Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus and a method for controlling the same, wherein the clothes treating apparatus cleans a circulation pipeline or a heat exchange part by using at least one of condensed water and direct-through water supplied from an external water supply source. The laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a circulation duct for guiding air discharged from a drum to the drum; a heat exchange unit which is disposed inside the circulation duct, cools the air, condenses moisture, and then heats the air; the circulating cleaning part is used for cleaning the heat exchange part by using the water collected in the water collecting part; and a straight-through water cleaning part which is provided independently from the circulation cleaning part, receives water from an external water supply source, and supplies the water to the inside of the circulation pipe to clean the inside of the circulation pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clothing treatment device with drying and self-cleaning functions. Background Technology

[0002] Clothing handling devices, such as dryers, are designed to circulate air inside the drum containing the clothes in a circulation pipe. The air is first cooled to condense moisture, then heated to generate hot air, which is then reintroduced into the drum. This continuous air circulation within the drum allows for the ongoing drying of the clothes' moisture content.

[0003] Such dryers block or minimize the inflow of external air or the outflow of air from inside the drum, thus having the advantage of being able to continuously dry large quantities of clothes without changing the humidity or temperature outside the dryer.

[0004] However, during the drying process of the clothes, not only does moisture evaporate, but foreign objects, including lint and fluff, are also separated from the clothes under the action of hot air. These separated foreign objects circulate continuously in the drum and circulation pipes, and may not only re-adhere to the clothes, but may also adhere to heat exchangers that cool or heat the air.

[0005] Over time, the size of such attached foreign objects may gradually increase, potentially obstructing the airflow in the circulation pipes and causing bacteria to multiply and rot due to the high temperature and moisture environment.

[0006] Therefore, existing dryers present the inconvenience of requiring users or managers to regularly clean up foreign objects accumulated in the heat exchangers or circulation pipes.

[0007] In recent years, dryers that can automatically clean the foreign objects using water have emerged (see Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1806241).

[0008] The dryer is equipped with a circulating cleaning system that cleans the heat exchanger by discharging the water collected after condensation back into the heat exchanger. If the dryer performs a drying operation that causes moisture to evaporate from the clothes, the evaporated water can be condensed and collected, and the heat exchanger can be automatically cleaned frequently before or after the drying operation ends. As a result, the dryer offers the convenience of not having to manually remove foreign matter adhering to the heat exchanger.

[0009] However, since this type of dryer uses water discharged from the clothes to clean the heat exchanger, the water is still very likely to contain foreign matter separated from the clothes, thus posing a problem of recontamination of the heat exchanger by foreign matter remaining in the water.

[0010] Furthermore, if the amount of water collected is small due to the low amount of water evaporated from the clothes, existing dryers have a fundamental limitation: they cannot clean the heat exchanger.

[0011] To solve this problem, a garment processing device has been developed that can supply direct water to the circulating washing section (see Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0114092).

[0012] The garment processing device supplies clean water directly from an external water source to the circulating cleaning system, which has the advantage of being able to clean the heat exchanger even when the circulating cleaning system is short of water.

[0013] However, since the garment processing device supplies water from an external water source to the heat exchanger through a circulating cleaning system that circulates condensate, there is still a possibility of foreign matter re-contaminating the heat exchanger. Furthermore, in the garment processing device, the flow path supplying direct water from the external water source is exposed to foreign matter, thus there is a possibility of blockage or contamination.

[0014] In another embodiment of the garment processing apparatus, a technique of supplying only direct-flow water to the heat exchanger is also disclosed. However, this embodiment also has the problem that when the external water supply source has low water pressure, the direct-flow water may have difficulty reaching the heat exchanger, thus preventing direct-flow water washing.

[0015] In addition, the aforementioned embodiment has the problem that the supplied direct-flow water cannot be reused to clean the heat exchange section or the circulating cleaning section again.

[0016] In addition, there is a possibility that the dryer may be damaged or obstruct the rotation of the rotating drum due to contact with the direct water supply pipe or other components.

[0017] All existing dryers have the fundamental limitation of being completely unable to clean foreign matter accumulated inside the pipes, except for the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0019] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that can use direct water supplied from an external water source to clean heat exchangers or circulation pipes.

[0020] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing cleaning device that can use direct water supplied from an external water source to clean heat exchangers or circulation pipes even when the external water supply source has low water pressure.

[0021] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that cleans heat exchangers or circulation pipes while repeatedly circulating water supplied from an external water source.

[0022] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment processing device that can prevent interference or contact between the direct water washing section and the rotating drum.

[0023] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optimal method of using a circulating cleaning unit and a direct-flow water cleaning unit, wherein the circulating cleaning unit cleans the heat exchanger and the circulating pipe by circulating condensate, and the direct-flow water cleaning unit cleans the heat exchanger and the circulating pipe by supplying direct-flow water.

[0024] Technical solutions to the problem

[0025] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a garment processing device, comprising: a water collection section connected to the circulation pipe for collecting water condensed in the heat exchange section; a circulation cleaning section for supplying the water collected in the water collection section into the circulation pipe to clean the heat exchange section; and a direct-flow water cleaning section, provided independently of the circulation cleaning section, for receiving water from an external water source and supplying it into the circulation pipe to clean the inside of the circulation pipe.

[0026] The direct-flow water cleaning section can discharge water into the area upstream or in front of the heat exchange section in the circulation pipe.

[0027] The circulation conduit may include: an inflow conduit for receiving the air inflow from the front of the drum; a moving conduit extending from the inflow conduit toward the rear of the drum, wherein the heat exchange section is disposed in the moving conduit; and an outlet conduit for discharging the air from the moving conduit toward the rear of the drum.

[0028] The circulating cleaning section can discharge water into the interior of the moving pipe, and the direct water cleaning section can discharge water into the inflow pipe.

[0029] The direct-flow water cleaning unit may include: a direct-flow water valve, attached to the back of the housing, for receiving water from the external water source; a direct-flow water pipe, extending from the direct-flow water valve to the circulation pipe; and a pipe nozzle, attached to the circulation pipe, for discharging water supplied from the direct-flow water pipe into the interior of the circulation pipe.

[0030] The circulating cleaning unit may include: a drain pump installed in the water collection unit to drain water from the water collection unit; a drain path disposed at the upper part of the moving pipe to guide the water discharged from the drain pump to the front of the heat exchange unit; a drain pipe connecting the drain pump and the drain path; and a circulating outlet penetrating the moving pipe at the end of the drain path to direct the water to the heat exchange unit.

[0031] The straight water pipe can be separated from and configured separately from the drainage pump, the drainage flow path, and the drainage pipe.

[0032] The drainage path and the drainage pipe may be shorter than the straight water pipe.

[0033] After the direct-flow water valve is opened, the drain pump can be driven.

[0034] After the direct-flow water valve is opened and the water collection section reaches full water level, the drain pump can be driven.

[0035] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a water storage tank for separately storing the water in the water collection section, and the circulating washing section may further include a switching valve, which is connected to the moving pipe to determine whether the water in the water collection section is discharged into the water storage tank or the drainage path.

[0036] When the direct water valve is opened first and the water collection section reaches full water level, the switching valve can be controlled to direct the water collected in the water collection section to the water storage tank. If the direct water valve is opened again and the water collection section reaches full water level again, the switching valve can be controlled to direct the water collected in the water collection section to the drainage path.

[0037] The direct-flow water cleaning section can discharge water into the area of ​​the circulation pipe located upstream of the heat exchange section or in front of the heat exchanger.

[0038] The circulation pipe may include: an inflow pipe that receives the air inflow from the front of the drum and is disposed on the upper part of the heat exchanger; a moving pipe that extends from the inflow pipe to the rear of the drum, and the heat exchange section is disposed on the moving pipe; and an outlet pipe that discharges the air from the moving pipe to the rear of the drum; the direct water cleaning section can discharge water into the interior of the inflow pipe.

[0039] It may also include a filter unit, which is detachably disposed in the inflow pipe to filter air flowing into the inflow pipe, and the direct water cleaning unit can supply water to a position higher than the lower end of the filter unit.

[0040] The direct-flow water cleaning unit may include: a direct-flow water valve, attached to the back of the housing, for receiving water from the external water source; a direct-flow water pipe, extending from the direct-flow water valve to the inflow pipe; and a pipe nozzle, attached to the inflow pipe, for discharging water supplied from the direct-flow water pipe into the interior of the inflow pipe.

[0041] The pipe nozzle may include: a guide pipe, coupled to the inflow pipe, for guiding water supplied from the straight pipe into the interior of the inflow pipe; a guide pipe, communicating with the guide pipe, extending along at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe and guiding the water; and a pipe outlet, penetrating the guide pipe, for spraying the water into the interior of the inflow pipe.

[0042] The outlet of the pipe can discharge water at an angle toward the inner wall of the inflow pipe.

[0043] The outlet of the pipe allows water to be discharged vertically from the inner circumference of the inflow pipe toward the moving pipe.

[0044] The water outlet of the pipe may include: a first outlet that penetrates the lower part of the guide pipe along at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe; and a second outlet that penetrates the lower part of the guide pipe at a position closer to the interior of the inflow pipe than the first outlet.

[0045] The first outlet can discharge water toward the inner surface of the inflow pipe, and the second outlet can discharge water toward the moving pipe.

[0046] It may also include a filter unit, which is detachably disposed in the inflow pipe to filter air flowing into the inflow pipe, and the guide pipe may accommodate the filter unit.

[0047] The guide pipe can be configured to prevent internal exposure except for the pipe outlet, so as to temporarily store water flowing in from the guide pipe.

[0048] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet of the pipeline can be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe.

[0049] The straight-through water valve can be configured at a position lower than the drum and higher than the heat exchange section.

[0050] The straight water pipe can be configured to extend to one side of the circulation pipe.

[0051] Invention Effects

[0052] The present invention has the effect of using direct water supplied from an external water source to clean heat exchangers or circulating pipes.

[0053] This invention has the effect of cleaning heat exchangers or circulating pipes using direct water supplied from an external water source, even when the external water supply is at low pressure.

[0054] The present invention has the effect of cleaning heat exchangers or circulation pipes while repeatedly circulating water supplied from an external water source.

[0055] The present invention has the effect of preventing interference or contact between the direct water cleaning section and the rotating drum.

[0056] The present invention has the advantage of providing an optimal method of using a circulating cleaning unit and a direct-flow water cleaning unit, wherein the circulating cleaning unit cleans the heat exchanger and the circulating pipe by circulating condensate, and the direct-flow water cleaning unit cleans the heat exchanger and the circulating pipe by supplying direct-flow water. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the garment processing device of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the garment processing device of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the reducer of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the reducer of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the air circulation structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the drive unit of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the configuration structure of the motor section and the reducer of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 9 This diagram shows the combined configuration of the motor and reducer of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of the circulating cleaning section of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the base of the garment handling device of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of the shielding pipe cover of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the water supply in the circulating cleaning section of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the front or upstream region of the circulation pipe 820 of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the direct water washing section of the garment treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 16 This diagram shows the location of the configurable direct-flow water cleaning unit.

[0073] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the structure of the direct-flow water cleaning section.

[0074] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the specific structure of the pipe nozzle.

[0075] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the structure of the water outlet of the pipe.

[0076] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the filtration section and the direct water cleaning section.

[0077] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the effect of exporting the nozzle from the pipe.

[0078] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating the control method of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a control method utilizing a circulating cleaning unit and a direct-flow water cleaning unit in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the garment treatment apparatus of the present invention performing the detection step using a direct-flow water washing unit and a circulating water washing unit.

[0081] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates a method for performing a direct water cleaning step when the water pressure of the external water supply source is normal or high.

[0082] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates a method for performing a direct water cleaning step when the water pressure from the external water supply source is low.

[0083] Figure 27This is a diagram illustrating the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention when direct water supply is unavailable. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention.

[0085] However, the present invention can be implemented in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, for clarity of illustration, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings, and similar reference numerals have been used for similar parts throughout the specification.

[0086] In this specification, repeated descriptions of the same constituent elements are omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, in this specification, when a component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly linked to the other component, or that other components may exist between them. Conversely, in this specification, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that no other components exist between them.

[0088] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0089] In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated in the context, the expression of the singular may include the expression of the plural.

[0090] Furthermore, it should be understood in this specification that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended only to indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0091] Additionally, in this specification, the term "and / or" includes a combination of the plurality of contents described or one of the plurality of contents described. In this specification, "A or B" can include "A", "B", or "A and B".

[0092] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0093] A garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 100 forming the exterior.

[0094] The housing 100 may include a front panel 110 forming the front of the garment handling device, an upper panel 150 forming the top surface, and side panels 140 forming the sides. The side panels 140 may include a left panel 141 forming the left side. The front panel 110 may be provided with an opening 111 and a door 130, the opening 111 being configured to communicate with the interior of the housing 100, and the door 130 being rotatably connected to the housing 100 to open and close the opening 111.

[0095] An operation panel 117 may be provided on the front panel 110. The operation panel 117 may include an input unit 118 and a display unit 119. The input unit 118 receives control commands from the user, and the display unit 119 outputs information such as control commands that the user can select. The control commands may include a drying program or drying options capable of performing a series of drying operations. A control box (see reference) may be provided inside the housing 100. Figure 10 The control box controls the internal components to execute the control commands input through the input unit 118. The control box can be connected to the internal components of the garment handling device and control the corresponding components to execute the input commands.

[0096] The input unit 118 may include a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the clothing processing device, a program input unit that allows the user to select a desired program from a plurality of programs, and a program execution request unit that requests the start of the program selected by the user.

[0097] The display unit 119 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and graphics and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds.

[0098] On the other hand, the garment processing device of the present invention may include a water storage tank 120, which is configured to separately store the moisture generated during the drying process of the garments. The water storage tank 120 may include a handle that can be extended outward from one side of the front panel 110. The water storage tank 120 may be configured to collect condensate generated during the drying operation. Thus, the user can remove the water storage tank 120 from the housing 100, remove the condensate, and then reinstall it into the housing 100. Therefore, the garment processing device of the present invention can also be configured in locations without drains or similar features.

[0099] On the other hand, the water tank 120 can be positioned above the door 130. This allows the user to extend the water tank 120 from the front panel 110 with relatively less bending, thus improving user convenience.

[0100] Figure 2This is a simplified diagram showing the interior of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a roller 200 housed inside the housing 100 and holding garments, a drive unit for rotating the roller 200, a heat exchange unit 900 configured to supply hot air to the roller 200, and a base 800 provided with a circulation pipe 820. The circulation pipe 820 communicates with the roller 200. Air discharged from the roller 200 can be supplied to the circulation pipe 820. Additionally, air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 can be re-supplied to the roller 200.

[0101] The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the roller 200. The drive unit may be directly connected to the roller 200 to rotate it. For example, the drive unit may be of the DD (Direct Drive Unit) type. Thus, the drive unit eliminates the need for belts and pulleys, directly rotating the roller 200, thereby allowing control over the rotation direction or speed of the roller 200.

[0102] The motor unit 500 can rotate at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at an RPM much higher than that which would allow the clothes inside the roller 200 to rotate while still attached to the inner wall of the roller 200.

[0103] However, when the clothes inside the drum 200 rotate while continuously attached to the inner wall of the drum 200, the part attached to the inner wall of the drum cannot be exposed to hot air, thus resulting in a decrease in drying efficiency.

[0104] If the rotor 520 is rotated at a low RPM to cause the clothes to roll or be agitated inside the drum 200 without adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200, problems may arise in which the output or torque that the drive unit can generate cannot be used properly.

[0105] Therefore, the drive unit of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a reducer 600, which can use the maximum output of the motor unit 500 and increase torque by reducing RPM.

[0106] Additionally, the drive unit may include a roller rotation shaft 6341, which is connected to the roller 200 to rotate the roller 200.

[0107] The drum 200 can be formed in a cylindrical shape and is capable of holding clothes. Furthermore, unlike a drum used for washing, the drum 200 used only for drying does not require water to be added inside, nor does it require draining any condensed liquid water inside the drum 200 to the outside. Therefore, the through-holes provided along the circumferential surface of the drum 200 can be omitted. That is, the drum 200 used only for drying can be formed differently from the drum 200 used for washing.

[0108] The roller 200 can be formed as a single cylindrical shape, but it can also be made into a shape that combines a roller body 210 with a roller back face 220.

[0109] An inlet 211 for loading and unloading clothes can be provided at the front of the drum body 210. A drive unit for rotating the drum can be connected to the rear of the drum back 220. The drum body 210 and the drum back 220 can be connected by fastening components such as bolts, but are not limited to this. Various methods can be used to connect them, as long as the drum body 210 and the drum back 220 can rotate together.

[0110] The drum body 210 may be provided with lifting ribs 213 to pull the clothes contained inside upwards, so that the clothes inside can be mixed as the drum rotates. When the drum 200 rotates, the clothes inside are repeatedly raised and lowered by the lifting ribs 213. The clothes inside the drum 200 can be evenly contacted with hot air while repeatedly rising and falling. Therefore, it has the effect of improving drying efficiency and shortening drying time.

[0111] Reinforcing beads 212 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the roller body 210. The reinforcing beads 212 may be arranged to be recessed or protruding from the inside / outside along the circumferential surface of the roller 200. A plurality of such reinforcing beads may be provided and spaced apart from each other. The reinforcing beads may be in a prescribed pattern and disposed inside / outside the circumferential surface.

[0112] The reinforcing beads 212 increase the rigidity of the drum body 210. Therefore, even when a large amount of clothing is contained within the drum body 210, or when a sudden rotational force is received by the drive unit, the drum body 210 can be prevented from twisting. Furthermore, compared to a case where the circumferential surface of the drum body 210 is flat, the reinforcement beads 212 increase the gap between the clothing and the inner circumferential surface, allowing hot air supplied to the drum 200 to flow more effectively between the clothing and the drum 200. The reinforcement beads improve the durability of the drum and enhance the drying efficiency of the clothing handling apparatus.

[0113] Typically, in the case of a DD-type washing machine, the drive unit is coupled to and fixed to the outer tub that houses the drum 200, and the drum 200 can be coupled to the drive unit and supported on the outer tub. However, since the garment handling device of the present invention centrally performs the drying operation, the outer tub that is fixed to the housing 100 to house the drum 200 is omitted.

[0114] Therefore, the garment processing device of the present invention may further include a support part 400, which is configured to fix or support the roller 200 or the drive part inside the housing 100.

[0115] The support portion 400 may include a front plate 410 disposed in front of the roller 200 and a rear plate 420 disposed behind the roller 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be formed in a plate shape and configured to face the front and rear of the roller 200, respectively. The spacing between the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be set to be the same as the length of the roller 200 or longer than the length of the roller 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be fixed and supported on the bottom surface of the housing 100 or the base 800.

[0116] The front panel 410 can be disposed between the front panel forming the front side of the housing and the roller 200. Additionally, the front panel 410 may be provided with an insertion connection hole 412 communicating with the insertion port 211. Because the front panel 410 has the insertion connection hole 412, the front side of the roller 200 is supported, and clothing can be inserted into or removed from the roller 200.

