Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a tub as a tub including a tub back portion having a first region including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region including a duct seating portion, the tub back portion forming a rear surface of the tub; a drum configured to accommodate laundry inside the tub; a rotating shaft configured to be connected to the drum and rotate the drum; a bearing housing coupled to the tub and supporting the rotating shaft; an exhaust duct disposed on the back of the tub, the exhaust duct including a duct body attached to the duct mounting portion, coupled to the bearing housing, and made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the tub; and a drying device disposed on the upper portion of the tub, removing moisture in the air discharged from the tub through the exhaust duct, heating the discharged air from which the moisture is removed, and supplying the heated air to the tub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment processing apparatus including a drying unit. Background Technology

[0002] A garment handling apparatus is an apparatus for handling and / or managing garments. Garment handling apparatus may include washing machines and dryers.

[0003] A washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to agitate the laundry, water, and detergent placed inside the tub, and then washes the laundry through friction between them.

[0004] The cycles performed by a washing machine may include, regardless of the type of washing machine, a washing cycle that supplies detergent and water to a tub containing laundry and spins the drum while washing the laundry; a rinsing cycle that supplies water to a tub and spins the drum to rinse the laundry; and a spin-drying cycle that drains water from a tub and spins the drum to remove water from the laundry.

[0005] The washing machine may include a drying cycle in which hot air generated in the drying unit is directed to a receiving space containing laundry to dry the laundry. To perform the drying cycle, the washing machine may include a drying unit. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is a clothing handling apparatus that improves the space efficiency of an interior space.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a clothing handling device with an improved structure that ensures space even when combined with an exhaust duct.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus with an improved structure that enhances the rigidity of the tub.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. Technical solution

[0010] A garment handling apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub, comprising a tub back having a first region including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region including a pipe housing, the tub back forming the rear surface of the tub; a drum configured to contain laundry inside the tub; a rotating shaft configured to be connected to the drum and to rotate the drum; a bearing housing coupled to the tub and supporting the rotating shaft; an exhaust pipe, comprising an exhaust pipe body disposed on the back of the tub, including a pipe body mounted on the pipe housing and coupled to the bearing housing, and having a rigidity higher than that of the tub; and a drying device disposed on the upper part of the tub, which removes moisture from air discharged from the tub via the exhaust pipe, heats the dehumidified exhaust air, and supplies the heated air to the tub.

[0011] The second region on the back of the barrel may also include a plurality of cut ribs that protrude at a lower height than the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0012] The back of the bucket and the bucket exhaust port disposed in the pipe installation part, the pipe body may include a pipe exhaust port corresponding to the bucket exhaust port, so that the inside of the bucket is connected to the exhaust pipe, so that the air discharged from the bucket passes through the exhaust pipe, the bucket exhaust port, the pipe exhaust port and the pipe body.

[0013] The main body of the pipe may include a pipe insertion portion protruding toward the exhaust port of the barrel.

[0014] The pipe insertion portion can protrude from the pipe body along the outer periphery of the pipe vent.

[0015] The pipe insertion portion may include a drain groove that extends along the protruding direction of the pipe insertion portion to allow water to move toward the inside of the bucket.

[0016] In the garment handling device, the exhaust pipe may further include a sealing component disposed between the tub exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion to prevent air discharged from the tub from flowing out between the tub exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion.

[0017] The garment handling device may further include: a pipe cover, which is attached to the pipe body, and the pipe cover may include a material having higher rigidity than the tub.

[0018] The garment handling device may further include: a pipe cover, which is coupled to the pipe body, wherein the pipe body may include a body coupling hole configured to engage with the pipe cover, and the pipe cover may include a cover coupling hole corresponding to the body coupling hole.

[0019] The main body of the pipe is integrated into the clothing handling device of the bucket.

[0020] The pipe body may include a body joint portion disposed on the side surface of the pipe body, and the pipe cover and the bearing housing may be joined together through the body joint portion.

[0021] The bearing housing may include a housing protrusion that protrudes toward and is coupled to the pipe body.

[0022] The shell protrusion is exposed to the outside of the barrel, and the pipe body may include a body joint that is engaged with the shell protrusion and disposed on the side surface of the pipe body so that the pipe body is engaged with the bearing housing.

[0023] The garment handling device may further include: a pipe cover, which is attached to the pipe body and includes a cover joint portion; the bucket includes a bucket protrusion portion, which protrudes from the back of the bucket toward the pipe cover and corresponds to the cover joint portion, and the cover joint portion is attached to the bucket protrusion portion.

[0024] At least a portion of the pipe installation section is open to expose the main body of the pipe to the inside of the barrel.

[0025] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub including reinforcing ribs and a pipe placement portion, the pipe placement portion having cut ribs that protrude at a height lower than the reinforcing ribs; a roller rotatably disposed inside the tub; a bearing housing supporting a rotation shaft for rotating the roller and coupled to the tub; a drying device including a heating pump for drying air discharged from the roller and supplying the dried air to the roller; and an exhaust pipe configured to allow air discharged from the roller to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust pipe includes: a pipe body configured to include a material having a higher rigidity than the material forming the tub and disposed in the pipe placement portion to enhance the rigidity of the placement portion; and a pipe cover coupled to the pipe body.

[0026] A garment handling apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub including a tub back, the tub back having a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed in at least a portion and a duct housing formed in the remaining portion; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub; a bearing housing coupled to the tub; a drying device configured as a drying device including a heat pump to supply heated air to the interior of the drum; and an exhaust duct configured to allow air discharged from the drum to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct may include: a duct body comprising a material having a higher rigidity than the tub to enhance the rigidity of the duct housing, and configured to be coupled to the bearing housing when disposed in the duct housing; and a duct cap coupled to an open side of the duct body. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 A cross-section of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A portion of the configuration arranged inside a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 From and Figure 3 The different orientations shown illustrate a portion of the configuration arranged inside a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing a portion of the configuration of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a barrel and an exhaust pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an exploded view of the barrel and pipe body according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the pipe body and pipe cover according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 The diagram shows the barrel and exhaust pipe according to one embodiment from the rear.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an exploded view of the barrel and pipe body according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 11This is a diagram showing the pipe body and pipe cover according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 This diagram shows the state of the exhaust pipe being connected to the bearing housing.

[0039] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the state of the exhaust pipe connected to the barrel and the bearing housing embedded in the barrel.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the barrel and exhaust pipe according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the state of the exhaust pipe connected to the barrel according to an embodiment from the front. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The various embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0043] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or related constituent elements.

[0044] Unless the relevant context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items mentioned.

[0045] In this disclosure, each of the statements 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” can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding statement in its statement or all possible combinations thereof.

[0046] The term "and / or" includes a combination of the constituent elements of multiple related records or one of the constituent elements of multiple related records.

[0047] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one constituent element from another, and do not limit the constituent element in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0048] When a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as “connected” or “linked” to another component (e.g., the second), whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that the first component can be connected to the second component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0049] Terms such as “comprising” or “having” are used to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, without precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0050] When a constituent element is referred to as “connected,” “joined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another constituent element, this includes not only cases where the constituent elements are directly connected, joined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, joined, supported, or in contact through a third constituent element.

[0051] When a constituent element is "on" another constituent element, this includes not only the case where a constituent element is connected to another constituent element, but also the case where there is another constituent element between the two constituent elements.

[0052] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles. As an example of a garment handling device, the washing machine is a concept encompassing a device for washing garments (the object to be washed, the object to be dried), a device for drying garments, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying.

