensor unit 700 is provided as an illumination sensor.

[0771] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may be provided with a light emitting unit 600 that emits light toward the sensor unit 700. The sensor unit 700 may be provided to sense the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600.

[0772] Therefore, in the abnormal illumination sensing step A1, the laundry processing device can sense the illumination change of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 through the sensor unit 700, thereby determining at one time whether the laundry has fallen and whether the filter has been installed or not. Specifically, when the light is blocked by the fallen laundry and the sensor unit 700 recognizes an illumination value less than the reference value, it can be determined that the laundry has fallen, and when the light reaches the sensor unit 700 because the filter is not installed and the sensor unit 700 recognizes an illumination value greater than the reference value, it can be determined that the filter is not installed.

[0773] The control unit C may be configured to block driving of at least one of the heater unit 840 and the compressor 342 (A2) as long as any one of the falling of the clothes and the non-installation of the filter unit 380 is sensed in the abnormal illumination sensing step A1.

[0774] If abnormal illumination is sensed in the abnormal illumination sensing step A1, the subsequent operation is not performed and the program ends (A2). Ending includes interrupting the program selected by the user and not starting the program at all. For example, if the user selects the normal laundry treatment program and an increase in illumination or a decrease in illumination is sensed during the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may be interrupted. Alternatively, if an increase in illumination or a decrease in illumination is sensed before the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may not be started.

[0775] On the other hand, the laundry treating apparatus may perform the filter contamination measuring step independently of the abnormal illumination sensing step A1. The filter contamination may be determined by sensing a stepwise decrease in illumination according to the contamination of the main body filter 386 by the sensor part 700.

[0776] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may perform the filter sterilizing step independently of the abnormal illumination sensing step using the light emitting part 600 and the sensor part 700 .

[0777] The filter sterilization step may be automatically performed after the laundry treatment step is completed. A user may turn on and off the function of automatically performing the filter sterilization.

[0778] In the case where the function of automatically performing the filter sterilization is turned off, the filter sterilization step may be performed according to the user's setting after the laundry treatment operation is finished. The filter sterilization step may be performed only when the filter sterilization program is input in the program input / change step.

[0779] In the case where the filter sterilization step is performed, the step of using at least one of the heat pump systems (the compressor 342 , the heater part 840 , etc.) may not be performed.

[0780] 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 program is input in the program input / change step during the standby period (when storing clothes).

[0781] Therefore, the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention can perform at least one of laundry drop sensing, filter attachment and detachment sensing, filter contamination degree measurement, and filter sterilization through one light emitting unit 600 and one sensor unit 700.

[0782] Thus, the same light-emitting unit 600 and the same sensor unit 700 can be used to perform all four operations at once, namely, sensing the drop of clothing, sensing the loading and unloading of filters, measuring the contamination level of filters, and sterilizing filters. This can reduce material costs and simplify control.

[0783] Fig.46 1 is a diagram showing a control method when the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention senses abnormal illumination.

[0784] As described above, in a case where abnormal illuminance is sensed in the abnormal illuminance sensing step and the operation is interrupted, there is a problem that laundry treatment cannot be performed as desired by the user, causing inconvenience.

[0785] Therefore, in a case where an abnormal illuminance change is sensed in the abnormal illuminance sensing step and the operation is interrupted, it is necessary to make the user aware of this.

[0786] An abnormal illumination sensing step B1 may be performed to enable the laundry treating device or the control part C to sense abnormal illumination. The abnormal illumination sensing step B1 may be performed at any time before or during a laundry treating step after turning on the power of the laundry treating device.

[0787] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the laundry processing device may be provided with the sensor unit 700, and preferably the sensor unit 700 is provided with a

[0788] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may be provided with a light emitting unit 600 that emits light toward the sensor unit 700. The sensor unit 700 may be provided to sense the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600.

[0789] Therefore, in the abnormal illumination sensing step B1, the laundry processing apparatus can sense the illumination change of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 through the sensor unit 700, thereby determining at one time whether the laundry has fallen or not and whether the filter has been installed or not.

[0790] Therefore, when abnormal illuminance is sensed in the abnormal illuminance sensing step B1, the operation B2 may be immediately interrupted, and then the notification step B3 may be performed.

[0791] It may include a display unit that is disposed on the housing 100 or the door 40 and displays information transmitted by the control unit C. The control unit C may display any one of a state in which the clothes have fallen and a state in which the filter unit 380 is not installed on the display unit.

[0792] In the notification step B3, the user may be notified of the interruption of operation caused by at least one of the following: the clothes have fallen, the filter is not installed, and the sensor unit 700 cannot sense the illumination change. Thus, by making the user aware that the clothes have fallen, the filter is not installed, or the sensor unit 700 cannot sense the illumination change, it is possible to prevent the clothes from being damaged by preventing the clothes from being processed in a state where the clothes have fallen or the filter is not installed.