[0117] The front plate 410 may include a pipe connection portion 416 disposed on the lower side of the inlet communication hole 412. The pipe connection portion 416 may form the lower side surface of the front plate 410.

[0118] The front plate 410 may include a pipe connection hole 417 extending through the pipe connection portion 416. The pipe connection hole 417 may be hollow and guide the air discharged through the roller inlet 211 to the lower side of the roller 200. Alternatively, the air discharged through the roller 211 may be guided to a circulation pipe 820 located at the lower part of the roller 200.

[0119] A filter section (not shown) may be provided in the pipe connection hole 417 to filter out lint or larger particles generated by clothing. The filter section can prevent foreign objects from accumulating inside the clothing processing device by filtering the air discharged from the roller 200, thus preventing foreign objects from accumulating and hindering air circulation.

[0120] Since the inlet 211 is located at the front, it is more preferable for the drive unit to be located on the rear plate 420 than on the front plate 410. The drive unit can be mounted and supported on the rear plate 420. Thus, via the rear plate 420, the drive unit can rotate the roller 200 in a stable and fixed position.

[0121] At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 can support the roller 200 to be rotatable. At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 can accommodate the front end or rear end of the roller 200 to be rotatable.

[0122] For example, the front of the roller 200 can be rotatably supported on the front plate 410, and the rear of the roller 200 can be spaced apart from the rear plate 420 and connected to the motor part 500 mounted on the rear plate 420 to indirectly support the rear plate 420. This minimizes the area of ​​contact or friction between the roller 200 and the support part 400, and prevents the generation of unnecessary noise or vibration.

[0123] Of course, the roller 200 can also be configured to be rotatably supported on the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420.

[0124] One or more support wheels 415 may be provided on the lower part of the front plate 410 to support the front of the roller 200. The support wheels 415 may be rotatably disposed on the back side of the front plate 410. The support wheels 415 may rotate in contact with the lower part of the roller 200.

[0125] When the roller 200 rotates via the drive unit, the roller 200 can be supported by the roller rotation shaft 6341 connected to the rear. When clothing is contained inside the roller 200, the load applied to the roller rotation shaft 6341 may increase due to the clothing. Therefore, there is a risk that the roller rotation shaft 6341 may bend due to the load.

[0126] With the support wheel 415 supporting the lower front part of the roller 200, the load applied to the roller rotation shaft 6341 can be reduced. This prevents the roller rotation shaft 6341 from bending and avoids noise caused by vibration.

[0127] The support wheels 415 can be positioned symmetrically to each other with respect to the rotation center of the roller 200 and support the load of the roller 200. Preferably, the support wheels 415 are respectively located on the lower left and right sides of the roller 200 to support the roller 200. However, this is not a limitation, and more support wheels 415 can be provided depending on the operating environment of the roller 200.

[0128] The circulation pipe 820 provided on the base 800 can form a flow path that circulates the air inside the roller 200 and allows it to flow back into the roller 200.

[0129] The circulation pipe 820 may include an inflow pipe 821, an outflow pipe 823, and a moving pipe 822. Air discharged from the drum 200 flows into the inflow pipe 821, the outflow pipe 823 supplies air to the drum 200, and the moving pipe 822 connects the inflow pipe 821 and the outflow pipe 823.

[0130] When air is discharged from the front of the roller 200, the moving pipe 822 can be located on the front side of the circulation pipe 820. Furthermore, the discharge pipe 823 can be located on the rear side of the circulation pipe 820.

[0131] The discharge pipe 823 may further include an air supply pipe 8231 for discharging air to the outside of the circulation pipe 820. The air supply pipe 8231 may be located on the rear side of the discharge pipe 823. The air discharged through the air supply pipe 8231 may move toward the roller 200.

[0132] A pipe cover 830 may be attached to the upper side of the circulation pipe 820, thereby covering a portion of the open top surface of the circulation pipe 820. The pipe cover 830 prevents air from flowing out of the circulation pipe 820. In other words, the pipe cover 830 can form a flow path for air circulation.

[0133] Additionally, the heat exchange unit 900 provided on the base 800 may include an evaporator 910 and a condenser 920. The evaporator 910 is provided inside the circulation pipe 820 and cools the air, while the condenser 920 is provided inside the circulation pipe 820 and heats the air cooled by the evaporator 910.

[0134] The evaporator 910 dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum 200, and the condenser 920 heats the dehumidified air. The heated air can be resupplyed to the drum 200 to dry the clothes contained therein.

[0135] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 may be composed of heat exchangers for refrigerant flow.

[0136] The refrigerant moving along the evaporator 910 and condenser 920 can be configured to exchange heat with the air discharged from the drum 200.

[0137] The heat exchange unit 900 may include a circulating flow path fan 950, which is disposed in the circulating duct 820 to generate airflow inside the circulating duct 820. Additionally, the heat exchange unit 900 may also include a circulating flow path fan motor 951 to rotate the circulating flow path fan 950. The circulating flow path fan 950 can receive rotational power generated by the circulating flow path fan motor 951 to rotate. If the circulating flow path fan 950 is operating, the air that has been dehumidified by the evaporator 910 and heated by the condenser 920 can move towards the rear of the drum 200.

[0138] The circulating flow path fan 950 can be installed in any one of the inflow pipe 821, the moving pipe 822, and the discharge pipe 823. Since the circulating flow path fan 950 rotates, noise may be generated when it operates. Therefore, preferably, the circulating flow path fan 950 is positioned behind the circulating pipe 820.

[0139] The circulating flow path fan 950 can be installed in the air supply duct 8231. Additionally, the circulating flow path fan motor 951 can be located behind the air supply duct 8231. When the circulating flow path fan 950 rotates via the circulating flow path fan motor 951, air inside the circulating duct 820 can be discharged to the outside of the circulating duct 820 via the air supply duct 8231.

[0140] To facilitate the user in removing clothing from inside the roller 200, the inlet 211 of the roller 200 is preferably positioned at a relatively high location. Therefore, the circulation pipe 820 and the heat exchange section 900 are preferably located at the lower part of the roller 200.

[0141] A rear plate 420 may be provided behind the roller 200 to guide air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 to the roller 200. The rear plate 420 may be spaced apart from the back surface 220 of the roller. The circulation pipe 820 may receive air from inside the roller 200 through the front plate 410 and supply air to the roller 200 through the rear plate 420. Air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 may be guided to the roller 200 after passing through the rear plate 420.

[0142] The base 800 may also include a connector 850 that guides air discharged from the circulation conduit 820 to the rear plate 420. The connector 850 can guide the discharged air to diffuse evenly throughout the entire area of ​​the rear plate 420.

[0143] The connector 850 can be installed in the air supply duct 8231. That is, the connector 850 can direct the air discharged from the air supply duct 8231 to the rear plate 420. The hot air supplied to the rear plate 420 can flow into the interior of the roller 200 through the back side 220 of the roller.

[0144] The roller 200 of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention can rotate by direct connection to a drive unit located at the rear of the roller 200, rather than indirectly by connection to a belt or the like. Therefore, unlike conventional dryers where the roller is cylindrical and open at the front and rear, the rear of the roller of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention can be covered and directly connected to the drive unit.

[0145] As described above, the roller 200 may include a roller body 210 formed in a cylindrical shape and for holding clothing, and a roller back surface 220 attached to the rear of the roller body 210 and forming the back surface of the roller.

[0146] The roller back surface 220 can shield the rear of the roller body 210 to provide a mating surface for direct engagement with the drive unit. That is, the roller back surface 220 can connect to the drive unit to receive rotational power and rotate the entire roller 200. As a result, an inlet 211 for inserting clothing can be formed at the front of the roller body 210, and the rear of the roller body 210 can be shielded by the roller back surface 220.

[0147] A bushing portion 300 connecting the drive unit and the roller back surface 220 may be provided on the roller back surface 220. The bushing portion 300 may be disposed on the roller back surface 220 and form the rotation center of the roller 200. The bushing portion 300 may be integrally formed with the roller back surface 220, but in order to securely connect with the rotating shaft transmitting power, it may be formed of a material with higher rigidity or durability than the roller back surface 220. The bushing portion 300 may be positioned on the roller back surface 220 and coaxial with the rotation center of the roller back surface 220.

[0148] The roller back surface 220 may include a peripheral portion 221 that engages with the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 210, and a mounting plate 222 disposed on the inner side of the peripheral portion 221 and capable of engaging with the drive unit. The bushing portion 300 may be mounted and engaged with the mounting plate 222. The rotation shaft that rotates the roller can be engaged with the mounting plate 222 via the bushing portion 300, thereby achieving a more secure engagement. Furthermore, deformation of the roller back surface 220 can be prevented.

[0149] The roller back surface 220 may include suction holes 224, which are formed between the peripheral portion 221 and the mounting plate 222 and connect the front and rear sides of the roller back surface 220. Hot air supplied through the circulation pipe 820 can flow into the interior of the roller body 210 through the suction holes 224. The suction holes 224 may be a plurality of holes penetrating the roller back surface 220, or a mesh in the form of a screen.

[0150] A drive unit for rotating the roller 200 may be disposed behind the rear plate 420. The drive unit may include a motor 500 that generates rotational power and a reducer 600 that reduces the rotational force of the motor 500 and transmits it to the roller 200.

[0151] A motor unit 500 may be disposed at the rear of the rear plate 420. Furthermore, the motor unit 500 may be coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420 using the reducer 600.

[0152] The reducer 600 can be fixed to the back of the rear plate 420, and the motor part 500 can be coupled to the back of the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 can provide a support surface for supporting the reducer 600 or the motor part 500. However, it is not limited to this; the motor part 500 can also be coupled to the rear plate 420.

[0153] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of the garment processing device separated from each other.

[0154] A garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a roller 200 for holding garments, a front plate 410 supporting the front of the roller, a rear plate 420 located behind the roller, a base 800 disposed at the lower part of the roller and providing a space for air circulation inside the roller or for condensation of moisture contained in the air, a motor unit 510, 520, 540 located behind the roller and providing rotational power to the roller, a reducer 600 for reducing the rotation of the motor unit and transmitting it to the roller, and a rear cover 430 combined with the rear plate 420 and preventing the motor unit from being exposed to the outside.

[0155] The base 800 may include a circulation pipe 820, which is connected to the roller 200, through which air flows into the circulation pipe 820 from the roller or is discharged from the circulation pipe 820 to the roller.

[0156] The front plate 410 may include a front panel 411 forming the front surface and an insertion communication hole 412 passing through the front panel 411 and communicating with the roller 200. The front plate 410 may be provided with a front washer 413, which is disposed on the back side of the front panel 411, configured to surround the radially outer side of the insertion communication hole 412, and to accommodate a portion of the roller body 210.

[0157] The front gasket 413 supports the roller body 210 to allow it to rotate and to contact the outer or inner circumferential surface of the inlet 211. The front gasket 413 prevents hot air from leaking from inside the roller 200 between the roller body 210 and the front plate 410. The front gasket 413 can be made of a plastic resin or elastomer, and additional sealing members can be added to the front gasket 413 to prevent clothing or hot air from detaching from the roller body 210 to the front plate 410.

[0158] On the other hand, the front plate 410 may include a pipe connection hole 417 that penetrates the inner peripheral surface of the inlet connection hole 412. In addition, the front plate 410 may include a pipe connection portion 416 that extends downward toward the pipe connection hole 417 to form a flow path connecting the roller body 210 and the circulation pipe 820.

[0159] The pipe connection 416 can communicate with the roller body 210 through the pipe connection hole 417. Air discharged from the roller body 210 can flow into the pipe connection 416 through the pipe connection hole 417 and be guided to the circulation pipe 820. Since the air discharged from the roller body 210 is guided to the circulation pipe 820 by the pipe connection 416, it has the effect of preventing air from flowing out of the roller.

[0160] The pipe connection 416 may be provided with a filter element (not shown), which prevents foreign objects or lint from flowing into the circulation pipe 820 by filtering foreign objects or lint from the air discharged from the roller 200.

[0161] The front panel 410 may be provided with a support wheel 415, which is rotatably disposed on the back of the front panel 411 and supports the lower part of the roller 200. The support wheel 415 supports the front of the roller 200, thereby preventing the rotating shaft connected to the roller from bending.

[0162] The front panel 410 may be provided with a water tank support hole 414, which penetrates the front panel 411 and stores the condensate generated during the drying process in a water tank 120 (see reference). Figure 1The water tank can be extended or supported through the water tank support hole 414. When the water tank support hole 414 is located on the upper side, the user does not need to bend over when extending the water tank, thus improving user convenience.

[0163] The roller 200 for holding clothes may include a roller body 210 with an inlet 211 for clothes to enter and exit at the front and a roller back 220 forming the rear side.

[0164] The back surface of the roller 220 may include a peripheral portion 221 connected to the roller body 210, an intake hole 224 formed through the inner side of the peripheral portion 221 and penetrating the back surface of the roller 220, and a mounting plate 222 disposed at the rotation center of the back surface of the roller 220 and coupled to the rotation shaft. Air can flow into the rear of the roller through the intake hole 224.

[0165] The roller back surface 220 may further include reinforcing ribs 225 extending from the peripheral portion 221 toward the center of rotation. The reinforcing ribs 225 may extend away from the suction hole 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 have the effect of preventing the rigidity of the roller back surface 220 from decreasing due to the suction hole 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 may be formed radially from the outer peripheral surface of the mounting plate 222 toward the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion 221.

[0166] Additionally, the roller back surface 220 may also include circumferential ribs 227, which extend circumferentially along the roller back surface 220 to connect the reinforcing ribs 225 to each other. The suction hole 224 may be disposed between each of the reinforcing ribs 225, the circumferential ribs 227, and the peripheral portion 221. The reinforcing ribs 225 and the circumferential ribs 227 have the effect of preventing deformation even when the roller back surface 220 receives rotational force from the motor portion 500.

[0167] The inflow pipe 821 can communicate with the pipe communication hole 417 of the front plate 410 and with the flow path disposed inside the front plate 410. The moving pipe 822 can extend from the end of the inflow pipe 821 to the rear of the roller 200, and the discharge pipe 823 can be disposed at the end of the moving pipe 822 and guide the air to the roller 200.

[0168] The air supply duct 8231 can be located downstream of the discharge duct 823, and the air supply duct 8231 can provide space for installing a circulating flow path fan. If the circulating flow path fan is running, the air flowing into the inflow duct 821 can be discharged to the upper part of the air supply duct 8231.

[0169] On the other hand, a heat exchange section 900 may be provided in the base 800, which is capable of cooling and heating the air circulating inside the drum 200. The heat exchange section 900 may include a compressor 930 connected to the evaporator and condenser and supplying compressed refrigerant. The compressor 930 may be configured not to exchange heat directly with the circulating air, and therefore may be located outside the circulation duct 820.

[0170] Additionally, the heat exchange section may include a circulating flow path fan motor 951 supported at the rear of the air supply duct 8231 and used to rotate the circulating flow path fan. The circulating flow path fan motor 951 may be integrated at the rear of the air supply duct 8231.

[0171] On the other hand, the garment processing device of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a connector 850, which is connected to the circulation pipe 820 and directs the hot air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 to the rear of the roller 200 or the back plate 420.

[0172] The connector 850 can be disposed on the upper part of the discharge pipe 823, and directs the hot air heated by the condenser 920 towards the upper part of the discharge pipe 823. Additionally, the connector 850 can be attached to an opening located on the upper side of the air supply pipe 8231.

[0173] The connector 850 can be configured to form a flow path within itself. The connector 850 can uniformly guide the airflow generated by the circulating flow path fan towards the rear plate 420. That is, the connector 850 can be configured such that the area of ​​its flow path increases as it moves away from the air supply duct 8231.

[0174] The rear plate 420 can be combined with or supported on the base 800, and is located behind the roller 200. The rear plate 420 may include a rear panel 421 and a pipe portion 423. The rear panel 421 faces the front plate 410, and the pipe portion 423 is recessed in the rear panel 421 to form an airflow path, guiding the air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 to the roller.

[0175] The rear panel 420 may include a mounting portion 425 that is coupled to or supports the drive unit. The mounting portion 425 may extend through the rear panel 421 and be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the pipe portion 423. The mounting portion 425 may be spaced radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the pipe portion 423.

[0176] Here, as described above, the drive unit can refer to the combination of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500. Alternatively, the drive unit can refer only to the motor unit 500. That is, the configuration that generates power and transmits rotational power to the drum can be called the drive unit.

[0177] The drive unit can be mounted on the mounting portion 425. The mounting portion 425 can support the load of the drive unit. The drive unit can be connected to the roller 200 while supported on the mounting portion 425.

[0178] The conduit section 423 can accommodate a portion of the roller back surface 220. The conduit section 423, together with the roller back surface 220, can form a flow path for air movement.

[0179] The drive unit can be configured in the mounting portion 425 to prevent interference with the pipe portion 423. That is, the drive unit can be arranged radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the pipe portion 423. The drive unit can be provided in the mounting portion 425 and exposed to the rearward to be cooled by external air.

[0180] The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the roller 200. The motor unit 500 may include a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor 520 configured to rotate through the stator 510.

[0181] The rotor 520 may be an external rotor type that houses the stator 510 and rotates along the periphery of the stator 510. In this case, the rotor 520 may also be combined with a drive shaft that passes through the stator 510 and the mounting portion 425 to directly connect with the roller 200. In this case, the rotor 520 can directly transmit the power to rotate the roller 200.

[0182] The rotor 520 can be connected to the drive shaft via a washer portion 540. The washer portion 540 performs the function of connecting the drive shaft and the rotor 520. The washer portion 540 increases the contact area between the rotor 520 and the drive shaft, thus enabling more efficient transmission of the rotation of the rotor 520.

[0183] The reducer 600 can connect the motor unit 500 and the drum 200. The reducer 600 can rotate the drum 200 by converting the power from the motor unit 500. The reducer 600 can be configured between the motor unit 500 and the drum 200, and receives the power from the motor unit 500, converts it, and then transmits it to the drum 200. The reducer 600 can convert the rotor's RPM to a lower RPM and increase the torque value before transmitting it to the drum 200.

[0184] Specifically, the reducer 600 can be coupled to the rotor 520 and to a drive shaft that rotates together with the rotor 520. The reducer 600 includes a gear assembly that meshes with and rotates within the reducer 600 to the drive shaft, changing the RPM of the drive shaft and increasing the torque. The gear assembly can be connected to a roller rotating shaft coupled to the roller 200 to rotate the roller. Therefore, while the drive shaft 530 rotates, the roller rotating shaft, although rotating at a slower RPM than the drive shaft, can rotate with a greater torque.

[0185] The performance of this reducer 600 depends on whether the drive shaft and the roller rotating shaft can remain coaxial. That is, if the drive shaft and the roller rotating shaft are misaligned, there is a risk that the connection between the components forming the gear engagement inside the reducer 600 and at least one of the drive shaft and the roller rotating shaft may become loose or disengaged. Therefore, it is possible that the power from the drive shaft cannot be properly transmitted to the roller rotating shaft, or that the drive shaft may idle.

[0186] In addition, even if the drive shaft and the roller rotation shaft are temporarily misaligned, the gears inside the reducer 600 may misalign and collide with each other, which may cause unnecessary vibration or noise.