[0053] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine configured with the laundry inlet facing upwards or a front-loading washing machine configured with the laundry inlet facing forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may also include washing machines with loading configurations other than top-loading and front-loading washing machines.

[0054] For top-loading washing machines, laundry can be washed using water flow generated by a rotating body such as an agitator. For front-loading washing machines, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. Front-loading washing machines may include dryer-dryer-washers capable of drying laundry housed inside the drum. Dryer-dryer-washers may include a hot air supply device for supplying hot air into the drum and a condenser device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, a dryer-dryer-washer may include a heat pump unit. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with washing methods other than those described above.

[0055] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that internally accommodates various components. The housing may be configured as a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0056] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing via hinges. At least a portion of the door may be configured to be transparent or translucent, allowing the interior of the housing to be visible.

[0057] The washing machine may include a tub disposed inside the housing to store water. The tub may be configured in a generally cylindrical shape with an opening on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing such that the opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0058] The drum can be connected to the housing via a damper. The damper can attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing by absorbing the vibrations generated when the drum rotates.

[0059] A washing machine may include a drum configured to hold laundry.

[0060] The drum can be arranged inside the tub with the drum opening on one side corresponding to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry can be received inside the drum or removed from the drum in sequence through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening.

[0061] The drum can perform various operations according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycle while rotating inside the drum. Multiple through holes can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the drum to flow into the inside of the drum or out of the outside of the drum.

[0062] A washing machine may include a drive mechanism configured to rotate a drum. The drive mechanism 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 extend through the tub and be connected to the drum.

[0063] The drive unit can perform various operations according to the washing, rinsing and / or dewatering or drying cycle by rotating the drum in the forward or reverse direction.

[0064] 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 on 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 be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0065] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block water from being supplied to the tank from an external source. For example, the supply valve may include a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0066] 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 that requires the user to add detergent each time a wash is performed, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large quantity of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash. The detergent supply device may include a detergent dispenser for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent to the tub during water supply. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied to the interior of the tub. The term "detergent" may be used to include pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent dispenser may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0067] 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 bottom 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 from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0068] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side surface of the housing. 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.

[0069] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0070] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a program selection dial (or program selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. For example, at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a micro dial, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0071] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0072] For example, at least one output interface can transmit information related to the washing program and the washing machine's operating time, washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information about washing machine operation can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. For example, at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0073] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and / or wireless communication with external devices.

[0074] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0075] The communication module can transmit 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.

[0076] To this end, the communication module can support the establishment of direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channels between external devices and the execution of 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). The respective communication modules among these can communicate with external devices via a first network (such as a short-range communication network like Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or IrDA) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network like a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or 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 independent components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0077] Short-range wireless communication modules can 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 (IrDA) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0078] The long-distance communication module may include communication modules that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0079] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, user equipment, and other household appliances via surrounding access points (APs). The access points (APs) 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 control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine based on user input to execute at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or it can control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0080] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as control programs. For example, the control unit may include: at least one memory storing data in the form of algorithms and programs for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine; and at least one processor executing the aforementioned operations using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips, or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Furthermore, the memory and processor may also be implemented as a single chip.

[0081] Hereinafter, a detailed description of a clothing handling apparatus according to various embodiments will be provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. A washing machine will be described as an example of a clothing handling apparatus, but the concept of this disclosure is not limited to washing machines and can be applied to various apparatuses for handling and / or managing clothing.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-section of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A portion of the configuration arranged inside a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 From and Figure 3 The different orientations shown illustrate a portion of the configuration arranged inside a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing a portion of the configuration of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figures 1 to 5 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment handling apparatus can be a washing machine that also functions as a dryer. The garment handling apparatus 1 includes a housing 10 forming the exterior, a tub 20 for containing water to be used in a washing or rinsing cycle, a drum 30 for containing laundry, and a drive device 40 for rotating the drum 30.

[0084] The housing 10 can be configured in a generally hexahedral shape. Alternatively, the housing 10 can be configured in a box shape. The housing 10 includes frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e. The frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e can be respectively composed of an upper frame 10a forming the upper surface of the housing 10, a front frame 10b and a rear frame 10c forming the front and rear surfaces of the housing 10, a side frame 10d connecting the front frame 10b and the rear frame 10c and forming the side and lower surfaces of the housing 10.

[0085] A laundry inlet 14 may be formed on the front frame 10b of the housing 10 for feeding laundry into or removing laundry from the drum 30. The laundry inlet 14 can be opened and closed by a door 13 provided on the front frame 10b of the housing 10.

[0086] The laundry handling device 1 may include a door 13 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 14. The door 13 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 via hinges. At least a portion of the door 13 may be configured to be transparent or translucent, allowing the interior of the housing 10 to be visible. As an example, the door 13 may include tempered glass.

[0087] The garment handling device 1 may include a lower section 18 configured to be accessible to the lower detergent supply device 95a. The garment handling device 1 may include an upper section 19 configured to be accessible to the upper detergent supply device 95b and the filter 81.

[0088] A control panel 11 for controlling the operation of the garment processing device 1 may be disposed on the upper part of the front frame 10b of the housing 10. The control panel 11 provides a user interface for interaction between the user and the garment processing device 1. The control panel 11 may be provided with an input section for inputting the operation of the garment processing device 1, and may be configured with a display section for displaying various information about the garment processing device 1. For example, the control panel 11 may include a touch-sensitive display panel. However, it is not limited to this, and the control panel may include various types of input sections and displays.

[0089] The laundry handling device 1 may include a bucket 20 disposed inside the housing 10 to store water. The bucket 20 may be configured in a generally cylindrical shape with a bucket opening 21 formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing 10 such that the bucket opening 21 corresponds to the laundry inlet 14. The bucket opening 21 may be configured to face generally forward.

[0090] The barrel 20 may include a barrel body 22a corresponding to the side of a cylinder. The barrel body 22a may be configured as a cylindrical shape with open front and rear surfaces. A front surface of the barrel 20 with a barrel opening 21 may be disposed on the open front surface of the barrel body 22a. The front surface of the barrel 20 covers a portion of the open front surface of the barrel body 22a, such that the barrel opening 21 may be configured to be smaller than the open front surface of the barrel body 22a. A barrel back 200 may be disposed on the open rear surface of the barrel body 22a. The barrel back 200 may be configured to cover the open rear surface of the barrel body 22a. The barrel back 200 may be configured in size and shape to correspond to the open rear surface of the barrel body 22a, so as to cover the open rear surface of the barrel body 22a.

[0091] The drum 20 can be connected to the housing 10 by means of a damper 16. The damper 16 can absorb the vibration generated when the drum 30 rotates, so as to attenuate the vibration transmitted to the housing 10.

[0092] The laundry handling device 1 may include a drum 30 configured to hold laundry. The drum 30 may be configured in a cylindrical shape. The drum 30 may be disposed inside the housing 10. The drum 30 may be rotatably configured by receiving power from a drive unit 40.

[0093] The drum 30 can perform various operations according to the washing, rinsing and / or spin-drying cycle while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through holes 32a are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to flow into the interior of the drum 30 or out to the exterior of the drum 30.

[0094] The laundry handling device 1 may include a water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may be arranged on the upper part of the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may be arranged behind the drying device 70.

[0095] The laundry handling apparatus 1 may include a detergent supply device 95 for supplying detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply device 95 may include an upper detergent supply device 95b and a lower detergent supply device 95a. The upper detergent supply device 95b may be disposed at the lower part of the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 95a may be disposed at the upper part of the tub 20. The term "detergent" may be used to refer to detergents including pre-wash detergents, main wash detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, etc.

