Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The laundry treating apparatus includes a housing; a tub within the housing, the tub having an air inlet for supplying air and an air outlet for discharging air; a drying device for removing moisture from the air supplied through the air outlet, heating the air, and supplying the heated air to the tub through the air inlet; and a detergent supply module. The detergent supply module includes: a base frame; the draining pump is provided with a draining pump outlet; the circulating pump is provided with a circulating pump inlet; a mixing housing having a mixing flow path connecting the outlet of the drainage pump to the inlet of the circulation pump; and a detergent pump in the mixing housing, the detergent pump configured to be capable of supplying detergent to the mixing flow path. And a base frame detachably mounted in the housing such that the detergent supply module is detachably mounted in the housing below the tub.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus including a drying apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] A laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus for treating and / or managing laundry. The laundry treating apparatus can include a drying combined washing machine.

[0003] A drying combined washing machine is an apparatus that performs washing by stirring laundry to be washed, water, and detergent together using driving force of a driving motor, through friction between the laundry to be washed, the water, and the detergent put in a tub.

[0004] A program to be performed by the drying combined washing machine can include a washing process of supplying detergent and water to a tub in which laundry to be washed is accommodated and washing the laundry to be washed while rotating a drum, a rinsing process of supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum to rinse the laundry to be washed, and a spinning process of discharging water from the tub and rotating the drum to remove moisture in the laundry to be washed.

[0005] A program to be performed by the drying combined washing machine can include a drying process of blowing heat generated by a drying apparatus into an accommodation space in which laundry to be washed is accommodated to dry the laundry to be washed. The drying combined washing machine can include the drying apparatus to perform the drying process. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] The disclosure aims to provide a laundry treating apparatus whose components can be easily maintained and / or repaired.

[0008] The technical tasks to be achieved in the present document are not limited to the above technical tasks, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical tasks not mentioned from the following description.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0010] In one aspect of the disclosure, a laundry treating apparatus includes a housing having a laundry inlet, a tub located inside the housing, the tub having an air inlet for receiving air into the tub and an air outlet for discharging air from the tub, a drying apparatus located above the tub for removing moisture from air received through the air outlet, heating the air, and supplying the heated air into the tub through the air inlet, and a detergent supply module. The detergent supply module includes a base frame, a drain pump located on the base frame and having a drain pump outlet, a circulation pump located on the base frame and having a circulation pump inlet, a mixing housing located on the base frame and having a mixing flow path connecting the drain pump outlet and the circulation pump inlet, and a detergent pump located on the mixing housing and configured to supply a detergent to the mixing flow path. The base frame is detachably mounted to the housing such that the detergent supply module is detachably mounted in the housing below the tub.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus including a housing in which a laundry inlet is formed, a tub disposed inside the housing to store wash water, a detergent supply module disposed below the tub to be mounted in the housing, and a detergent box detachably mounted in the housing to be able to be docked with the detergent supply module. The detergent supply module includes a base frame mounted in the housing, a drain pump and a circulation pump mounted on the base frame, a mixing housing mounted on the base frame between the drain pump and the circulation pump, the mixing housing being able to accommodate at least a portion of the detergent box and form a mixing flow path, and a detergent pump mounted on the mixing housing, the detergent pump being able to be docked with the detergent box and being configured to, when docked with the detergent box, suction a detergent from the detergent box and supply the suctioned detergent to the mixing flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 2 A cross section of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 3 Some components disposed inside a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0015] Figure 4 Components disposed inside a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a direction different from the direction shown are illustrated. Figure 3 Components disposed inside a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a direction different from the direction shown are illustrated.

[0016] Figure 5 Some exploded components of a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0017] Figure 6A state in which the lower door is opened in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 7 A state in which the detergent case is separated from the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 8 Some exploded components of the detergent case and the lower door separated from the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0020] Figure 9 Some exploded components of the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0021] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a detergent supply module in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 A coupling relationship between a mixing housing of the detergent supply module and a detergent pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 12 The detergent supply module is illustrated as being installed in the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 The detergent supply module installed in the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated as being viewed from the rear.

[0025] Figure 14 A cross-section taken along Figure 13 line A-A' illustrated in FIG. 1A is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 15 The detergent supply module according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated as being viewed from the rear.

[0027] Figure 16 A cross-section taken along Figure 15 line B-B' illustrated in FIG. 1B is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 17 A state in which the lower door is opened in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 18 Some exploded components of the detergent case and the lower door separated from the housing in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0030] Figure 19 A cross-section taken along Figure 17 line C-C' illustrated in FIG. 1C is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to the specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments.

[0032] In conjunction with the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or related components.

[0033] Unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one item or multiple items.

[0034] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] The term “and / or” includes any combination of multiple related components or any one of multiple related components.

[0036] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may be used only to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other way (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When any (e.g., the first) component is referred to as “connected” or “linked” to another (e.g., the second) component, whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that any component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0038] The terms “comprising” and “having” are intended to mean that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in this document are present, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes situations where components are indirectly connected, linked, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component, as well as situations where components are directly connected, linked, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0040] When any component is said to be "on" or "above" another component, this includes not only cases where any component is in contact with another component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0041] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a garment handling apparatus, and a garment handling apparatus is a concept that includes means for washing clothes (objects to be washed, objects to be dried), means for drying clothes, and means capable of washing and drying clothes.

[0042] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines, wherein the laundry inlet for loading or unloading clothes is configured to face upwards, or front-loading washing machines, wherein the laundry inlet is configured to face forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may also include washing machines with a loading method other than top-loading and front-loading washing machines.

[0043] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, the clothes can be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, the clothes can be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering the drum. Front-loading washing machines may include a dryer-combination washing machine capable of drying clothes housed inside the drum. The dryer-combination washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying hot air to the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer-combination washing machine may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines using washing methods other than those described above.

[0044] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing in which various components are housed. The housing may be in the form of a box, with an inlet for clothes to be washed formed on one side.

[0045] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the inlet for laundry. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing via hinges. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent, allowing the interior of the housing to be visible.

[0046] The washing machine may include a tub disposed inside the outer casing to store water. The tub may be configured to be generally cylindrical in shape, with an opening formed on one side, and the tub may be disposed inside the outer casing such that the opening is configured to correspond to the inlet for the clothes to be washed.

[0047] The drum can be connected to the housing via a damper. The damper absorbs vibrations that occur when the drum rotates, thus attenuating the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0048] A washing machine may include a drum configured to hold clothes to be washed.

[0049] The drum can be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry can be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be placed into or removed from the drum.

[0050] The drum can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying process while rotating inside the tub. Multiple through holes are formed on the cylindrical wall of the drum, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0051] The washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate the drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to connect to the drum.

[0052] The drive unit can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing and / or dehydration or drying process.

[0053] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed within the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may also be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0054] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve can allow or block water from being supplied to the tank from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0055] The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device and an automatic detergent supply device. A manual detergent supply device is configured to supply the detergent to be used during each wash, while an automatic detergent supply device is configured to store a large quantity of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent during each wash. The detergent supply device may include a detergent dispenser for storing the detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent to the tub during water supply. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent supply device. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the interior of the tub. The term "detergent" can be used to include detergent for pre-wash, detergent for main wash, fabric softener, bleach, etc. The detergent dispenser may be divided into a detergent storage area for pre-wash, a detergent storage area for main wash, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0056] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to drain water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the lower end of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0057] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one surface of the casing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0058] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0059] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0060] At least one output interface can visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0061] For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing process, the washing machine's operating time, and the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information regarding the washing machine's operation can be output as voice commands on a screen and indicators. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0062] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and / or wireless communication with external devices.

