Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus includes: a cabinet; a processing chamber positioned inside the cabinet and configured to accommodate laundry; a door configured to open and close the processing chamber; a machine compartment disposed inside the cabinet and positioned at a lower portion of the processing chamber; a base module positioned within the machine compartment and configured for heat exchange with air of the processing chamber; a control board positioned in a control board mounting portion provided in the bottom of the machine compartment and configured to control a configuration of the laundry treating apparatus; and a fan disposed at a vertically overlapping position with respect to the control plate and configured to discharge the sucked air in a direction away from the control plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment processing apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a garment processing apparatus for deodorizing, drying, and wrinkle-removing garments. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, clothing processing equipment includes washing machines and dryers. Washing machines soak clothes in water and then remove foreign objects from wet clothes through the chemical action of detergent and physical action such as the rotation of the drum. Dryers use hot air and steam to dry wet clothes.

[0003] In recent years, garment processing equipment has emerged for clothing care, including deodorizing dry clothes without soaking in water, removing moisture from clothes, or removing wrinkles. These garment processing devices perform a refresh process to deodorize, dry, or sterilize clothes by providing moisture, steam, or hot air while they are hanging.

[0004] Clothes drying equipment can use heaters or heat pumps to dry clothes. Clothes drying equipment using heat pumps dehumidifies humid air using an evaporator and condenser, reheats the air, and then supplies the dry, hot air to the clothes. Compared to heaters, heat pumps can generate more heat with less energy, making them superior in energy efficiency.

[0005] Heat pumps dehumidify or heat humid air through a refrigerant circulation process. Refrigerants can be classified into natural refrigerants, first-generation chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), second-generation hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), third-generation hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and fourth-generation hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Among them, CFCs and HCFC-based refrigerants, which are classified as Freon gases, are known to be major ozone-depleting substances, and their use is regulated by the Montreal Protocol.

[0006] HFC-based refrigerants do not have side effects such as ozone depletion, but they are considered global warming substances. A representative example is R-134a. According to the Montreal Protocol, HFC-based refrigerants are defined as global warming substances, and their use is being phased out. Therefore, HFO-based refrigerants, with their lower global warming potential (GWP), are becoming the next generation of refrigerants.

[0007] Global Warming Potential (GWP) refers to the impact of other greenhouse gases on global warming, using the impact of carbon dioxide as a reference. In other words, GWP is the value obtained by dividing the amount of solar energy absorbed by 1 kilogram of a particular greenhouse gas by the amount of solar energy absorbed by 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide. GWP is an index of the warming effect per unit mass. For example, when the GWP of carbon dioxide is 1, the GWP of methane is 21, the GWP of nitrous oxide is 310, the GWP of hydrogen fluoride is 1300, and the GWP of sulfur hexafluoride is 23900.

[0008] To combat accelerating global warming, the world is restricting the use of high-GWP materials. Therefore, heat pumps using R-290 (a refrigerant with a low GWP) and clothing treatment equipment using these heat pumps have been developed. However, R-290 is a high-purity propane gas, which is flammable and combustible. In particular, if the concentration of R-290 in the air exceeds 1.8% due to leakage during operation, combustion or explosion may occur.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a device or control method capable of detecting refrigerant leaks during operation and preventing their combustion. Prior art related to preventing refrigerant combustion includes Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0001769 (Prior Art Document 1). Prior Art Document 1 discloses a garment processing device including a heat pump using a flammable refrigerant. A control method for this garment processing device is disclosed, which operates a fan according to a preset time, regardless of whether a refrigerant leak occurs, to prevent refrigerant combustion.

[0010] Prior art document 1 discloses a method using a fan to prevent an increase in the concentration of flammable refrigerant due to refrigerant leakage when flammable refrigerant is concentrated in one place. The increase in flammable refrigerant concentration is prevented by creating an internal airflow through the fan, thereby reducing the possibility of combustion. Prior art document 1 discloses using a fan configured to blow air towards the compressor or to draw air around the compressor and then blow it to reduce the compressor temperature, and also discloses using a fan to dilute the flammable refrigerant (such as R-290) in the event of a leak.

[0011] However, flammable refrigerants (such as R-290) are characterized by their high density. This means that leaked flammable refrigerant will diffuse to the bottom plate due to its inherent density. However, since the fan in prior art document 1 is arranged along the height of the compressor, the further the fan is positioned relative to its axis of rotation, the less airflow is generated. Naturally, the generated airflow may not be sufficient to dilute the refrigerant located below the fan.

[0012] To more effectively disperse high-density flammable refrigerants (such as R-290), it is desirable to create an airflow concentrated in the lower part of the space. In other words, if the fan is arranged as disclosed in prior art document 1, the dispersion of refrigerant concentrated in the lower part of the space will be fundamentally limited.

[0013] The primary function of the fan disclosed in prior art document 1 is to cool the compressor. Prior art document 1 discloses a method of using a fan as an additional means to disperse the refrigerant by generating airflow. In other words, forming an airflow capable of reaching the entire compressor is considered the normal operating environment for the fan. Forming an airflow by concentrating it at the lower part of the compressor may not be considered the typical operating environment for the fan as envisioned in prior art document 1. Therefore, in the garment handling equipment known from prior art document 1, it is difficult to change the position of the fan to focus on dispersing the refrigerant at the lower part of the compressor rather than cooling the compressor itself.

[0014] According to the disclosure of prior art document 1, there is an incentive to reduce the refrigerant density by generating airflow in the garment handling device, but the garment handling device does not achieve the level of dispersing or diluting the refrigerant dispersed in the lower part of the space by concentrating the airflow in the lower part of the space. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for preventing explosions caused by leakage of flammable refrigerant in a garment processing device equipped with a heat pump that uses a flammable refrigerant.

[0016] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure that can effectively ventilate a high-density flammable refrigerant when it is deposited on the lower part of the internal space of the device (e.g., the bottom plate inside the housing or the bottom plate of the machine compartment).

[0017] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an arrangement that can effectively utilize the limited space of the device to ventilate flammable refrigerants.

[0018] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for centralized ventilation of areas where flammable refrigerants may explode due to sparks.

[0019] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a low-cost, high-efficiency structure for reducing the risk of explosion due to leakage of flammable refrigerants.

[0020] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a garment processing device with an intelligent power module (IPM) cooling structure to solve the problem of compressor shutdown caused by increased compressor power consumption leading to IPM temperature rise when using R-290.

[0021] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for solving the problem of additional heat generation in the IPM due to the increased control configuration when adding a fan for cooling the IPM.

[0022] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for providing a fan for cooling an IPM without increasing the temperature of the IPM, and a fan for dispersing refrigerant or discharging refrigerant to the outside of the device.

[0023] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for effectively utilizing the limited space of a machine compartment while providing a fan for discharging leaking refrigerant.

[0024] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure for reducing the size of a heat sink mounted on a control board. Reducing the size of the heat sink improves space efficiency.

[0025] The purpose of this disclosure is to prevent the possibility of refrigerant explosion by operating the ventilator before operating other electrical equipment.

[0026] The purpose of this disclosure is to effectively ventilate leaking refrigerant by performing a safety procedure in which the ventilator is operated first before the main procedure is performed.

[0027] To achieve these objectives and other advantages, and according to this disclosure, a garment processing apparatus includes: a housing; a processing chamber located within the housing and configured to contain garments; a door configured to open and close the processing chamber; a heat exchanger located within the housing, disposed in the lower portion of the processing chamber, and configured to exchange heat with the air in the processing chamber using a flammable refrigerant; a control panel located within the housing, disposed in the lower portion of the processing chamber, and configured to control the heat exchanger; and a fan configured to cool the control panel, disposed near a bottom plate within the housing, and configured to disperse airflow toward the bottom plate within the housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan may be connected to the outside of the housing to discharge the intake air to the outside of the housing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control board may have a mounting surface on which components are mounted, the mounting surface facing downwards, and the fan may be located below the control board.