[0096] The garment handling device 1 may include a drainage device 93 configured to drain water contained in the tub 20 to the outside. The drainage device 93 may be arranged at the lower part of the tub 20. The drainage device 93 may include: a drainage pump 93a for draining water inside the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10; a connecting hose 93b connecting the tub 20 and the drainage pump 93a so that water inside the tub 20 flows into the drainage pump 93a; and a drainage hose for guiding the water pumped by the drainage pump 93a to the outside of the housing 10.

[0097] The barrel 20 can be supported by the damper 16. The damper 16 can connect the lower surface frame 10e of the housing 10 and the outer surface of the barrel 20. In addition to supporting the lower surface frame of the housing 10, the damper 16 can also be located on the top or left and right sides to support the barrel 20.

[0098] The roller 30 may include a roller body 32, a roller front part 31, and a roller back part 34.

[0099] The drum body 32 can be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape with open front and rear ends. Multiple through holes 32a are formed in the cylindrical drum body 32 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to flow into the interior of the drum 30 or to drain out of the drum 30. At least one lifter 33 can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum body 32 to lift and lower the laundry when the drum 30 rotates.

[0100] The front part 31 of the roller can be arranged at the front end of the roller body 32, and the back part 34 of the roller can be arranged at the rear end of the roller body 32.

[0101] A coupling hole 35 may be provided on the side of the roller body 32. A coupling hole 35 may be provided at the rear end of the roller body 32 for engaging with the roller back 34. Multiple coupling holes 35 may be formed. The coupling holes 35 are configured to fix the flange shaft 60 provided on the roller back 34. The coupling holes 35 may be formed in a manner corresponding to the flange shaft 60. The coupling holes 35 may be formed to be spaced at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the roller body 32 to correspond to the flange shaft 60.

[0102] The front part 31 of the roller can be configured to correspond to the front opening of the roller body 32. The back part 34 of the roller can be configured to correspond to the rear opening of the roller body 32.

[0103] The back of the roller 34 can be formed in a disc shape to block the rear opening of the roller body 32. In embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of through holes can be formed on the back of the roller 24 to allow air to flow smoothly from the inside of the roller to the outside.

[0104] The garment handling device 1 may include a drive unit 40 configured to rotate a drum 30. The drive unit 40 may include a drive motor 42 and a rotation shaft 41 connected to the drum 30 to transmit the driving force generated by the drive motor 42 to the drum 30. The rotation shaft 41 for transmitting the power of the drive motor 42 is connected to the back 34 of the drum 30. The drum 30 rotates within the drum 20 by the rotational force transmitted through the rotation shaft 41.

[0105] The drive motor 42 can be configured on the outside of the drum 20. The drive motor 42 can be connected to the roller 30 via a rotating shaft 41. The rotating shaft 41 passes through the back 200 of the drum 20 and is rotatably supported by a bearing 52 and a bearing housing 51.

[0106] The drive motor 42 may include a stator fixed to the outside of the drum back 200 and a rotor rotatably configured and connected to a rotating shaft 41. The stator may interact electromagnetically with the rotor to convert rotational electrical energy into mechanical rotational force. The rotation of the rotor may be transmitted to the drum 30 via the rotating shaft 41.

[0107] The back of the roller 34 can be connected to the rotating shaft 41 via a flange shaft 60. The flange shaft 60 can be configured to transmit power to the drive motor 42.

[0108] The flange shaft 60 may include a hub 61 disposed at the center of the back of the roller 34 and a plurality of flanges 62 extending radially from the hub 61. A shaft engagement portion 63 for mounting the rotating shaft 41 may be formed at the center of the hub 61.

[0109] Multiple flange portions 62 may be formed at approximately 120-degree intervals around the hub portion 61. The multiple flange portions 62 may be formed corresponding to the diameter of the roller back 34. Multiple fastening holes 64 may be formed at one end of each flange portion 62. The multiple fastening holes 64 may be formed corresponding to the engagement holes 35 of the roller 30. In this embodiment of the invention, two fastening holes are illustrated as an example of forming one flange portion, but the concept of the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening holes may be configured in various numbers and arrangements depending on the size and shape of the roller and the flange portions.

[0110] A rotating shaft 41 is arranged between the drum 30 and the drive motor 42. One end of the rotating shaft 41 is connected to the back of the drum 34, and the other end of the rotating shaft 41 extends outward from the back of the drum 200. If the drive motor 42 causes the rotating shaft 41 to rotate, the drum 30 connected to the rotating shaft 41 rotates around the rotating shaft 41.

[0111] A bearing housing 51 that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 41 can be disposed on the back 200 of the barrel. The bearing housing 51 can be made of aluminum alloy. For example, the bearing housing 51 can be formed from aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, it is not limited to this, the bearing housing 51 can also be formed from stainless steel. The bearing housing 51 can be formed from a material with higher strength than the material forming the barrel 20.

[0112] The bearing housing 51 can be attached to the barrel 20. Specifically, the bearing housing 51 can be attached to the barrel back 200. The bearing housing 51 can be embedded in the barrel back 200 during injection molding of the barrel 20. More specifically, after the bearing housing 51 is embedded in a mold (not shown) for forming the barrel 20, molten resin is injected into the mold, thereby forming the barrel 20. Thus, a barrel 20 with the bearing housing 51 inserted inside the barrel back 200 can be integrally formed.

[0113] A bearing 52 can be provided between the bearing housing 51 and the rotating shaft 41 so that the rotating shaft 41 can rotate smoothly.

[0114] The laundry handling apparatus 1 may include a drying device 70 for drying laundry housed inside the drum 30. The drying device 70 may be configured to heat air and supply it to the interior of the drum 20. The drying device 70 may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the drum 20, and circulate the dried and heated air back into the drum 20 to dry the laundry inside the drum 30. According to various embodiments, the drying device 70 may be arranged on the upper part of the drum 20.

[0115] The drying apparatus 70 may include a drying housing 70a on which a heat pump can be installed. The drying housing 70a may include a drying base 70b and a drying cover 70c configured to be coupled to the drying base 70b to form a flow path for air movement. The drying cover 70c may cover the open upper surface of the drying base 70b.

[0116] The drying apparatus 70 according to various embodiments can be configured as a heat pump. The drying apparatus 70 may include a compressor 71, a condenser 72, an evaporator 73, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 75 for circulating refrigerant and exchanging heat. The compressor 71, condenser 72, evaporator 73, etc., constituting the heat pump, may be arranged in the drying shell 70a. As an example, the drying apparatus 70 may be installed as a module in the garment handling apparatus 1.

[0117] Compressor 71 compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant moves towards condenser 72. Condenser 72 can heat the surrounding air by cooling the refrigerant. The heated air can flow into the interior of drum 30 to dry clothes.

[0118] The refrigerant, expanded by the expansion valve, absorbs heat from the evaporator 73 and cools the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator 73 cools the hot, humid air passing through the drum 30 to remove moisture. The dehydrated air then passes through the condenser 72, where it is reheated while exchanging heat with the refrigerant. In other words, the condenser 72 heats the air passing through the evaporator 73. The condenser 72 and evaporator 73 can be referred to as heat exchangers.

[0119] In addition to a heat pump, the drying device 70 may also include a heater 80 to improve drying efficiency. However, it is not limited to this; the drying device 70 may include only a heat pump or only a heater 80.

[0120] Heater 80 can heat the air flowing into the drying unit 70. Heater 80 can be arranged in the heating flow path 77. Heater 80 can be arranged downstream of condenser 72. In addition, heater 80 can be configured in a small size to minimize flow path resistance. For example, heater 80 can be a sheath heater.