[0063] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0064] The communication module can send data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances). For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user equipment and / or home appliances, and send and receive various types of data.

[0065] To this end, the communication module can support the establishment of direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channels between external devices and perform communication through the established communication channels. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the respective communication modules can communicate with external devices through a first network (e.g., a LAN such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a telecommunications network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or can be implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0066] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, near-field communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, ZigBee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (U-wave) communication modules.

[0067] The long-distance communication module may include communication modules that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include mobile communication devices. The mobile communication device transmits and receives wireless signals from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0068] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, user equipment, and another household appliance via a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user equipment is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user equipment can connect to the server via the WAN. The controller can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The controller can control various components of the washing machine according to user input to perform at least one process including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying. For example, the controller can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0069] A controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, a controller may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in a washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing operations using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or two or more processor chips or one or two or more processing cores. The memory may include one or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. The memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0070] In the following, a clothing handling apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A dryer-combination washing machine is described below as an example of a clothing handling apparatus; however, this disclosure is not limited to dryer-combination washing machines and can be applied to various apparatuses for handling and / or managing clothing.

[0071] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the following description are based on the terms defined in the accompanying drawings. The shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0072] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0073] Figure 1 A garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A cross-section of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Some components disposed inside a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 4 It shows that in relation to Figure 3 The components are arranged inside the garment handling apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure in different directions. Figure 5 Some decomposition components of a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0074] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The garment handling apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 therein housing various components. The housing 10 may be in the form of a box, with a garment inlet 11 formed on one side thereon. The garment inlet 11 may be positioned to face substantially forward.

[0075] The laundry handling device 1 may include a laundry door 17 configured to open and close the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 10 via hinges. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be transparent or translucent, allowing the interior of the housing 10 to be visible. For example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

[0076] The garment handling device 1 may include a lower door 18 configured to provide access to the lower detergent supply device 60. The garment handling device 1 may include an upper door 19 configured to provide access to the upper detergent supply device 50 and the filter 95.

[0077] The laundry handling device 1 may include a bucket 20 disposed inside the housing 10 to store water. The bucket 20 may be configured to be generally cylindrical in shape, with a bucket opening 21 formed on one side, and the bucket 20 may be disposed inside the housing 10 such that the bucket opening 21 is configured to correspond to the inlet 11 for the clothes to be washed. The bucket opening 21 may be configured to face substantially forward.

[0078] The drum 20 can be connected to the housing 10 via a vibration damper 25. The vibration damper 25 can absorb vibrations that occur when the drum 30 rotates, thereby attenuating the vibrations transmitted to the housing 10.

[0079] The laundry handling device 1 may include a drum 30 configured to hold clothes to be washed. At least one lifter 33 may be disposed inside the drum 30 to perform washing by lifting and lowering the clothes to be washed.

[0080] The drum 30 can be disposed inside the tub 20 such that a drum opening 31 on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry can be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31 to be placed into or removed from the drum 30. The drum opening 31 can be configured to face substantially forward.

[0081] The drum 30 can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing and / or spin-drying process while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through holes 32 are formed on the cylindrical wall of the drum 30, allowing water stored in the tub 20 to flow into or out of the drum 30.

[0082] The garment handling device 1 may include a drive device 36 configured to rotate the drum 30. The drive device 36 may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum 30. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.

[0083] The drive unit 36 ​​can rotate the drum 30 forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing and / or dehydration or drying process.

[0084] The laundry handling device 1 may include a water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tank 20. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 that can be connected to an external water supply source. For example, water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a hot water valve 41 for supplying hot water and a cold water valve 42 for supplying cold water.

[0085] The water supply device 40 may include water supply pipes 43 and 44. Water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to water supply valves 41 and 42. For example, water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be configured as hoses or pipes made of flexible material.

[0086] For example, water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a hot water pipe 43 connected to a hot water valve 41 and a cold water pipe 44 connected to a cold water valve 42. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may direct water from water supply valves 41 and 42 to the tank 20. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may extend from water supply valve 62 to the tank 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 through the tank 20. Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 without passing through the tank 20.

[0087] Water supply valves 41 and 42 can open or close water supply pipes 43 and 44 in response to an electrical signal from the controller. Water supply valves 41 and 42 can allow or block water from being supplied to tank 20 from an external water source. Water supply valves 41 and 42 may include, for example, solenoid valves configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0088] The laundry handling apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 configured to supply detergent to a drum 20. Detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include an upper detergent supply device 50 and a lower detergent supply device 60. The term "detergent" can be used to refer to detergents for pre-washing, detergents for main washing, fabric softeners, bleach, etc.

[0089] The detergent supply device 50 can be located above the tub 20. The detergent supply device 50 can be positioned vertically above the tub 20. The detergent supply device 50 can include a manual detergent supply device or an automatic detergent supply device. A manual detergent supply device is configured to supply the detergent to be used with each wash, while an automatic detergent supply device is configured to store a large quantity of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent with each wash. The detergent supply device 50 can be connected to the tub 20 via a detergent connection pipe 51. For example, the detergent supply device 50 can be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the examples described above.

[0090] The detergent supply device 60 can be located below the tub 20. The detergent supply device 60 can be positioned vertically below the tub 20. The detergent supply device 60 can include a manual detergent supply device or an automatic detergent supply device. The manual detergent supply device is configured to supply detergent to be used with each wash, while the automatic detergent supply device is configured to store a large quantity of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent with each wash. For example, the detergent supply device 60 can be configured to supply liquid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the examples described above.

[0091] The garment handling device 1 may include a drainage device 70 configured to drain water contained in the tub 20 to the outside. The drainage device 70 may include a drain pump 71 configured to drain water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0092] The laundry handling device 1 may include a circulation pump 76 configured to circulate water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 via a lower detergent supply device 60.

[0093] The drainage device 70 can be connected to the bucket 20 via the bucket connection pipe 72. The drainage device 70 can drain the water in the bucket 20 to the outside of the outer casing 10 via the drain pipe 73.

[0094] The garment handling device 1 may include a control panel 15 disposed on one surface of the housing 10. The control panel 15 may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment handling device 1. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0095] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0096] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0097] At least one output interface can visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the garment handling device 1 to the user.

[0098] For example, at least one output interface can transmit information related to the washing process, the operating time of the garment handling device 1, and the washing / rinsing / spinning settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the garment handling device 1 can be output as voice or other means on a screen and indicator. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0099] The garment handling apparatus 1 may include a drying device 80 configured to dry clothes to be washed and housed inside the drum 30. The drying device 80 may be configured to heat air and supply the heated air into the interior of the drum 20. The drying device 80 may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the drum 20 and circulate the dried and heated air within the drum 20 to dry the clothes inside the drum 30. According to various embodiments, the drying device 80 may be positioned above the drum 20.

[0100] The drying device 80 may include a drying housing 81, in which a heat pump for drying air may be installed. The drying housing 81 may include a drying base 81a and a drying cover 81b, the drying cover 81b being coupled to the drying base 81a to form a flow path that allows air movement. The drying cover 81b may cover the open upper side of the drying base 81a.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 For example, the drying device 80 may include a rear cover 81c that can be coupled to the rear side of the drying base 81a. The rear cover 81c may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the drying device 80. Water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted on the rear cover 81c.