[0030] In one embodiment, the garment processing apparatus may further include a circulation duct located within the housing, disposed at the lower part of the processing chamber, and configured to form a circulating flow path to exhaust air introduced from the processing chamber back into the processing chamber, and a control panel may be disposed below the circulation duct.

[0031] In one embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan may be connected to a circulation duct, and the air discharged from the fan may be guided into the circulation duct.

[0032] In one embodiment, a heat sink configured to cool the intelligent power module (IPM) may be located in the control board, and a fan may be located in the heat sink.

[0033] In one embodiment, the blower may be configured as a centrifugal blower or a dual-inlet blower.

[0034] In one embodiment, the exhaust volume of the fan can be greater than or equal to 0.1 m³. 3 / min (cubic meters per minute) and less than or equal to 0.16m 3 / min.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heat sink may include a plurality of heat sink fins arranged along a first direction. The distance between the first heat sink and the last heat sink in the plurality of heat sinks arranged along the first direction may be less than a first length. The plurality of heat sinks may extend to a second length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first length may be less than the diameter of the suction port of the fan, and the second length may be greater than the diameter of the suction port of the fan.

[0036] In one embodiment, the radiator disposed in the control panel may be configured to be located away from the compressor constituting the heat exchanger in the front-back direction.

[0037] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus may further include a steam generator configured to generate steam from the supplied water, and the steam generator may be arranged above the circulation duct.

[0038] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus may further include an outdoor air duct configured to communicate with the exterior of the housing and a circulation duct, and the exhaust outlet of the fan may be connected to the outdoor air duct to guide air discharged from the fan to the outdoor air duct.

[0039] In one embodiment, the circulation duct may include: a chamber-side inlet configured to communicate with a processing chamber and set to open and close; and an outdoor air-side inlet configured to communicate with an outdoor air duct and set to open and close, wherein when the outdoor air-side inlet is closed, air discharged from the fan may be guided to the outside of the housing, and when the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open, air discharged from the fan may be guided to the circulation duct.

[0040] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus may further include a circulating fan configured to generate air pressure to guide airflow within the circulation duct from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, and to guide air discharged from the fan into the circulation duct by air pressure when the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open.

[0041] In one embodiment, the door may be provided with: a first flow path configured to communicate with an outdoor air duct and the outside of the garment processing equipment when the door is closed in the processing chamber; and a second flow path configured to communicate with the processing chamber and the outside of the garment processing equipment when the door is closed in the processing chamber, and when the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open, air discharged from the fan may be guided by air pressure to the circulation duct, flow into the processing chamber, and then flow into the outside of the housing through the second flow path.

[0042] In another aspect of this disclosure, a garment processing apparatus includes: a housing; a processing chamber located inside the housing and configured to contain garments; a door configured to open and close the processing chamber; a machine compartment disposed inside the housing and located in the lower part of the processing chamber; a base module located in the machine compartment and configured to exchange heat with the air in the processing chamber; a control board located in a control board mounting portion disposed at the bottom of the machine compartment and configured to control the configuration of the garment processing apparatus; and a fan disposed at a position vertically overlapping the control board and configured to discharge the drawn-in air in a direction away from the control board.

[0043] In one embodiment, the fan may be connected to the outside of the garment processing equipment to exhaust the intake air to the outside of the garment processing equipment.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control board may have a mounting surface on which components are mounted, and the mounting surface may face downwards.

[0045] In one embodiment, the fan may be located below the control panel.

[0046] In one embodiment, the radiator may be disposed in the control panel, and the fan may be disposed at a position that vertically overlaps with the radiator.

[0047] In one embodiment, the heat sink can cool the intelligent power module (IPM) of the control board.

[0048] In one embodiment, the heat sink disposed in the control panel may be positioned away from the compressor in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the radiator may include a plurality of heat sinks arranged along a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The distance between the first heat sink and the last heat sink in the arrangement direction may be less than a first length. The plurality of heat sinks may extend to a second length in the second direction. The first length may be less than the diameter of the suction port of the fan, while the second length may be greater than the diameter of the suction port of the fan.

[0050] In one embodiment, the fan may be configured as a centrifugal blower.

[0051] In one embodiment, the centrifugal blower may be configured as a dual-inlet blower.

[0052] In one embodiment, the exhaust volume of the centrifugal blower can be 0.1 m³ / s. 3 / min or greater.

[0053] In one embodiment, the exhaust volume of the centrifugal blower can be 0.16 m³. 3 / min.

[0054] In one embodiment, the base module may include: a circulation duct configured to form a circulation flow path for exhausting air introduced from the processing chamber back into the processing chamber; a heat exchanger including an evaporator disposed in the circulation flow path; a condenser disposed in the circulation flow path; a compressor disposed in the circulation flow path; and a refrigerant line configured to deliver refrigerant between the condenser and the compressor; and a control panel mounting portion may be positioned in the lower part of the circulation duct where the evaporator and condenser are disposed.

[0055] In one embodiment, the garment processing apparatus may further include a steam generator configured to generate steam from the supplied water, and the steam generator may be arranged above the evaporator and condenser.

[0056] In one embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan may be connected to a circulation duct, and the air discharged from the fan may be guided into the circulation duct.

[0057] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus may further include: a first filter positioned in a chamber-side inlet; a second filter configured to divide the flow path of the circulation duct into a first circulation flow path and a second circulation flow path by dividing the chamber-side inlet into a first inlet and a second inlet; a first circulation flow path valve configured to open and close the first inlet; and a second circulation flow path valve configured to open and close the second inlet, wherein the first circulation flow path may be a flow path through which air flowing through the first inlet is directly delivered to the evaporator and condenser, and the second circulation flow path may be a flow path through which air flowing through the second inlet is delivered to the evaporator and condenser via the second filter.

[0058] In one embodiment, the circulation duct may include: a chamber-side inlet configured to communicate with the processing chamber and located upstream of the evaporator; an outdoor air-side inlet located upstream of the evaporator and condenser; and an outlet located downstream of the evaporator and condenser. The base module may include an outdoor air duct configured to communicate with the outdoor air-side inlet and the outside of the garment processing equipment; a first valve configured to open and close the chamber-side inlet; a second valve configured to open and close the outdoor air-side inlet; and a circulation fan configured to create air pressure such that airflow within the circulation duct flows from either the chamber-side inlet or the outdoor air-side inlet to the outlet, wherein the fan outlet may communicate with the outdoor air duct to guide air discharged from the fan to the outdoor air duct.

[0059] In one embodiment, the door may be provided with a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path being configured to communicate with the outside of the outdoor air duct and the garment processing equipment at the location where the door closes the processing chamber, and the second flow path being configured to communicate with the outside of the processing chamber and the garment processing equipment at the location where the door closes the processing chamber.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first flow path may be a path connecting the bottom surface opening and the lower opening, the bottom surface opening being disposed on the bottom surface of the door, and the lower opening being disposed at a position communicating with an outdoor air duct in the lower part of the rear surface of the door.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second flow path may be a path connecting the top surface opening and the upper opening, the top surface opening being disposed on the top surface of the door, and the upper opening being disposed at the location of the opening of the processing chamber facing the rear side of the door.