[0187] In addition, if the angle of temporary misalignment between the drive shaft and the roller rotation shaft is severe, there is a risk that the reducer 600 may completely detach from its designated position and break.

[0188] To prevent this, clothing handling devices with speed reducers generally prefer to fix the speed reducer 600 and the motor 500 to a support that will not deform and will maintain its original state even if external forces are applied.

[0189] For example, in the case of a washing machine, the following method can be used: the outer tub housing the drum is first fixed to the casing, and then the motor and the reducer are fixed to a rigid bearing housing that is injection-molded and built into the outer tub. Thus, even if considerable vibration occurs in the outer tub, the reducer and the drive unit can tilt or vibrate together with the bearing housing or the fixed steel plate. As a result, the reducer and the drive unit remain in their original, always-connected state, and the drive shaft and the rotation shaft remain coaxial.

[0190] However, since the garment handling device of the present invention is a dryer, the outer drum fixed inside the housing is omitted. Furthermore, the back panel of the housing is made of a relatively thin plate, so even if the stator 510 is fixed, the back panel is prone to vibration or bending due to repulsive force when the rotor 520 rotates. If the back panel vibrates or even temporarily bends, the rotation centers of the reducer 600 and the motor 500, which are configured in conjunction with the drum 200, may become misaligned.

[0191] Furthermore, since the back panel is formed of a relatively thin steel plate, it may be difficult to support the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500. For example, when the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are attached side-by-side to the back panel, the overall length and weight of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 generate a rotational torque, which may cause the reducer 600 to sag downwards. As a result, the roller rotation axis attached to the roller may be misaligned with the reducer 600, thus failing to maintain coaxiality with the drive shaft.

[0192] On the other hand, it is possible to integrate the stator 510 into the back plate 420 to support the motor unit 500. When the inside of the roller 200 contains a large amount of clothing or is eccentric, the roller rotation shaft may become misaligned with the arrangement of the clothing whenever the roller 200 rotates. In this case, since the stator 510 is separate from the roller 200 and fixed to the back plate 420, the roller rotation shaft may vibrate with a different amplitude or tilt at a different angle than the stator 510. Therefore, it may be impossible to maintain the coaxiality of the roller rotation shaft and the drive shaft.

[0193] From another perspective, the roller 200 can be supported by the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420, and its position can be fixed to a predetermined degree. Therefore, the position of the roller rotation shaft coupled with the roller 200 is also fixed to a predetermined degree. Thus, even if the roller 200 vibrates, the vibration can be buffered by at least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420.

[0194] However, when the vibration generated by the roller 200 is transmitted to the motor unit 500, even if the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are fixed to the rear plate 420, the amplitude of the vibration of the motor unit 500 and the rear plate 420 may be larger than the amplitude of the vibration of the roller rotation shaft. In this case, the drive shaft and the roller rotation shaft may also fail to remain coaxial.

[0195] To solve this problem, the garment handling apparatus of the present invention can integrate and fix the motor unit 500 to the reducer 600. In other words, the reducer 600 itself can serve as a reference point for the entire drive unit. That is, the reducer 600 can serve as a reference for the vibration and tilt angle of the entire drive unit.

[0196] Since the motor 500 is fixed only to the reducer 600 and not to other components of the garment handling device, when vibration or external force is transmitted to the drive unit, the motor 500 can always tilt or vibrate simultaneously with the reducer 600 when the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates.

[0197] As a result, the reducer 600 and the motor 500 can form a vibration system, and the reducer 600 and the motor 500 can remain fixed without relative movement relative to each other.

[0198] The stator 510 in the motor unit 500 can be directly coupled and fixed to the reducer 600. This allows the position of the drive shaft 530 relative to the reducer 600 to remain unchanged. The center of the drive shaft 530 and the center of the reducer 600 can be configured to coincide, allowing the drive shaft 530 to rotate while remaining coaxial with the center of the reducer 600.

[0199] The first axis M1 can refer to an imaginary line extending in the front-back direction along the rotation center of the roller 200. That is, the first axis M1 can be set to be parallel to the X-axis.

[0200] The second axis M2 and the third axis M3 can refer to imaginary lines extending from the front of the garment handling device to the upper rear side. That is, the second axis M2 and the third axis M3 can be set to be parallel to the XZ plane or orthogonal to the Y axis.

[0201] The first shaft M1 and the second shaft M2 may cross each other in the reducer 600. Additionally, the first shaft M1 and the third shaft M3 may cross each other in the mounting portion 425.

[0202] The reducer 600 and the motor 500 can be designed to be arranged along a first axis M1 parallel to the ground when the roller 200 is not under load or the motor 500 is not in operation.

[0203] However, when the roller 200 or the motor 500 vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the reducer 600, causing the reducer 600 to tilt. Therefore, the reducer 600 can temporarily be in a tilted state along the second axis M2.

[0204] At this time, the motor unit 500 is engaged with the reducer 600, and therefore can vibrate or tilt together with the reducer 600. Therefore, the motor unit 500 can be arranged parallel to the reducer 600 on the second shaft M2. Therefore, the drive shaft and the roller rotation shaft can also be arranged parallel to each other along the second shaft M2.

[0205] As a result, even if the reducer 600 is tilted, the motor 500 can move as a unit with the reducer 600, and the drive shaft and the roller rotation shaft can remain coaxial.

[0206] The reducer 600 can be coupled to and fixed to the rear plate 420. In this case, the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates while coupled to the rear plate 420, so the rear plate 420 can be considered to act as the center of the vibration system including the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, and the roller 200. In this case, the motor unit 500 can also be coupled to and fixed only to the reducer 600, without being directly coupled to the rear plate 420.

[0207] When the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, and the roller 200 are arranged parallel to the first axis M1, the reducer 600 may tilt parallel to the third axis M3 due to vibrations of the roller 200 or the motor unit 500. The third axis M3 can be connected to the reducer 600, which is coupled to the rear plate 420. In this case, since the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are coupled, the motor unit 500 can also tilt parallel to the third axis M3 in the same way as the reducer 600.

[0208] As a result, the motor unit 500 and the roller 200 can be combined with the reducer 600, and the motor unit 500 and the roller 200 can tilt parallel to each other or vibrate simultaneously with respect to the reducer 600.

[0209] The aforementioned coaxiality and consistency do not refer to perfect physical coaxiality and consistency, but rather to a range of acceptable errors in mechanical engineering or a level of coaxiality or consistency that can be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, a state of coaxiality or consistency can be defined as the drive shaft 530 and the roller rotation shaft 6341 being misaligned within 5 degrees. However, this angular value is only an example, and the allowable errors in the design can vary.

[0210] Although the drive shaft 530 rotates with respect to the reducer 600, it is fixed to prevent tilting. The stator 510 is also fixed to the reducer 600, so the distance between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 can always remain constant. As a result, collisions between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 can be prevented, and noise or vibration caused by changes in the center of rotation due to the rotor 520 rotating around the stator 510 can be completely blocked.

[0211] The roller rotation shaft 6341 can be configured to extend inside the reducer 600 toward the roller 200, and vibrate and tilt together with the reducer 600. That is, the roller rotation shaft 6341 can be configured to rotate only within the reducer 600, but its position is fixed. As a result, the roller rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can always be arranged parallel to each other and form a coaxial structure. In other words, the center of the roller rotation shaft 6341 and the center of the drive shaft 530 can remain aligned with each other.

[0212] On the other hand, a sealing portion 450 may be provided between the back surface of the roller 220 and the rear plate 420. The sealing portion 450 can seal the space between the back surface of the roller 220 and the rear plate 420 so that air flowing into the pipe portion 423 of the rear plate 420 flows into the suction hole 224 without flowing out to the outside.

[0213] The sealing portion 450 can be respectively disposed on the outer and inner sides of the pipe portion 423. A first sealing member 451 can be provided on the radially outer side of the pipe portion 423, and a second sealing member 452 can be provided on the radially inner side. The first sealing member 451 can prevent hot air from flowing out radially outward from between the roller back surface 220 and the pipe portion 423, and the second sealing member 452 can prevent hot air from flowing out radially inward from between the roller back surface 220 and the pipe portion 423.

[0214] In other words, the sealing portion 450 can be respectively disposed on the radially outer side and the radially inner side of the suction hole 224. The first sealing member 451 can be disposed on the radially outer side of the suction hole 224, and the second sealing member 452 can be disposed on the radially inner side of the suction hole 224.

[0215] To prevent hot air from escaping, preferably, the sealing portion 450 is in contact with both the back surface of the roller 220 and the back plate 420. Since the roller 200 rotates during operation of the garment handling device, the sealing portion 450 is continuously subjected to friction by the back surface of the roller 220. Therefore, preferably, the sealing portion 450 is made of a material whose performance does not degrade even with frictional force and heat caused by rotation, and which can seal the area between the back surface of the roller 220 and the pipe portion 423.

[0216] On the other hand, a motor unit 500 or a reducer 600 may be attached to the rear of the rear plate 420. Since the rear plate 420 may be formed of a relatively thin sheet metal, there is a possibility that it may bend or deform due to the load transmitted from the reducer 600 and the roller 200 to the reducer 600. That is, in order to install the reducer 600, motor unit 500, etc., it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the rear plate 420.

[0217] For this purpose, the rear plate 420 may also include a bracket 700 for reinforcing the rigidity of the connection. The bracket 700 may be additionally attached to the rear plate 420, and the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 may be connected to the rear plate 420 using the bracket 700.

[0218] The reducer 600 can be simultaneously connected to the bracket 700 and the rear plate 420. A fastening member can be used to simultaneously pass through the reducer 600, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700 to connect them. The rear plate 420 can be connected to the bracket 700 to ensure rigidity. The reducer 600, motor unit 500, etc., can be connected to the rigid rear plate 420.

[0219] The reducer 600 can be first attached to the bracket 700, and then the bracket 700 can be attached to the rear plate 420 for fastening. That is, the reducer can also be fixed to the rear plate 420 by the bracket 700, without being directly attached to the rear plate 420.

[0220] On the other hand, if the motor 500 or the reducer 600 is attached to the rear of the rear plate 420, the motor 500 and the reducer 600 may be exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the motor 500 from being exposed due to its attachment to the rear of the rear plate 420. Additionally, the duct section 423 may be heated by hot air. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the back of the duct section 423.

[0221] The rear cover 430 can be attached to the rear of the rear plate 420 to prevent the pipe section 423, the motor section 500, or the reducer 600 from being exposed to the outside. The rear cover 430 can be configured separately from the pipe section 423 and the drive section.

[0222] The rear cover 430 has the effect of preventing the motor unit 50 from being damaged by external interference, or preventing heat loss through the pipe unit 423 from causing a decrease in drying efficiency.

[0223] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a speed reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] The reducer 600 may include reducer housings 610 and 620 forming the exterior. The reducer housing may include a first housing 610 facing the roller and a second housing 620 facing the motor section.

[0225] The reducer 600 may include a gearbox. The gearbox may be configured to receive power from the motor, convert the RPM of the motor to a smaller RPM and increase the torque value, before transmitting it to the roller. Most of the gearbox is housed inside the second cover 620, and the first cover 610 can shield the interior of the reducer 600. This reduces the overall thickness of the reducer 600. The detailed configuration of the gearbox will be described later.

[0226] The first cover 610 may include a first cover blocking body 611 that shields the second cover 620 and a first cover bearing portion 612 that extends from the first cover blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second cover 620. The first cover bearing portion 612 may accommodate the roller rotating shaft 6341 and support the roller rotating shaft 6341 to be rotatable.

[0227] The first cover 610 may include a stator coupling portion 613 supporting the motor portion. The stator coupling portion 613 is formed by extending from the circumferential surface of the first cover blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first cover bearing portion 612.

[0228] The stator coupling portion 613 may include a stator fastening hole 615 for fastening the motor portion. The stator fastening hole 615 may be formed by recessing into the stator coupling portion 613. An additional fastening member may be inserted into the stator fastening hole 615. The stator coupling portion 613 and the motor portion may be coupled using the fastening member.

[0229] The first cover 610 may further include a connection guide 614 for guiding the engagement of the motor portion. The connection guide 614 is formed extending from the circumferential surface of the first cover blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first cover bearing portion 612. The connection guide 614 extends from the first cover blocking body 611 to connect with the stator engagement portion 613. The connection guide 614 can guide the position of the stator 510 when it is engaged with the stator engagement portion 613. This improves assemblability.

[0230] Reference Figure 4The gear assembly can be accommodated inside the second cover 620. Typically, the gearbox coupled with the reducer 600 may include a sun gear, planetary gears revolving around the sun gear, and a ring gear housing and guiding the rotation of the planetary gears. The second cover 620 may include a second cover coupling body 621 coupled with the first cover 610, a second cover blocking body 622 extending from the second cover coupling body 621 away from the first cover 610 to form a space for accommodating the gearbox, and a second cover bearing portion extending from the inner circumferential surface of the second cover blocking body 622 away from the first cover 610 to support the drive shaft 530.

[0231] The centers of the first cover 610 and the second cover 620 can be arranged coaxially. The coaxial arrangement of the drive shaft 540 and the roller rotation shaft 6341 facilitates power transmission. Therefore, preferably, the first cover bearing portion 612, which supports the roller rotation shaft 6341 for rotation, and the second cover bearing portion, which supports the drive shaft 540 for rotation, are combined to form a coaxial structure.

[0232] The drive shaft 530 can be inserted into the interior of the second cover 620 and can be supported for rotation within the second cover 620. A washer portion 540 can be incorporated into the drive shaft 530 to support the rotor 520 for rotation. The washer portion 540 may include a receiving body 542 and a washer engaging body 541. A shaft support hole 543 for receiving the drive shaft 530 is formed at the center of the receiving body 542. The washer engaging body 541 extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the receiving body and forms a surface that engages with the rotor. The shaft support hole 543 can be formed as a groove shape corresponding to a protrusion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 530, allowing engagement with the protrusion.

[0233] The washer portion 540 may include one or more washer engagement protrusions 5411, which protrude from the washer engagement body 541 in a direction away from the reducer. Additionally, the washer portion 540 may include one or more washer engagement holes 5412 penetrating the washer engagement body 541.

[0234] The washer engagement protrusion 5411 can engage with a receiving groove formed on the rotor. A fastening member penetrating the rotor can be inserted into the washer engagement hole 5412 to engage the rotor and the washer portion 540.

[0235] The washer engagement protrusion 5411 and the washer engagement hole 5412 can be alternately positioned with each other along the circumferential direction on the surface of the washer engagement body 541, and a plurality of them are provided.

[0236] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the drive unit.

[0237] The drive unit may include a motor 500 that generates rotational power and a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of the motor 500 and transmits it to the drum. The reducer 600 may include a drum rotation shaft 6341 that rotates the drum.

[0238] The motor unit 500 may include a stator 510 that receives an external power source to generate a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor 520 that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the stator 510. A permanent magnet may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotor 520.

[0239] The permanent magnet located on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520 can move in a specific direction due to the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 510, and the permanent magnet can be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520. Therefore, the rotor 520 can be rotated by the rotating magnetic field of the stator 510.

[0240] A drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotation center of the rotor 520. The drive shaft 530 rotates together with the rotor 520 and transmits the rotational power of the rotor 520. The drive shaft 530 can rotate together with the rotor 540. The drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotor 540 through a washer portion 540.

[0241] The drive shaft 530 can be directly connected to the rotor 520, but when connected via the washer portion 540, it can be more firmly bonded to the rotor 520, thus enabling more efficient transmission of the rotational force of the rotor 520. Furthermore, it has the effect of improving the durability of the drive shaft 530 by preventing concentrated load application.

[0242] The drive shaft 530 can be directly connected to the drum, but since the drive shaft 530 rotates at the same speed as the rotor 520, a speed reduction may be necessary. Therefore, the drive shaft 530 can be connected to a speed reducer, which in turn can be connected to the drum. That is, the speed reducer can reduce the rotational speed of the drive shaft 530 to rotate the drum.

[0243] The reducer 600 may include a first cover 610, a second cover 620 forming the appearance, and a gearbox 630 for reducing the power to the drive shaft 530. The second cover 620 can provide space to accommodate the gearbox 630, and the first cover 610 can shield the space provided by the second cover 620.

[0244] The second cover 620 may be composed of a second cover connecting body 621, a second cover blocking body 622, and a second cover bearing part 623. The second cover connecting body 621 is connected to the first cover 610. The second cover blocking body 622 extends rearward from the inner circumference of the second cover connecting body 621 to form a receiving space to receive the gearbox 630. The second cover bearing part 623 extends rearward from the second cover blocking body 622 and receives the drive shaft 530.

[0245] The gearbox 630 may include a gear ring 633 disposed along the inner circumferential surface of the second cover blocking body 622. One or more planetary gears 632 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gear ring 633, engaging with the gear ring 633. A sun gear 631 may be disposed on the inner side of the gear ring 633, engaging with the planetary gears 632 and rotating together with the drive shaft 530.

[0246] The sun gear 631 can be coupled to and rotate with the drive shaft 530. The sun gear 631 can be a separate component from the drive shaft 530, but is not limited thereto; the sun gear 631 can also be integrally formed with the drive shaft 530.

[0247] The sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 can be helical gears. Using helical gears reduces noise and improves power transmission efficiency. However, this is not a limitation; the sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 can also be spur gears.

[0248] As an example of the operation of the gearbox 630, if the drive shaft 530 and the sun gear 631 connected to the drive shaft 530 rotate with the rotor, the planetary gear 632 that engages with the outer circumferential surface of the sun gear 631 can engage and rotate between the gear ring 633 and the sun gear 631.

[0249] The planetary gear 632 may include a planetary gear shaft 6323 inserted into the center of rotation. The planetary gear shaft 6323 can support the planetary gear 632 so that it can rotate.

[0250] The reducer may further include a first planetary carrier 6342 and a second planetary carrier 6343 supporting the planetary gear shaft 6323. The front of the planetary gear shaft 6323 may be supported by the second planetary carrier 6343, while the rear may be supported by the first planetary carrier 6342.

[0251] The roller rotation shaft 6341 can extend from the rotation center of the second planetary carrier 6343 in a direction away from the motor. The roller rotation shaft 6341 can be separately constructed from the second planetary carrier 6343 and then combined to rotate together. Alternatively, the roller rotation shaft 6341 can extend from the second planetary carrier 6343 and be integrally formed with it.

[0252] The roller rotating shaft 6341 can be coupled to the roller to make the roller rotate. As described above, the roller rotating shaft 6341 can be coupled to the roller through a connecting body such as a bushing, or it can be coupled directly to the roller without an additional connecting body.

[0253] The roller rotation shaft 6341 can be supported by the first cover 610. The first cover 610 may include a first cover blocking body 611 that shields the receiving space of the second cover 620 and a first cover bearing portion 612 that extends from the first cover blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second cover 620 and receives the roller rotation shaft 6341. A first bearing 660 and a second bearing 670 are pressed into the inner circumferential surface of the first cover bearing portion 612, which can support the roller rotation shaft 6341 to be rotatable.