[0102] The drying device 80 according to various embodiments can be configured as a heat pump type. The drying device 80 may include a compressor 91, a condenser 92, an evaporator 93, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 94 through which the refrigerant circulates. The compressor 91, condenser 92, evaporator 93, etc., constituting the heat pump, may be housed within the drying housing 81. For example, the drying device 80 may include a cooling fan 91a for cooling the compressor 91. For example, the drying device 80 may be installed as a single module.

[0103] Compressor 91 compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant moves to condenser 92. Condenser 92 cools the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into drum 30 to dry clothes.

[0104] The refrigerant, expanding through the expansion valve, can absorb heat from the evaporator 93 to cool the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 93 can remove moisture by cooling the hot, humid air passing through the drum 30. The dehydrated air then passes through the condenser 92, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through it, thus being reheated. In other words, the condenser 92 can heat the air passing through the evaporator 93. The condenser 92 and the evaporator 93 can be referred to as heat exchangers.

[0105] For example, the drying apparatus 80 may also include a drying heater 99. The drying heater 99 can improve the drying efficiency of the drying apparatus 80. For example, the drying apparatus 80 can replace the heat pump components with the drying heater 99.

[0106] The dryer heater 99 can heat the air introduced into the drying device 80. The dryer heater 99 can be disposed on the heating flow path 86. The dryer heater 99 can be disposed downstream of the condenser 92 along the air flow through the drying device 80. The dryer heater 99 can be disposed in a relatively small size to minimize flow path resistance. For example, the dryer heater 99 can be a sheath heater.

[0107] A drying apparatus 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above a barrel 20. An inlet flow path 85 may be formed in the drying apparatus 80, into which air discharged from the barrel 20 is introduced. A heating flow path 86 may be formed in the drying apparatus 80 to allow heat exchange of the air introduced into the drying apparatus 80 through the inlet flow path 85. A supply flow path 87 may be formed in the drying apparatus 80, through which the air undergoing heat exchange while passing through the heating flow path 86 is supplied to the barrel 20.

[0108] The inlet flow path 85 can be configured to allow air passing through the interior of the barrel 20 to be introduced into the drying device 80. The inlet flow path 85 can be located above the barrel 20. The inlet flow path 85 can communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed at the rear of the barrel 20.

[0109] The drying device 80 may include an inlet guide 84 connected to the container 20. The inlet guide 84 guides air discharged from the container 20 to an inlet flow path 85. The inlet flow path 85 can communicate with an exhaust flow path P formed in the container 20 through the inlet guide 84. Air passing through the exhaust flow path P can be introduced into the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80 through the inlet guide 84.

[0110] A filter 95 can be provided in the inlet flow path 85 to filter out foreign matter such as lint contained in the air introduced from the tank 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air introduced into the inlet flow path 85 can pass through the filter 95 and then move to the heating flow path 86. The filter 95 can be located in the flow path through which air introduced into the drying device 80 moves to the evaporator 93 and the condenser 92.

[0111] Condenser 92 and evaporator 93 can be arranged in heating flow path 86. Since the air introduced into heating flow path 86 has already passed through the interior of barrel 20, the air may be humid. The humid air can be cooled in evaporator 93, located in heating flow path 86, to remove moisture. The air, having had its moisture removed in evaporator 93, can be reheated as it passes through condenser 92.

[0112] The drying device 80 may include a nozzle device 96 to clean the condenser 92 and / or the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be disposed in the heating flow path 86. The nozzle device 96 may receive water from the water supply device 40 and spray cleaning water toward the condenser 92 and / or the evaporator 93.

[0113] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a drain line 97 for guiding water discharged from the drying unit 80. The drain line 97 can guide condensate generated on the heat exchanger of the drying unit 80 to the outside of the drying unit 80. The drain line 97 can also guide cleaning water sprayed by the nozzle device 96 to clean the heat exchanger to the outside of the drying unit 80. The drain line 97 may be connected to a drain device 70. Water discharged from the drying unit 80 may flow along the drain line 97 to the drain device 70. Water introduced into the drain device 70 through the drain line 97 can be discharged to the outside of the garment processing apparatus 1.

[0114] The supply path 87 can be configured to supply heated air back to the interior of the barrel 20 via the condenser 92. The supply path 87 can communicate with the heating path 86 and extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the barrel 20.

[0115] A supply fan 87a can be disposed in the supply flow path 87 to allow air to flow into the interior of the drum 20. That is, the supply fan 87a can be configured to supply air to the clothes to be washed inside the drum 30. For example, the supply fan 87a may include a sirocco fan.

[0116] The inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 can circulate air to the barrel 20 and the drying equipment 80.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment processing apparatus 1 can be configured such that air discharged from the drum 20 sequentially passes through the inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 of the drying device 80 located above the drum 20, and is then supplied to the drum 20.

[0118] Heated air in the drying apparatus 80 can be supplied to the drum 30. To ensure that the heated air supplied to the drum 30 contacts the clothes to be washed, a drum vent 27 can be positioned opposite the air inlet 26 through which the heated air in the drying apparatus 80 is supplied to the drum 20. To increase the distance and / or time the heated air travels inside the drum 30, allowing for greater contact between the heated air and the clothes to be washed, the drum vent 27 can be positioned opposite the air inlet 26 through which the heated air in the drying apparatus 80 is supplied to the drum 20. The supply path 87 for allowing heated air to be supplied to the drum 30 and the drum vent 27 can be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the contact area between the heated air and the clothes to be washed, drying efficiency can be improved.

[0119] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air inlet 26 and the barrel exhaust port 27 can be configured to maximize the use of heated air supplied from the drying apparatus 80. For example, the air inlet 26 may be located near the front surface of the barrel 20, and the barrel exhaust port 27 may be located near the rear surface of the barrel 20.

[0120] The garment handling apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust flow path P through which air discharged from inside the drum 20 flows to the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be configured such that air discharged from the drum exhaust port 27 flows to the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be configured to discharge humid air passing through the drum 20. For example, the exhaust flow path P may be located at the rear of the drum 20.

[0121] Air inside the barrel 20 can be discharged into the tub duct 28 through the barrel vent 27 formed on the rear surface of the barrel 20. The air discharged from the tub duct 28 can flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the drying equipment 80.

[0122] The garment handling apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a tub conduit 28 forming at least a portion of an exhaust flow path P. For example, the tub conduit 28 may be integrally formed with a tub 20. For example, the tub 20 may include the tub conduit 28. The tub conduit 28 may be configured to surround a tub exhaust port 27.

[0123] The garment handling apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a pipe cover 29 forming at least a portion of an exhaust flow path P. The pipe cover 29 may be configured to cover the rear side of an opening in a tub pipe 28. For example, a tub 20 may include a pipe cover 29. The pipe cover 29 may form at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the drying device 80.