[0062] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus may further include: a first filter positioned in a chamber-side inlet; a second filter configured to divide the flow path of the circulation duct into a first circulation flow path and a second circulation flow path by dividing the chamber-side inlet into a first inlet and a second inlet; a first circulation flow path valve configured to open and close the first inlet; and a second circulation flow path valve configured to open and close the second inlet, wherein the first circulation flow path may be a flow path through which air flowing through the first inlet is directly delivered to the evaporator and condenser, and the second circulation flow path may be a flow path through which air flowing through the second inlet is delivered to the evaporator and condenser via the second filter.

[0063] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, explosions caused by leakage of flammable refrigerant in clothing handling equipment equipped with heat pumps using flammable refrigerants are effectively prevented.

[0064] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerant is effectively ventilated when a high-density flammable refrigerant is deposited in the lower part of the space.

[0065] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since limited space can be used efficiently, additional space may not be required when providing a fan for ventilating flammable refrigerants.

[0066] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, concentrated ventilation is provided for areas where flammable refrigerants may explode due to sparks.

[0067] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a low-cost, high-efficiency structure is provided for reducing the risk of explosion due to leakage of flammable refrigerants.

[0068] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the problem of compressor shutdown caused by increased temperature of the intelligent power module (IPM) due to increased power consumption of the compressor is solved when R-290 is applied.

[0069] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since no additional control configuration is required, overheating of the IPM is prevented while providing fans for cooling the IPM and fans for discharging leaked refrigerant.

[0070] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, space is effectively utilized while providing a fan for discharging leaked refrigerant.

[0071] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the fan is directly installed in the control box, and the ignition point is set in the control box, thus making the fan safer and reducing process time.

[0072] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a structure is provided for reducing the size of a heat sink mounted on a control board. Reducing the size of the heat sink improves space efficiency.

[0073] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the possibility of refrigerant explosion is prevented by operating the ventilator before the operation of other electrical equipment.

[0074] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, leaking refrigerant is effectively ventilated by performing a safety procedure in which the ventilator is operated first before the main procedure is executed. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the open state of the door 20 of the garment processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 3 Examples of various configurations located in machine compartments are shown;

[0078] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the base module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 700 installed in the base module 1000;

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the control panel mounting section 360;

[0081] Figure 8 The control panel mounting portion 360 is shown, in which the blower 400 is removed for detailed description of the control panel mounting portion 360;

[0082] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the control box 600 installed in the control panel mounting section 360;

[0083] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the base portion 300 as viewed from the rear, used to explain the control box 600 installed in the control panel mounting portion 360;

[0084] Figure 11 This is a 360° cross-sectional perspective view of the control panel mounting section, where the base section 300 is not shown.

[0085] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the fan 800, the control box 600, and the outdoor air duct 340;

[0086] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the fan 800 in the control box 600;

[0087] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the radiator 620 and the fan 800 according to one embodiment;

[0088] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the airflow discharge structure of the fan 800;

[0089] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path in a steam usage procedure;

[0090] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path during the drying process;

[0091] Figure 19This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path in an indoor dehumidification process;

[0092] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path in a non-course (no-program) process;

[0093] Figure 21 This is an experimental diagram used to confirm the effectiveness of refrigerant discharge, showing the refrigerant concentration near control panel 610; and

[0094] Figure 22 This is an experimental diagram used to confirm the refrigerant emission effect. It shows a graph measuring the refrigerant concentration in the central part of the processing chamber 35 and the second opening 32 when the clothing processing device 1 is operating in the indoor dehumidification program. Detailed Implementation

[0095] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structures or control methods of the devices described below are merely embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to refer to the same or similar components.

[0096] The specific terminology used in this specification is for descriptive convenience only and does not limit the exemplary embodiments.

[0097] For example, expressions such as "same" and "identical" not only indicate a state of strict sameness, but also indicate a state of tolerance or difference in the degree to which the same function is achieved.

[0098] In this specification, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly connected to or attached to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements between them. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0099] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof as used herein, and therefore it should be understood that the possibility of having or adding one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof is not excluded.

[0100] For example, terms indicating relative or absolute arrangement, such as “in a certain direction,” “along a certain direction,” “parallel to,” “orthogonal to,” “centered to,” “concentric to,” and “coaxial to,” not only strictly indicate such arrangement but also indicate a state in which relative displacement is performed with tolerances or angles or distances sufficient to achieve the same function.

[0101] This disclosure is described using an orthogonal coordinate system in space where the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, or Z-axis direction) refers to two directions extending from each axis. A direction preceded by a "+" sign (+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, or +Z-axis direction) refers to the positive direction of one of the two directions extending from each axis. A direction preceded by a "-" sign (-X-axis direction, -Y-axis direction, and -Z-axis direction) refers to the negative direction of the other of the two directions extending from each axis.

[0102] The terms used in this document to indicate directions, such as “forward (+Y)”, “backward (-Y)”, “left (+X)”, “right (-X)”, “up (+Z)”, and “down (-Z)”, are defined by the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes, but these terms are used only for the purpose of better understanding this disclosure. That is to say, it is obvious that these directions may be defined differently depending on the position of the reference point.

[0103] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components described herein is merely to avoid confusion between them. That is, these terms are unrelated to the order, importance, or hierarchical relationship between the components. For example, it is also possible to include only the second component and not the first component in an embodiment.

[0104] The singular forms used in this article include the plural forms, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0105] In this specification, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In this specification, "A or B" may include "A", "B", or "both A and B".

[0106] <Example 1 of the appearance of the garment processing equipment>

[0107] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the garment processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Now, reference will be made to... Figure 1 The appearance of the appearance processing device 1 according to one embodiment is described.

[0108] The housing 10 forms the appearance of the garment handling device 1. The housing 10 can be configured to be longer in height than in width (width in the left-right direction) and thickness (width in the front-back direction).

[0109] Door 20 is positioned at the front of garment handling equipment 1. Door 20 is attached to the front side of housing 10. In one embodiment, door 20 is hinged to housing 10. The front surface 21a of door 20 may be provided with a handle 21 and an operating portion 22. A display showing information about garment handling equipment 1 may be mounted on the operating portion 22.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the bottom surface 20c of the door 20 is mounted at a distance H1 from the floor. Since the bottom surface 20c of the door 20 is spaced apart from the floor (mounting surface), outdoor air can flow into the garment handling device 1 through the door bottom surface opening formed in the bottom surface 20c of the door 20, which will be described later.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the top surface opening 26b is formed in the top surface 20d of the door 20.

[0112] <The processing chamber 35 is opened by opening door 20>

[0113] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the open state of the door 20 of the garment handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference will now be made to... Figure 2 Describes the interior of the user's garment handling equipment 1 when the door 20 is opened.

[0114] The inner shell 30 accommodates clothing and forms a processing chamber 35, which is the space in which clothing is processed. The inner shell 30 is located inside the housing 10. The front of the inner shell 30 is open to form an opening through which clothing is inserted. The front of the inner shell 30 is open to allow clothing to be inserted, thus forming an opening. The inner shell 30 may be configured such that its height is greater than its width and thickness. Therefore, clothing can be placed inside the processing chamber 35 without being folded or wrinkled. The inner shell 30 may be made of a series of plastic resins, and may be made of a series of reinforced plastic resins that will not deform due to air at temperatures higher than room temperature, heated air (hereinafter referred to as hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0115] The upper inner surface of the inner shell 30 may be provided with a garment holder (not shown) for holding garments in the processing chamber 35. The garment holder may be shaped like a hanger and may be fixed to the upper surface of the inner shell 30. Due to this garment holder, garments can be placed in the processing chamber 35 in an unfolded state. The garment holder may be configured as a hanger that reciprocates along the width direction or rotatably reciprocates within the inner shell 30. The garment processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can use the garment holder to shake the garments within the inner shell 30. When the garments are shaken, foreign objects and dust on the garments can be removed, and wrinkles on the garments can also be removed.