[0121] The drying apparatus 70 may have an inflow path 76 for air discharged from the drum 20 to flow into it. The drying apparatus 70 may also have a heating path 77 for heat exchange of the air flowing into the drying apparatus 70 through the inflow path 76. The drying apparatus 70 may also have a supply path 78 for supplying the air that has passed through the heating path 77 and undergone heat exchange to the drum 20.

[0122] The inflow path 76 is configured to allow air passing through the interior of the barrel 20 to flow into the drying device 70. The inflow path 76 may be located on the upper side of the barrel 20. The inflow path 76 may communicate with the exhaust path P formed at the rear of the barrel 20.

[0123] The drying apparatus 70 may include an inflow guide 76a connected to the drum 20. The inflow guide 76a guides air discharged from the drum 20 to an inflow path 76. The inflow path 76 can communicate with an exhaust path P formed in the drum 20 via the inflow guide 76a. Air passing through the exhaust path P can flow into the inflow path 76 of the drying apparatus 70 via the inflow guide 76a.

[0124] A filter 81 can be installed in the inflow path 76 to filter out foreign objects such as lint contained in the air flowing in from the barrel 20 through the exhaust path P. The air flowing into the inflow path 76 can pass through the filter 81 and flow into the heating path 77.

[0125] A condenser 72 and an evaporator 73 may be arranged in the heating flow path 77. The incoming air is in a state of passing through the interior of the barrel 20, and therefore may be hot and humid. The hot and humid air can be cooled and dehydrated in the evaporator 73 arranged in the heating flow path 77. Afterward, the air can be reheated by passing through the condenser 72.

[0126] The supply path 78 can resupply the air heated by the condenser 72 into the container 20. The supply path 78 can communicate with the heating path 77 and extend downward to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the container 20.

[0127] The drying apparatus 70 may include a blower fan 78a for directing airflow into the interior of the drum 20. According to one embodiment, the blower fan 78a may be arranged in the supply flow path 78. The blower fan 78a directs airflow from the heating flow path 77 and the supply flow path 78 into the interior of the drum 30. For example, the blower fan 78a may include a sirocco fan.

[0128] The supply flow path 78 can extend from the front end of the drying base 70b toward the drum 20 in a generally vertical direction. The front end of the drying base 70b can refer to the area adjacent to the front end of the drying base 70b. The supply flow path 78 can extend downward toward the drum 20 from the front end of the drying base 70b located on the upper side of the drum 20.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the garment handling apparatus 1, since the supply flow path 78 does not extend forward toward the front end of the drying base 70b and then toward the drum 20, but instead extends directly downward toward the drum 20 from the front end of the drying base 70b, it is not necessary to further ensure the gap between the front frame 10b of the housing 10 and the front surface of the drum 20 in order to form the supply flow path 78. In other words, the garment handling apparatus 1 can be minimized or prevented from becoming larger in the front-rear direction in order to ensure the supply flow path 78.

[0130] The garment handling device 1 may include an exhaust flow path P for directing air discharged from the drum 20 to the drying device 70. The exhaust flow path P may be connected to the inflow flow path 76 of the drying device 70.

[0131] The exhaust path P can be configured to discharge humid air from the inside of the drum 30 to the outside of the drum 20. As an example, the exhaust path P can be located at the rear of the drum 20.

[0132] The exhaust flow path P, the inflow flow path 76, the heating flow path 77, and the supply flow path 78 can circulate air into the interior of the barrel 20 and the drying device 70.

[0133] In a garment handling apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, an exhaust flow path P can be formed by attaching an exhaust pipe 100 to the back of the tub 200. Specifically, the exhaust pipe 100 can be formed by attaching a pipe cover 120 to the pipe body 110. The exhaust flow path P can be formed inside the exhaust pipe 100. The structure of the exhaust pipe 100 attached to the back of the tub 200 can be configured in various ways.

[0134] The exhaust duct 100 can be configured to allow air discharged from the barrel exhaust port 220 to flow in. The air discharged from the barrel exhaust port 220 can flow into the interior of the duct body 110 through the duct exhaust port 1120. The air flowing in through the duct exhaust port 1120 can flow towards the drying device 70 along the exhaust flow path P.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the barrel 20 may include reinforcing ribs 201 and cutting ribs 202 formed on the rear surface of the barrel back 200. The front surface of the barrel back 200 may refer to a surface of the barrel back 200 disposed inside the barrel 20, and the rear surface of the barrel back 200 may refer to another surface of the barrel back 200 disposed outside the barrel 20.

[0136] Reinforcing rib 201 can be formed to enhance the rigidity of the barrel back 200. Reinforcing rib 201 can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the barrel back 200. Cutting rib 202 can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the barrel back 200, and its protrusion height can be lower than that of reinforcing rib 201. When injection molding the barrel 20, the protrusion height of the cutting rib 202 can be manufactured to be lower. Alternatively, cutting rib 202 can be formed by cutting a predetermined length from the end of reinforcing rib 201.

[0137] In the drying unit 70, heated air can flow into the interior of the tub 20 and then be supplied to the interior of the drum 30. It is necessary to ensure that the heated air supplied to the interior of the drum 30 contacts the laundry. The longer the heated air flows within the drum 30, the more contact it has with the laundry. For this purpose, the tub exhaust port 220 can be formed opposite to the air inlet 26, which allows the heated air in the drying unit 70 to flow into the interior of the tub 20.

[0138] The air inlet 26, through which heated air flows into the drum 20, and the drum exhaust port 220, through which air is discharged from the interior of the drum 20, can be arranged as far apart as possible. Therefore, when the drum 20 is viewed from the front or rear, the air inlet 26 and the drum exhaust port 220 can be located diagonally opposite each other.

[0139] For example, if the air inlet 26 is formed at the upper right end of the front surface of the tub 20 or at a position adjacent to the upper right end of the front surface of the tub 20, the tub exhaust port 220 can be formed at the lower left end of the back surface of the tub 200 or at a position adjacent to the lower left end of the back surface of the tub 200. In this case, the heated air moves from the upper right end of the front surface of the tub 20 toward the lower left end of the back surface of the tub 20, and therefore can also move in a similar direction inside the drum 30 arranged inside the tub 20. That is, the heated air can move diagonally from the upper right end of the front surface of the drum 30 toward the lower left end of the rear surface of the drum 30. Thus, the movement path of the heated air can be maximized inside the drum 30. As the movement path of the heated air becomes longer, the heated air can contact the laundry inside the drum 30 for a longer period of time over a wide area, and the drying efficiency of the clothes handling device 1 can be improved.

[0140] However, not limited to this, the air inlet 26 and the barrel exhaust port 220 can be configured in different locations depending on the area of ​​the air inlet 26 and the barrel exhaust port 220 and / or the air volume of the blower fan 78a.

[0141] The garment handling device 1 may include a pipe cover 120 that is attached to the tub 20 in a manner that covers the pipe body 110.

[0142] The exhaust flow path P can be formed by covering the open side of the pipe body 110 with a pipe cover 120. If the pipe cover 120 is attached to the pipe body 110, an exhaust pipe 100 can be formed with the exhaust flow path P inside.

[0143] The pipe body 110 may also include a pipe connection portion 1140 protruding towards the upper side of the pipe body 110. However, it is not limited to this, and the pipe connection portion 1140 may be arranged in various ways depending on the position of the drying device 70.