[0124] In the garment handling apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, when the pipe cover 29 is connected to the tub pipe 28, an exhaust flow path P can be formed.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the barrel conduit 28 may include a recess 28a forming part of an exhaust flow path P through which air discharged from the interior of the barrel 20 flows. A reinforcing rib 23 may be provided on the rear surface of the barrel 20 to enhance its strength, and the recess 28a may be formed as a recessed portion of the end of the reinforcing rib 23 that protrudes from the rear surface of the barrel 20. The recess 28a may be provided in a portion of the rear surface of the barrel 20 through which the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. A barrel vent 27 may be formed on the recess 28a to discharge air from the interior of the barrel 20. The barrel conduit 28 may include a dividing rib 28d disposed around the recess 28a. The dividing rib 28d may separate the area where the reinforcing rib 23 is formed and the area where the recess 28a is formed on the rear surface of the barrel 20.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the barrel conduit 28 may include a conduit connection 28b that forms another portion of an exhaust flow path P through which air passing through the recess 28a flows. The conduit connection 28b may protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the barrel 20. The conduit connection 28b may protrude substantially upward from the outer peripheral surface of the barrel 20.

[0127] The pipe connection 28b can connect the drying device 80 and the recess 28a. The pipe connection 28b can be connected to the inlet guide 84 of the drying device 80. The pipe connection 28b, together with the recess 28a and the pipe cover 29, can form a channel that forms an exhaust flow path P.

[0128] The pipe connection 28b can be covered by the pipe cover 29. The pipe connection 28b may have an open side. The pipe cover 29 may cover one open side of the pipe connection 28b.

[0129] The pipe cover 29 can cover both the recess 28a and the pipe connection 28b. For example, the pipe cover 29 can cover both the open side of the recess 28a and the open side of the pipe connection 28b. The exhaust flow path P can be formed by the pipe cover 29 covering both the recess 28a and the pipe connection 28b. For example, the pipe cover 29 can also cover only the recess 28a.

[0130] The pipe cover 29 can be configured to cover the rear side of the opening of the recess 28a and / or the rear side of the opening of the pipe connection 28b. The exhaust flow path P can be a channel formed together with the barrel pipe 28 and the pipe cover 29.

[0131] The barrel pipe 28 may include a step portion 28c to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path P. The exhaust flow path P may be configured such that the width of the portion formed by the pipe connection 28b is greater than the width of the portion formed by the step portion 28c in the recess 28a.

[0132] The space freed up by this mounting structure can be used to determine the arrangement of the water supply valves 41 and 42 of the garment processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be installed between the inlet guide 84 and the cooling fan 91a. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located in the central portion of the rear surface of the drying device 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located at the rear of the condenser 92. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located in an area separated from the flow path through which the drying air flows. However, the positions of the water supply valves 41 and 42 are not limited to these.

[0133] Furthermore, the garment handling apparatus 1 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a wash water heater 24. The wash water heater 24 may be disposed below the tub 20 to heat the wash water during washing. The water supply device 40 may supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub 20 via the venting path P during the drying process, and the wash water heater 24 may generate steam by heating the water supplied to the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the venting path P, and the tub vent 27. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the wash water heater 24 can come into contact with the garments during the drying process, thereby minimizing the formation of wrinkles on the garments.

[0134] In other words, the garment processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is a washing / drying combination washing machine, and unlike a conventional dryer, it may include a washing water heater 24 for heating the washing water, and can generate steam by utilizing the water supply device 40 for cleaning the exhaust flow path P and the washing water heater 24, thereby maximally preventing wrinkles from forming on the garments during the drying process.

[0135] Figure 6 The image shows the lower door of the garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an open state. Figure 7 The image shows a laundry handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the detergent dispenser is separated from the outer casing. Figure 8 Some disassembled components of a laundry handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a detergent dispenser and a lower door, are shown.

[0136] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the lower detergent supply device 60 may be referred to as the detergent supply device 60.

[0137] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may be configured such that when the lower door 18 is opened, the user can access the detergent supply device 60. For example, the lower door 18 may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10. The lower door 18 may be configured such that its lower end is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10 and may rotate relative to the cabinet 10 about the lower end as a rotation axis. The lower door 18 may be configured to cover the detergent case 601 when the detergent case 601 is installed in the cabinet 10.

[0138] The lower door 18 may include a door latch 18a that is fixed to the cabinet 10 so as not to be opened when the lower door 18 is in a position covering the detergent supply device 60. For example, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door opening / closing device configured to lock or unlock the door latch 18a. For example, when the lower door 18 is closed in an open state, the portion of the lower door 18 where the door latch 18a is located is pressed against the lower door opening / closing device, and the door latch 18a may be coupled to the lower door opening / closing device. When the lower door 18 is opened in a closed state, the portion of the lower door 18 where the door latch 18a is located is pressed against the lower door opening / closing device, and the door latch 18a may be separated from the lower door opening / closing device.

[0139] Reference Figure 8 , the lower door 18 may include a door body 181 and a door cover 182 coupled to the front of the door body 181. Different from that shown in Figure 8 , the lower door 18 may include an integrally formed door body 181 and door cover 182.

[0140] For example, the lower door 18 may include a door reinforcing part 183 to strengthen the strength of the lower door 18. The door reinforcing part 183 may include a material having a strength greater than that of the door body 181 and / or the door cover 182.

[0141] The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a door hinge 184 configured to rotatably mount the lower door 18 to the cabinet 10. The door hinge 184 may be fixed to the cabinet 10, and the lower door 18 may be rotatably coupled to the door hinge 184. For example, the door hinge 184 may be fixed to the lower frame 101 and / or the lower bracket 106 of the cabinet 10. The door hinge 184 may be configured to support the rotation of the lower door 18. <着

[0142] The detergent supply device 60 of the laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a detergent case 601 configured to contain detergent. The detergent case 601 may be detachably mounted on the lower frame 101. The detergent case 601 may be configured to be accessible to the user when the lower door 18 is opened.

[0143] For example, detergent dispenser 601 may include a first detergent dispenser 601a and a second detergent dispenser 601b. The first detergent dispenser 601a and the second detergent dispenser 601b may be used to store different detergents, or they may be used to store the same detergent.

[0144] The detergent dispenser 601 may include a detergent dispenser body 602 and a detergent dispenser lid 603 detachably connected to the detergent dispenser body 602. The detergent dispenser body 602 may have a box shape with an opening at the top, and the detergent dispenser lid 603 may be configured to cover the upper side of the opening of the detergent dispenser body 602.

[0145] The detergent dispenser 601 may include a detergent box lid 604, which is configured to cover an opening for supplying detergent to the interior of the detergent dispenser 601 when the detergent box lid 603 is attached to the detergent dispenser body 602. The opening may be formed on the detergent box lid 603 for supplying detergent to the detergent dispenser 601, and the detergent box lid 604 may be configured to cover the opening formed on the detergent box lid 603.

[0146] Figure 9 Some disassembled components of the housing in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0147] refer to Figure 9 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 10 of the garment handling apparatus 1 may include a lower frame 101 and a lower support 106. The lower frame 101 and the lower support 106 may be configured as separate components, but are not limited thereto, and the lower frame 101 and the lower support 106 may be integrally configured.

[0148] The lower frame 101 can be configured to cover the front of the detergent supply module 110 mounted on the base plate 10a. The lower frame 101 can be positioned at the front of the detergent supply module 110 to mount the detergent dispenser 601. The lower frame 101 can form a space to accommodate the detergent dispenser 601. The lower frame 101 can be connected to the front of the lower bracket 106. A door hinge 184 can be mounted on the lower frame 101.