[0116] The height of the processing chamber 35 is lower than the overall height of the housing 10. A machine compartment is provided in the lower part of the processing chamber 35. The processing chamber 35 and the machine compartment can be separated and divided by the inner shell 30 of the bottom plate portion 30a of the processing chamber 35.

[0117] Various devices are installed within the machine compartment. These devices may include: a device for supplying heated air (hereinafter referred to as hot air) to the processing chamber 35; a device for supplying steam to the processing chamber 35; and a device for purifying or dehumidifying the outdoor air of the casing 10. The various devices installed in the machine compartment will be described in detail later.

[0118] Multiple openings may be formed in the wall of the inner shell 30 defining the processing chamber 35 to communicate with the machine compartment. In this embodiment, the multiple openings may be formed in the base plate portion 30a. In this embodiment, air from the processing chamber 35 can move to the machine compartment through the openings, and one or more of the hot air and steam generated in the machine compartment can move to the processing chamber 35.

[0119] In this embodiment, a first opening 31, a second opening 32, and a third opening 33 may be formed in the inner shell 30.

[0120] The first opening 31 is a channel for air to flow from the inner housing 30 toward the machine compartment. The first opening 31 communicates with the chamber-side inlet 324 of the circulation duct 320, which will be described later. The first opening 31 may be positioned facing forward toward the lower surface of the inner housing 30.

[0121] The second opening 32 is a passage for air supplied from the machine compartment to flow toward the inner housing 30. The second opening 32 communicates with the air blowout outlet 401 described later. The second opening 32 can be positioned toward the rear of the lower surface of the inner housing 30. Since the first opening 31 is formed facing forward and the second opening 32 is formed facing rearward, the spacing between the first opening 31 and the second opening 32 can be ensured, and the air supplied to the processing chamber 35 through the second opening 32 can be prevented from being directly discharged through the first opening 31.

[0122] The third opening 33 is a passage for steam supplied from the machine compartment to flow toward the inner shell 30. The third opening 33 communicates with the steam nozzle 510, which will be described later. The third opening 33 may be positioned closer to the second opening 32 than the first opening 31. In this embodiment, the third opening 33 may be positioned in the lateral direction of the second opening 32. By ensuring the spacing between the third opening 33 and the first opening 31, steam discharged through the third opening 33 can be prevented from being discharged through the first opening 31.

[0123] A water supply and drainage tank 40 may be installed in the lower part of the processing chamber 35. The water supply and drainage tank 40 may be located in front of the machine compartment. The water supply and drainage tank 40 may be located in a position exposed to the user when the door 20 is open.

[0124] The water supply and drainage tank 40 may include a water supply tank 41 and a drainage tank 42. The water supply tank 41 is a tank for storing water to supply water to the processing chamber 35. The drainage tank 42 is a tank for collecting condensate from inside the clothing processing equipment 1.

[0125] The water tank bracket 50 is configured to support the water supply and drainage tank 40. The water tank bracket 50 is positioned at the front of the machine compartment and prevents the machine compartment from being exposed to the outside. The water supply and drainage tank 40 can be attached to and removed from the water tank bracket 50. Water tanks 41 and 42 can be separated from the water tank bracket 50. The user can separate the water supply and drainage tank 40 from the water tank bracket 50 to fill water tank 41 and discard water collected in water tank 42.

[0126] The lower opening 11a can be positioned below the water tank bracket 50. The lower opening 11a can be formed on the lower front panel 11. The lower front panel 11 can be positioned below the water tank bracket 50. In the panels forming the housing 10, the lower front panel 11 can be positioned below the water tank bracket 50. The lower opening 11a communicates with the outdoor air inlet 345 of the outdoor air duct 340, which will be described later.

[0127] Gasket 28 can be installed on the periphery of the rear surface 20b of door 20. When door 20 is closed, gasket 28 can come into close contact with the periphery of processing chamber 35, thereby sealing processing chamber 35.

[0128] When the door 20 is closed, the rear surface 20b of the door 20 may have a protruding condensate guide 29 that can be inserted into the interior of the processing chamber 35. The width of the condensate guide 29 may correspond to the width of the opening of the processing chamber 35. The condensate guide 29 may be disposed close to the bottom plate portion 30a of the processing chamber 35. The condensate guide 29 guides water flowing along the wall of the door 20 to the bottom plate portion 30a of the processing chamber 35, thereby preventing water from flowing into the machine compartment.

[0129] According to this embodiment, a lower door opening 25a is formed in the lower part of the rear surface 20b of the door 20. The lower door opening 25a communicates with a bottom door surface opening formed in the bottom surface of the door 20 to form a first flow path through which air flows into the interior of the door. In the closed state, the lower door opening 25a faces the lower opening 11a. In the closed state, the lower door opening 25a communicates with the lower opening 11a.

[0130] According to this embodiment, an upper door opening 26a is formed in the rear surface 20b of the door 20. The upper door opening 26a communicates with a top door surface opening 26b formed in the top surface 20d of the door 20 to form a second flow path through which air flows into the interior of the door. In the closed state, the upper door opening 26a faces the processing chamber 35. The upper door opening 26a can be positioned at a location corresponding to the upper portion of the processing chamber 35.

[0131] In this embodiment, the rear surface 20b of the door 20 may include a clothing pressurizing device 60 and a support 65. The clothing pressurizing device is capable of pressurizing clothing, and the support is disposed above the clothing pressurizing device 60 to support the suspended clothing. According to this embodiment, the support 65 may be provided in the form of a ring on which a hanger can be suspended. According to this embodiment, the clothing pressurizing device 60 may pressurize the clothing suspended on the support 65 using a pivoting pressure plate 61. The clothing suspended on the support 65 is pressurized by the clothing pressurizing device 60, thereby removing wrinkles or forming desired wrinkles.

[0132] <Examples of various configurations located in machine compartments>

[0133] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating embodiments of various configurations located in machine compartments.

[0134] The machine compartment is located at the upper part of the base plate 15 of the machine casing. Now refer to... Figure 3 Describe the various mechanical devices located in machine compartments.

[0135] The base module 1000 is installed in the machine compartment. According to this embodiment, the base module 1000 can be configured as a module including a blower 400, a steam generator 500, a control box 600, and a heat exchanger 700 (see [link]). Figure 5 ).

[0136] The base module 1000 includes a base portion 300. The base portion 300 provides space for installing each device and can be used as a support for supporting various devices. In addition, the base portion 300 itself can be used as a pipe.

[0137] The water supply and drainage tank 40 can be positioned at the front of the base module 1000. The base module 1000 can be positioned at the rear of the water supply and drainage tank 40. The base module 1000 can be concealed from the outside by the water tank bracket 50 in which the water supply and drainage tank 40 is installed. Figure 3 A water tank support plate 51 is shown, which is part of the water tank bracket 50.

[0138] <Example of Base Module 1000>

[0139] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a base module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; reference will now be made to... Figure 4 The base module 1000 is described in more detail.

[0140] The base portion 300 is provided with a circulation pipe 320. The circulation pipe 320 can be formed by the base portion 300. The circulation pipe 320 forms a circulation flow path 320a (see...). Figure 6 Air moves through this circulating flow path.

[0141] The base portion 300 may include a pipe body 321, a pipe cover 322, and a pipe inlet 323 constituting the circulation pipe 320. According to this embodiment, the pipe inlet 323 is formed on the pipe cover 322. The pipe inlet 323 may be configured to protrude upward from the pipe cover 322. The pipe body 321 forms an open space at its upper part. The open top surface of the pipe body 321 is covered by the pipe cover 322.