[0144] The pipe connection 1140 can be connected to the inflow guide 76a of the drying device 70. The pipe connection 1140 can extend the exhaust flow path P upward. The pipe connection 1140 can form part of the exhaust flow path P.

[0145] The pipe connection 1140 can be formed into a cuboid shape with an opening at the top.

[0146] The exhaust flow path P is connected to the inflow flow path 76, so that the air flowing into the exhaust flow path P through the barrel exhaust port 220 formed on the back of the barrel 200 can move along the exhaust flow path P and flow into the drying device 70 through the inflow flow path 76.

[0147] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a barrel and an exhaust pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an exploded view of the barrel and pipe body according to one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the pipe body and pipe cover according to one embodiment.

[0148] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The barrel 20 may include a barrel back 200 forming the rear surface of the barrel 20.

[0149] The back of the tank 200 may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 formed to withstand the rotational force of the drive device and the water pressure. The plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 may protrude from the back of the tank 200. Specifically, the plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 may protrude rearward from the back of the tank 200.

[0150] The multiple reinforcing ribs 201 may include multiple annular ribs 201b and multiple radial ribs 201a. The multiple annular ribs 201b may be arranged in a concentric circle configuration centered on the center of the bearing housing 51. The multiple radial ribs 201a may be configured to extend radially from the center of the bearing housing 51.

[0151] Multiple reinforcing ribs 201 may be formed on at least a portion of the barrel back 200. The portion of the area constituting the barrel back 200 in which multiple reinforcing ribs 201 are formed may be referred to as the first region R1.

[0152] The barrel back 200 may include a cut rib 202 that is lower in height than the reinforcing ribs 201 among the plurality of reinforcing ribs 201. The cut rib 202 may be formed by cutting a portion of the reinforcing rib 201. Alternatively, when the barrel 20 is injection molded, the cut rib 202 may be formed to be lower in height than the reinforcing rib 201. The portion in which the plurality of cut ribs 202 are formed may be referred to as the second region R2.

[0153] Multiple reinforcing ribs 201 and multiple cutting ribs 202 have different heights from each other, so the first region R1 and the second region R2 can have different heights from each other. The first region R1 and the second region R2 can be formed in a stepped manner.

[0154] The barrel back 200 can be configured such that the exhaust pipe 100 is located in the second region R2. The second region R2 has a lower protrusion height compared to the first region R1. Therefore, even when the exhaust pipe 100 is located in the barrel back 200, the rearward protrusion length of the exhaust pipe 100 can be reduced. In other words, compared to the case where the exhaust pipe 100 is located in the first region R1, its rearward protrusion length can be reduced when it is located in the second region R2.

[0155] In the barrel back 200, the cutting rib 202 of the second region R2 may protrude at a lower height compared to the reinforcing rib 201 of the first region R1. That is, the second region R2 of the barrel back 200 may be less rigid than the first region R1.

[0156] The exhaust duct 100 can be configured to enhance the rigidity of the barrel 20. The exhaust duct 100 may comprise a material having the same level of rigidity as the barrel 20. Preferably, the exhaust duct 100 may comprise a material with higher rigidity than the material forming the barrel 20. For example, the exhaust duct 100 may comprise PPS, aluminum die casting (ALDC), sheet metal, etc.

[0157] The exhaust duct 100 may include a duct body 110 disposed in the duct mounting portion 210. Furthermore, the exhaust duct 100 may include a duct cap 120 configured to be attached to the duct body 110. The duct body 110 may include a material that is the same as or stronger than the material forming the barrel 20. However, it is not limited thereto; the duct cap 120 may also include a material that is the same as or stronger than the material forming the barrel 20.

[0158] The exhaust pipe 100 can be combined with the barrel 20 and / or the bearing housing 51 in the state of being installed in the pipe installation part 210.

[0159] The exhaust pipe 100 may include barrel joints 2010 and 2020 configured to engage with the barrel 20.

[0160] The barrel joints 2010 and 2020 may be formed around the pipe mounting portion 210. The barrel joints 2010 and 2020 may include a first barrel joint 2010 formed on the outer side of the pipe mounting portion 210. Alternatively, the first barrel joint 2010 may be formed along the outer peripheral surface of the barrel back 200. Yet another way to describe it, the first barrel joint 2010 may be formed along the cylindrical surface forming the barrel 20.

[0161] The barrel joints 2010 and 2020 may include a second barrel joint 2020 formed inside the pipe mounting portion 210. The second barrel joint 2020 may be formed at the intersection of the first region R1 and the second region R2 on the barrel back 200.

[0162] The pipe body 110 may include a pipe body joint 1110 corresponding to the barrel joints 2010 and 2020. The pipe body joint 1110 may be disposed on the side surface of the pipe body 110. That is, the pipe body joint 1110 may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 110.

[0163] The pipe body joint 1110 and the barrel joints 2010 and 2020 can be connected by fastening components. With the pipe body 110 placed in the pipe placement part 210, the fastening components can be inserted into the pipe body joint 1110 and the barrel joints 2010 and 2020 to connect the pipe body joint 1110 and the barrel joints 2010 and 2020 to each other.

[0164] The pipe body joint 1110 may include a first pipe body joint 1111 corresponding to the first barrel joint 2010. In addition, the pipe body joint 1110 may include a second pipe body joint 1112 corresponding to the second barrel joint 2020.

[0165] The exhaust pipe 100 may include pipe joints 1210 and 1220 where the pipe body 110 and the pipe cover 120 are joined.

[0166] Pipe joints 1210 and 1220 may include a first pipe joint 1210 located on the side of the exhaust pipe 100 away from the center of the back of the barrel 200. The first pipe joint 1210 may be the part where the pipe body 110 and the pipe cover 120 are joined.

[0167] Pipe joints 1210 and 1220 may include a second pipe joint located on the outer periphery of the exhaust pipe 100 near the center of the barrel back 200. The second pipe joint 1220 may be the part where the pipe body 110 and the pipe cover 120 are joined.

[0168] In the pipe joints 1210 and 1220, only the pipe body 110 and the pipe cover 120 may be joined. Moreover, the pipe cover 120 and the bearing housing 51 may also be joined integrally with respect to the pipe body 110.

[0169] The pipe joints 1210 and 1220 can be joined in various ways. As an example, in the pipe joints 1210 and 1220, the main body joint holes 1151 and 1152 and the cover joint holes 1251 and 1252 can be joined by fastening components. This is only one example, and many other joining methods can be used.

[0170] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The connection structure between the pipe body 110 and the bucket 20 and the pipe body 110 and the pipe cover 120 will be described.

[0171] Reference Figure 7 The back of the tub 200 may include a tub vent 220 configured to expel air from the interior of the tub 20. The tub vent 220 may be configured to expel air containing moisture from the laundry from the interior of the tub 20.

[0172] A barrel vent 220 may be formed on the back of the barrel 200. Specifically, the barrel vent 220 may be disposed in the pipe mounting section 210. The air discharged through the barrel vent 220 may be configured to flow into the exhaust pipe 100 disposed in the pipe mounting section 210.

[0173] The interior of the barrel 20 can be connected to the exhaust pipe 100 so that air discharged through the barrel exhaust port 220 can flow through the exhaust pipe 100. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust pipe 100 may include a pipe exhaust port 1120 formed corresponding to the barrel exhaust port 220.

[0174] The duct vent 1120 can be configured to allow air discharged from the barrel vent 220 to flow into the vent duct 100.

[0175] The pipe body 110 may include a pipe insertion portion 1130 protruding toward the barrel vent 220. The pipe insertion portion 1130 may be inserted into the barrel vent 220. The pipe insertion portion 1130 may be configured to be inserted into the barrel vent 220 to attach the pipe body 110 to the barrel 20.