[0149] The drainage device 70 may include a drain filter 74 configured to filter out foreign matter from the water passing through it. The lower frame 101 may include a filter opening 102 through which the drain filter 74 of the drainage device 70 can pass. When the detergent dispenser 601 is separated from the lower frame 101, the drain filter 74 is exposed to the outside. With the detergent dispenser 601 separated from the lower frame 101, a user can access the drain filter 74 to maintain and / or repair it.

[0150] The lower frame 101 may include a detergent dispenser opening 103 through which a portion of the detergent dispenser 601 may pass. When the detergent dispenser 601 is mounted on the lower frame 101, a portion of the detergent dispenser 601 may pass through the detergent dispenser opening 103 to connect to the detergent supply module 110.

[0151] The lower frame 101 may include a detergent dispenser guide 104 to guide the detergent dispenser 601 into its mounting position during installation. The detergent dispenser guide 104 may have a portion protruding from the interior space of the lower frame 101 to receive the detergent dispenser 601. The detergent dispenser 601 can be mounted on the lower frame 101 while being guided by the detergent dispenser guide 104.

[0152] The lower bracket 106 can be mounted on the base plate 10a of the housing 10. The lower bracket 106 can be configured to cover the front of the detergent supply module 110. The door hinge 184 can be mounted on the lower bracket 106. For example, the lower bracket 106 may comprise a material with a strength greater than that of the lower frame 101. The lower bracket 106 can be disposed between the detergent supply module 110 and the lower frame 101.

[0153] The lower support 106 may include a filter passage 107 formed to be accessible to the drain filter 74 of the drain device 70. The filter passage 107 may be provided at a position corresponding to the filter opening 102. For example, the filter passage 107 may be provided to be equal to or larger than the size of the filter opening 102.

[0154] The lower support 106 may include a detergent dispenser passage 108 through which a portion of the detergent dispenser 601 can pass. The detergent dispenser passage 108 may be positioned corresponding to the detergent dispenser opening 103. For example, the detergent dispenser passage 108 may be provided with a size equal to or larger than the detergent dispenser opening 103.

[0155] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the detergent supply module in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 The connection between the mixing housing and the detergent pump of a detergent supply module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 The illustration shows a detergent supply module installed in a housing within a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] refer to Figure 10The detergent supply device 60 of the laundry handling apparatus 1 may include: a detergent pump 610, which can be connected to the detergent dispenser 601; and a mixing housing 620 in which the detergent pump 610 is installed. The detergent pump 610 may be located at the rear of the mixing housing 620. The mixing housing 620 may be connected to the drain pump 71 of the drain device 70. The mixing housing 620 may be connected to the circulation pump 76. The mixing housing 620 may include a detergent dispenser space 620s, which accommodates a portion of the detergent dispenser 601 when it is installed in the housing 10.

[0157] The drain pump 71 of the drainage device 70 can be configured to discharge water from the tank 20 into the mixing housing 620 or to the outside of the housing 10.

[0158] The laundry handling apparatus 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include components for automatically supplying detergent to the tub 20 as a single module. For example, the laundry handling apparatus 1 may include a drain device 70, a circulation pump 76, a detergent pump 610, and a mixing housing 620 as a single module. The laundry handling apparatus 1 may include a detergent supply module 110, in which the drain device 70, circulation pump 76, detergent pump 610, and mixing housing 620 are configured as a single module. The detergent supply module 110 may be configured to supply detergent to the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20. The detergent supply module 110 may be disposed below the tub 20. The detergent supply module 110 may be detachably mounted in the housing 10.

[0159] The detergent supply module 110 may include a base frame 111 to be mounted on a base plate 10a of the housing 10. A drain device 70, a circulation pump 76, a detergent pump 610, and a mixing housing 620 may be mounted on the base frame 111. When the drain device 70, circulation pump 76, detergent pump 610, and mixing housing 620 are mounted on the base frame 111, the detergent supply module 110 can be configured as a single module. The detergent supply module 110 configured as a single module can be easily separated from the base plate 10a for maintenance and / or repair, and can be easily mounted on the base plate 10a.

[0160] The drainage pump 71 and circulation pump 76 of the drainage device 70 can be mounted on the base frame 111. The mixing housing 620 can be mounted on the base frame 111 between the drainage pump 71 and circulation pump 76 of the drainage device 70.

[0161] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10The mixing housing 620 may include a guide connector 629 for guiding the installation of the detergent cartridge 601, allowing the detergent cartridge 601 to dock with the detergent pump 610. When the detergent cartridge is mounted on the lower frame 101 of the housing 10, at least a portion of the detergent cartridge 601 can be accommodated within the mixing housing 620, and the detergent cartridge 601 may include a docking guide 609, which is connected to the guide connector 629 when at least a portion is accommodated within the mixing housing 620. For example, the docking guide 609 may have a protruding shape, and the guide connector 629 may have a recessed shape, but is not limited thereto, and the docking guide 609 may have a recessed shape, while the guide connector 629 may have a protruding shape. When the detergent cartridge 601 is mounted in the housing 10, the guide connector 629 of the mixing housing 620 can be connected to the docking guide 609 to guide the docking of the detergent suction section 611 and the docking section 606.

[0162] The detergent pump 610 can be configured to interface with the detergent dispenser 601. The detergent suction section 611 of the detergent pump 610 can interface with the docking section 606 of the detergent dispenser 601. When the detergent suction section 611 of the detergent pump 610 interfaces with the docking section 606 of the detergent dispenser 601, the detergent pump 610 can draw in detergent stored in the detergent dispenser 601.

[0163] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The mixing housing 620 may include a suction opening 621 through which a detergent suction section 611 of the detergent pump 610 may pass. The detergent pump 610 may be configured such that, when mounted at the rear of the mixing housing 620, the detergent suction section 611 passes through the suction opening 621 and is located in a space 620a for accommodating a portion of the detergent cartridge 601 of the mixing housing 620. The detergent suction section 611 may be connected to the detergent cartridge 601 to draw detergent from the detergent cartridge 601, since the detergent suction section is located in the detergent cartridge space 620s for accommodating a portion of the detergent cartridge 601.

[0164] The mixing housing 620 may include a discharge port 622 into which the detergent discharge section 612 of the detergent pump 610 can be inserted. When mounted on the mixing housing 620, the detergent pump 610 can discharge detergent through the discharge port 622 into a mixing flow path 623 formed on the mixing housing 620. The detergent pump 610 can supply detergent to the mixing flow path 623. The mixing flow path 623 may be disposed between a mixing inlet 624 and a mixing outlet 625.

[0165] The mixing housing 620 may include a removable tray 627. When the docking of the detergent pump 610 and the detergent dispenser 601 is released, any remaining detergent or mixed water in the detergent intake 611 can fall out. At this time, the remaining detergent or mixed water falls into the tray 627, and the user can simply separate and clean the tray 627.

[0166] The mixing housing 620 can be connected to the drain device 70. The mixing housing 620 may include a mixing inlet 624 for connection to the drain pump 71 of the drain device 70. The detergent supply module 110 may include a drain connection pipe 121 for connecting the drain pump 71 of the drain device 70 and the mixing housing 620. One end of the drain connection pipe 121 can be connected to the drain device 70, and the other end of the drain connection pipe 121 can be connected to the mixing housing 620. When the drain connection pipe 121 connects the mixing inlet 624 of the mixing housing 620 and the drain device 70, water discharged from the drain device 70 can flow into the mixing flow path 623 of the mixing housing 620.