[0142] A chamber-side inlet 324 is formed in the pipe inlet 323. The chamber-side inlet 324 may include a first inlet 324a and a second inlet 324b. The first inlet 324a and the second inlet 324b may be separated by a second filter mounting portion 325.

[0143] In this embodiment, a first valve 326 is installed at the chamber-side inlet 324. The first valve 326 opens and closes the chamber-side inlet 324. The first valve 326 may include a first circulating flow path valve 326a and a second circulating flow path valve 326b. The first circulating flow path valve 326a opens and closes the first inlet 324a. The second circulating flow path valve 326b opens and closes the second inlet 324b.

[0144] First filter 910 (see...) Figure 17 The first filter 910 may include a first inlet filter 911 and a second inlet filter 912. The first inlet filter 911 is located at the first inlet 324a. The second inlet filter 912 is located at the second inlet 324b. The first inlet filter 911 and the second inlet filter 912 can be removed from the device by the user for cleaning or replacement.

[0145] The control panel mounting portion 360 can be located at the lower part of the pipe body 321. The control box 600 is installed in the control panel mounting portion 360. The control panel mounting portion 360 and the control box 600 will be described in detail later.

[0146] Blower 400 is installed at the rear of duct body 321. Blower 400 generates air pressure, which produces an airflow through circulation path 320a. Blower 400 creates an airflow that discharges the air in circulation path 320a to air outlet 401.

[0147] Steam generator 500 uses water supplied from water tank 41 to generate steam. Steam generator 500 can be supported on base portion 300. Steam generator 500 can be positioned on the top surface of pipe cover 322. Steam nozzle 510 is configured to discharge the steam generated by steam generator 500. Because AC current is supplied to steam generator 500, there is a risk of explosion due to sparking when the current comes into contact with leaking refrigerant. Because leaking refrigerant has a high density and settles on the bottom plate, steam generator 500 can advantageously be positioned at the top. In this embodiment, steam generator 500 is positioned above heat exchanger 700.

[0148] One end of the outdoor air duct 340 is connected to the recirculation duct 320, and the outdoor air inlet 345 (i.e., the other end of the outdoor air duct 340) leads to the outside. The outdoor air duct 340 is configured to communicate with outdoor air and the recirculation duct 320. The outdoor air inlet 345 faces the lower opening 11a of the lower front panel 11 and is in communication with outdoor air.

[0149] <Example of Heat Exchanger 700>

[0150] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a heat exchanger 700 installed in the base module 1000.

[0151] A heat exchanger 700 according to one embodiment includes an evaporator 710, a condenser 720, and a compressor 730. The heat exchanger 700 may also include an expansion valve 740 and a refrigerant line 750 connected to the expansion valve 740.

[0152] Evaporator 710 and condenser 720 are located in a circulating flow path 320a, which is located inside the circulating pipe 320. In this embodiment, compressor 730 and expansion valve 740 are located outside the circulating pipe 320.

[0153] Evaporator 710 cools and condenses air. Compressor 730 receives refrigerant from evaporator 710 and compresses and heats the refrigerant. Condenser 720 receives refrigerant from compressor 730 and heats the air. Expansion valve 740 expands the refrigerant that has passed through condenser 720 to lower the refrigerant temperature. The refrigerant can be a refrigerant with a low GWP index, such as R-290. The refrigerant may be flammable.

[0154] Air in the processing chamber 35 flows into the recirculation path 320a through the chamber-side inlet 324. The air flows from the chamber-side inlet 324 along the recirculation path 320a and passes through the evaporator 710 and the condenser 720. The evaporator 710 cools and dehumidifies the air flowing through the recirculation path 320a. The condenser 720 heats the air that has flowed through the evaporator 710 to form hot air. The outlet 327a of the duct body 321 (see...) Figure 8 It is located downstream of condenser 720. Outlet 327a may be defined by outlet pipe 327.

[0155] The blower 400 creates air pressure, causing the airflow within the circulation duct 320 to be directed toward the outlet 327a. The air that has been dehumidified and heated in the circulation path 320a passes through the outlet 327a along the airflow created by the blower 400 and is discharged to the air blowing outlet 401.

[0156] <An embodiment of the control panel mounting section 360>

[0157] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the control panel mounting section 360. Figure 8 The control panel mounting portion 360 with the blower 400 removed is shown in detail.

[0158] The control box 600 is installed in the control panel mounting portion 360. The control box 600 can supply power to various components constituting the garment processing equipment 1, such as the heat exchanger 700, steam generator 500, blower 400, and fan 800. Alternatively, the control box 600 controls the various components constituting the garment processing equipment 1, such as the heat exchanger 700, steam generator 500, blower 400, and fan 800. The control box 600 is configured to control all electronic control components, such as the heat exchanger 700, steam generator 500, and blower 400, and can execute various programs and options for garment processing.

[0159] In this embodiment, the control panel mounting portion 360 is positioned below the pipe body 321. In this embodiment, the control panel mounting portion 360 can be disposed between the base plate portion 311 and the pipe body 321. The control panel mounting portion 360 can be disposed at the lower part of the circulation pipe 320 on which the evaporator 710 and condenser 720 are arranged.

[0160] The control panel mounting portion 360 is positioned at the bottom of the machine compartment. The control panel mounting portion 360 can be arranged in an open conduit shape at either the front or rear. The control panel mounting portion 360 is provided with a mounting space 360a into which the control box 600 can be inserted.

[0161] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing a control box 600 installed in the control panel mounting section 360. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the base portion 300 as viewed from the rear, used to explain the control box 600 mounted in the control panel mounting portion 360. Now, referring to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Describes the control box 600 installed in the control panel mounting section 360.

[0162] The control panel mounting portion 360 is arranged in the lower part of the pipe body 321 that constitutes the circulation pipe 320. The bottom plate of the pipe body 321 can form the top surface of the control panel mounting portion 360. The control panel mounting portion 360 can be integrally formed with the base plate portion 311.

[0163] The control box 600 is inserted into the control board mounting portion 360 and supported on the upper part of the control board mounting portion 360. The control box 600 is spaced apart from the base plate portion 311. The control box 600 can be slidably inserted from the rear to the front of the control board mounting portion 360.

[0164] The control box 600 may also include a bracket 650 surrounding the control panel 610. The bracket 650 forms the periphery of the control box 600 and prevents foreign objects from entering the control panel 610. The bracket 650 may be made of a metal material. The control box 600 may be supported by the bracket 650 and mounted on the control panel mounting portion 360. The control box 600 may be supported by protrusions formed on the bracket 650 and protrusions 3613 protruding from the control panel mounting portion 360 (see...). Figure 11 The interconnections are supported on the control panel mounting portion 360.

[0165] The control box 600 can be installed at an angle relative to the base plate portion 311. For example, the distance between the control box 600 and the base plate portion 311 on the outer side can be greater than the distance between the control box 600 and the base plate portion 311 on the inner side. Because the control box 600 is angled, water can flow out quickly from the control box 600 when it leaks to the top.

[0166] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the control panel mounting portion 360, where the base portion 300 is not shown.

[0167] External power can be provided to operate each component of the garment handling device 1. This external power can be provided via AC or high-voltage DC. In this case, there is a possibility of combustion due to arcing at the AC or high-voltage DC terminal. If the refrigerant (such as R-290) remains at a certain concentration or higher, there is a risk of combustion within the control box 600. Therefore, it is important to ventilate the interior of the control panel mounting portion 360 to ensure the stability of the garment handling device using flammable refrigerants. In conventional garment handling devices, the control box is located in the upper part of the housing. Therefore, even when using high-density R-290, the possibility of combustion of flammable refrigerant within the control box is not high. In the garment handling device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the control panel mounting portion 360 and the control box 600 are located in the lower part of the garment handling device. Therefore, if flammable refrigerant leaks, there is a higher probability of combustion of flammable refrigerant within the control box 600.