[0254] The first cover 610 and the second cover 620 can be joined together by a reducer fastening member 681. Furthermore, the reducer fastening member 681 can simultaneously penetrate both the first cover 610 and the second cover 620, joining the two components. Additionally, the reducer fastening member 681 can simultaneously fix the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420 while joining the first cover 610 and the second cover 620 by simultaneously penetrating the first cover 610, the second cover 620, and the rear plate 420.

[0255] The rear plate 420 may be formed from a thin sheet of iron. Therefore, it may be difficult to ensure sufficient rigidity to support the reducer 600, the motor portion 500 coupled to the reducer 600, and the roller 200 connected to the reducer 600. Therefore, to ensure the rigidity of the rear plate 420 when the reducer 600 is coupled to it, a bracket 700 can be used. The bracket 700 may be formed from a material with higher rigidity than the rear plate 420 and may be coupled to either the front or back of the rear plate 420.

[0256] The bracket 700 can engage with the front of the rear plate 420 to ensure the rigidity for engaging the reducer 600, which can be engaged with both the rear plate 420 and the bracket 700 simultaneously. Fastening components such as bolts can be used to engage the rear plate 420, the bracket 700, and the reducer.

[0257] Additionally, to secure the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420, the reducer fastening member 681 used when combining the first cover 610 and the second cover 620 can be used. That is, the reducer fastening member 681 can pass through and combine the second cover 620, the first cover, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700. With the combination as described above, the bracket 700 can support the rear plate 420 from the front, and the first cover 610 can support the rear plate 420 from the rear, thus ensuring rigidity even with the reducer 600 attached. However, this is not a limitation; the reducer fastening member 681 can be used to combine only the first cover 610 and the second cover 620 initially, and then additional fastening members can be used to attach the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420.

[0258] Additionally, a stator engagement portion 613 capable of engaging with the motor portion 500 may be formed on the radially outer side of the first cover 610. The stator engagement portion 613 may include an engagement groove formed in the recess of the stator engagement portion 613.

[0259] The stator 510 can be directly coupled to the rear plate 420, or it can be coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The stator 510 may include fixing ribs 512 disposed on the inner circumferential surface and supporting the stator. The fixing ribs 512 may be coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The fixing ribs 512 and the stator coupling portion 613 can be coupled to each other by stator coupling pins 617.

[0260] The motor unit 500 is coupled to the reducer 600 in a state separated from the rear plate 420, thereby the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 can form a vibrating body. Therefore, even if vibration is applied from the outside, the drive shaft 530 coupled to the rotor 520 and the roller rotation shaft 6341 connected to the reducer 600 can easily remain coaxial.

[0261] Due to the vibration of the roller 200, there is a risk of misalignment of the axis of the roller rotation shaft 6341. However, since the motor unit 500 is connected to the first cover 610 supporting the roller rotation shaft 6341, even if the axis of the roller rotation shaft 6341 is misaligned, the axis of the drive shaft 530 will also be misaligned due to the first cover 610. That is, the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 move as a unit, so that even if an external force is applied, the roller rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can remain coaxial.

[0262] The combined structure described above has the following effects: it improves the efficiency and reliability of the power transmission from the motor 500 to the roller 200, and can prevent wear of the gearbox 630, decreased power transmission efficiency, decreased durability and reliability caused by shaft misalignment between the roller rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530.

[0263] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the base and rear plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] Reference Figure 6 The rear plate 420 can be located behind the drum. The rear plate 420 can guide the hot air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 to the drum. That is, the rear plate 420 can be located behind the drum and form a flow path to ensure that the hot air is supplied evenly to the entire drum.

[0265] The rear plate 420 may include a rear panel 421 facing the back of the roller and a concave portion 423 recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path. The concave portion 423 may be formed by applying pressure rearward from the rear panel 421. The concave portion 423 may accommodate a portion of the back of the roller.

[0266] The pipe section 423 may include an inflow section 4233 located behind the circulation flow path section and a flow section 4231 located behind the roller. The flow section 4231 may accommodate a portion of the roller. The flow section 4231 may accommodate a portion of the roller and form a flow path disposed behind the roller.

[0267] The flow section 4231 can be arranged in an annular shape facing the suction hole formed on the back of the roller. The flow section 4231 can be recessed from the rear panel 421. That is, the flow section 4231 can be open at the front and form a flow path together with the back of the roller.

[0268] With the flow section 4231 open in front, the hot air moving towards the flow section 4231 can move directly towards the drum without passing through additional components. This prevents heat loss that would occur when the hot air passes through additional components. In other words, it has the effect of improving drying efficiency by reducing heat loss of the hot air.

[0269] The rear plate 420 may include a mounting portion 425 disposed radially inside the flow portion 4231. The mounting portion 425 may provide space for the reducer 600 or the motor portion 500 to be coupled. That is, the rear plate 420 may include the mounting portion 425 disposed on the inner side and the flow portion 4231 formed in an annular shape on the radially outer side of the mounting portion 425.

[0270] Specifically, the flow section 4231 may include a flow outer periphery 4231a that surrounds the internal space from the outside of the flow of heating air. Additionally, the flow section 4231 may include a flow inner periphery 4231b that surrounds the internal space from the inside of the flow of heating air. That is, the flow outer periphery 4231a may form the outer periphery of the flow section 4231, and the flow inner periphery 4231b may form the inner periphery of the flow section 4231.

[0271] Additionally, the flow section 4231 may include a flow recessed surface 4232 on the rear side that forms a flow path for the movement of heated air. The flow recessed surface 4232 may connect the outer flow peripheral section 4231a and the inner flow peripheral section 4231b. That is, a space for the flow of hot air discharged from the circulation pipe 820 can be formed by the inner flow peripheral section 4231b, the outer flow peripheral section 4231a, and the flow recessed surface 4232.

[0272] Furthermore, the flow recessed surface 4232 prevents hot air from leaking backward, thereby guiding hot air towards the roller. That is, the flow recessed surface 4232 can refer to the recessed surface of the flow section 4231.

[0273] The inflow section 4233 may be configured to face the circulation duct 820. The inflow section may be configured to face the air supply duct 8231. The inflow section 4233 may be recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to prevent interference with the air supply duct 8231. The upper side of the inflow section 4233 may be connected to the flow section 4231.

[0274] A garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a connector 850 connected to an air supply duct 8231. The connector 850 guides hot air discharged from the air supply duct 8231 toward a flow section 4231. The connector 850 may have an internal flow path for guiding the hot air discharged from the air supply section 4231 toward the flow section 4231. That is, the connector 850 may form a flow path connecting the air supply duct 8231 and the flow section 4231. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path disposed inside the connector 850 may increase as it moves away from the air supply duct 8231.

[0275] The connector 850 can be configured to face the inflow portion 4233. The inflow portion 4233 can be recessed rearward to prevent interference with the connector 850. Furthermore, the upper end of the connector 850 can separate the flow portion 4231 and the inflow portion 4233. That is, hot air discharged from the connector 850 flows into the flow portion 4231, but is prevented from flowing into the inflow portion 4233.

[0276] The connector 850 can uniformly supply hot air to the flow section 4231. The connector 850 can be configured such that its width increases with distance from the air supply duct 8231. The upper end of the connector 850 can be positioned along the circumferential extension of the outer periphery of the flow section 4231a.

[0277] Therefore, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 does not move towards the inlet 4233 but is entirely supplied to the flow section 4231. The connector 850 can evenly supply hot air into the drum by preventing hot air from concentrating on one side of the flow section 4231. Therefore, it has the effect of improving the drying efficiency of clothes.

[0278] The connector 850 is configured such that as its width increases near the upstream side, the velocity of the hot air moving along the connector 850 can decrease in the flow direction. That is, the connector 850 can function as a diffuser to regulate the velocity of the hot air. By reducing the velocity of the hot air, the connector 850 prevents hot air from being concentrated only on a specific part of the drum.

[0279] Due to the shape of the connector 850 described above, the inflow portion 4233, which faces the connector 850 and prevents interference with the connector 850, can also increase in width as it moves away from the air supply duct 8231. Because of the shape of the inflow portion 4233, when viewed from the front, the overall shape of the duct portion 423 is similar to the number "9".

[0280] Since the drum is configured to rotate during the drying operation, it can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the flow section 4231. Hot air can flow out through this space.

[0281] Therefore, the garment handling apparatus may also include a seal 450 to prevent hot air from leaking from the space between the drum and the flow section 4231. The seal 450 may be arranged along the periphery of the flow section 4231.

[0282] The sealing portion 450 may include a first seal 451 disposed along the outer periphery of the flow portion 4231. The first seal 451 may be disposed between the roller and the outer periphery of the flow portion 4231. In addition, the first seal 451 may contact both the roller back surface 220 and the back plate 420, thereby more effectively preventing leakage.

[0283] On the other hand, the first seal 451 can contact the front of the connector 850. Additionally, the first seal 451 can contact the upper end of the connector 850. The connector 850, together with the flow section 4231, can form a flow path for the hot air. Therefore, the first seal 451 can contact the connector 850 to prevent hot air leakage between the roller and the connector 850.

[0284] The sealing portion 450 may include a second seal 452 disposed along the inner periphery of the flow portion 4231. The second seal 452 may be disposed between the roller and the inner periphery of the flow portion 4231. Furthermore, the second seal 452 may contact both the roller back surface 220 and the back plate 420. The second seal 452 prevents hot air moving along the flow portion 4231 from leaking towards the mounting portion 425.

[0285] As the roller 200 rotates during the operation of the garment handling device, the sealing portion 450 is continuously subjected to friction by the roller back surface 220. Therefore, preferably, the sealing portion 450 is formed of a material whose performance will not decrease due to frictional force and frictional heat generated with rotation and which can seal between the roller back surface 220 and the flow portion 4231.

[0286] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the combined structure of the rear plate, reducer, and motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0287] Reference Figure 7 The reducer 600 is supported on the rear plate 420, and the motor part 500 can be combined with the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 can support the reducer 600 and the motor part 500.

[0288] A motor 500 that provides rotational power and a reducer 600 that reduces the power of the motor and transmits it to the roller can be arranged behind the rear plate 420.

[0289] The speed reducer 600 can be configured to be located inside the pipe section 423 within the rear plate 420. The speed reducer 600 can be located radially inside the flow section 4231 to prevent interference with the flow section 4231.

[0290] The hot air moving along the flow section 4231 may damage the gear assembly inside the reducer 600. Therefore, the flow section 4231 and the reducer 600 can be separated by a predetermined distance.

[0291] The reducer 600 can be connected through the rear plate 420. Thus, the reducer 600 can be connected to the roller located in front of the rear plate 420.

[0292] The stator 510 can be integrated with the reducer 600. The stator 510, integrated with the reducer 600, is spaced apart from the rear plate 420. In this case, the reducer 600 can be located between the roller and the motor section, supporting the roller and motor section and spaced apart from the rear plate 420. That is, the reducer 600 can serve as the center supporting the roller and motor section.

[0293] On the other hand, the stator 510 may include a ring-shaped body 511, a fixing rib 512 extending from the inner circumferential surface of the body 511 and engaging with the stator engagement portion 613 of the reducer, a tooth 514 extending from the outer circumferential surface along the periphery of the body 511 and wound with a coil, and a pole shoe 515 disposed at the free end of the tooth 514 and preventing the coil from detaching.

[0294] The rotor 520 may include a rotor body 521 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Additionally, the rotor 520 may include a mounting body 522 recessed forward from the back of the rotor body 521. Permanent magnets may be disposed along the inner circumferential surface of the rotor body 521.

[0295] The rotor 520 can be coupled to the drive shaft 530, through which the rotational power of the rotor 520 is transmitted to the outside. The drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotor 520 via a washer portion 540.

[0296] Additionally, the motor portion 500 may include a washer portion 540 that supports the drive shaft 530. The washer portion 540 may include a washer engagement body 541 that engages with the rotor. The washer engagement body 541 may be formed in a disc shape.

[0297] The washer portion 540 may include a receiving body 542 housed within the rotor. The receiving body 542 may protrude rearward from the washer coupling body 541. The washer portion 540 may include a shaft support hole 543 extending through the center of the receiving body 542. The drive shaft 530 may be inserted into the shaft support hole 543 and supported by the washer portion 540.

[0298] Additionally, the washer portion 540 may include a washer engagement hole 5412 penetrating the washer engagement body 541. Furthermore, the mounting body 522 may include a rotor engagement hole 526 located corresponding to the washer engagement hole 5412. That is, the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520 can be engaged with each other using a engagement member that simultaneously penetrates and engages both the washer engagement hole 5412 and the rotor engagement hole 526. In other words, the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520 can be engaged to rotate together.

[0299] Additionally, the washer portion 540 may include a washer engagement protrusion 5411 protruding rearward from the washer engagement body 541. Furthermore, the mounting body 522 may include a washer protrusion receiving hole 525 corresponding to the washer engagement protrusion 5411. The washer engagement protrusion 5411 can be inserted into the washer protrusion receiving hole 525 and support the engagement of the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520.

[0300] Additionally, the rotor 520 may include a rotor mounting hole 524 extending through the center of the mounting body 522. The rotor mounting hole 524 can accommodate the mounting body 542. Thus, the washer portion 540 can rotate together with the drive shaft 530 via the rotor 520, and the connection between the drive shaft 530 and the rotor 520 can be securely supported. Therefore, it has the effect of ensuring the overall durability and reliability of the motor unit 500.

[0301] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the combined structure of the reducer and stator according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0302] The stator 510 may include a main body 511 fixed to the reducer 600 and formed in a ring shape, a fixing rib 512 extending from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 511 and engaging with the stator fastening hole 615 of the reducer, a tooth 514 extending from the outer peripheral surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and wound with a coil, a pole shoe 515 disposed at the free end of the tooth 514 and preventing the coil from detaching, and a terminal block (not shown) controlled to supply current to the coil.

[0303] The stator 510 may include a receiving space 513 that penetrates the main body 511 and is disposed inside the main body 511. A plurality of fixing ribs 512 may be provided inside the main body 511 at predetermined angles with respect to the receiving space 513. Fixing rib holes 5121 for mounting fixing members may be provided on the inner side of each fixing rib 512. The fixing rib holes 5121 and the stator fastening holes 615 of the reducer can be connected by a fixing member such as a pin.

[0304] When the stator 510 and the reducer 600 are directly coupled, a portion of the reducer 600 can be accommodated within the stator 510. In particular, if the reducer 600 is accommodated within the stator 510, the overall thickness of the drive section, including the reducer and the motor section, is reduced, thereby enabling a further increase in the volume of the roller.

[0305] Therefore, the diameter of the reducer 600 can be smaller than the diameter of the main body 511. That is, the maximum diameter of the first cover 610 and the second cover 620 can be smaller than the diameter of the main body 511. Thus, at least a portion of the reducer 600 can be accommodated and disposed within the main body 511. However, the stator coupling 613 can extend from the reducer cover to overlap with the fixing rib 512. Thus, the stator coupling 613 can engage with the fixing rib 512, and a portion of the first cover and the second cover 620 can be located inside the main body 511.

[0306] Figure 9This is a diagram showing the combination of a speed reducer and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0307] The stator 510 can be coupled to the reducer 600. By coupling with the stator coupling portion 613 protruding outward from the cover of the reducer 600, at least a portion of the reducer can be accommodated inside the main body 511. Thus, the center of the main body 511 and the center of the drive shaft 530 and the reducer 600 can always remain coaxial.

[0308] On the other hand, the rotor 520 can be configured to accommodate the stator 510 at a predetermined distance from the pole shoe 515. Since the drive shaft 530 of the rotor 520 is fixed to the reducer 600 housed in the main body 511, the distance G1 between the rotor 520 and the stator 510 can always be maintained.

[0309] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotor 520 from colliding with the stator 510 or the rotor 520 from temporarily rotating out of alignment with the stator 510, thereby blocking the generation of noise or unnecessary vibration.

[0310] On the other hand, an imaginary first diameter line K1 passing through the center of the reducer 600 and the center of the drive shaft 530, an imaginary second diameter line K2 passing through the center of the main body 511, and an imaginary third diameter line K3 passing through the center of the rotor 520 can all be arranged at the rotation center of the reducer 600.

[0311] Therefore, the reducer 600 itself becomes the rotation center of the drive shaft 530, and the stator 510 is directly fixed to the reducer 600, thus preventing the drive shaft 530 from being misaligned with the reducer 600 as a reference. As a result, the reliability of the reducer 600 can be ensured.

[0312] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the base 800 of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0313] The base 800 may include a circulation duct 820 on one side for circulating air through the drum. Additionally, a device mounting section 810 may be provided on the other side of the base 800, providing space for mounting electrical components required for the operation of the dryer. The device mounting section 810 may be located outside the circulation duct 820.

[0314] In existing dryers, a circulation pipe 820 is provided on the base 800, and a drive unit for rotating the drum 200 is also provided on the base 800. In this case, since the drive unit occupies most of the space in the base 800, the space in the device installation section 810 is small, making it difficult to install other components of the garment handling device.

[0315] However, in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the motor unit 500 that rotates the roller 200 can be disposed behind the roller 200 separately from the base 800, so that the space of the base 800 originally used to house the motor unit 500 can be utilized in various ways.

[0316] The device mounting section 810 may be equipped with a compressor 930 for compressing the refrigerant required for heat exchange.

[0317] Additionally, the base 800 may include a water collection section 860, which is spaced apart from the compressor 930 and collects condensate generated in the circulation pipe 820.

[0318] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 are disposed inside the circulation pipe 820. The evaporator 910 can cool the air that has been discharged from the drum 200 and passed through the circulation pipe 820 to condense the moisture contained in the air.

[0319] The more moisture evaporates from the clothes contained in the drum 200, the more water can be condensed in the evaporator 910.

[0320] Water condensed in the evaporator 910 can be collected at the bottom of the circulation pipe 820.

[0321] The condenser 920 heats the air passing through the circulation pipe 820 to generate hot air. In this case, if the bottom surface of the circulation pipe 820 is covered with water, the water may vaporize and flow back into the drum 200 due to the heat generated by the condenser 920.

[0322] Therefore, the base 800 may also include a water collection section 860, which can collect the water condensed in the circulation pipe 820 from the outside of the circulation pipe 820.

[0323] The water collection section 860 can communicate with the bottom surface of the circulation pipe 820 and can be configured in the device mounting section 810, which is outside the circulation pipe 820. The water collection section 860 can collect not only the water condensed in the evaporator 910, but also the water flowing into the circulation pipe 820.

[0324] The water collection section 860 can form a space for collecting and temporarily storing the water.

[0325] The garment processing device of the present invention may further include a drain pump 861, which can discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the outside of the water collection section 860.

[0326] The drainage pump 861 is installed in the water collection section 860 and can generate power to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the outside of the water collection section 860.

[0327] The drain pump 861 can discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 into the water storage tank 120. Therefore, even if the water collection section 860 reaches its full level, it can be emptied, allowing for continuous collection of new condensate. As a result, water residue inside the circulation pipe 820 is minimized.

[0328] On the other hand, a control panel 190 for controlling the compressor 930, motor, etc., may be provided on the device setting part 810.

[0329] The close proximity of the water collection section 860 to the circulation pipe 820 helps prevent water leakage.

[0330] The water collection unit 860 can also be configured between the compressor 930 and the circulation pipe 820.