[0167] The mixing housing 620 can be connected to the circulation pump 76. The mixing housing 620 may include a mixing outlet 625 to be connected to the circulation pump 76. The detergent supply module 110 may include a circulation connection pipe 122 to connect the circulation pump 76 and the mixing housing 620. One end of the circulation connection pipe 122 can be connected to the circulation pump 76, and the other end of the circulation connection pipe 122 can be connected to the mixing housing 620. When the circulation connection pipe 122 connects the mixing outlet 625 of the mixing housing 620 and the circulation pump 76, water discharged from the mixing housing 620 or water mixed with detergent can flow to the circulation pump 76.

[0168] The mixing housing 620 may include a mixing flow path 623, which is configured to mix detergent discharged from the detergent discharge section 612 of the detergent pump 610 with water introduced through the mixing inlet 624. The mixing flow path 623 may extend between the mixing inlet 624 and the mixing outlet 625. The mixing flow path 623 may form part of the flow path for water discharged from the drain device 70 to the circulation pump 76. The mixing flow path 623 may be separated from the detergent cartridge space 620s of the mixing housing 620 for accommodating a portion of the detergent cartridge 601.

[0169] The detergent pump 610 can draw in detergent stored in the detergent box 601 and discharge the drawn-in detergent into the flow path so that the water discharged from the drain device 70 of the mixing housing 620 flows to the circulation pump 76.

[0170] The detergent pump 610 can be configured to connect to the detergent dispenser 601 and may include a detergent suction unit 611 for drawing in detergent stored in the detergent dispenser 601. When the detergent pump 610 is mounted on the mixing housing 620, the detergent suction unit 611 may be located in the detergent dispenser space 620s.

[0171] The detergent pump 610 may include a detergent discharge section 612, which is inserted into the outlet 622 of the mixing housing 620, so that detergent is discharged into the mixing flow path 623 formed on the mixing housing 620. When the detergent pump 610 is mounted on the mixing housing 620, the detergent discharge section 612 may be located in the mixing flow path 623.

[0172] For example, the detergent supply module 110 can be assembled such that: a detergent pump 610 is mounted on a mixing housing 620, on which a drain device 70, a circulation pump 76 and the detergent pump 610 are mounted, the mixing housing 620 is mounted on a base frame 111, a drain connection pipe 121 is connected to the drain device 70 and the mixing housing 620, and a circulation connection pipe 122 is connected to the circulation pump 76 and the mixing housing 620.

[0173] refer to Figure 12 The detergent supply module 110, assembled as a single module, can be mounted on the base plate 10a of the housing 10. For example, the detergent supply module 110 can be mounted in the housing 10 when the base frame 111 is mounted on the base plate 10a of the housing 10 and at least one fastening member is fastened.

[0174] refer to Figure 9 When the detergent supply module 110 is mounted on the base plate 10a of the housing 10 and the lower bracket 106 is mounted on the base plate 10a, a portion of the front of the detergent supply module 110 can be covered. After the lower bracket 106 is mounted on the base plate 10a, the lower frame 101 can be mounted on the lower bracket 106.

[0175] For example, when maintenance and / or repair of the detergent supply module 110 is required, the detergent supply module 110 can be separated from the base plate 10a as the lower frame 101 and lower bracket 106 are sequentially separated from the base plate 10a, and then the fastening members fastened to the detergent supply module 110 and the base plate 10a are removed.

[0176] The mixing housing 620 and the detergent pump 610 can be positioned between the drain pump 71 and the circulation pump 76. In this configuration, the drain pump 71, mixing housing 620, detergent pump 610, and circulation pump 76 can be arranged side-by-side in a line, and the connecting pipes linking the drain pump 71, mixing housing 620, and circulation pump 76 can be provided with a minimum length. Therefore, the detergent supply module 110 can be compactly configured to be mounted on a base plate 10a.

[0177] Figure 13 The image shows a detergent supply module mounted in a housing in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the rear. Figure 14 It shows along Figure 13 The cross section cut by line AA' shown in the diagram.

[0178] The following will refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The process of supplying detergent to the tank 20 via the detergent supply module 110 is described.

[0179] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 13 The bucket 20 can be connected to the drainage device 70 via the bucket connection pipe 72. The bucket connection pipe 72 can be connected to the drain inlet 75 of the drainage device 70. Water in the bucket 20 can flow to the drainage device 70 via the bucket connection pipe 72.

[0180] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 When the circulation pump 76 is running, the water introduced into the drainage device 70 can flow toward the mixing housing 620. The water discharged from the drainage device 70 can flow into the mixing housing 620 through the drainage connection pipe 121.

[0181] Water introduced into the mixing housing 620 through the drain connection pipe 121 can flow along the mixing flow path 623. While the water flows in the mixing flow path 623, the detergent pump 610 can draw detergent from the detergent dispenser 601 and discharge the drawn detergent into the mixing flow path 623. The detergent pump 610 can be configured to discharge detergent introduced through the detergent intake section 611 into the mixing flow path 623 via the detergent discharge section 612. The detergent discharged into the mixing flow path 623 by the detergent pump 610 can mix with the water flowing in the mixing flow path 623.

[0182] Water introduced through the drain connection pipe 121 can rinse the detergent discharge section 612 as it passes through the mixing flow path 623. Therefore, detergent residue and adhesion to the detergent discharge section 612 can be prevented.

[0183] The water and detergent mixed in the mixing flow path 623 can be discharged into the circulation connection pipe 122. The water and detergent passing through the circulation connection pipe 122 can flow through the detergent pump 76 to the circulation guide 77. The circulation guide 77 can connect the circulation pump 76 and the tank 20. The circulation guide 77 extends from the circulation pump 76 to the tank 20. Water and detergent can be supplied to the tank 20 through the circulation guide 77. The circulation pump 76 can be configured to supply water and detergent from the mixing flow path 623 of the mixing housing 620 to the tank 20 via the circulation guide 77.

[0184] For example, the garment handling device 1 can be configured such that the bottom surface 626 of the mixing flow path 623 is at a height lower than the height of the mixing inlet 624 and / or the mixing outlet 625. Because the bottom surface 626 of the mixing flow path 623 is at a height lower than the height of the mixing inlet 624 and / or the mixing outlet 625, residual water may be present in the mixing flow path 623, and the residual water can prevent lint from accumulating in the mixing flow path 623.

[0185] For example, the garment handling device 1 can be configured such that the bottom surface 626 of the mixing flow path 623 is at the same height as the mixing inlet 624 and / or the mixing outlet 625. Since the bottom surface 626 of the mixing flow path 623 is at the same height as the mixing inlet 624 and / or the mixing outlet 625, the hydraulic loss of water passing through the mixing inlet 624, the mixing flow path 623 and the mixing outlet 625 in sequence can be minimized, and residual water can be present in at least a portion of the mixing flow path 623, thereby preventing lint from accumulating in the mixing flow path 623.

[0186] Furthermore, when the garment handling device 1 operates the circulation pump 76 even when performing a process without supplying detergent, water can flow in the mixing flow path 623 of the mixing housing 620, so that the mixing flow path 623 of the mixing housing 620 can be washed and kept clean.

[0187] Figure 15 A detergent supply module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as viewed from the rear. Figure 16 It shows along Figure 15 The cross-section shown is the section cut by line BB'.