[0168] The base portion 300 may include a control board mounting portion 360. A control box 600 is mounted in the control board mounting portion 360. The control box 600 includes a control board 610.

[0169] The control panel mounting portion 360 is located inside the housing 10 and can be disposed below the processing chamber 30. In this embodiment, the control panel mounting portion 360 can be disposed below the pipe body 321. The bottom plate surface 3212 of the pipe body 321, which forms the bottom plate of the circulating flow path 320a, can form the top surface of the control panel mounting portion 360.

[0170] In the partition walls 3611 and 3612 forming both sides of the control panel mounting portion 360 in the width direction, the partition wall 3611 forming one side of the control panel mounting portion 360 can form the outer wall of the base portion 300. A support protrusion 3613 for supporting the control box 600 can be formed on the partition walls 3611 and 3612 in the width direction of the control panel mounting portion 360.

[0171] In this embodiment, a vent 395 may be formed in the lower part of the base portion 300. The vent 395 allows air to ventilate the lower part of the base portion 300. The vent 395 may be formed in the partition walls 3611 and 3612, and may be appropriately formed in places where refrigerant ventilation is required.

[0172] A bypass flow path 397 can be formed in the base portion 300. The bypass flow path 397 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the base portion 300. The bypass flow path 397 can form a ventilation flow path 390 together with the ventilation hole 395. The bypass flow path 397 can be positioned below the circulating flow path 320a. The bottom surface of the circulating flow path 320a can form the top surface of the bypass flow path 397.

[0173] On both sides of the control panel mounting portion 360, control portion through holes 391 may be formed in the partition wall 3612 facing the bypass flow path 397.

[0174] A pipe arrangement portion 314 is provided on the side of the base portion 300 near the compressor mounting portion 312, and the refrigerant pipe 750 and expansion valve 740 of the heat exchanger 700 are disposed in the pipe arrangement portion 314. The circulating flow path 320a can be configured to be biased to one side of the base portion 300 in the width direction. The pipe arrangement portion 314 can be disposed on the other side of the base portion 300 in the width direction. That is, the pipe arrangement portion 314 can be disposed on one side of the circulating flow path 320a.

[0175] Ventilation opening 395 may include pipe-side through-hole 392 formed in the partition wall forming bypass flow path 397. Pipe-side through-hole 392 can form a fluid path that can flow to the upper part and the bottom surface of the base portion 300. Refrigerant or air accumulated on the top surface of the base portion 300 can move to the bottom surface of the base portion 300 through pipe-side through-hole 392. According to this embodiment, flammable refrigerant deposited on the pipe arrangement portion 314 can be vented through the bottom surface of the base portion 300 using pipe-side through-hole 392. The refrigerant moves downwards due to its high density. Pipe-side through-hole 392 serves as a path for effectively discharging refrigerant that has moved from the upper side to the lower side.

[0176] The pipe body 321 may include a heat exchanger 700 and a water collection portion 328, in which water condensed in the evaporator 710 is stored. The water collection portion 328 may be formed by stepping down a portion of the bottom plate surface 3212 of the circulation pipe 320. The bottom plate surface 3281 of the water collection portion 328 may form the top surface of a bypass flow path 397. The bypass flow path 397 may be formed on the lower side of the bottom plate surface 3281. The circulation pipe 320 may be formed on the upper part of the bottom plate surface 3281, and the bottom surface of the base portion 300 may be formed on the lower part of it.

[0177] <Fan 800 for discharging refrigerant and cooling control box 600>

[0178] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the fan 800, the control box 600, and the outdoor air duct 340. Now refer to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 Describe the location where the fan 800 is installed.

[0179] The control panel 610 is equipped with a control box 600. A bracket 650 can surround the periphery of the control panel 610. A fan 800 can be positioned within the control box 600. The fan 800 can be positioned in a vertically overlapping position relative to the control panel 610. The fan 800 cools the components of the control panel 610. The fan 800 is located inside the housing 10 near the bottom plate. The fan 800 is positioned below the control panel 610. The fan 800 discharges the intake air in a direction away from the control panel 610. The fan 800 disperses the airflow on the bottom plate of the machine compartment. That is, when flammable refrigerant leaks, the fan 800 disperses the flammable refrigerant that has concentrated on the bottom plate due to its high density. The fan 800 is used to reduce the concentration of flammable refrigerant concentrated on the bottom plate. If the fan 800 reduces the concentration of flammable refrigerant below the lower explosive limit, the possibility of explosion becomes very low.

[0180] The blower 800 is configured as a centrifugal blower. According to this embodiment, the blower 800 is configured as a dual-inlet blower.

[0181] An outdoor air inlet 321a is formed in the front portion of the duct body 321 within the base portion 300. The outdoor air inlet 321a is positioned upstream of the evaporator 710 and condenser 720 in the circulating flow path 320a. The outdoor air inlet 321a may be rectangular in shape. The outdoor air inlet 321a can be opened and closed by a second valve 350. The second valve 350 may include a second valve plate 351 and a valve drive source 355, which provides power to switch the position of the second valve plate 351 between an open position and a closed position. In this embodiment, the second valve 350 can open or close the outdoor air inlet 321a by driving the second valve plate 351 to rotate about a rotation axis.

[0182] An outdoor air duct 340 is configured to communicate with an outdoor air inlet 321a and the outside of the garment handling device 1. One side of the outdoor air duct 340 contacts the recirculation duct 320. One side of the outdoor air duct 340 is configured to communicate with the outdoor air inlet 321a. An outdoor air inlet 345 is formed on the other side of the outdoor air duct 340, and the outdoor air inlet 345 contacts the side connected to the outside.

[0183] In this embodiment, the fan 800 is externally connected to the garment processing device 1 to discharge intake air to the outside of the garment processing device 1. In this embodiment, the fan 800 is connected to an outdoor air duct 340. In this embodiment, the outdoor air duct 340 includes an external connection portion 341 and a fan connection portion 347. The fan connection portion 347 is a duct extending toward the fan 800. The fan connection portion 347 and the external connection portion 341 are interconnected. The exhaust port 820 of the fan 800 can be connected to the fan connection portion 347 to communicate with the outdoor air flow path 340a of the outdoor air duct 340.

[0184] The front opening 360b of the mounting portion can be formed in the front of the control panel mounting portion 360 in the base portion 300. The fan connecting portion 347 extends toward the front opening 360b of the mounting portion. The outlet 820 of the fan 800 is positioned toward the front opening 360b of the mounting portion. The outlet 820 of the fan 800 and the fan connecting portion 347 are connected to each other through the front opening 360b of the mounting portion. Air discharged through the outlet 820 of the fan 800 is guided through the fan connecting portion 347. The air that has passed through the fan connecting portion 347 is guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a of the outdoor air duct 340.

[0185] When the second valve 350 is in the open outdoor air inlet 321a position, air discharged from the fan 800 can be guided to the circulation duct 320. The blower 400 forms an airflow in the direction from the outdoor air inlet 321a toward the outlet 327a. Therefore, when the second valve 350 is in the open outdoor air inlet 321a position, the airflow already guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a is guided to the circulation flow path 320a. According to this embodiment, the outlet 820 of the fan 800 is connected to the circulation duct 320 via the outdoor air duct 340. In another embodiment, the outlet 820 of the fan 800 can be directly connected to the circulation duct 320 for communication with it.

[0186] In this embodiment, the fan 800 is positioned below the control panel 610. According to this embodiment, the control panel 610 has a mounting surface on which components are mounted, with the mounting surface facing downwards. By positioning the mounting surface on which the components are mounted downwards, dust accumulation on the components can be prevented, and overheating of the control panel 600 can be prevented.