[0331] However, as shown in the figure, the water collection section 860 can be configured to overlap with the compressor 930 in the front-to-back direction. This further increases the volume of the water collection section 860, thereby enabling it to collect more water.

[0332] In this way, if the volume of the water collection section 860 is increased, the frequency of evacuation of the condensate collected in the water collection section 860 can be reduced, and even if new water other than condensate is supplied to the circulation pipe 820, it can be collected without leakage.

[0333] On the other hand, the control panel 190 can be mounted on the base and securely supported.

[0334] Therefore, the connecting wires between the control panel 190 and the electrical components controlled by the control box can also be located in the base 800, and their length can also be shortened.

[0335] Side panels forming the sides of the housing may be incorporated into the side of the base 800. These side panels may include a left side panel 141 and a right side panel 142. The control panel 190 may be mounted on the device mounting section 810 and may be positioned close to either of the side panels.

[0336] The control panel 190 may include a control unit that controls all electrical components of the garment handling device and provides instructions for the garment handling device to execute any executable program, etc.

[0337] When the control panel 190 is configured adjacent to the side panel 141, the user can access the control panel 190 simply by removing the side panel 141. Therefore, this improves maintenance convenience.

[0338] When the side panel 141 is removed, various components such as the compressor 930 and control panel 190 can be easily accessed, so the side panel 141 can be referred to as a service panel.

[0339] The device mounting section 810 is located on the left side of the base 800. After removing any of the side panels, the control panel 190 can be accessed. However, it is not limited to this. If the circulation pipe 820 is formed on the left side and the device mounting section 810 is formed on the right side, the right side panel (not shown) can be removed to perform maintenance and inspection on the control box or compressor, etc.

[0340] On the other hand, the circulation pipe 820 can be formed in a pipe shape to allow airflow and provide space for the heat exchange unit 900. However, the upper surface of the circulation pipe 820 can be open to allow for the installation and maintenance of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0341] The garment processing device of the present invention may further include a pipe cover 830, which is attached to the upper part of the circulation pipe 820 to prevent air leakage into the circulation pipe 820 and to form a flow path for the air movement.

[0342] The pipe cover 830 can be formed as a plate shape that connects with the open top surface of the circulation pipe 820.

[0343] For example, the top and back surfaces of the inflow pipe 821 and the top surface of the moving pipe 822 may be open.

[0344] The pipe cover 830 can cover the open top surface of the moving pipe 822 and form the back side of the inflow pipe 821.

[0345] Of course, the inflow pipe 821 can also be a quadrilateral pipe, or a ring forming a complete closed curve, and the pipe cover 830 can also cover the upper surface of the moving pipe 822.

[0346] Thus, the pipe cover 830 can prevent air flowing in via the inlet pipe 821 from flowing out through the open top surface of the moving pipe 822. It can be considered that the pipe cover 830 forms the top surface of a flow path that guides the air flowing in via the inlet pipe 821 to the outlet pipe 823.

[0347] The discharge pipe 823 may include an air supply pipe 8231 for discharging air to the outside of the circulation pipe 820. The air supply pipe 8231 may provide space for a circulation flow path fan 950, which causes air inside the drum to flow into the circulation pipe 820 and recirculate back to the drum 200.

[0348] The circulating flow path fan 950 can be installed inside the air supply duct 8231 to regulate the circulation speed of the air flowing into the circulating duct 820.

[0349] If the circulating fan 950 rotates, air is discharged through the opening formed on the upper side of the air supply duct 8231, and the air discharged from the air supply duct 8231 can flow back into the drum to dry clothes.

[0350] The circulating flow path fan 950 can use various types of fans. As an example, a Sirocco fan can be used to allow air to flow in along the axis of rotation and to be discharged radially. However, it is not limited to this; various fans can be used to generate airflow depending on the design purpose.

[0351] The pipe cover 830 can form a shielding cover body 8311, which is combined with the upper part of the circulation pipe 820 to form the inflow pipe 821 and the upper part of the circulation pipe 820.

[0352] Specifically, the pipe cover 830 may include a connecting cover body 8312 and a shielding cover body 8311. The connecting cover body 8312 is attached to the front of the circulation pipe 820 to form the inflow pipe 821, and the shielding cover body 8311 is formed in the shape of a plate and attached to the upper side of the moving pipe 822.

[0353] The shielding cover body 8311 can extend from the connecting cover body 8312, and the shielding cover body 8311 can be integrally formed with the connecting cover body 8312.

[0354] An inflow communication hole 8314 connecting the roller 200 and the inflow pipe 821 can be formed inside the main body of the communication cover 8312.

[0355] If the upstream region of the circulation pipe 820 is defined as the inflow pipe 821, then the connecting cover body 8312 is attached to the upstream region of the circulation pipe 820, i.e., the inflow pipe 821, and can guide the air discharged from the roller to the inflow pipe 821 through the inflow connecting hole 8314.

[0356] The shielding cover body 8311 can cover the top surface of the moving pipe 822, so that the air flowing into the inflow pipe 821 can be guided to the discharge pipe 823 instead of flowing out to the outside of the circulation pipe 820.

[0357] On the other hand, the air discharged from the roller 200 and circulated in the circulation pipe 820 contains foreign objects such as lint shed from clothing. The evaporator 910 is configured to come into contact with the air discharged from the roller 200 before the condenser 920, and is made of tightly stacked thin plates for heat exchange with the air, so foreign objects such as lint tend to accumulate in the evaporator 910.

[0358] Additionally, the circulation duct 820 may also include a duct filter (not shown), which is disposed in front of the evaporator to filter out foreign objects in the air flowing into the duct 821.

[0359] If foreign objects accumulate in the evaporator 910 or the duct filter, it will not only obstruct airflow in the circulation duct 820, but also reduce the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat exchange unit 900 due to moisture absorption by the foreign objects, and may even cause the foreign objects to rot. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the foreign objects accumulated in the evaporator 910 or the duct filter regularly. However, if the system is configured to require manual removal of the foreign objects by the user or administrator, it may not be possible to ensure timely removal of the foreign objects.

[0360] Therefore, the garment processing device of the present invention may include a circulating cleaning unit 80, which can use water collected in the water collection unit 860 to remove foreign matter from the evaporator 910 or the pipe filter.

[0361] Removing foreign objects from inside the circulation pipe 820, such as cleaning the evaporator 910 or cleaning the pipe filter, can be defined as cleaning the heat exchange section 900.

[0362] The circulating cleaning unit 80 can be configured to discharge the water collected in the water collection unit 860 into the interior of the circulating pipe 820 to clean the foreign matter accumulated in the evaporator 910 or the pipe filter, and then collect it back into the water collection unit 860.

[0363] The circulating cleaning unit 80 may include a cleaning flow path 833 capable of directing the water toward the evaporator 910 or a pipeline filter.

[0364] The cleaning flow path 833 may also be composed of a hose or the like that allows the water to move.

[0365] However, the cleaning flow path 833 can also be integrally formed with the pipe cover 830 to prevent interference with the roller 200 and to facilitate installation.

[0366] For example, the cleaning flow path 833 can be disposed on the top surface of the shielding cover body 8311.

[0367] The cleaning flow path 833 can receive water and move the water toward the evaporator 910 located below the pipe cover 830.

[0368] A circulation outlet 837, penetrating vertically through the cover body 8311, can be provided on the downstream side of the cleaning flow path 833. Water moving along the cleaning flow path 833 can then be discharged through the circulation outlet 837 into the interior of the circulation pipe 820.

[0369] The circulating water outlet 837 can be configured on the upper part of the evaporator 910 that dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum, or it can be configured upstream or in front of the evaporator 910.

[0370] Water discharged through the circulation outlet 837 into the circulation pipe 820 can fall onto the evaporator 910 to clean it.

[0371] If the pipe filter is positioned in front of the evaporator 910, the circulating water outlet 837 can be positioned above the pipe filter.

[0372] On the other hand, when the circulating cleaning unit 80 is provided, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 can move to the water storage tank 120 or to the cleaning flow path 833.

[0373] The garment processing device of the present invention may include a flow path switching valve 870, which is capable of determining whether to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 into the water storage tank 120 or to supply it to the washing flow path section 833.

[0374] The flow path switching valve 870 is connected to the drain pump 861 disposed in the water collection section 860, and can also be connected to both the water storage tank 120 and the cleaning flow path section 833. The flow path switching valve 870 selectively opens and closes the flow paths connected to the water storage tank 120 and the cleaning flow path section 833, thereby selectively delivering water collected in the water collection section 860. For this purpose, the flow path switching valve 870 can be a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or a valve with more than one channel.

[0375] The cleaning flow path section 833 can be divided into a plurality of configurations along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. That is, the cleaning flow path section 833 can be composed of a plurality of flow paths to divert water supplied from the flow path switching valve 870 to each flow path.

[0376] Therefore, even when the amount of water collected in the water collection section 860 is small, sufficient water volume or pressure to remove foreign matter can be ensured in any of the flow paths in the cleaning flow path section 833. As a result, the water discharged from the cleaning flow path section 833 can at least clean foreign matter accumulated in a specific area of ​​the heat exchange section 900.

[0377] The flow path switching unit 870 can be controlled to supply water to only one of the plurality of cleaning flow path units 833, and can also be controlled to sequentially open the plurality of cleaning flow path units 833 to supply water.

[0378] For example, the cleaning flow path 833 can be divided into three regions along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. The cleaning flow path 833 can be formed into a diffuser shape with one end wider than the other, so as to supply water to the entire area of ​​the heat exchange section 900 to clean foreign objects.

[0379] As a result, the width of the circulating water outlet 837 can be greater than or equal to the width of the heat exchange section 900, and the total width of the ends of the cleaning flow path 833 can also be greater than or equal to the width of the heat exchange section 900.

[0380] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view showing the pipe cover and water collection cover separated from the base.

[0381] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 can be arranged separately in the front-to-back direction inside the circulation pipe 820.

[0382] Air flowing into the drum 200 through the inflow pipe 821 can have its moisture removed by heat exchange in the evaporator 910, and the dehydrated air can be heated by heat exchange in the condenser 920. The heated air can then be resupplyed into the drum 200 via the discharge pipe 823.

[0383] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a water cover 826 disposed between the bottom surfaces of the evaporator 910 and the moving pipe 822. The water cover 826 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the moving pipe 822.

[0384] The water cover 826 can be located at the lower part of the evaporator 910 and support the bottom surface of the evaporator 910. The water cover 826 can separate the evaporator 910 from the bottom surface of the moving pipe 822. Thus, at least a portion of the evaporator 910 can be prevented from being submerged by the water condensed in the evaporator 910.

[0385] On the other hand, the water cap 826 can be separated from the condenser 920. That is, the water cap 826 can be positioned upstream of the condenser 920. As a result, there will be no condensate in the lower part of the condenser 920, thereby minimizing the vaporization of the condensate by the condenser 920.

[0386] The water collection section 860 may include a water collection body 862 that forms a space for collecting condensate and a water collection cover 863 that covers the open top surface of the water collection body 862.

[0387] The water collection cover 863 is attached to the water collection body 862 to prevent condensate from leaking from the top surface of the water collection body 862 and to maintain the negative pressure of the water discharged by the pump 861.

[0388] The water collection cover 863 may include a water collection cover body 8631 that forms the shielding surface of the water collection body 862. In addition, the water collection cover 863 may include at least one of a support body 8635 that supports the water collection cover body 8631 and a fastening hook 8636 that connects the water collection cover body 8631 to the water collection body 862.

[0389] The water collection cover body 8631 can extend from the pump mounting part to cover or seal the space between the periphery of the drainage pump 861 and the inner peripheral surface of the water collection body 862, and can be installed or removed from the base or the water collection body 862.

[0390] The support body 8635 protrudes from the periphery of the water collection cover body 8631 and is mounted on the base. The fastening hook 8636 protrudes from the water collection cover body 8631. The fastening hook 8636 can securely fix the water collection cover body 8631 to the water collection body 862. The fastening hook 8636 can be inserted into a hook hole disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the water collection body 862.

[0391] Additionally, the water collection cover 863 may include a pump mounting portion 8634, which is disposed on the water collection cover body 8631, and a drain pump 861 is mounted on the pump mounting portion 8634. The pump mounting portion 8634 may be formed as a groove recessed from the water collection cover body 8631 to accommodate a portion of the drain pump 861, or it may be formed as a hole penetrating the water collection cover body 8631 to fix the outer peripheral surface of the drain pump 861.

[0392] On the other hand, the drain pump 861 can be connected to the flow path switching valve 870 via the drain flow path 891. The drain flow path 891 can be composed of a single hose.

[0393] The drainage path 891 can be combined with the drainage pump 861, or it can be combined with the water collection cover 863.

[0394] For example, the water collection cover 863 may include a drainage path 8637 that protrudes upward from the water collection cover body 8631 and is formed in the shape of a tube connecting the interior and exterior of the water collection body 862.

[0395] A pump may be installed in the pump mounting section 8634, which moves the condensate collected inside the water collecting body 862 to the outside of the water collecting body 862. If the pump is running, the condensate stored inside the water collecting body 862 can be discharged through the drain passage 8637.

[0396] The drain hose 891 is connected to the drain flow path 8637, which can guide the discharged condensate to the outside of the water collection body 862. One end of the drain hose 891 can be connected to the drain flow path 8637, and the other end can be connected to the flow path switching valve 870.

[0397] The water collection cover 863 may further include a return flow path 8638, which is separated from the drainage flow path 8637 and connects the interior and exterior of the water collection body 862. The return flow path 8638 can connect the water collection body 862 and the water storage tank. When the water storage tank is full, the return flow path 8638 can redirect the water in the water storage tank back to the water collection body 862.

[0398] The drainage pump 861 can transport the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the flow path switching valve 870 through the drainage hose 891.

[0399] Additionally, the flow path switching valve 870 is connected to the water storage tank 120 via a discharge hose 891, which can guide the condensate moving from the water collection body 862 to the water storage tank 120. Users can then drain the water from the storage tank containing the condensate directly.

[0400] The flow path switching valve 870 can be controlled by the control panel 190, and different parts can be opened or closed according to the operating time of the garment processing device.

[0401] For example, when the evaporator 910 has finished operating in the drying cycle, the control panel 190 can control the flow path switching valve 870 to guide the condensate to the cleaning flow path section 833. Additionally, at the point when the cleaning of the evaporator 910 has finished, the control panel 190 can control the flow path switching valve 870 to guide the condensate to the water storage tank 120.

[0402] On the other hand, as described above, in order to ensure the normal operation of the drain pump 861, it is preferable to seal the interior of the space where the pump drains water. The water collection cover 863 can be securely connected to the water collection body 862 using the support body 8635 and the fastening hook 8636, thus easily sealing the space used for storing condensate. This improves the operational reliability of the drain pump 861. A sealing element can be added at the junction of the water collection cover 863 and the water collection body 862 to further enhance the airtightness of the space.

[0403] The water collection cover 863 can be configured to seal the interior of the water collection body 862 and can be detachably installed in the water collection body 862. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the condensate produced by the evaporator 910 may flow into the interior of the water collection body 862. In the event of larger foreign matter entering, it may cause problems that hinder the operation of the pump.

[0404] Therefore, in order to remove foreign objects that have flowed into the water collection body 862 as needed, the water collection cover 863 needs to be removed. Therefore, the water collection cover 863 can be detachably mounted on the water collection body 862. This allows the water collection cover 863 to be easily removed from the water collection body 862 using the fastening hook 8636.

[0405] That is, under normal usage conditions, the support body 8635 and the fastening hook 8636 can prevent condensate from splashing to the outside by firmly covering the open top surface of the water collection body 862.

[0406] Conversely, if it is necessary to remove the water collection cover 863 in order to remove foreign objects piled on the water collection body 862, the water collection cover can be easily removed using the fastening hook 8636.

[0407] On the other hand, the pipe cover 830 may include a cover mounting hook 8391 formed along its periphery, and the circulation pipe 820 may include a pipe protrusion 824 that protrudes along its periphery and can be fastened to the cover mounting hook 8391.

[0408] The cover mounting hook 8391 can be engaged with the pipe protrusion 824 to attach the pipe cover 830 to the circulation pipe 820. That is, the pipe cover 830 can be securely fastened to the pipe protrusion 824 by means of the cover mounting hook 8391 while it is placed around the periphery of the inflow pipe 821 and the moving pipe 822.

[0409] A sealing element is added to the contact surface between the pipe cover 830 and the circulation pipe 820 to prevent air from flowing out of the inside of the circulation pipe 820 to the outside.

[0410] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a pipe cover portion that is combined with a nozzle cover portion in a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0411] The cleaning flow path 833 forms a plurality of flow paths that guide water supplied from the flow path switching valve 870 to the outlet 837. The cleaning flow path 833 may be formed as a separate hose or pipe, or it may be formed as a pipe shape protruding from the top surface of the pipe cover 830.

[0412] When the cleaning flow path 833 and the pipe cover 830 are integrally formed, for ease of manufacturing, the cleaning flow path 833 can be formed as a pipe with an open upper surface forming a flow path. In this case, the circulation pipe 820 may also include a nozzle cover 840, which covers the upper surface of the cleaning flow path 833 to prevent water flowing in the cleaning flow path 833 from flowing out of the cleaning flow path 833. The nozzle cover 840 may cover the entire upper part of the cleaning flow path 833.

[0413] The nozzle cover 840 can also prevent air moving along the moving pipe 822 from leaking through the circulating water outlet 837.

[0414] The nozzle cap 840 can be attached to the upper end of the cleaning flow path 833 at the upper part of the shielding cover body 8311. When the shielding cover body 8311 is viewed from above the nozzle cap 840, the nozzle cap 840 can accommodate both sides of the cleaning flow path 833 and shield the upper end of the cleaning flow path 833.

[0415] The nozzle cover 840 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cleaning flow path 833. That is, the nozzle cover 840 can extend from the side of the circulation pipe 820 where the flow path switching valve 870 is arranged to the front of the circulation pipe 820 where the circulation outlet 837 is arranged.

[0416] In addition, the length of the nozzle cover 840 extending forward and backward can be less than or equal to the overall length L of the shielding cover body 8311.

[0417] The length of the nozzle cover 840 extending forward and backward can be greater than or equal to the length of the cleaning flow path 833 extending forward.

[0418] When the cleaning flow path 833 is arranged as the first cleaning flow path 833a, the second cleaning flow path 833b, and the third cleaning flow path 833c, which are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900, the nozzle cover portion 840 can be formed in a shape that can cover the first cleaning flow path 833a, the second cleaning flow path 833b, and the third cleaning flow path 833c respectively.

[0419] On the other hand, the shielding cover body 8311 may also include a first inclined surface 8316a and a second inclined surface 8316b. The first inclined surface 8316a is located in the region corresponding to the upper part of the evaporator 910 and has a first inclination with decreasing height. The second inclined surface 8316b is connected to the first inclined surface 8316a and has a second inclination with an angle smaller than the first inclination. Thus, water moving in the cleaning flow path 833 can move towards the circulation outlet 837 without additional power. Furthermore, even if the cleaning flow path 833 is formed with a cross-sectional area gradually increasing towards the circulation outlet 837, the velocity of the water flowing in the cleaning flow path 833 does not decrease.