[0188] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The detergent supply module 210 may include a drainage device 70, a circulation pump 76, a detergent pump 610, and a mixing housing 620, configured in accordance with... Figure 13 The detergent supply module 110 shown in the diagram has the same configuration for its drainage device 70, circulation pump 76, detergent pump 610, and mixing housing 620. (See reference...) Figure 15 and Figure 16 ,andFigure 13 The drain connection pipe 121 and circulation connection pipe 122 of the detergent supply module 110 shown are different. The detergent supply module 210 may include a drain connection 221, a circulation connection 222 and a branch 223.

[0189] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The detergent supply module 210 may include: a drain connection 221, connecting the drain pump 71 and the mixing housing 620 of the drain device 70; a circulation connection 222, connecting the mixing housing 620 and the circulation pump 76; and a branch 223, configured to connect the drain connection 221 and the circulation connection 222 and bypass the mixing housing 620. For example, the drain connection 221, the circulation connection 222, and the branch 223 may be integrally formed.

[0190] The drain connection 221 can extend between the drain pump 71 of the drain device 70 and the mixing housing 620. The drain connection 221 can guide water discharged from the drain device 70 to the mixing housing 620. A flow path can be formed inside the drain connection 221 to allow water discharged from the drain device 70 to flow into the mixing housing 620.

[0191] A circulation connection 222 may extend between the mixing housing 620 and the circulation pump 76. The circulation connection 222 may guide water and / or detergent discharged from the mixing housing 620 to the circulation pump 76. A flow path may be formed inside the circulation connection 222 to allow water discharged from the mixing housing 620 to flow to the circulation pump 76.

[0192] Branch 223 may extend from a portion of drain connection 221 to a portion of circulation connection 222. Branch 223 may direct at least a portion of the water flowing from drain pump 71 of drain device 70 to circulation pump 76 through mixing housing 620. Branch 223 may branch from a portion of drain connection 221. Branch 223 may be configured such that only a portion of the water discharged from drain device 70 may flow.

[0193] For example, branch 223 can be configured to have the same height as drain connection 221 and circulation connection 222. Branch 223 can be located on the same horizontal plane as drain connection 221 and circulation connection 222. With this structure, the detergent supply module 210 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can minimize the hydraulic loss of water flowing from drain device 70 to circulation pump 76, and can prevent lint from accumulating in branch 223 since residual water may be present therein.

[0194] Figure 17 The image shows the lower door of the garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an open state.Figure 18 Some disassembled components of a laundry handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a detergent dispenser and a lower door, are shown. Figure 19 It shows along Figure 17 The line CC' shown represents the cross-section.

[0195] refer to Figure 17 ,and Figure 6 Unlike the lower door 18 of the garment handling device 1 shown, the garment handling device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower door 310 slidably disposed on the housing 10.

[0196] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment handling device 2 may include: a lower door 310 slidably disposed on the housing 10; and a door track device 320 supporting the sliding movement of the lower door 310.

[0197] The door track device 320 can be mounted on the housing 10. For example, the door track device 320 can be fixed to the housing 10 while mounted on the base frame 111 of the detergent supply module 110. The door track device 320 can be configured to support the sliding movement of the lower door 310.

[0198] The lower door 310 can be fixed to the door track device 320. For example, the lower door 310 can be fixed to the door track device 320 by a fastening member. When the door track device 320 is in operation, the lower door 310 can move relative to the housing 10. The lower door 310 can be configured to receive the detergent dispenser 301. The lower door 310 can be configured to cover the detergent dispenser 301 when it is installed in the housing 10. The lower door 310 can be configured to be slidably movable relative to the housing 10.

[0199] The lower door 310 may include a door body 311. The door body 311 may be configured to accommodate a detergent dispenser 301. The door body 311 may include a reinforcing mounting portion 311a, on which a door reinforcement portion 313 is mounted. The door body 311 may include a detergent dispenser receiving portion 311b for accommodating the detergent dispenser 301.

[0200] The lower door 310 may include a cover 312. The cover 312 may be configured to cover the front side of the door body 311. The cover 312 may form the exterior of the lower door 310.

[0201] The lower door 310 may include a door reinforcement 313. The door reinforcement 313 may include a material with a strength greater than that of the door body 311 and / or the door cover 312. The door reinforcement 313 may be mounted on the reinforcing mounting portion 311a of the door body 311.

[0202] The lower door 310 may include a track bracket 314. The track bracket 314 may be mounted on the door body 311. The track bracket 314 may also be connected to the door reinforcement 313. The track bracket 314 may be connected to door track devices 320. Multiple door track devices 320 may be disposed at both ends of the lower door 310, and the track bracket 314 may extend between the two ends of the lower door 310. The track bracket 314 can supplement the synchronization of the multiple door track devices 320 connected to both ends of the lower door 310. When the lower door 310 moves via the door track devices 320 due to the track bracket 314, the left and right ends can move equally. The structural safety of the lower door 310 can be increased by the track bracket 314.

[0203] The detergent dispenser 301 can be detachably installed on the door body 311 of the lower door 310. The detergent dispenser 301 can be housed in the lower frame 101 of the outer casing 10 while being placed on the lower door 310. The detergent dispenser 301 can be separated from the lower door 310 while the lower door 310 is sliding relative to the outer casing 10.

[0204] The lower door 310 may include a handle 330. The handle 330 may include a handle support 332 mounted on the door body 311 and a handle cover 331 rotatably mounted on the handle support 332.

[0205] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 19 When a user applies force to the handle cover 331, the user can rotate the handle cover 331, and when the handle cover 331 rotates, a part that can be gripped by the user can be exposed. The user can move the lower door 310 by gripping the handle 330.

[0206] For example, the door track device 320 can be configured to pull the lower door 310 to the housing 10 when the lower door 310 approaches the housing 10 to a predetermined position. The door track device 320 can be configured to automatically close the lower door 310 when the user moves the lower door 310 to a predetermined position.

[0207] For example, the door track device 320 can be configured to push the lower door 310 away from the housing 10 when the lower door 310 moves away from the housing 10 to a predetermined position. The door track device 320 can also be configured to automatically open the lower door 310 when the user moves it to the predetermined position.

[0208] According to this structure, the garment handling device 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure allows the user to easily pull out or insert the detergent dispenser 301.

[0209] According to one embodiment, a laundry handling apparatus 1 includes a housing 10 having a laundry inlet 11, a tub 20 located inside the housing, the tub 20 having an air inlet for receiving air into the tub and an air outlet for discharging air from the tub, a drying device 80 located above the tub for removing moisture from the air received through the air outlet, heating the air, and supplying the heated air into the tub through the air inlet, and a detergent supply module 110. The detergent supply module includes: a base frame 111; a drain pump 71 located on the base frame and having a drain pump outlet; a circulation pump located on the base frame and having a circulation pump inlet; a mixing housing 620 located on the base frame and having a mixing flow path 623 connecting the drain pump outlet and the circulation pump inlet; and a detergent pump 610 located on the mixing housing and configured to supply detergent to the mixing flow path. The base frame is detachably mounted to the housing, such that the detergent supply module is detachably mounted in the housing below the tub.

[0210] The garment handling device may also include a detergent dispenser 601 configured to interface with a detergent pump and store detergent. The housing may include a lower frame 101 in front of the detergent supply module, to which the detergent dispenser is detachably mounted.

[0211] The mixing housing may include a detergent dispenser space 620s to accommodate a portion of the detergent dispenser. The mixing flow path may be separated from the detergent dispenser space.