[0187] The heat sink 620 can be disposed in the control board 610. The heat sink 620 can cool the intelligent power module (IPM) disposed in the control board 610. According to this embodiment, the fan 800 is disposed at a position overlapping the heat sink 620 in the vertical direction.

[0188] <An embodiment of the arrangement of the fan 800 in the control box 600>

[0189] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the fan 800 in the control box 600. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the control box 600 viewed from below according to an embodiment.

[0190] A control board 610 is arranged within a control box 600. The control board 610 can be arranged such that the mounting surface on which components are mounted faces the floor. These components are independent parts or devices that form part of a loop and have independent functions. A heat sink 620 is arranged within the control board 610. The heat sink 620 cools the components of the control board 610. In this embodiment, the heat sink 620 can be configured to cool the IPM (Integrated Power Module) of the control board. The heat sink 620 can be positioned facing the IPM.

[0191] The fan 800 is positioned vertically, overlapping with the radiator 620.

[0192] The suction port 810 of the fan 800 is arranged to overlap with the radiator 620 in a vertical direction. The discharge port 820 of the fan 800 can be arranged to face forward. The discharge port 820 of the fan 800 is arranged to face the direction of communication with the outdoor air. In this embodiment, since a flow path communicating with the outside of the garment processing device 1 is formed at the front of the garment processing device 1, the discharge port 820 of the fan 800 is arranged to face forward. The discharge port 820 of the fan 800 can be connected to a guide pipe 850. The guide pipe 850 can guide the airflow direction of the discharge port 820.

[0193] In this embodiment, the IPM and radiator 620 are arranged away from the compressor 730. In this embodiment, the IPM and radiator 620 are arranged on the front (+Y) side of the control panel 610. Since the compressor 730 is located on the rear (-Y) side of the base module 1000, the spacing between them can be ensured to prevent overheating. Additionally, refrigerant can leak from the compressor 730, and the IPM is arranged away from the compressor 730, thereby reducing the concentration of refrigerant reaching the IPM and thus reducing the risk of explosion. The fan 800 can create an airflow in a direction away from the portion where the compressor 730 is arranged. According to this embodiment, since the compressor 730 is located on the rear (-Y) side of the base module 1000, the fan 800 can create an airflow toward the front (+Y) side of the base module 1000.

[0194] <Relationship between radiator 620 and fan 800 according to an embodiment>

[0195] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the radiator 620 and the fan 800 according to one embodiment.

[0196] The heat sink 620 includes a plurality of heat sinks 621. The plurality of heat sinks 621 are arranged along a first direction. The distance between the first heat sink 621 and the last heat sink 621b arranged along the first direction can be a first length L1. The plurality of heat sinks 621 can extend in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The length by which the plurality of heat sinks 621 extend can be a second length L2.

[0197] In this embodiment, the first length L1 is less than the diameter D1 of the suction port 810 of the fan 800. According to this embodiment, the second length L2 is greater than the diameter D1 of the suction port 810 of the fan 800.

[0198] According to this embodiment, based on the arrangement of the fan 800 and the radiator 620, a flow path can be formed between the multiple heat sinks 621, so that heat dissipation can be smoothly achieved at a position away from the suction port 810.

[0199] Although the fan 800 is used to form an airflow for discharging leaking refrigerant, the fan 800 can also generally be used as a fan for cooling the IPM.

[0200] When the temperature of the IPM rises above 120 degrees Celsius (°C), the compressor 730 stops. Conventionally, there is a phenomenon where the IPM overheats and the compressor 730 stops. When the structure according to the embodiments of this disclosure is applied, the temperature of the IPM does not rise above 90 degrees Celsius, therefore the compressor 730 can operate continuously. This increases the reliability of the device and can shorten the process time.

[0201] <Airflow Exhaust Structure>

[0202] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the airflow discharge structure of the fan 800. Since the control panel mounting portion 360 is located below the base portion 300, refrigerant R, which has a density higher than atmospheric pressure, may accumulate on the bottom surface. The refrigerant R accumulated in the control panel mounting portion 360 is highly likely to cause combustion in the control panel 610. The fan 800 effectively ventilates the air in the control panel mounting portion 360. This has the effect of ensuring the stability of the garment handling equipment 1.

[0203] Additionally, the fan 800 can continuously cool the control board 610. That is, the fan 800 can be used as a cooling fan for the control board 610. When using R-290 refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor 730 increases, and the temperature of the IPM continues to rise, which may cause the compressor 730 to stop. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the IPM can be cooled, thereby solving the problem of the compressor 730 stopping.

[0204] In this embodiment, the fan 800 is provided as a dual-inlet blower. The fan 800 is positioned below the radiator 620. The fan 800 dissipates heat from the radiator 620 upwards to the outside. The fan 800 also draws refrigerant downwards and discharges it to the outside.

[0205] Fan 800 is connected to outdoor air duct 340. Fan 800 can be connected to outdoor air duct 340 via fan connection portion 347. Airflow discharged from fan 800 flows into outdoor air flow path 340a of outdoor air duct 340 through fan connection portion 347. Depending on whether the second valve plate 351 is open, airflow discharged from fan 800 and flowing into outdoor air flow path 340a is discharged to the outside through outdoor air inlet 345, or flows into recirculation flow path 320a and moves to processing chamber 35.

[0206] <Airflow based on equipment operating status>

[0207] According to an embodiment, the flow path of the garment handling device 1 can be changed according to the processing procedure or cycle. Reference will now be made to... Figures 17 to 20 Describe the refrigerant discharge structure according to the operating state of the garment handling equipment 1.

[0208] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path in the steam usage procedure; although not shown for ease of description, the processing chamber 35 is in a state where clothing is hanging.

[0209] In the steam usage procedure, a first circulating flow path is selected that bypasses the second filter 920. The second filter 920 may be a HEPA filter. It is desirable that the HEPA filter is not exposed to steam. Therefore, in the steam usage procedure, the circulating airflow can be drawn into the circulating flow path 320a through the first inlet 324a in the processing chamber 35, thus preventing the circulating airflow from passing through the second filter 920. The airflow flowing into the circulating flow path 320a is dehumidified and heated by the evaporator 710 and condenser 720, and then supplied to the processing chamber 35. In the steam usage procedure, the second valve plate 351 is in the closed position, thus not communicating with the outside air. The circulating flow path 320a and the outside air flow path 340a are separated by the second valve plate 351. The exhaust port of the fan 800 is connected to the outside air flow path 340a. The airflow discharged from the fan 800 is guided to the outside air flow path 340a. Airflow guided to the outdoor airflow path 340a is discharged to the outside of the garment handling device 1 through a first flow path 25 formed in the lower part of the door 20. The first flow path 25 is a flow path through which the lower opening 25a of the door and the bottom surface opening 25b of the door communicate with each other. Airflow guided to the outdoor airflow path 340a is conveyed to the first flow path 25 through the lower opening 25a of the door and discharged to the outside of the garment handling device 1 through the bottom surface opening 25b of the door.

[0210] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant discharge path during the drying process. Although not shown for ease of description, the processing chamber 35 is in a state where clothes are hanging.

[0211] In the drying process, a second circulating flow path can be selected, passing through the second filter 920. To allow the airflow to pass through the second filter 920, the airflow can be drawn into the circulating flow path 320a through the second inlet 324b in the processing chamber 35. The airflow flowing into the circulating flow path 320a can be filtered by the second filter 920, dehumidified and heated by the evaporator 710 and condenser 720, and then supplied to the processing chamber 35. In the clothes drying process, the second valve plate 351 is in the closed position to prevent access to outdoor air. The circulating flow path 320a and the outdoor air flow path 340a are separated by the second valve plate 351. The exhaust port of the fan 800 is connected to the outdoor air flow path 340a. The airflow discharged from the fan 800 is guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a. The airflow guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a is discharged to the outside of the clothes handling equipment 1 through the first flow path 25 formed in the lower part of the door 20. The airflow directed to the outdoor airflow path 340a is delivered to the first flow path 25 through the lower opening 25a of the door, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing handling equipment 1 through the bottom surface opening 25b of the door.