[0420] The cleaning flow path 833 can widen starting from the first inclined surface 8316a, reaching its widest width at the second inclined surface 8316b. Even if the entire width of the circulation outlet 837 corresponds to the width of the heat exchanger 910, and the diameter of the switching valve 870 is smaller than the width of the heat exchanger 910, the water supplied from the switching valve 870 can still be evenly supplied to the circulation outlet 837.

[0421] The main body 8311 of the shielding cover may also include a connecting hook 8391 and a fastening hole 8392 on both sides. The connecting hook 8391 is connected to the two sides of the circulation pipe 820, and the fastening member connected to the circulation pipe 820 passes through the fastening hole 8392.

[0422] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle cover of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0423] The nozzle cap 840 can form the upper surface of the cleaning flow path 833.

[0424] When the shielding cover body has an inclined surface, the nozzle cover portion 840 may also include a corresponding inclined surface.

[0425] The nozzle cover 840 may include a first surface 841, a second surface 842, a third surface 843, and an end surface 844. The first surface 841 is arranged parallel to the shielding cover body 8311. The second surface 842 extends from the first surface and extends at a first inclination corresponding to the first inclined surface 8315. The third surface 843 extends from the second surface at a second inclination corresponding to the second inclined surface 8316. The end surface 844 extends again from the third surface 843 toward the top surface of the shielding cover body 8311, shielding the circulating water outlet 837 and forming the end of the cleaning flow path 833.

[0426] The water flowing in the cleaning flow path 833 can collide with the end face 844 and move toward the circulation outlet 837.

[0427] Because foreign objects accumulate in front of the heat exchange section 900, the circulating water outlet 837 is positioned in front of the heat exchange section 900 to guide the water discharged from the drain pump 861 to the front of the heat exchange section 900.

[0428] However, since the water discharged from the drain pump 861 is pressurized and the cleaning flow path 833 is formed at an angle, the water has a moving inertial force, so that it can be discharged further forward of the heat exchange section 900 after passing through the circulation outlet 837.

[0429] In this case, the water discharged from the circulation outlet 837 may not come into contact with the heat exchange section 900, or may not be supplied to the lower part of the heat exchange section 900, thus making it impossible to clean the entire front of the heat exchange section 900.

[0430] Therefore, the nozzle cover portion 840 may also include a switching portion 846 capable of changing the direction of movement of the water flowing in the cleaning flow path portion 833.

[0431] The switching unit 846 can collide with the water discharged from the cleaning flow path 833, guiding the water to fall directly from the circulation outlet 837.

[0432] The switching part 846 may extend inside the end face 844 such that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the circulation outlet 837. Alternatively, the switching part 846 may extend downward at an angle from the inner surface of the end face 844 toward the heat exchange part 900.

[0433] As a result, water that collides with the switching section 846 can move along the inclination of the switching section 846 toward the heat exchange section 900 and be discharged. Thus, the front surface of the heat exchange section 900 can be cleaned from top to bottom.

[0434] Cleaning the heat exchange unit 900 may include cleaning the evaporator 910, or cleaning the pipe filter disposed upstream of the evaporator 910.

[0435] Since the circulating cleaning unit 80 uses the water collected in the water collection unit 860 to clean the heat exchange unit 900, it can be considered to include one or more of the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning flow path unit 833, and the circulating water outlet 837.

[0436] The circulating cleaning unit 80 cleans the heat exchange unit 900 by discharging water moving through the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning flow path 833, and the circulating outlet 837 into the circulating pipe 820. Furthermore, the water used to clean the heat exchange unit 900 can be collected again in the water collection unit 860 and then discharged back into the circulating pipe 820 via the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0437] Therefore, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can repeatedly clean by circulating the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0438] The control unit can control the flow path switching valve 870 to sequentially open a plurality of cleaning flow path sections 833 to sequentially clean the front side of the heat exchange section 900.

[0439] Furthermore, after cleaning, the control unit can control the flow path switching valve 870 to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 into the water storage tank 120. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from remaining inside the water collection section 860, the heat exchange section 900, and the circulation pipe 820 after cleaning.

[0440] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the front or upstream region of the circulation pipe 820 of the present invention.

[0441] The circulation pipe 820 may include a moving pipe 822 and an inflow pipe 821. The moving pipe 822 is provided with a heat exchange section 900 including an evaporator 910. The inflow pipe 821 is located upstream of the moving pipe 822 and receives air from the roller 200.

[0442] Since the roller 200 is rotatably disposed above the moving conduit 822, the inflow conduit 821 can extend upward from upstream or forward of the moving conduit 822 and be configured close to the inlet of the roller 200. Thus, the inflow conduit 821 can receive air discharged from the inlet of the roller 200.

[0443] The roller 200 can be supported by the front plate 410 disposed at the front so that it can rotate.

[0444] The front plate 410 may include a pipe connection 416 that connects the inlet of the roller 200 and the inflow pipe 821.

[0445] The pipe connection 416 can be formed into a pipe shape that extends downward from the front of the roller 200.

[0446] The upper end of the pipe connection 416 may face the door or inlet, while the lower end may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inflow pipe 821.

[0447] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a filter section 440 capable of filtering foreign objects flowing from the pipe connection 416 into the inflow pipe 821.

[0448] The filter section 440 is inserted into the upper end of the pipe connection section 416, so that at least a portion of the filter section 440 can be disposed inside the pipe connection section 416.

[0449] The surface of the filter section 440 may be provided with a filter screen or other mesh screen component, which can be configured such that air can pass through while foreign objects can be filtered.

[0450] The filter section 440 is detachably mounted on the pipe connection section 416. When the filter section 440 is mounted on the pipe connection section 416, it can filter and collect foreign matter flowing into the circulation pipe 820 after being discharged from the roller 200. When the filter section 440 is led out from the pipe connection section 416, the user can remove the foreign matter filtered inside the filter section 440.

[0451] The smaller the spacing of the mesh components in the filter section 440, the higher the filtration performance, but the air resistance also increases accordingly, which may lead to a decrease in drying efficiency.

[0452] Therefore, the spacing of the mesh components formed in the filter section 400 can be set to an appropriate width so as not to significantly increase air resistance while filtering foreign objects.

[0453] As a result, the filter section 440 may have difficulty filtering 100% of the foreign matter such as lint and fluff that comes out from inside the roller 200.

[0454] Furthermore, the upper end of the filter section 440 can be open, while the remaining outer peripheral surfaces can be completely covered. Foreign matter that has not entered the filter section 440 may be disposed at the upper periphery of the filter section 440 or at the upper periphery of the pipe connection portion 416 where the filter section 440 is mounted. During this process, when the filter section 440 is led out from the pipe connection portion 416, foreign matter disposed at least at either the upper periphery of the filter section 440 or the upper periphery of the pipe connection portion 416 may enter the interior of the pipe connection portion 416.

[0455] As a result, even if the filter 440 is installed in the pipe connection 416, a certain amount of foreign matter may still enter the inflow pipe 821.

[0456] Furthermore, the flow paths of the inflow pipe 821 and the moving pipe 822 can be in different directions. For example, the flow path formed inside the inflow pipe 821 can be arranged in a direction from top to bottom, and the flow path formed inside the moving pipe 822 can be arranged in a direction from front to back.

[0457] Air supplied from the pipe connection 416 and flowing into the inflow pipe 821 can switch its direction of movement in the front bottom surface area of ​​the circulation pipe 820 where the inflow pipe 821 and the moving pipe 822 meet.

[0458] Vortexes may be generated in the front bottom surface area of ​​the circulation pipe 820, which may reduce the flow velocity and increase the air resistance. Therefore, some foreign objects D may not be able to move toward the evaporator 910 and may accumulate.

[0459] Over time, the foreign object may gradually accumulate and increase in size.

[0460] The accumulation area in the circulation pipe 820, corresponding to the area in front of the moving pipe 822 and below the inflow pipe 821, is located upstream of the evaporator 910 and corresponds to an area where water supplied from the circulation cleaning unit 80 is difficult to reach. Therefore, there is a problem that the accumulation area cannot be cleaned by the circulation cleaning unit 80.

[0461] Furthermore, if foreign objects accumulate in the accumulation area or the bends of the circulation pipe 820, sufficient air cannot circulate within the circulation pipe 820. This not only reduces the drying performance of the garment handling device but also poses a problem of the foreign objects rotting and contaminating the clothes contained in the drum 200. Although only the accumulation area has been mentioned, there may also be areas of foreign object accumulation inside the circulation pipe 820 that are unrelated to the heat exchange unit 900. These accumulation areas require separate cleaning, independent of the cleaning of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0462] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a direct water cleaning section 1000 that can remove foreign matter accumulated in the accumulation area by cleaning the circulation pipe 820.

[0463] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a direct water cleaning section 1000 for cleaning areas different from those of the circulating cleaning section 80.

[0464] The area in the direct water cleaning unit 1000 that drains water into the circulation pipe and the area in the circulation cleaning unit 80 that drains water into the circulation pipe can be set differently.

[0465] For example, either the direct water cleaning unit 1000 or the circulating cleaning unit 80 can clean the evaporator 910 and the area near the evaporator 910, while the other can clean the circulating pipe 820 and the area separated from the evaporator 910.

[0466] As an example, the circulation pipe 820 is an area that is difficult for the user's body to enter. Once foreign objects accumulate, they are difficult to remove easily. Therefore, a direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be provided to clean the circulation pipe 820 outside the heat exchange unit 900.

[0467] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the garment treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described in which the circulating cleaning unit 80 cleans the heat exchange unit 900 and the direct water cleaning unit 1000 cleans the circulating pipe 820.

[0468] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the cleaning circulation pipe of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0469] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a direct water cleaning unit 1000, which receives water from an external water source and supplies it into the circulation pipe to clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0470] An external water supply source can be any configuration that is located outside the housing 100 and can supply water to the inside of the housing 100. For example, it can correspond to a faucet located outside the housing 100.

[0471] Since the direct water cleaning unit 1000 receives clean water that does not contain foreign matter such as lint and fuzz discharged from the roller 200, the circulating pipe 820 can always be cleaned with clean water.

[0472] Water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and used to clean the circulation pipe 820 can be discharged from the circulation pipe 820 and collected in the water collection unit 860. The water collected in the water collection unit 860 can be discharged from the circulation cleaning unit 80 to the water storage tank 120 for disposal, or it can be transferred to the heat exchange unit 900 to clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0473] After the water that has been cleaned by the direct water cleaning unit 1000 to clean the circulation pipe 820 is discharged into the water storage tank 820, the water that is added to the circulation pipe 820 by the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may be cleaner than the water collected after condensation in the heat exchanger 900.

[0474] Therefore, when the water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and used to clean the circulation pipe 820 is collected back into the water collection unit 860 and then used to clean the heat exchange unit 900 through the circulation cleaning unit 80, the cleaning efficiency can be higher than that of cleaning the heat exchange unit 900 through the circulation cleaning unit 80 from the beginning.

[0475] In other words, if both the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 are included, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can use cleaner water to clean the heat exchange unit 900 than when the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is not included.

[0476] Of course, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may also include only one of the direct water washing unit 1000 and the circulating washing unit 80, or it may include only the direct water washing unit 1000.

[0477] The following description is based on the case where the garment treatment apparatus of the present invention includes both a direct water washing unit 1000 and a circulating washing unit 80.

[0478] Since the circulating cleaning unit 80 uses water collected by the water collection unit 860, it is very likely that water containing foreign matter such as lint, fuzz, and bacteria will be used to clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0479] Therefore, the direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can be provided independently of the circulating cleaning unit 80. The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can be configured separately or isolated from the water collection unit 860 at the flow path level.

[0480] The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can avoid using the water collected in the water collection unit 860 and can avoid contact with or exposure to the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0481] The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can clean the circulation pipe 820 using only water supplied from an external water source. The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can be configured to block contact or mixing with water and foreign matter moving along the circulation cleaning unit 80.

[0482] The water supply start positions of the direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 can be independent of each other. Furthermore, the drainage positions of the direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 can also be independent of each other.

[0483] For example, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may receive water only from an external water supply source, and the circulating cleaning unit 80 may receive water only from the water collection unit 860.

[0484] Water supplied from the direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can be collected in the water collection unit 860. However, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 is only supplied to the circulating cleaning unit 80 and is not resupplied to the direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000.

[0485] The circulating cleaning unit 80 may include the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning flow path 833, and the circulating water outlet 837, and may also include a water collection unit 860 as a water supply source.

[0486] The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can be independently configured from all components of the circulating cleaning unit 80. The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 may include a direct-flow water outlet that receives water from an external water supply source to drain water into the circulating pipe 820. The direct-flow water outlet can be independently configured from the circulating water outlet 837.

[0487] The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can flow from the beginning to the end of the flow path and does not share the flow path with the circulating cleaning unit 80. As a result, water moving from the external water supply source to the direct-flow water outlet can be prevented from being contaminated by the water flowing in the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0488] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be configured on the upper part of the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0489] For example, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may include a direct water valve 1100 for receiving water from the external water supply source, a direct water pipe 1200 connected to the direct water valve 1100 and transmitting the water, and a pipe outlet 1530 for discharging the water received from the direct water pipe 1200 into the circulation pipe 820.

[0490] The water outlet 1530 of the pipe can correspond to the water outlet from which water is drained from the straight water cleaning unit 1000.

[0491] The straight-through water valve 1100 can be attached to and fixed to the back of the housing. Alternatively, at least a portion of the straight-through water valve 1100 can also be disposed inside the housing 100.

[0492] The water outlet 1530 can be configured at the end of the straight water pipe 1200. The straight water pipe 1200 can extend from the straight water valve 1100 into the interior of the circulation pipe 820 to directly supply water into the interior of the circulation pipe 820.

[0493] However, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may also include a pipe nozzle 1500, which is attached to the end of the direct water pipe 1200 and is provided with a pipe outlet 1530 for cleaning the inside of the circulation pipe 820.

[0494] The likelihood of foreign matter accumulating behind the heat exchange section 900 is relatively low. Therefore, the direct-flow water cleaning section 1000 can supply water to the area in the circulation pipe 820 located upstream or in front of the heat exchange section 900.

[0495] For example, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can drain water into the moving pipe 822 to clean the heat exchange unit 900 using water collected in the water collection unit 860. The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can clean the upstream area of ​​the heat exchange unit 900, and the circulating cleaning unit 80 can centrally clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0496] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can directly supply water to the front of the moving pipe 822 or to areas such as bends where water accumulates.

[0497] Furthermore, the straight-through water cleaning unit 1000 can supply water into the inflow pipe 821, allowing the water to reach all areas, including the front and bends of the moving pipe 822. Thus, the straight-through water cleaning unit 1000 can not only clean the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 821 using the water discharged into it, but also clean the bends where the inflow pipe 821 and the moving pipe 822 meet, and further clean the area in front of the moving pipe 822 and the area in front of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0498] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can use the water falling from the inflow pipe 821 to clean the accumulation area and the bottom and sides of the moving pipe 822 with a strong force.

[0499] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 may include a direct water valve 1100 disposed on the back of the housing or behind the base 800 and receiving water from the external water supply source, a direct water pipe 1200 extending from the direct water valve to the inflow pipe, and a pipe nozzle 1500 connected to the inflow pipe and discharging water supplied from the direct water pipe into the interior of the inflow pipe 820.

[0500] The straight water pipe 1200 can extend parallel to the extension direction of the circulation pipe 820 and can be disposed on one side of the circulation pipe 820. Since the straight water pipe 1200 is not disposed on the upper part of the circulation pipe 820, it is possible to prevent interference with the rotation of the roller 200.

[0501] The straight-through water valve 1100 can be configured at the lower part of the roller 200, and the straight-through water pipe 1200 and the pipe nozzle 1500 can also be configured at the lower part of the roller 200.

[0502] Water supplied from the pipe nozzle 1500 can be collected in the water collection section 860 after cleaning the inflow pipe 821 and the moving pipe 822.

[0503] The direct-flow water cleaning unit 1000 can operate before the circulating cleaning unit 80. Thus, after all the circulating pipes 820 and the like have been cleaned and cleaner water has been collected in the water collection unit 860, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0504] As a result, the drain pump 861 can only start operating after the direct-flow water valve 1100 is opened first and the water collection section 860 reaches full water level.

[0505] The pipe nozzle 1500 can be configured along the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 821.

[0506] Figure 16 This diagram shows the location of the configurable direct-flow water cleaning unit.

[0507] The heat exchange section 900 is located inside the circulation pipe 820, which is disposed at the lower part of the drum 200.

[0508] Therefore, the pipe nozzle 1500 is disposed in the circulation pipe 820 located above the heat exchange section 900.

[0509] In addition, the evaporator 910 in the heat exchange section 900 is located upstream of the circulation pipe 820, and is therefore positioned closer to the front of the circulation pipe 820.

[0510] In this state, if the direct water valve 1000 is configured on the upper part of the drum 200 as in a regular washing machine, then when the direct water pipe 1200 connects the direct water valve 1100 and the pipe nozzle 1500 with the shortest distance, the direct water pipe 1200 will inevitably interfere with the drum 200, thereby causing the direct water pipe 1200 to break or hindering the rotation of the drum 200.

[0511] Therefore, the straight water pipe 1200 connecting the straight water valve 1000 and the pipe nozzle 1500 needs to extend from the upper part of the back side of the roller 200 to the lower part of the back side of the roller 200, and also needs to change direction and extend from the back side of the roller 200 to the front side of the roller 200.

[0512] In this case, the straight water pipe 1200 becomes longer, thus increasing the amount of residual water in the straight water pipe 1200, or making it difficult to supply water at sufficient pressure when the water pressure is low.

[0513] Furthermore, if the straight water pipe 1200 is made of a flexible hose or the like, it will not only be difficult to fix the straight water pipe 1200, but the possibility of interference with the roller 200 is also very high.

[0514] For example, if the overall height of the housing 100 is referred to as the first height H1, and the height to the rotation center of the roller 200 is referred to as the second height H2, then the garment processing device of the present invention can configure the overall structure of the direct water washing section 1000 at a height lower than the second height H2.

[0515] Therefore, by configuring the straight-through water valve 1100 closer to the circulation pipe 820, the length of the straight-through water pipe 1200 can be shortened.

[0516] The garment processing device of the present invention can arrange the entire structure of the direct water washing section 1000 in the lower part of the drum 200.

[0517] The straight-through water valve 1100 can be positioned outside the roller 200 at a position lower than the rotation center of the roller. As a result, the entire straight-through water pipe 1200 can be positioned at the lower part of the roller 200, and not even a part of it will face the back of the roller 200.

[0518] Therefore, interference between the straight water pipe 1200 and the roller 200 or the drive unit 500 can be prevented.

[0519] Furthermore, the straight-through water valve 1100 and the straight-through water pipe 1200 can be configured separately from the base 800. As a result, it is possible to prevent the straight-through water valve 1100 and the straight-through water pipe 1200 from being damaged or separated due to vibration or other reasons.

[0520] Additionally, the pipe nozzle 1500 may be configured on the upper part of the circulation pipe 820.