[0176] The pipe insertion portion 1130 may be formed along the outer periphery of the pipe vent 1120. The pipe insertion portion 1130 may protrude from the outer periphery of the pipe vent 1120. Specifically, the pipe insertion portion 1130 may protrude toward the barrel 20.

[0177] The pipe insertion part 1130 may have a predetermined length so that it can be inserted into the barrel vent 220. The outer periphery of the pipe insertion part 1130 may correspond to the outer periphery of the pipe vent 1120. The pipe insertion part 1130 can be inserted into the barrel vent 220, thereby enabling communication between the interior of the barrel 20 and the interior of the vent pipe 100.

[0178] Air inside the barrel 20 can flow to the exhaust pipe 100 through the pipe insertion part 1130 inserted into the barrel exhaust port 220. The passage formed by the pipe insertion part 1130 can communicate with the pipe exhaust port 1120.

[0179] The barrel vent 220 may include: a first barrel vent 221 formed on the lower side of the pipe body 110; a second barrel vent 222 formed on the upper side compared to the first barrel vent 221; and a third barrel vent 223 formed on the upper side compared to the second barrel vent 222.

[0180] The second vent 222 can be formed at a position spaced upward from the first vent 221. The second vent 222 can be arranged above the first vent 221. The second vent 222 can be arranged below the center of the barrel back 200. The second vent 222 is arranged with a gap between it and the first vent 221, thus preventing a reduction in the strength of the barrel back 200 compared to the case where the second vent 222 and the first vent 221 are formed integrally.

[0181] The third exhaust port 223 can be formed at a position spaced upwards from the second exhaust port 222. Similarly, this ensures airflow while preventing a reduction in the rigidity of the back of the barrel 200.

[0182] Thus, the barrel vent 220 can be formed into three. The pipe vent 1120 can also be formed into three corresponding to the barrel vent 220. The pipe insertion part 1130 protrudes from each of the pipe vent 1120, and therefore can also be formed into three.

[0183] The pipe insertion part 1130 is inserted into the barrel vent 220, thereby improving the bonding force between the pipe body 110 and the barrel 20. Multiple pipe insertion parts 1130 and barrel vent 220 are configured to further enhance the bonding force.

[0184] The pipe insertion portion 1130 may include a first pipe insertion portion 1131 configured to be inserted into the lowermost end of the first barrel vent 220 located in the barrel vent 220. The first pipe insertion portion 1131 may include a drain groove 1121a configured to prevent moisture from remaining in the pipe insertion portion 1131.

[0185] The drain trough 1121a can be formed inclined downward along the protruding direction of the first pipe insertion portion 1131, so that water remaining in the first pipe insertion portion 1131 can flow to the inside of the bucket 20. The drain trough 1121a can extend along the length direction of the first pipe insertion portion 1131. That is, the drain trough 1121a can be configured in a trough shape so that water can flow into the interior of the bucket 20.

[0186] The drainage channel 1121a can be formed not only in the first pipe insertion part 1131, but also in the second pipe insertion part 1132 and / or the third pipe insertion part 1133.

[0187] The pipe insertion portion 1130 may include a second pipe insertion portion 1131 and a third pipe insertion portion 1132 configured to be inserted into the second barrel vent 222 and the third barrel vent 222. In this drawing, a configuration of three pipe insertion portions 1130 corresponding to the number and position of the barrel vent 220 is illustrated, but this is not a limitation. The barrel vent 220 may be formed on the barrel back 200 in various numbers, sizes, or positions, and the pipe insertion portions 1130 need only be formed corresponding to the barrel vent 220.

[0188] The duct body 110 may include a discharge section 1140 configured to direct airflow from the interior of the exhaust duct 100 to the drying apparatus. The discharge section 1140 may be located on the upper side of the duct body 110. The discharge section 1140 may be formed protruding upward from the exhaust duct 100.

[0189] The exhaust pipe 100 can be formed by attaching the pipe cover 120 to the pipe body 110. With the pipe body 110 placed in the pipe mounting part 210, the pipe cover 120 can be attached to the pipe body 110.

[0190] The pipe body 110 may include body engagement holes 1151 and 1152 configured for engagement with the pipe cover 120. Multiple body engagement holes 1151 and 1152 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the pipe body 110. The body engagement holes 1151 and 1152 may be spaced apart along the outer periphery of the pipe body 110.

[0191] The pipe body 110 may include cap mating holes 1251 and 1252 corresponding to the body mating holes 1151 and 1152. The number of cap mating holes 1251 and 1252 may correspond to the number of body mating holes 1151 and 1152. Furthermore, the cap mating holes 1251 and 1252 may be arranged at positions corresponding to the body mating holes 1151 and 1152.

[0192] The main body connecting holes 1151 and 1152 may include: a first main body connecting hole 1151, which is provided along the outer periphery of the barrel back 200; and a second main body connecting hole 1152, which is located within the outer periphery of the barrel back 200.

[0193] The cover engagement holes 1251 and 1252 may include: a first cover engagement hole 1251 configured to engage with a first body engagement hole 1151; and a second cover engagement hole 1252 configured to engage with a second body engagement hole 1152.

[0194] The portion where the first main body mating hole 1151 and the first cover mating hole 1251 are joined is called the first pipe joint 1210 (refer to...) Figure 6 Furthermore, the portion where the second main body mating hole 1152 and the second cover mating hole 1252 are joined can be referred to as the second pipe joint 1220 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0195] The pipe cover 120 can be secured to the pipe body 110 by fastening components. The fastening components can be inserted into the body mating holes 1151, 1152 and the cover mating holes 1251, 1252. The fastening components may include bolts, rivets, etc.

[0196] The pipe cover 120 can be engaged with the bearing housing 51 through the pipe body 110. The body engagement holes 1151 and 1152 can be formed through each other so that the fastening component can reach the bearing housing 51 through the pipe body 110. That is, the fastening component can be inserted into the bearing housing 51 by passing through the cover engagement holes 1251 and 1252 and the body engagement holes 1151 and 1152 in sequence.

[0197] The bearing housing 51 may be provided with fastening holes (not shown) for fastening components to be engaged. The fastening holes may be provided in correspondence with the cover engagement holes 1151, 1152 and the body engagement holes 1251, 1252. That is, the pipe cover 120, the pipe body 110 and the bearing housing 51 can be engaged by a single fastening component.

[0198] The main body connection holes 1151 and 1152 of the pipe body 110 may include a first main body connection hole 1151 configured to connect to the outer peripheral side of the back of the barrel 200. The first main body connection portion 1151 may be located on the side of the pipe placement portion 210 away from the first region R1.

[0199] The main body connection holes 1151 and 1152 of the pipe body 110 may include a second main body connection hole 1152 disposed at the boundary of the first region R1 and the second region R2. The second main body connection hole 1152 may be located on the inner side closer to the back of the barrel 200 than the first main body connection hole 1151.

[0200] The duct cover 120 may include a cover body 1240. The cover body 1240 may project in a direction away from the duct body 110 to ensure the flow path of air flowing inside the exhaust duct 100.

[0201] The pipe cover 120 may include a flange 1250 extending outward from the cover body 1240. The flange 1250 may extend along the outer periphery of the cover body 1240.

[0202] Covered fitting holes 1251 and 1252 may be formed in the flange portion 1250. The cover fitting holes 1251 and 1252 may be arranged separately along the flange portion 1250. That is, the cover fitting holes 1251 and 1252 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the pipe cover 120.