[0793] On the contrary, when abnormal illumination is not sensed in the abnormal illumination sensing step, the laundry processing step B4 can be started or continued. Specifically, although not shown in the figure, if the user turns on the power of the laundry processing device and is powered, the program input / change step can be performed. In the program input / change step, the user can select and input the desired program through the input unit. If the user selects the desired program, the compressor, the heater unit 840, the mobile hanger, etc. are driven according to the program. For example, when a normal laundry processing program is selected, the operation of the heater unit 840 can be started to generate steam.

[0794] Fig.47 1 is a diagram showing a control method when the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention senses abnormal illumination.

[0795] The control method of the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention may include a filter attachment and detachment sensing step C1 in which the sensor unit 700 senses a change in the illumination of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 .

[0796] In the abnormal illumination sensing step, the clothing treatment device or the control unit C can sense the illumination change of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 through the sensor unit 700, thereby determining at one time whether the clothing has fallen and whether the filter has been installed or not. Specifically, when the light is blocked by the fallen clothing and the sensor unit 700 recognizes an illumination value less than the reference value, it can be determined that the clothing has fallen, and when the light reaches the sensor unit 700 because the filter is not installed and the sensor unit 700 recognizes an illumination value greater than the reference value, it can be determined that the filter is not installed.

[0797] That is, the abnormal illumination sensing step may include an illumination change sensing step and a light blocking sensing step. The illumination change sensing step may include an illumination increase sensing step C1 and an illumination decrease sensing step C2. In the illumination increase sensing step C1, it may be determined whether the filter is installed or removed, and in the illumination decrease sensing step C2, it may be determined whether the clothes are dropped or not. The illumination increase sensing step C1 and the illumination decrease sensing step C2 may be performed simultaneously.

[0798] However, it is preferred that the illumination increase sensing step C1 is performed first after the power of the laundry processing device is turned on. This is because the sensor unit 700 may not be able to recognize the illumination value when the sensor unit 700 cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 600 due to the falling of the laundry. That is, in the abnormal illumination sensing step, the sensor unit 700 may first sense an illumination value greater than the reference value to determine whether the main body filter 386 is installed or removed.

[0799] If it is sensed in the illumination increase sensing step C1 and the illumination decrease sensing step C2 that the filter unit 380 is not installed, the control unit C may control to block the driving of at least one of the heater unit 840 and the compressor 342 even if it is determined that the clothes have not fallen.

[0800] If it is sensed in the illumination increase sensing step C1 that the filter 380 is installed, the controller C may allow the compressor 342 to be driven even if the laundry is sensed to have fallen.

[0801] In the case where an increase in illumination is sensed in the illumination increase sensing step C1, subsequent operations may not be performed and C3 may be terminated. Termination includes interrupting the program selected by the user and not starting the program at all. For example, in the case where the user selects the normal laundry treatment program and an increase in illumination is sensed during the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may be interrupted. Alternatively, in the case where an increase in illumination is sensed before the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may not be started.

[0802] When an increase in illumination is sensed in the illumination increase sensing step C1, the subsequent laundry processing step may be interrupted, and the notification step C4 may be further performed. In the notification step C4, the user may be notified that the main body filter 386 is not installed. Thus, by making the user aware that the main body filter 386 is not installed, larger foreign matter may be prevented from entering the circulation duct, and the user may be allowed to choose whether to perform the laundry processing step.

[0803] On the contrary, if the illumination change is not sensed in the illumination increase sensing step C1 and the main body filter 386 is normally installed, the illumination decrease sensing step C2 may be performed later. The falling of the laundry may be determined by the sensor part 700 recognizing an illumination value less than the reference value due to the laundry falling during the laundry treatment.

[0804] In the case where a decrease in illumination is sensed in the illumination decrease sensing step C2, the subsequent operation is not performed and C3 is terminated. Termination includes interrupting the program selected by the user and not starting the program at all. For example, in the case where the user selects the normal laundry treatment program and the illumination decrease is sensed during the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may be interrupted. Alternatively, in the case where a decrease in illumination is sensed before the operation of the heater unit 840, the operation of the heater unit 840 may not be started.

[0805] When the falling of clothes is sensed in the illumination reduction sensing step C2, the subsequent clothes processing step can be interrupted and the notification step C4 can be executed. In the notification step C4, the user can be notified of the falling of clothes. Thus, the clothes processing step can be prevented from being executed in the state where the clothes have fallen by making the user aware of the falling of clothes, thereby preventing the clothes from being damaged.

[0806] On the contrary, in the case where no laundry is sensed to have fallen in the illumination reduction sensing step C3, the laundry processing step C5 may be continued without being interrupted.