[0521] On the other hand, the straight-through water valve 1100 can be positioned at the same height as or higher than the third height H3 of the circulation pipe 820. As a result, a height difference is formed between the straight-through water valve 1100 and the pipe nozzle 1500, allowing the water pressure supplied to the pipe nozzle 1500 to be higher than that of the external water source. Therefore, even if the external water source has low pressure, the water pressure discharged from the pipe nozzle 1500 can be increased to a level sufficient to clean away foreign objects.

[0522] The straight water pipe 1200 can be set at a position higher than the third height H3, but it can also be at least partially arranged on one side of the circulation pipe 820 above the device setting part 810 and located at a position lower than the third height H3.

[0523] As a result, interference between the straight water pipe 1200 and the roller 200 can be further prevented.

[0524] The straight water pipe 1200 can be configured above the flow path switching valve 870, but it can also extend below the flow path switching valve 870. As a result, even if vibration is transmitted to the base 800, the straight water pipe 1200 can be prevented from making instantaneous contact with the roller 200.

[0525] In summary, the straight-through water valve 1100 can be configured at a position lower than the drum 200 and higher than the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation pipe 820.

[0526] The pipe nozzle 1500 can be configured at a position lower than the roller 200 and higher than the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation pipe 820.

[0527] The straight water pipe 1200 can extend from the position of the straight water valve 1100, which is lower than the roller 200 and higher than the bottom surface of the circulation pipe 820, to the pipe nozzle 1500.

[0528] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the structure of the direct-flow water cleaning section.

[0529] The pipe nozzle 1500 may include a guide pipe 1510, a guide pipe 1520, and a pipe outlet 1530. The guide pipe 1510 is connected to the inflow pipe and guides water supplied from the straight water pipe into the inflow pipe. The guide pipe 1520 is connected to the guide pipe 1510 and extends along the periphery of the inner surface of the inflow pipe, and guides the water. The pipe outlet 1530 penetrates the guide pipe 1520 and sprays the water into the interior of the inflow pipe.

[0530] Therefore, even if the straight water pipe 1200 is located behind the inflow pipe 821, water can still be supplied along the inner periphery of the inflow pipe 821 through the pipe nozzle 1500.

[0531] The pipe nozzle 1500 can supply water only to a portion of the periphery of the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821, rather than the entire periphery.

[0532] Specifically, with the opening of the inflow pipe 821 as the center, the front and two sides of the inflow pipe 821 extend from the top to the bottom of the inflow pipe 821, but the back of the inflow pipe 821 is completely separated from the moving pipe 822.

[0533] Therefore, the pipe nozzle 1500 can supply water to at least one of the front and two sides of the inflow pipe 821, excluding the back side of the inflow pipe 821.

[0534] The guide pipe 1520 can be configured to extend from the guide pipe 1510 to both sides and the front of the inflow pipe 821, while the back of the inflow pipe 821 can be omitted.

[0535] Thus, at least a portion of the water discharged from the pipe outlet 1530 can fall along the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821 and be directed to the moving pipe 822.

[0536] The straight water pipe 1200 can extend from the lower part of the switching valve 870 and connect to the guide pipe 1510. This fundamentally prevents interference between the straight water pipe 1200 and the roller 200.

[0537] On the other hand, the guide pipe 1520 can be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the filter section 440. This allows not only the outer surface of the filter section 440 to be cleaned, but also pre-cleaning of foreign objects disposed on the outside of the filter section 440 and anticipated to fall.

[0538] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the specific structure of the pipe nozzle.

[0539] Reference Figure 18 (a) The guide pipe 1510 may be configured on the back side of the area protruding from the inflow pipe 821 toward the water collection section 860 and communicate with the straight water pipe 1200.

[0540] The guide pipe 1510 can receive water from the straight water pipe 1200 and can store a specified amount of water.

[0541] The guide pipe 1520 can extend from the guide pipe 1510 along the periphery of the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821. A flow path for water supplied from the guide pipe 1510 can be provided inside the guide pipe 1520.

[0542] Except for the water outlet 1530, the guide pipe 1520 can be formed into a pipe shape with its interior concealed. Thus, even if high-pressure water flows into the interior of the guide pipe 1520, it can be prevented from flowing out arbitrarily.

[0543] Reference Figure 18 (b) The water outlet 1530 allows water supplied from an external water source to be discharged from the guide pipe 1520 to the inner surface or lower part of the inflow pipe 821.

[0544] Water discharged from the outlet 1530 of the pipe can fall directly down to clean the accumulated area, or it can be flushed and moved to the lower part from the position where the guide pipe 1520 is configured in the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821.

[0545] Thus, the pipe nozzle 1500 can start cleaning from the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821 and can clean up to the front of the heat exchange section 900 in the moving pipe 822.

[0546] Furthermore, the water outlet 1530 can be configured not to directly drain water into the filter section 440. Therefore, the outer surface of the filter section 440 will not be wetted, thus preventing obstruction of air movement.

[0547] As a result, the water discharged from the pipe outlet 1530 can flush away all foreign objects that are attached to the outer surface of the filter section 440 and fall off, foreign objects that are separated from the filter section 440, and foreign objects that fall into the pipe connection section 416.

[0548] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the structure of the water outlet of the pipe.

[0549] The pipe outlet 1530 can be configured to drain water vertically into the movable pipe. The pipe outlet 1530 can also drain water at an angle into the inner wall of the inflow pipe 821.

[0550] However, the water outlet 1530 of the pipe can be configured to drain water without tilting it toward the filter section 440.

[0551] That is, the water outlet 1530 can penetrate vertically through the bottom surface of the guide pipe 1520, or it can penetrate obliquely towards the inner surface of the inflow pipe 821.

[0552] The guide pipe 1520 can be configured to prevent internal exposure except for the pipe outlet 1530, so as to temporarily store water flowing in from the guide pipe 1510.

[0553] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet 1530 can be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 1510.

[0554] The water outlet 1530 may include a first outlet 1531 and a second outlet 1532. The first outlet 1531 extends through the lower part of the guide pipe along at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 821, and the second outlet 1532 extends through the lower part of the guide pipe at a position closer to the interior of the inflow pipe than the first outlet 1531.

[0555] The first outlet 1531 can drain water towards the inner surface of the inflow pipe, and the second outlet 1532 can drain water towards the moving pipe.

[0556] The guide pipe 1520 can store a specified amount of water and discharge it to the pipe outlet 1530.

[0557] Therefore, even if the water pressure or volume of the external water supply source is insufficient, it can be collected in the guide pipe 1520 to ensure the cleaning volume, and the cleaning force can be ensured by the height difference.

[0558] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the filtration section and the direct water cleaning section.

[0559] Reference Figure 20 (a) The pipe nozzle 1500 can supply water to the area in the inflow pipe 821 located between the upper and lower ends of the filter section 440.

[0560] The pipe nozzle 1500 is configured to overlap with the filter section 440, thereby ensuring the cleaning force for cleaning the inside of the circulating pipe 820, such as the inflow pipe 821.

[0561] A filter mounting part 418 may be provided on the upper part of the pipe connection part 416, and the filter part 440 is disposed on the filter mounting part 418. A pipe connection hole 417 for air to flow into the roller is provided inside the filter mounting part 418.

[0562] The pipe connection hole 417 can penetrate the upper end of the pipe connection part 416, and the filter mounting part 418 can be formed by extending from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe connection hole 417, and its area is larger than the area of ​​the pipe connection part.

[0563] The filter mounting part 418 can be configured below the door insertion hole provided in the front housing.

[0564] The pipe nozzle 1500 can be disposed at the lower part of the filter mounting portion 418. In addition, the pipe nozzle 1500 can supply water to the lower part of the pipe connection portion 416.

[0565] Therefore, the guide pipe 1520 may be configured along at least a portion of the periphery of the filter section 440 disposed at the lower part of the pipe connection 416.

[0566] Thus, cleaning can begin from the area exposed from the filter section 440 to the lower part of the pipe connection 416, and airflow can be prevented from being obstructed due to unnecessary wetting of the outer surface of the filter section 440.

[0567] Reference Figure 20 (b) The filter unit 440 may include an external filter 492 inserted into the pipe connection 416 to filter foreign objects and an internal filter 441 inserted into the external filter 492 to filter foreign objects.

[0568] At least a portion of the external filter 492 is inserted into the internal filter 441, while the remainder may be disposed on the upper part of the internal filter 441.

[0569] The pipe nozzle 1500 can be positioned in the area where the internal filter 441 and the external filter 492 overlap. This allows for focused cleaning starting from areas where foreign matter might flow outwards.

[0570] The guide pipe 1520 can be configured between the lower and upper ends of the filter section 440 to discharge water supplied from an external water source.

[0571] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the effect of exporting the nozzle from the pipe.

[0572] Water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200 can flow into the guide pipe 1510 and move along the guide pipe 1520 toward the periphery of the inflow pipe 821.

[0573] During this process, water can be discharged from the outlet 1530 of the pipe, sequentially cleaning the inflow pipe 821 to the moving pipe 822 to remove foreign matter D.

[0574] The foreign object D can be transferred to the lower part of the heat exchange section 900 and discharged to the water collection section 860, thereby being removed from the circulation pipe 820.

[0575] Foreign objects collected in the water collection section 860 can be discarded into the water storage tank 120 or discharged to the outside of the tank for complete removal.

[0576] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating the control method for the garment processing apparatus of the present invention to perform a drying procedure.

[0577] Reference Figure 22 When the garment processing device performs any drying program to dry the moisture in the garments, it will go through a heating step, a constant rate step, a rate reduction step, and a cooling step, depending on the temperature of the garments or the temperature inside the drum.

[0578] The heating step involves driving the compressor 930 and the circulating flow fan motor 951 to supply hot air into the drum 200. During this time, the drum 200 can be rotated by the drive unit.

[0579] During the heating step, the temperature inside the drum 200 can rise.

[0580] In the heating step, if hot air of sufficient temperature is supplied to the inside of the drum 200, the amount of moisture dried in the garment increases.

[0581] The water then enters the constant-rate step, in which the water absorbs the energy of the hot air through the heat of vaporization, so that the temperature inside the drum 200 remains approximately constant or the temperature rise slows down.

[0582] As the constant rate step proceeds, if the moisture in the clothing is fully dried, the amount of water vaporized from the clothing decreases, and the heat of vaporization absorbed from the hot air also decreases.

[0583] Therefore, a rate reduction step is initiated whereby the temperature inside the roller 200 rises due to the hot air supplied to it.

[0584] During the drying process, the drying of the clothes can be completed as the temperature inside the drum 200 gradually rises.

[0585] Once the drying of the garments is complete, the compressor 930 can be stopped.

[0586] Additionally, once the drying of the garments is complete, a cooling step is performed to reduce the temperature inside the drum 200.

[0587] During the cooling step, the roller 200 can rotate continuously, and the circulating flow path fan 950 can be driven or stopped.

[0588] As a result, if the rate reduction step is completed, the drying of the clothes can be considered complete.

[0589] The garment handling device of the present invention can automatically clean the heat exchange unit 900 and the circulation pipe 820 during the execution of the drying program. As a result, the heat exchange unit 900 can be cleaned even without the user inputting additional instructions for cleaning it.

[0590] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating the control method of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention for controlling the direct water washing section and the circulating washing section.

[0591] The following description is based on the application of the control method during the execution of the drying process.

[0592] However, when the garment processing apparatus of the present invention has a cleaning program with an independent cleaning heat exchange unit 900 or a circulation pipe 820, the control method can be used in the same way when an instruction to execute the cleaning program is input.

[0593] When the garment processing apparatus of the present invention cleans the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation pipe 820, a residual water drainage step A2 can be performed to store the water collected in the water collection section 860 into the water storage tank 120.

[0594] For example, the residual water drainage step A2 can be performed after the rate reduction step ends and the compressor 930 is no longer driven during the drying operation.

[0595] The residual water drainage step A2 may include driving the drainage pump 861 while the switching valve 870 is only open in the drain pipe 892. Therefore, in the residual water drainage step A2, all the water collected in the water collection section 860 can be discharged into the water storage tank 120 without flowing out into the circulation pipe 820.

[0596] In the residual water drainage step A2, the drainage pump 861 can be driven until as much water collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged into the water storage tank 120.

[0597] Therefore, the water condensed by the evaporator 910 during the drying operation can be collected in the water storage tank 120 and can be used without cleaning the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation pipe 820. As a result, the heat exchange section 900 can be prevented from being recontaminated by foreign matter generated during the drying operation.

[0598] If the water in the water collection section 860 is drained in the residual water drainage step A2, then the direct water cleaning step A4, which uses the direct water cleaning section 1000 to directly clean the circulation pipe 820, can be performed.

[0599] However, if foreign objects remain inside the water collection section 860 and the circulation pipe 820, there is a risk that the foreign objects may be supplied to the heat exchange section 900 again.

[0600] Therefore, before directly cleaning the circulation pipe 820 using the direct water cleaning unit 1000, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a cleaning preparation step A3 or pre-washing to prepare to clean the circulation pipe 820 using the direct water cleaning unit 1000.

[0601] In the washing preparation step A3, the garment processing device of the present invention can simultaneously open the direct water valve 1100 and drive the drain pump 861. In the washing preparation step A3, the switching valve 870 can be in the open state of the drain pipe 892.

[0602] As a result, in the cleaning preparation step A3, the water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200 cleans the water collection section 860 while cleaning the circulation pipe 820, and is then collected in the water storage tank 120.

[0603] As a result, foreign matter remaining in the circulating cleaning section 80 can be removed more reliably.

[0604] Subsequently, the cleaning preparation step A3 can be performed within a preparation time t3. The preparation time t3 can be the time it takes for the water storage tank 120 to collect water corresponding to the preparation amount. For example, the preparation amount can be the amount corresponding to the full water level of the water collection section 862.

[0605] Additionally, the preparation time t3 can be the time required to ensure that foreign objects in the circulating cleaning unit 80 can be cleaned using direct water flow. For example, the preparation time t3 can be approximately 3 minutes.

[0606] If the cleaning preparation step A3 is completed, the straight-through water cleaning step can be performed by opening the straight-through water valve 1100 and stopping the drive of the drain pump 861.

[0607] The cleaning preparation step A3 can be completed before performing the direct water cleaning step A4 by closing the direct water valve 1100 and draining all the water collected in the water collection section 860.

[0608] That is, the cleaning preparation step A3 can be considered to end with the drainage of the water collected in the water collection section 860.

[0609] If the water in the water collection section 860 is collected into the water storage tank 120 or discharged into the drain, a direct water cleaning step A4 can be performed to clean the circulation pipe 820 using water supplied from an external water source.

[0610] The direct water cleaning step A4 can be the step of opening the direct water valve 1100.

[0611] In the direct water cleaning step A4, the drain pump 861 may not be driven. This prevents the direct water valve 1100 from supplying excessive water to the circulation pipe 820 and the water collection section 860.

[0612] In the direct water cleaning step A4, if the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level, the direct water valve 1100 can be closed.

[0613] The reference water level can correspond to the water level that ensures the circulation pipe 820 is adequately cleaned using water supplied from the straight-through water valve 1100.

[0614] For example, the reference water level can correspond to the full water level of the water collection section 860.

[0615] In the direct water cleaning step A4, the garment treatment device of the present invention can open the direct water valve 1100 until the water level of the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level H, and the circulating pipe 820 can be directly cleaned with the water through the pipe nozzle 1500.

[0616] In the direct water cleaning step A4, if the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level, the drain pump 861 can be driven.

[0617] When the drain pump 861 is activated, the switching valve 870 can open the drain pipe 892. In this case, the drain pump 861 can discharge all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or the outside of the tank. In this case, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can repeat the direct water washing step A4.

[0618] Specifically, the straight-through water valve 1100 can be opened while the drainage pump 861 is stopped, until the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level H.

[0619] The direct water cleaning step A4 can be repeated a reference number of times. Therefore, the heat exchange unit 900 can be cleaned a reference number of times using clean water supplied from an external water source.

[0620] The direct water cleaning step A4 can be completed when the water collection unit 860 contains water corresponding to the reference water level H.

[0621] That is, the direct water cleaning step A4 can be completed after the direct water valve 1100 is opened and the drain pump 861 stops driving.

[0622] Subsequently, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a circulating cleaning step A5, which uses the water collected in the water collection section 860 to clean the heat exchange section 900.

[0623] Therefore, the garment cleaning apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange unit 900 by circulating water supplied from an external water source that is free of or has a low content of foreign matter. Furthermore, in the circulating cleaning step A5, the garment cleaning apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange unit 900 by repeatedly circulating direct-flow water, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the circulating cleaning process while conserving water.

[0624] The circulating cleaning step A5 may include driving the drain pump 861 while the switching valve 870 blocks the drain pipe 892 and opens the cleaning flow path 833.

[0625] The circulating cleaning step A5 can be the same as the residual water cleaning method previously performed when there is no direct water supply.

[0626] The circulating cleaning step A5 is a step of cleaning the heat exchange section 900 through the cleaning flow path 833. When the cleaning flow path 833 is divided into a plurality of parts, the switching valve 870 can sequentially open a plurality of cleaning flow paths 833.

[0627] For example, if the cyclic cleaning step A5 is performed, the switching valve 870 can open only one of the plurality of cleaning flow paths and drive the drain pump 861.

[0628] The drainage pump 861 can be driven until all the water collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged, and can be temporarily stopped after all the water collected in the water collection section 860 has been discharged.

[0629] The switching valve 870 can sequentially open a plurality of the cleaning flow paths 833 during the operation of the drain pump 861. Thus, water collected in the water collection section 860 can be used to clean all of the plurality of cleaning flow paths 833.

[0630] Alternatively, the switching valve 870 can be opened only a portion or any one of the plurality of cleaning flow paths 833 until the drain pump 861 stops after one actuation, and another cleaning flow path is opened when the drain pump 861 is actuated again. Thus, all the water collected in the water collection section 860 can be used to clean a portion or any one of the cleaning flow paths, and all the water re-collected in the water collection section 860 can be used to clean another cleaning flow path. This process can be repeated until all the water collected in the water collection section 860 passes through the cleaning flow path 833.

[0631] As a result, the circulation pipe 820 can be cleaned with direct water first to effectively remove foreign matter, and then the heat exchange section 900 can be cleaned with direct water circulation to further remove residual foreign matter.

[0632] The term "direct water" is used to distinguish it from condensate water and can be defined as water supplied from an external water source.

[0633] In addition, the circulation pipe 820 and the water collection section 860 can be repeatedly cleaned with direct water flow. As a result, foreign objects in the base can be thoroughly removed.

[0634] The cyclic cleaning step A5 can end when all the water collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged into the water storage tank 120 or the outside of the tank.

[0635] That is, in the circulating cleaning step A5, if the heat exchange section 900 has been cleaned through all cleaning flow paths 833, the switching valve 870 can open the drain pipe 892 and close all cleaning flow paths 833. Afterwards, the drain pump 861 can discharge all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet.

[0636] The sequential execution of residual water drainage step A2, washing preparation step A3, direct water washing step A4, and circulating washing step A5 is only one embodiment. The clothing treatment device of the present invention can directly execute the direct water washing step A4 or directly execute the circulating washing step A5 after the compressor drive ends.