[0203] The cap mating holes 1251 and 1252 may include a first cap mating hole 1251 corresponding to the first body mating hole 1151 of the pipe body 110. The first cap mating hole 1251 may be mated to the outer periphery of the barrel back 200 in correspondence with the first body mating hole 1151.

[0204] The cap mating holes 1251 and 1252 may include a second cap mating hole 1252 corresponding to the second body mating hole 1152 of the pipe body 110. The second cap mating hole 1252 may be located at the boundary of the first region R1 and the second region R2, corresponding to the second body mating hole 1152.

[0205] The exhaust duct 100 can form an exhaust flow path P through the connection between the duct body 110 and the duct cover 120. To allow air inside the barrel 20 to flow into the exhaust duct 100, it is necessary to maintain an airtight seal between the barrel 20 and the exhaust duct 100. Specifically, this may require an airtight seal between the barrel exhaust port 220 and the duct insertion portion 1130.

[0206] The exhaust duct 100 may include a sealing member 300 for sealing the space between the barrel 20 and the exhaust duct 100. The sealing member 300 may be disposed outside the duct insertion portion 1130 to prevent air discharged from the roller 30 from flowing out between the barrel exhaust port 220 and the duct insertion portion 1130. Similar to the duct insertion portion 1130, the sealing member 300 may be cylindrical in shape with a predetermined length.

[0207] The following is about... Figures 6 to 9 Different embodiments of the exhaust pipe 100 will be described. For the same configuration, reference numerals are omitted, and only the different configurations will be described in detail.

[0208] Figure 9 The diagram shows the barrel and exhaust pipe according to one embodiment from the rear. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an exploded view of the barrel and pipe body according to one embodiment. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the pipe body and pipe cover according to one embodiment. Figure 12 This diagram shows the state of the exhaust pipe being connected to the bearing housing. Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the state of the exhaust pipe connected to the barrel and the bearing housing embedded in the barrel.

[0209] Reference Figures 9 to 13 The exhaust pipe 100A can be connected to the back of the barrel 200A.

[0210] As described above, the pipe body 110A can be attached to the back of the bucket 200A. Specifically, the pipe body 110A can be attached to the bucket joint.

[0211] The pipe body 110A can be coupled to the bearing housing 51. The pipe body 110A can be coupled to the leg 511 of the bearing housing 51. A housing protrusion 5111 can be formed at the end of the leg 511. A portion of the housing protrusion 5111 can be coupled to the pipe body 110A. Specifically, the housing protrusion 5111 located adjacent to the pipe body 110A can be coupled to the pipe body 110A.

[0212] The shell protrusion 5111 can protrude toward the pipe body 110. The bearing housing 51 can protrude toward the pipe body 110A while embedded in the back of the barrel 200A. That is, the shell protrusion 5111 can be exposed to the outside by penetrating the back of the barrel 200A.

[0213] The shell protrusion 5111 may include a fastening hole (not shown) for engaging with the pipe body 110A. The pipe body 110A may be configured to engage with the shell protrusion 5111 via a fastening member.

[0214] The pipe body 110A may include a body engagement portion 1160 configured to engage with the bearing housing 51. The body engagement portion 1160 may be configured correspondingly to the housing protrusion 5111. The body engagement portion 1160 may include a fastening hole (not shown) for engaging with the housing protrusion 5111. The body engagement portion 1160 may be formed such that its position and number correspond to the position and number of the housing protrusion 5111.

[0215] Furthermore, the main body joint 1160 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the pipe body 110. The main body joint 1160 may protrude from the side surface of the pipe body 110. The main body joint 1160 may be formed with a mating hole for mating with a fastening hole (not shown).

[0216] The barrel back 200A may include a barrel protrusion 2060 for engaging with the pipe cap 120A. The barrel protrusion 2060 may protrude at a height greater than that of the reinforcing rib 201. Specifically, the barrel protrusion 2060 may protrude to a height sufficient to engage with the pipe cap 120A when the exhaust pipe 100 is engaged with the barrel back 200A. The barrel protrusion 2060 may be formed with a fastening hole for inserting a fastening component.

[0217] The pipe cover 120A may include a cover engagement portion 1260 corresponding to the barrel protrusion 2060. The cover engagement portion 1260 may be formed outward from the flange portion 1250. The cover engagement portion 1260 may be engaged with the barrel protrusion 2060 by a fastening member. However, the engagement method is not limited to this, and the engagement may be carried out in a variety of ways.

[0218] Thus, the exhaust pipe 100A can be connected to both the barrel 20A and the bearing housing 51. Specifically, the pipe body 110A can be connected to both the barrel 20A and the bearing housing 51. The pipe cover 120A can also be connected to both the barrel 20A and the bearing housing 51.

[0219] The exhaust duct 100A is integrated into a second region R2 with cleaved ribs 202, and therefore its rigidity may be weaker compared to a first region R1 with multiple radial reinforcing ribs 201a and multiple annular reinforcing ribs 201b. The exhaust duct 100A can be configured to enhance the rigidity of the second region R2.

[0220] The exhaust pipe 100 can be coupled to the bearing housing 51 embedded in the back of the barrel 200. Specifically, the pipe body 110 can be coupled to the bearing housing 51. The pipe body 110 can include the same material as the bearing housing 51. However, it is not limited to this, as long as it can include a material that is equal to or stronger than the material forming the barrel 20.

[0221] The exhaust pipe 100, the barrel 20, and the bearing housing 51 can be joined together. The exhaust pipe 100, the barrel 20, and the bearing housing 51 are joined together to provide mutual support. The structural rigidity of the second region R2 can be enhanced by a structure in which the exhaust pipe 100 is housed and joined according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0222] Figure 14 The diagram is an exploded view of the barrel 20 and the exhaust pipe 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the state of the exhaust pipe 100 connected to the barrel 20 according to one embodiment from the front.

[0223] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to one embodiment, the garment processing device 1 may include a bucket 20 in which a second area R2 is opened.

[0224] The barrel 20 may include a first region R1 with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 and an open second region R2. An exhaust duct 100B may be installed in the second region R2. That is, a duct installation portion 210B may be configured in the second region R2. The accompanying drawing shows the second region R2 fully open, but it is also possible that only a portion of the second region R2 is open.

[0225] The exhaust pipe 100B can be installed in the pipe mounting section 210B. The exhaust pipe 100B installed in the pipe mounting section 210B is exposed to the inside of the barrel 20 through the open second area R2. Alternatively, a portion of the exhaust pipe 100B can replace a portion of the barrel back 200B. Specifically, the pipe body 110B can replace a portion of the barrel back 200B.

[0226] In a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the tub 20B may be weakened because a portion of the tub back 200B is open. An exhaust duct 100B can be arranged in a second region R2, which is the open area of ​​the tub back 200B. The exhaust duct 100B comprises a material equal to or stronger than the material forming the tub 20B, thus enhancing the rigidity of the tub 20B. That is, the exhaust duct 100B can enhance the rigidity of the second region R2.

[0227] The pipe body 110B can be attached to the outer periphery of the second region R2. The pipe body 110B can be attached to the outer periphery of the second region R2. The pipe body 110B can be attached to the second region R2 by fastening components.

[0228] The duct body 110B may include a duct vent 1120B for discharging air from the barrel 20. The duct vent 1120B may be formed by opening a portion of the duct body 110B. The duct vent 1120B is shown as being formed in three forms, but is not limited thereto.