[0212] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant discharge path in the indoor dehumidification process. The indoor dehumidification process is not for treating clothes stored in the processing chamber 35, but rather for dehumidifying the space where the clothes handling device 1 is installed. In other words, the indoor dehumidification process involves drawing air from outside the clothes handling device 1 into the heat exchanger, dehumidifying it, and then discharging it back outside the clothes handling device 1.

[0213] When the indoor dehumidification program is selected, the second valve plate 351 moves to the open position. The circulating flow path 320a and the outdoor air flow path 340a are connected to each other. The first inlet 324a and the second inlet 324b are closed. When the blower 400 is operating, outdoor air flows into the outdoor air flow path 340a through the first flow path 25 formed in the lower part of the door 20. The outdoor air flowing into the outdoor air flow path 340a moves to the circulating flow path 320a. The outdoor air flowing into the circulating flow path 320a can be dehumidified and heated by the evaporator 710 and the condenser 720, and then guided to the processing chamber 35. The air guided to the processing chamber 35 is discharged to the outside of the clothing processing equipment 1 through the second flow path 26 formed in the upper part of the door 20. The second flow path 26 is a flow path that connects the upper opening 26a of the door and the opening 26b on the top surface of the door. During the laundry processing program, the upper opening 26a of the door of the second flow path 26 is closed by the second flow path open / close valve 261, and can be opened when the indoor dehumidification program is selected.

[0214] The exhaust port of the fan 800 is connected to the outdoor air flow path 340a. The airflow discharged from the fan 800 is guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a. The airflow guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a moves along the airflow path to the recirculation flow path 320a, and then to the treatment chamber 35.

[0215] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant discharge path in the evacuation procedure.

[0216] When the garment handling equipment 1 is not in operation or in an empty program, the circulating flow path 320a and the outdoor air flow path 340a are separated by the second valve plate 351. The airflow discharged from the fan 800 is guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a. The airflow guided to the outdoor air flow path 340a is discharged to the outside of the garment handling equipment 1 through the first flow path 25 formed in the lower part of the door 20.

[0217] <Refrigerant Emission Performance and Specifications of Fan 800>

[0218] Figure 21This is an experimental diagram used to confirm the effectiveness of refrigerant discharge. Figure 21 It is a graph showing the refrigerant concentration near the control board 610.

[0219] The refrigerant concentration near the ignition point should be diluted below the lower explosive limit. In the case of a fine crack in the refrigerant line 750, when the refrigerant leaks at a rate of 84 g / h, it is confirmed that the refrigerant concentration remains between 5% and 10%, which is 2% above the lower explosive limit. However, when the fan 800 is activated, the refrigerant concentration drops to 0% within 30 seconds.

[0220] In this embodiment, the fan 800 is configured to reduce the refrigerant concentration to below the lower explosive limit within 30 seconds. In this embodiment, the fan 800 is configured as a dual-inlet centrifugal blower. The exhaust volume of the fan 800 according to this embodiment is 0.1 m³ / s. 3 / min or greater.

[0221] In this embodiment, the fan 800 is configured to increase user convenience by taking noise levels into account. In this embodiment, the fan 800 is configured as a dual-inlet centrifugal blower. The exhaust volume of the fan 800 according to this embodiment is 0.16 m³ / s. 3 / min or lower.

[0222] Figure 22 This is an experimental diagram used to confirm the effectiveness of refrigerant discharge. Figure 22 It is a graph showing the refrigerant concentration in the central part of the processing chamber 35 and the second opening 32 when the clothing processing equipment 1 is operating in the indoor dehumidification program.

[0223] When the blower 400 is driven, the refrigerant is rapidly diluted, and refrigerant concentrations below the explosive range are observed in the central portion of the processing chamber 35 and the second opening 32.

[0224] Specific embodiments have been illustrated in this specification. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that the illustrated embodiments can be replaced with any planned reconfiguration to achieve the same purpose, and that the disclosed invention can be applied differently in different environments. That is, this application should be understood to cover any application or variation of this disclosure. The appended claims are not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification. Therefore, when a modified embodiment includes a component of a claim of this disclosure, that modification should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: chassis; A processing chamber, located within the housing, is configured to hold clothing; A door, configured to open and close the processing chamber; A heat exchanger, located within the housing, disposed in the lower part of the processing chamber and configured for exchanging heat with the air in the processing chamber using a flammable refrigerant; A control panel, located inside the housing, is disposed in the lower part of the processing chamber and configured to control the heat exchanger; as well as A fan, configured to cool the control panel, is located near the base plate inside the housing and configured to disperse airflow through the base plate inside the housing.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the fan is connected to the outside of the casing to discharge the intake air to the outside of the casing.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control board has a mounting surface on which components are mounted, with the mounting surface facing downwards. The fan is located below the control panel.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a circulation pipe located within the housing, the circulation pipe being disposed in the lower part of the processing chamber and configured to form a circulating flow path, the circulating flow path exhausting air introduced from the processing chamber back into the processing chamber. The control panel is located below the circulation pipe.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The exhaust port of the fan is connected to the circulation pipe, and the air discharged from the fan is guided into the circulation pipe.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heat sink configured to cool the intelligent power module (IPM) is disposed on the control board, and a fan is disposed on the heat sink.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blower is configured as a centrifugal blower or a dual-inlet blower.

8. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The exhaust volume of the fan is greater than or equal to 0.1 m³. 3 / min and less than or equal to 0.16m 3 / min.

9. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The radiator includes a plurality of heat sink fins arranged along a first direction. The distance between the first and last heat sinks in the plurality of heat sinks arranged along the first direction is less than a first length. The plurality of heat sinks extend to a second length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Wherein the first length is less than the diameter of the suction port of the fan, and The second length is greater than the diameter of the suction port of the fan.

10. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The radiator, which is located in the control panel, is positioned away from the compressor that constitutes the heat exchanger in the front-back direction.

11. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a steam generator configured to generate steam from the supplied water. The steam generator is located above the circulation pipe.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an outdoor air duct configured to communicate with the exterior of the housing and the recirculation duct. The exhaust port of the fan is connected to the outdoor air duct to guide the air discharged from the fan to the outdoor air duct.

13. The garment processing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline includes: A chamber-side inlet, configured to communicate with the processing chamber, and set to be openable and closable; and An outdoor air inlet is configured to connect to the outdoor air duct and is designed to be openable and closable. When the outdoor air inlet is closed, the air discharged from the fan is guided to the outside of the casing, and When the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open, the air discharged from the fan is guided to the circulation duct.

14. The garment processing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, It also includes a circulating fan configured to generate air pressure so that airflow within the circulating duct is directed from an upstream direction to a downstream direction. When the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open, the air discharged from the fan is guided to the circulation pipe by air pressure.

15. The garment processing equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that, The door is equipped with: A first flow path is configured to communicate with the outside of the outdoor air duct and the garment processing equipment at the location where the door closes the processing chamber, and A second flow path is configured to communicate with the outside of the processing chamber and the garment processing equipment at the position where the door closes the processing chamber, and When the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outdoor air-side inlet is open, the air discharged from the fan is guided by air pressure to the circulation pipe, flows into the processing chamber, and then flows into the outside of the casing through the second flow path.

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