[0212] The detergent pump may include a detergent intake 611 extending in the detergent cartridge space and a detergent discharge 612 connected to the mixing flow path.

[0213] The detergent dispenser may include a docking portion 606 configured to mate with the detergent intake portion and a docking guide 609. The mixing housing may include a guide connector 629 configured to connect to the docking guide, such that when the detergent dispenser is detachably installed in the housing, the docking of the docking portion with the detergent intake portion is guided by the connection of the docking guide and the guide connector.

[0214] The garment handling device may also include: a lower door 18, rotatably mounted on the housing to cover the detergent dispenser when it is removably mounted to the lower frame; and a door hinge 184 for supporting rotation of the lower door.

[0215] The garment handling device may also include: a lower door 18, which is slidably movable relative to the housing to cover the detergent dispenser when it is installed on the lower frame; and a door track device 320 for supporting the sliding movement of the lower door.

[0216] The housing may include a lower support 106, which is located between the detergent supply module and the lower frame, and has a material with greater strength than the lower frame.

[0217] The lower frame may include a detergent dispenser guide 104 to guide the detergent dispenser to be detachably installed into the lower frame.

[0218] The detergent supply module may include a drain connection pipe 121 connecting the drain pump outlet and the mixing flow path, and a circulation connection pipe 122 connecting the mixing flow path and the circulation pump.

[0219] The detergent supply module may include a drain connection 221 that connects the drain pump outlet and the mixing flow path, a circulation connection 222 that connects the mixing flow path and the circulation pump inlet, and a branch 223 that connects the drain connection and the circulation connection and bypasses the mixing flow path.

[0220] The mixing housing may include a mixing inlet 624 connected to the outlet of the drain pump and a mixing outlet 625 connected to the inlet of the circulation pump. A mixing flow path may be provided between the mixing inlet and the mixing outlet.

[0221] The bottom surface 626 of the mixing flow path can be located at a position equal to or lower than the bottom surfaces of the mixing inlet and mixing outlet.

[0222] The circulation pump may have a circulation pump outlet. The laundry handling apparatus may also include a circulation guide 77 connecting the circulation pump outlet and the tub. The circulation pump may be configured to supply water and detergent in a mixing path to the tub via the circulation guide.

[0223] The drain pump can be configured to drain water from the tank into the mixing flow path or to the outside of the housing.

[0224] According to one embodiment, a garment handling apparatus 1 includes: a housing 10 in which a garment inlet 11 is formed; a tub 20 disposed inside the housing to store washing water; a detergent supply module 110 disposed below the tub and mounted in the housing; and a detergent dispenser 601 detachably mounted in the housing to dock with the detergent supply module. The detergent supply module includes a base frame 111 mounted on the housing, a drain pump 71 and a circulation pump 76 mounted on the base frame, a mixing housing 620 mounted on the base frame between the drain pump and the circulation pump, the mixing housing 620 being capable of accommodating at least a portion of the detergent dispenser and forming a mixing flow path 623, and a detergent pump 610 mounted on the mixing housing, the detergent pump 610 being dockable with the detergent dispenser and configured to draw detergent from the detergent dispenser and supply the drawn detergent to the mixing flow path upon docking with the detergent dispenser.

[0225] The laundry handling apparatus may also include a circulation guide 77 connecting the circulation pump and the tub. The circulation pump may be configured to supply water and detergent from the mixing path of the mixing housing to the tub via the circulation guide.

[0226] The mixing housing may include a detergent cartridge space 620s configured to accommodate a portion of the detergent cartridge. The mixing flow path may be configured to be separate from the detergent cartridge space. The detergent pump may include a detergent intake 611 located in the detergent cartridge space when the detergent pump is mounted on the mixing housing, and a detergent discharge 612 located in the mixing flow path when the detergent pump is mounted on the mixing housing.

[0227] The garment handling device may also include: a lower door 18, rotatably mounted on the housing to cover the detergent dispenser when it is installed in the housing; and a door hinge 184 configured to support rotation of the lower door.

[0228] The detergent supply module may include a drain connection pipe 121 connecting the drain pump and the mixing housing, and a circulation connection pipe 122 connecting the mixing housing and the circulation pump.

[0229] According to the garment handling apparatus of this disclosure, the component for supplying detergent to the drum is configured as a single module, making maintenance and / or repair of the component easy.

[0230] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0231] Specific embodiments have been described and illustrated above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: The outer casing has an inlet for clothes to be washed. The barrel, located inside the outer casing, has an air inlet for receiving air into the barrel and an air outlet for discharging air out of the barrel; A drying device, located above a barrel, is used to remove moisture from air received through an air outlet, heat the air, and supply the heated air into the barrel through an air inlet. and Detergent supply module, including: Basic framework A drain pump, located on the foundation frame, has a drain pump outlet. The circulation pump, located on the base frame, has a circulation pump inlet. A mixing housing, located on the base frame, has a mixing flow path connecting the drain pump outlet and the circulation pump inlet. A detergent pump, located on the mixing housing and configured to supply detergent to the mixing flow path. The basic frame is detachably mounted to the outer casing, allowing the detergent supply module to be detachably mounted in the outer casing below the bucket.

2. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The detergent dispenser is configured to interface with the detergent pump and store detergent. The outer casing includes a lower frame located at the front of the detergent supply module, to which the detergent dispenser is detachably mounted.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The mixing housing includes a detergent dispenser space for accommodating a portion of the detergent dispenser, and The mixing flow path is separated from the detergent dispenser space.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, Detergent pumps include: The detergent suction unit extends within the detergent dispenser space, and The detergent discharge section is connected to the mixing flow path.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The detergent dispenser includes: The docking section is configured to dock with the detergent suction section, and The docking guide, and the mixing housing includes a guide connector configured to connect to the docking guide, such that when the detergent cartridge is detachably installed in the housing, docking of the docking portion with the detergent intake portion is guided as the docking guide and the guide connector are connected.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The lower door is rotatably mounted on the housing to cover the detergent dispenser when it is removably installed to the lower frame; and Door hinges support the rotation of the lower door.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The lower door, when the detergent dispenser is installed in the lower frame, can slide relative to the outer shell to cover the detergent dispenser; and Door track equipment is used to support the sliding movement of the lower door.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes a lower support bracket located between the detergent supply module and the lower frame, and is made of a material with a strength greater than that of the lower frame.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The lower frame includes a detergent dispenser guide to guide the detergent dispenser to be detachably installed into the lower frame.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The detergent supply module includes: The drain connection pipe connects the drain pump outlet and the mixing flow path, and The circulation connection pipe connects the mixing flow path and the circulation pump.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The detergent supply module includes: The drainage connection connects the drainage pump outlet and the mixing flow path. The circulation connection connects the mixing flow path and the circulation pump inlet, and The branch section connects the drainage connection section and the circulation connection section, and bypasses the mixing flow path.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The hybrid housing includes: The mixing inlet connects to the drain pump outlet, and The mixing outlet is connected to the circulation pump inlet, and The mixing path is located between the mixing inlet and the mixing outlet.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The bottom surface of the mixing flow path is located at a position equal to or lower than the bottom surfaces of the mixing inlet and mixing outlet.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The circulating pump has a circulating pump outlet, and The garment handling device also includes: The circulation guide connects the circulation pump outlet and the tank, and The circulation pump is configured to supply water and detergent from the mixing path to the tank via a circulation guide.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The drain pump is configured to drain water from the tank into the mixing flow path or to the outside of the housing.

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