[0807] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that a person skilled in the art would be able to make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as provided in the following 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 clothes hanging part, arranged at the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging part; 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 portion, emitting light toward the filter portion and the interior of the inner shell; and A sensor part, disposed in the inner housing or the door, for sensing light emitted from the light emitting part and passing through the filter part; The light emitting part is arranged inside the machine room, and the sensor part is closer to the bottom surface of the inner shell than the clothes hanging part.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor unit is provided as a single unit, and can determine whether the clothes have been dropped or not and whether the filter unit has been installed or removed or not.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inflow body is arranged at a position further forward than the discharge pipe; The light emitting portion is disposed on the inflow body; The sensor unit is disposed on the back side of the inner housing or the door.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor unit is disposed on the inner housing or the door, and is arranged closer to the filter unit than the clothes hanging unit.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor further includes a reflecting portion that is disposed above the filter portion and guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the sensor portion.

6. The clothes treating device according to claim 5, 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.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit further determines the contamination degree of the filter unit by using the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

8. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit sterilizes the filter unit using the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

9. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: Box; An inner shell, disposed inside the box body, providing a space for accommodating clothes; A clothes hanging part, arranged at the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging part; 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, disposed on the inflow body, for filtering dust flowing from the inner shell into the machine room; a light emitting portion, arranged apart from the filter portion, and emitting light toward the filter portion and the inner shell; a sensor portion for sensing light emitted from the light emitting portion and passing through the filter portion; as well as a control unit, which determines at least one of whether the clothes have fallen, whether the filter unit has been installed or removed, and the degree of contamination of the filter unit according to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit sensed by the sensor unit; When the filter unit is installed on the inflow body and the clothes are not dropped, the sensor unit senses a first value; If the sensor portion senses a value smaller than the first value, the control portion determines that the laundry has fallen off, and if the sensor portion senses a value larger than the first value, the control portion determines that the filter portion is not mounted on the inflow body.

10. The clothes treating device according to claim 9, 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 the sensor portion senses a value smaller than the second value, the control portion determines that the filter portion is contaminated.

11. The clothes treating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The inflow body is arranged at a position further forward than the discharge pipe; The light emitting part is provided on the inflow body and is arranged at a position lower than the filter part; The sensor portion is disposed on the inner shell and is arranged closer to the filter portion than the clothes hanging portion.

12. The clothes treating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A reflecting part is also included, and the reflecting part is arranged between the filtering part and the bottom surface of the inner shell, so that the light emitted from the light emitting part is guided to the sensor part.

13. 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 clothes hanging part, arranged at the upper part of the inner shell, and the clothes are placed on the clothes hanging part; a machine room, which is in communication with the inner shell and is provided with a heater and a compressor, wherein the heater generates steam supplied to the inner shell, and the compressor pressurizes a refrigerant, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with air supplied to the inner shell; A filter unit, disposed on the inflow body, for filtering dust flowing from the inner shell into the machine room; a light emitting portion, disposed apart from the filter portion, and emitting light toward the filter portion and the inner shell; a sensor portion for sensing light emitted from the light emitting portion and passing through the filter portion; as well as a control unit that determines at least one of whether the clothes have fallen or not and whether the filter unit has been installed or not based on the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit sensed by the sensor unit, and controls at least one of the heater, the compressor, and the sensor unit; The control unit blocks driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor if any one of the dropping of the laundry and the non-installation of the filter unit is sensed.

14. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: It also includes a display unit, which is arranged on the box or the door and displays the information transmitted from the control unit; The control unit displays on the display unit any one of a state in which the clothes have fallen off and a state in which the filter unit is not mounted.

15. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: If it is sensed that the filter unit is not attached, the control unit controls to block driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor even if it is determined that the clothes have not fallen.

16. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: If it is sensed that the filter is installed, the control part allows the compressor to be driven even if it is sensed that the laundry has fallen.

17. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The control unit determines whether the filter unit is installed or removed by sensing an increase in the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit through the sensor unit, and determines whether the clothes are dropped or not by sensing a decrease in the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit through the sensor unit.

18. The clothes treating device according to claim 13, characterized in that: If the light emitted from the light emitting unit is blocked and fails to reach the sensor unit before at least one of the heater and the compressor is driven, the control unit blocks the driving of at least one of the heater and the compressor and waits.

19. 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; The clothes hanging part includes at least one clothes hanger, a power transmission part and a driving part. The clothes are placed on the clothes hanger. The power transmission part is arranged on the upper part of the inner shell. The clothes hanger is shaken. The driving part is connected to the power transmission part and provides power to shake the clothes hanger. 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 portion, emitting light toward the filter portion and the interior of the inner shell; and A sensor part, disposed in the inner housing or the door, for sensing light emitted from the light emitting part and passing through the filter part; The light emitting part is arranged inside the machine room, and the sensor part is closer to the bottom surface of the inner shell than the clothes hanging part.

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