[0637] Alternatively, after the compressor has finished running, only the residual water drainage step A2 and the direct water cleaning step A4 can be performed, omitting the circulating cleaning step A5.

[0638] However, when the garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs the direct water washing step A4 and the circulating washing step A5, the direct water washing step A4 can be performed before the circulating washing step A5. Therefore, the circulating washing step A5 can be performed using direct water received from an external water supply source, instead of condensate water.

[0639] On the other hand, the aforementioned residual water drainage step A2, cleaning preparation step A3, direct water cleaning step A4, and circulating cleaning step A5 can be performed on the premise of water supply from an external water source. If the external water source is not connected to the direct water cleaning unit 1000, the process may not be able to be performed.

[0640] Therefore, the clothing handling device of the present invention can also perform detection step A1 to detect whether the external water supply source supplies water to the direct water valve 1100.

[0641] The detection step A1 can be performed after the compressor 930 has finished operating during the drying process. Alternatively, the detection step A1 can also be performed when the garment processing device of the present invention is powered on, or during the operation of the compressor 930.

[0642] As long as the detection step A1 is performed before the residual water drainage step A2, it doesn't matter when it is performed.

[0643] The detection step A1 can also be performed by mechanically detecting whether the straight-through water valve 1100 is connected to the external water supply source.

[0644] In addition, a flow sensor or similar device can be installed to detect whether water flows through the straight-through water valve 1100 or whether water flows through the straight-through water pipe 1200.

[0645] Even if the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is not equipped with an additional detection device, the detection step A1 can be performed using the configuration of the direct water washing unit 1000 and the circulating washing unit 80.

[0646] If the direct water valve 1100 is detected to be able to receive water from an external water source in the detection step A1, then one or more of the aforementioned residual water drainage step A2, cleaning preparation step A3, direct water cleaning step A4, and circulating cleaning step A5 can be executed.

[0647] However, if the direct water valve 1100 is found to be unable to receive water from an external water source in the detection step A1, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can directly execute the cyclic cleaning step A5.

[0648] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention cannot receive water from an external water source, it can directly execute the circulating cleaning step A5, using the water condensed in the evaporator 910 to clean the circulating pipe 820, instead of discharging it into the water storage tank 120 or the drain.

[0649] On the other hand, in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, even if the direct water washing unit 1000 is in a state of receiving water from an external water source, if the water received is at a higher water pressure or with a greater flow rate (hereinafter, high water pressure state) than normal, or at a lower water pressure or with a lower flow rate (hereinafter, low water pressure state), then it is necessary to change the way the direct water washing step A4 is performed.

[0650] Therefore, the detection step A1 also needs to detect whether the water supplied from the external water source to the direct water valve 1100 is in a normal state, a low water pressure state, or a high water pressure state.

[0651] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the garment treatment apparatus of the present invention performing the detection step using a direct-flow water washing unit and a circulating water washing unit.

[0652] If the detection step A1 is performed, the garment processing device of the present invention can perform the opening step A11 of opening the direct-flow water valve 1100.

[0653] If the opening step A11 is performed, then the water supply anomaly detection step A12, which detects whether the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or full water level within a limited time, can be performed.

[0654] The garment processing device of the present invention can detect the water level by means of a water level sensor connected to the water collection unit 860. Alternatively, even without a water level sensor, the garment processing device of the present invention can detect the water level by intermittently driving the drainage pump 861, using the pump load.

[0655] If the water level in the water collection section 860 does not reach the reference water level or the full water level in the water supply anomaly detection step A12, the clothing processing device of the present invention can execute the water supply anomaly step A154, that is, determine that the direct water valve 1100 cannot receive enough water from the external water supply source to perform washing.

[0656] If the water supply abnormality step A154 is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can clean the heat exchange unit 900 using only the circulating cleaning step A5.

[0657] The time limit can be set to a time that will not cause drying delays or excessive power consumption. The time limit can correspond to 5 minutes.

[0658] The reference water level can be set based on the amount of water sufficient to thoroughly clean the heat exchange unit 900 using the water collected in the water collection section 860. For example, it can correspond to a water level that is more than half the height of the water collection section 860.

[0659] If the opening step A11 is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the normal water supply judgment step A13, which detects whether the water level of the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level within the estimated time.

[0660] The normal water supply judgment step A13 can be a step to determine whether the direct water cleaning step A4 can be executed.

[0661] If the external water supply source has sufficient water pressure and volume, the estimated time can be set to the time when there is enough water to supply the reference water level of the water collection section 860.

[0662] Therefore, the estimated time can be set to be shorter than the specified time. For example, the estimated time can correspond to 2 minutes.

[0663] In the normal water supply judgment step A13, if the water level of the water collection section 860 does not reach the reference water level or full water level within the estimated time, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the low water pressure determination step A153, that is, determine that the external water supply source is in a low water pressure state for performing the direct water washing step A4, where the water pressure is low or the water volume is small.

[0664] If the opening step A11 is performed, the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform a rapid judgment step A14 to detect whether the water level of the water collection section 860 has reached the reference water level or the full water level within a necessary time.

[0665] The necessary time can be set as the shortest time required to supply sufficient water to the circulation pipe 820 for cleaning.

[0666] In other words, the necessary time can be the shortest time required to clean the circulation pipe 820.

[0667] Therefore, the necessary time can be set to be shorter than the estimated time. For example, the necessary time can correspond to 1 minute.

[0668] In the rapid judgment step A14, if the water level of the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level within the estimated time, and the water level of the water collection section 860 does not reach the reference water level or the full water level within the necessary time, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the normal determination step A152, that is, determine that the external water supply source can supply an appropriate amount of water.

[0669] However, in the rapid judgment step A14, if the water level of the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level within the estimated time, and the water level of the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level within the necessary time, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the high water pressure determination step A151, that is, determine that the external water supply source supplies too much water in order to perform the direct water washing step A4.

[0670] The garment processing device of the present invention may choose not to perform the direct water cleaning step A4, or may perform the direct water cleaning step A4 differently, depending on whether the external water supply source is connected to the direct water valve 1100 and the amount and pressure of water supplied from the external water supply source.

[0671] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates a method for performing a direct water cleaning step when the water pressure of the external water supply source is normal or high.

[0672] If the direct water washing step A4 is performed, the garment processing device of the present invention can perform the opening step A41 of opening the direct water valve 1100.

[0673] The opening step A41 includes opening the straight-through water valve 1100 to guide water from the external water supply source to the straight-through water pipe 1200 and the pipe nozzle 1500. In the opening step A41, the drain pump 861 can be stopped.

[0674] The opening step A41 is to directly clean the heat exchange section 900 with direct water flow, and the water used to clean the heat exchange section 900 can be directly collected in the water collection section 860.

[0675] The water collection section 860 may contain residual water from cleaning the heat exchange section 900 and foreign matter collected in the heat exchange section 900 and the circulation pipe 820.

[0676] If the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level, then the stop step A42, which closes the direct water valve 1100, can be executed.

[0677] If stop step A42 is executed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can execute step A43, which determines whether the heat exchange unit 900 has been cleaned a reference number of times using the direct water.

[0678] The reference number corresponds to the number of times that the foreign matter can be adequately removed by using a direct water supply when foreign matter is attached to the heat exchange section 900.

[0679] In the count determination step A43, if the baseline number of washes has not been completed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the direct water drainage step A44 to drain the water collected in the water collection section 860.

[0680] The direct water drainage step A44 may include driving the drainage pump 861 when the switching valve 870 is open only for the drainage pipe 892 and the cleaning flow path 833 is closed.

[0681] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform the opening step A41 and the stopping step A42 again, and add a cleaning heat exchange unit 900.

[0682] If the opening step A41 and the stopping step A42 are executed a reference number of times, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can omit the direct water drainage step A44 and end the direct water washing step A4.

[0683] As a result, the water collection section 860 can eventually be in a state where it stores water supplied from an external water source and has cleaned the circulation pipe 820. The foreign matter content of the water may be low, and it can be in a state approximately the same as that of water supplied from an external water source. Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can use the clean water collected in the water collection section 860 to clean the heat exchange section 900 through the circulation cleaning step A5.

[0684] On the other hand, due to the opening step A41 and the stopping step A42, the direct water cleaning step A4 stops when the water supplied to the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level.

[0685] When the external water supply source is under high water pressure, the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or full water level faster than in the normal state, thus shortening the cleaning time of the heat exchange section 900.

[0686] Therefore, when the external water supply is under high pressure, although high-pressure water is delivered to the heat exchange unit 900, the necessary time cannot be guaranteed, so the cleaning effect of the heat exchange unit 900 may not be as good as the cleaning effect under normal conditions.

[0687] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can set the reference number of washes to be more than in the normal state under high water pressure. In other words, the heat exchange section 900 can be washed more times than in the normal state under high water pressure.

[0688] For example, the baseline number of times under normal conditions can correspond to 1 or 2 times, while the baseline number of times under high pressure conditions can correspond to more than 3 times.

[0689] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates a method for performing a direct water cleaning step when the water pressure from the external water supply source is low.

[0690] If the direct water washing step A4 is performed, the garment processing device of the present invention can perform the opening step a41 of opening the direct water valve 1100. In the low water pressure state, the opening step a41 can be the same as the opening step A41 in the normal state.

[0691] Additionally, if the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level or the full water level, the stop step a42 of closing the direct water valve 1100 can be executed.

[0692] When the water pressure is low, the stopping step a42 can be the same as the stopping step A42 in the normal state.

[0693] However, if the external water supply source has low water pressure, even if the direct water valve 1100 is open for a long time, it may not be possible to ensure the water pressure required to clean the circulation pipe 820.

[0694] Therefore, if the stop step a42 is executed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can execute the circulating cleaning switching step a43 of cleaning the heat exchange unit 900 using the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0695] The cycle cleaning switching step a43 can be the same as the cycle cleaning step A5.

[0696] Therefore, the heat exchange section 900 can be cleaned using the water collected in the water collection section 860 by means of the pressure provided by the drain pump 861.

[0697] Since the direct water cleaning step A4 is performed after the drying operation and the residual water drainage step A2, the circulating cleaning switching step a43 can use cleaner water to clean the heat exchange unit 900 compared to the circulating cleaning step A5, which omits the direct water cleaning step A4.

[0698] Therefore, even if the external water supply source cannot provide water with sufficient pressure, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can use the power of the drain pump 861 to clean the circulation pipe 820.

[0699] The clothing processing device of the present invention can execute the number of times determination step a44 to determine whether the heat exchange unit 900 has been cleaned a reference number of times in the cycle cleaning switching step a43.

[0700] The reference number corresponds to the number of times that the foreign matter can be adequately removed by the drain pump 861 when foreign matter is attached to the heat exchange section 900.

[0701] In the count determination step a43, if the baseline number of washes has not been completed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can also drain the water collected in the water collection section 860 and execute the opening step a41 and the stopping step a42 again.

[0702] In addition, if the baseline number of washes is not completed in the count determination step a43, the garment processing device of the present invention can sequentially reopen the washing flow path 833 by switching valve 870 and drive the drain pump 861 to clean the heat exchange section 900.

[0703] On the other hand, if the direct water cleaning step A4 is performed under the low water pressure condition, the circulating cleaning step A5 can be omitted.

[0704] If the baseline number of cleaning cycles has been completed in the cycle determination step a43, then a drainage step can be performed to discharge all the water from the water collection section 860 into the water storage tank 120 or the drain.

[0705] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention when direct water supply is unavailable.

[0706] The garment processing device of the present invention can directly execute the circulating cleaning step A5 if the detection step A41 detects that direct water supply is not possible.

[0707] The circulating cleaning step A5 may include a residual water cleaning step A51, which uses the condensate collected during the drying operation to clean the residual water in the heat exchange unit 900.

[0708] The residual water cleaning step A51 may include driving the drain pump 861 while the switching valve 870 is open in any one of the plurality of cleaning flow paths.

[0709] The garment processing device of the present invention can perform a cleaning judgment step A52 to determine whether a specific cleaning flow path has been cleaned a reference number of times.

[0710] If a specific flow path has been cleaned less than a reference number of times in the cleaning judgment step A52, the garment processing device of the present invention can repeatedly supply condensate water to the cleaning flow path.

[0711] If a specific flow path has been cleaned a reference number of times in the cleaning judgment step A52, the garment processing device of the present invention can execute the completion judgment step A53 to determine whether all flow paths have been cleaned.

[0712] If condensate was supplied to all cleaning flow paths in the completion judgment step A53, then the removal step A55, in which the condensate collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged to the water storage tank 820 or the drain outlet, can be performed.

[0713] After the removal step A55, the power supply to the garment processing device can be disconnected.

[0714] On the other hand, if not all flow paths are cleaned in the completion judgment step A53, the flow path switching step A54, which opens other cleaning flow paths using the switching valve 870, can be executed.

[0715] Afterwards, the residual water rinsing step A51 and the rinsing judgment step A52 can be performed. If a specific flow path has been rinsed a reference number of times in the rinsing judgment step A52, the garment processing device of the present invention can perform the completion judgment step A53 to determine whether all flow paths have been rinsed.

[0716] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as provided in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Box; A roller is located inside the box, and an inlet for putting clothes in is provided in front of the roller; A circulation pipe guides the air discharged from the roller back to the roller; A fan, located inside the circulation duct, moves the air. A heat exchange unit, disposed inside the circulation pipe, cools the air to condense moisture and then heats the air; A water collection section is connected to the circulation pipe and collects water condensed in the heat exchange section or water from the circulation pipe. The circulating cleaning unit uses the water collected in the water collection unit to clean the heat exchange unit. as well as The direct-flow water cleaning unit is set up independently of the circulating cleaning unit. It receives water from an external water source and supplies it into the circulating pipe to clean the inside of the circulating pipe.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct-flow water cleaning section discharges water into the area upstream or in front of the heat exchange section in the circulation pipe.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline includes: An inflow pipe receives the airflow from the front of the roller; A moving conduit extends from the inflow conduit toward the rear of the drum, and the heat exchange section is disposed in the moving conduit; and The air is discharged from the moving pipe to the rear of the roller; The circulating cleaning section discharges water into the interior of the moving pipe; The direct water cleaning section discharges water into the inflow pipe.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The direct-flow water cleaning unit includes: A direct-flow water valve, attached to the back of the housing, receives water from the external water supply source; A straight water pipe extends from the straight water valve to the circulation pipe; and A pipe nozzle, integrated into the circulation pipe, discharges water supplied from the straight water pipe into the interior of the circulation pipe.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The circulating cleaning unit includes: A drain pump is installed in the water collection section to drain the water from the water collection section; A drainage path is provided at the top of the moving pipe to guide the water discharged from the drainage pump towards the front of the heat exchange section; A drain pipe, connecting the drain pump and the drain flow path; and A circulating water outlet passes through the movable pipe at the end of the drainage path, directing the water to the heat exchange section; The straight water pipe is separated from and separately configured from the drainage pump, the drainage flow path, and the drainage pipe.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drainage path and the drainage pipe are shorter than the straight water pipe.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drain pump is activated after the direct-flow water valve is opened.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drain pump is activated after the direct-flow water valve is opened and the water collection section reaches full water level.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank for separately storing the water from the water collection section; The circulating cleaning unit also includes a switching valve, which is connected to the moving pipe to determine whether the water from the water collection unit is discharged into the water storage tank or the drainage path; When the direct water valve opens first and the water collection section reaches full water level, the switching valve is controlled to direct the water collected in the water collection section to the water storage tank. If the direct-flow water valve reopens and the water collection section reaches full water level again, the switching valve is controlled to direct the water collected in the water collection section to the drainage path.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Box; A roller is located inside the box, and an inlet for putting clothes in is provided in front of the roller; A circulation pipe guides the air discharged from the roller back to the roller; A fan, located inside the circulation duct, moves the air. The heat exchange section includes at least one heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation pipe for condensing and heating the air; and The direct-flow water cleaning unit supplies water from an external water source into the interior of the circulation pipe; The direct-flow water cleaning section discharges water into the area located upstream of or in front of the heat exchanger in the circulation pipe.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline includes: An inflow pipe, which receives the air inflow from the front of the drum, is disposed at the upper part of the heat exchanger; A moving conduit extends from the inflow conduit toward the rear of the drum, and the heat exchanger is disposed in the moving conduit; and The air is discharged from the moving pipe to the rear of the roller; The direct water cleaning section discharges water into the interior of the inflow pipe.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a filter unit, which is detachably disposed in the inflow pipe to filter the air flowing into the inflow pipe; The direct water cleaning unit supplies water to a position higher than the lower end of the filter unit.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The direct-flow water cleaning unit includes: A direct-flow water valve, attached to the back of the housing, receives water from the external water supply source; A straight water pipe extends from the straight water valve to the inflow pipe; and A pipe nozzle, attached to the inflow pipe, discharges water supplied from the straight water pipe into the interior of the inflow pipe.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pipe nozzle includes: A guide pipe, combined with the inflow pipe, guides water supplied from the straight water pipe into the interior of the inflow pipe; A guide pipe, communicating with the guide tube, extending along at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe and guiding the water; and The water outlet of the pipe passes through the guide pipe and sprays the water into the interior of the inflow pipe.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The water outlet of the pipe discharges water at an angle toward the inner wall of the inflow pipe.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The outlet of the pipe allows water to fall from the inner surface of the inflow pipe toward the moving pipe.

17. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The water outlet of the pipeline includes: A first outlet extends through at least a portion of the lower part of the guide pipe along the inner circumferential surface of the inflow pipe; and The second outlet penetrates the lower part of the guide pipe at a position closer to the interior of the inflow pipe than the first outlet.

18. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first outlet discharges water toward the inner surface of the inflow pipe; The second outlet discharges water into the moving pipe.

19. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a filter unit, which is detachably disposed in the inflow pipe to filter the air flowing into the inflow pipe; The guide pipe houses the filter section.

20. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The guide pipe is configured to prevent internal exposure except for the pipe outlet, so as to temporarily store water flowing in from the guide pipe.

21. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, The total cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet of the pipeline is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe.

22. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The straight-through water valve is positioned lower than the drum and higher than the heat exchange section.

23. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The straight water pipe extends to one side of the circulation pipe.

24. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Box; A roller is located inside the box, and an inlet for putting clothes in is provided in front of the roller; A circulation pipe guides the air discharged from the roller back to the roller; A fan, located inside the circulation duct, moves the air. A heat exchange unit, disposed inside the circulation pipe, cools the air to condense moisture and then heats the air; The direct-flow water cleaning unit receives water from an external water source to clean the inside of the circulating pipes. A water collection section is connected to the circulation pipe and collects water that has condensed in the heat exchange section or comes from the circulation pipe. as well as The circulating cleaning unit uses the water collected in the water collection unit to clean the heat exchange unit. The garment processing device is controlled such that water is first supplied by the direct water cleaning unit to clean the circulating pipe, and then water is supplied by the circulating cleaning unit to clean the heat exchange unit.

25. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that, The water collection unit can also collect water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit.

26. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that, The circulating cleaning unit can use water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit and collected in the water collection unit to clean the heat exchange unit.

Images