[0229] A sealing element 300B may be arranged between the pipe body 110B and the barrel back 200B. Since the second region R2 of the barrel back 200 is open, air may leak between the barrel back 200 and the pipe body 110. To prevent this, the sealing element 300B may be arranged along the outer periphery of the second region R2. However, if only a portion of the second region R2 is open, the sealing element 300B may be arranged along the open portion of the second region R2.

[0230] A garment handling apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub 20, including a tub back 200 having a first region R1 having a plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 and a second region R2 having a pipe placement portion 210; a drum 30 rotatably disposed inside the tub and for containing laundry; a drying device 70 disposed on the upper part of the tub for removing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying heated air to the tub; a bearing housing 51 coupled to the tub; and an exhaust pipe 100 mounted on the tub back and configured to allow air discharged from the drum to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust pipe includes: a pipe body 110 configured to include a material having higher rigidity than the tub and coupled to the bearing housing when disposed in the pipe placement portion; and a pipe cover 120 coupled to the pipe body.

[0231] The plurality of reinforcing ribs may include a plurality of cut ribs 202 formed in a second region on the back of the barrel and lower than the protruding height of the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0232] The bucket may include a bucket vent 220 formed in the pipe installation part, and the pipe body may include a pipe vent 1120 formed corresponding to the bucket vent, so that the interior of the bucket is in communication with the vent pipe.

[0233] The main body of the pipe may include a pipe insertion portion 1130 that protrudes toward the barrel vent and is inserted into the barrel vent.

[0234] The pipe insertion portion can be formed along the outer periphery of the pipe exhaust port.

[0235] The pipe insertion part may include a drainage groove 1121a, which is formed along the protruding direction of the pipe insertion part to allow water remaining on the pipe insertion part to move towards the inside of the bucket.

[0236] The exhaust pipe may also include a sealing component 300, which is arranged between the barrel exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion to prevent air discharged from the roller from flowing out between the barrel exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion.

[0237] The pipe cover may include a material with higher rigidity than the barrel.

[0238] The pipe body may include body connection holes 1151 and 1152 configured to engage with the pipe cover, and the pipe cover may include cover connection holes 1251 and 1252 corresponding to the body connection holes.

[0239] The main body of the pipe can be attached to the bucket while it is in the state of being placed in the pipe mounting part.

[0240] The main body joint can be formed by penetrating the main body of the pipe, so that the pipe cover and the bearing housing are joined apart from the main body of the pipe.

[0241] The bearing housing may include a housing protrusion 5111 that protrudes toward the pipe body to engage with the pipe body.

[0242] The pipe body may include a body joint configured to engage with the bearing housing, the housing protrusion being exposed on the outside of the barrel so that the bearing housing engages with the body joint while embedded in the barrel.

[0243] The pipe cover may include a cover engagement portion 1260 configured to engage with the bucket, and the bucket may include a bucket protrusion 2060 corresponding to the cover engagement portion, projecting from the back of the bucket toward the pipe cover.

[0244] At least a portion of the pipe installation section can be opened to expose the pipe body to the inside of the barrel.

[0245] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub 20 including a plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 and a pipe placement portion 210, the pipe placement portion having cut ribs 202 that protrude at a height lower than the reinforcing ribs; a roller 30 rotatably disposed inside the tub; a bearing housing supporting a rotation shaft 41 for rotating the roller and coupled to the tub; a drying device 70 including a heat pump for drying air discharged from the roller and supplying the dried air to the roller; and an exhaust pipe 100 configured to allow air discharged from the roller to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust pipe includes: a pipe body 110 configured to include a material having a higher rigidity than the material forming the tub and disposed in the pipe placement portion to enhance the rigidity of the placement portion; and a pipe cover 120 coupled to the pipe body.

[0246] The pipe body can be configured to be coupled to the bearing housing.

[0247] The pipe cover can be configured to be combined with the bucket.

[0248] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a tub 20, including a tub back 200, with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 201 formed in at least a portion of the tub back and a pipe housing 210 formed in the remaining portion; a drum 30, rotatably disposed inside the tub; a bearing housing 51, embedded in the tub; a drying device 70, configured as a drying device including a heat pump to supply heated air to the interior of the drum; and an exhaust pipe 100, configured to allow air discharged from the drum to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust pipe may include: a pipe body 110, comprising a material with higher rigidity than the tub to enhance the rigidity of the pipe housing, and configured to engage with the bearing housing when disposed in the pipe housing; and a pipe cover 120, engaged with the open side of the pipe body.

[0249] The pipe mounting section can be opened to expose the pipe body located in the pipe mounting section to the inside of the barrel.

[0250] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the space efficiency inside the garment handling device can be improved.

[0251] According to one aspect of this disclosure, even with the addition of an exhaust duct, space can be ensured.

[0252] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the rigidity of the barrel can be enhanced.

[0253] The effects obtained by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains through the following description.

[0254] The above description and illustrations are for specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and implement the invention without departing from the spirit of the technical concept described in the claims.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: A bucket, comprising a bucket back having a first region including multiple reinforcing ribs and a second region including a pipe mounting portion, the bucket back forming the rear surface of the bucket; A drum is configured to contain the laundry inside the tub; A rotating shaft is configured to be connected to the drum and to rotate the drum. A bearing housing is attached to the barrel and supports the rotating shaft; An exhaust duct, configured on the back of the barrel, includes a duct body made of a material with higher rigidity than the barrel, mounted on the duct mounting portion and coupled to the bearing housing; and A drying device is disposed on the upper part of the barrel, which removes moisture from the air discharged from the barrel through the exhaust pipe, heats the discharged air from which moisture has been removed, and supplies the heated air to the barrel.

2. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second region on the back of the barrel also includes a plurality of cleaving ribs that protrude at a lower height than the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The back of the bucket includes a bucket exhaust port disposed in the pipe installation section. The main body of the pipe includes a pipe exhaust port corresponding to the exhaust port of the bucket, so that the interior of the bucket is connected to the exhaust pipe, thereby allowing air discharged from the bucket to pass through the exhaust pipe, the exhaust port of the bucket, the exhaust port of the pipe, and the main body of the pipe.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The main body of the pipe includes a pipe insertion portion that protrudes toward the exhaust port of the barrel.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The pipe insertion portion protrudes from the pipe body along the outer periphery of the pipe vent.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The pipe insertion portion includes a drainage groove that extends along the protruding direction of the pipe insertion portion to allow water to move toward the inside of the bucket.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The exhaust pipe further includes a sealing component disposed between the barrel exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion to prevent air discharged from the barrel from flowing out between the barrel exhaust port and the pipe insertion portion.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The pipe cover is attached to the pipe body. The pipe cover comprises a material with higher rigidity than the barrel.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The pipe cover is attached to the pipe body. The pipe body includes a body engagement hole configured to engage with the pipe cover. The pipe cover includes a cover fitting hole corresponding to the body fitting hole.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The main body of the pipe is attached to the barrel.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The pipe body includes a body joint portion disposed on the side surface of the pipe body. The pipe cover and the bearing housing are joined together through the main body joint.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The bearing housing includes a housing protrusion that protrudes toward and engages with the pipe body.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The shell protrusion is exposed to the outside of the barrel. The pipe body includes a body joint portion, which is joined to the shell protrusion and disposed on the side surface of the pipe body so that the pipe body is joined to the bearing shell.

14. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: A pipe cover, which is attached to the pipe body, and includes a cover joint. The bucket includes a protruding portion that extends from the back of the bucket toward the pipe cover and corresponds to a fitting portion of the cover. The lid joint is attached to the barrel protrusion.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the pipe installation section is open to expose the main body of the pipe to the inside of the barrel.

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