Clothes treatment device and method for controlling said clothes treatment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing device and a control method thereof, in which a steam generating unit for generating steam includes a first heater and a second heater consuming more power than the first heater, and the first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously to heat water and generate steam. Also, after the steam is generated, only one of the first heater and the second heater is driven to supply the steam to the inner case, or one of the first heater and the second heater and a compressor are driven simultaneously.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device and a method for controlling the clothing treatment device, and more particularly to a clothing treatment device and a method for controlling the clothing treatment device that sprays steam onto clothing to deodorize, dry, remove wrinkles, and the like from the clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a clothing treatment device is a concept that includes a washing machine that wets clothing with water to make a compress and then removes foreign matter through the chemical action of detergent and physical action such as drum rotation, and a dryer that dries the damp clothing using hot air and steam.

[0003] Recently, however, a clothes care machine has appeared that keeps dry clothes comfortable and clean without wetting them with water. This type of clothes care machine supplies steam or hot air to the clothes while they are hung, deodorizing the clothes and performing a refresh process to dry or sterilize the clothes.

[0004] The clothes care machine can also selectively add fragrance to clothes and has recently become an important part of the clothes treatment equipment along with the washing machine and the dryer.

[0005] A clothing care machine that performs a clothing refreshing process stores clothes in a dry state, and therefore requires a steam supply unit that supplies steam to the clothes.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a conventional laundry treatment device equipped with a steam supply unit.

[0007] Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0057545, a conventional clothing processing device includes a cabinet 1 that forms the exterior and an inner case 2 that is provided inside the cabinet 1 and on which clothing is hung.

[0008] The clothing treatment device includes a circulation duct 13 at the bottom of the inner case 2 for circulating the air in the inner case 2, a heat exchanger 15 provided in the circulation duct 13 for exchanging heat with the air, and a compressor 14 for supplying high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger 15. When the compressor 14 is driven, hot air is supplied to the inner case 2, increasing the internal temperature of the inner case 2, and the clothing is dried or sterilized.

[0009] The clothing treatment device also includes a steam tank 16 that is provided outside the circulation duct 13 and stores water, and a heater 17 that is housed in the steam tank 16 and heats the water to generate steam. When the heater 17 is driven, steam is supplied into the inner case 2 to deodorize the clothing or remove wrinkles from the clothing.

[0010] Meanwhile, the clothes stored inside the inner case 2 are hung in a dry state. Therefore, in order to efficiently refresh the clothes, it is necessary to supply a sufficient amount of moisture to the inside of the inner case 2 to refresh the clothes.

[0011] Therefore, the heater 17 is provided with a relatively large capacity so that the clothes hung in the inner case 2 are sufficiently moistened with moisture. For example, the heater 17 has a rated capacity larger than that of a heater applied to a washing machine or a dryer that supplies steam to wet clothes.

[0012] As a result, the conventional laundry treatment device has a fundamental limitation in that the heater 17 and compressor 14 cannot be driven simultaneously in order to avoid exceeding the allowable rated capacity.

[0013] Therefore, when the heater 17 is driven to supply steam to the inside of the inner case 2, there is a problem that hot air is not supplied to the inside of the inner case 2. That is, although the moisture content of the clothes can be increased by supplying steam and the internal temperature of the inner case 2 can be increased to a predetermined level, there is a problem that the internal temperature of the inner case 2 cannot be maintained at or above the minimum temperature required for deodorization, sterilization, and drying.

[0014] As a result, when the steam 2 is supplied to the inside of the inner case 2, there is a limitation in that the performance of deodorizing and sterilizing clothes cannot be guaranteed.

[0015] Furthermore, in the conventional clothing treatment device, a sufficient amount of moisture needs to be supplied from hot air to refresh the clothing, and all of the supplied moisture needs to be dried, so the compressor 17 is driven after the operation of the heater 17 is completed.

[0016] As a result, in the conventional clothing processing device, the internal temperature of the inner case 2 cannot be maintained at the minimum temperature before the compressor 17 is driven, and therefore, the effect of the refresh process cannot be achieved.

[0017] Therefore, since the internal temperature of the inner case 2 can be raised to and maintained at the minimum temperature only at the point after the compressor 17 is driven in the refreshing process, there is a fundamental limitation in that the process of refreshing the clothes itself is significantly delayed.

[0018] In addition, since steam cannot be supplied to the inside of the inner case 2 at the initial time when the compressor 17 is driven, the air in contact with the heat exchanger 15 is at a relatively low temperature. As a result, the air discharged from the inner case 2 does not have enough heat to exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 15, which causes a problem that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump system cannot be ensured.

[0019] As described above, the heater 6 is provided with a large capacity to increase the moisture content of the clothes inside the inner case 2, so that when the heater 6 is activated, the humidity inside the inner case 2 rises rapidly.

[0020] Therefore, conventional clothing treatment devices have the problem that they cannot treat clothing that is sensitive to moisture, such as silk or cashmere.

[0021] Meanwhile, among the washing machines or dryers, clothes treating devices equipped with a steam supplying unit that supplies steam to a drum in which clothes are stored have also appeared.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a conventional laundry treatment device equipped with a steam supply for drying.

[0023] Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1448632, a conventional clothing treatment device includes a clothing storage section 2 that stores clothing inside a cabinet 1, a water supply pipe 5 that supplies water to the inside of the clothing storage section 2, and a steam supply section 4 that is connected to the water supply pipe 5 to receive water and supply steam to the clothing storage section 2.

[0024] The steam supply unit 4 includes a heater 6 for heating water therein to generate steam. Thus, in the washing and drying processes, the conventional clothing processing device injects the steam into the clothing storage unit 2 via the steam supply unit 4 to increase the internal temperature of the clothing storage unit 2, thereby increasing the washing or drying efficiency or removing wrinkles from or sterilizing the clothing.

[0025] However, since conventional clothing treatment devices such as washing machines and dryers are designed to treat wet clothing, there is no need to generate a large amount of steam inside the clothing storage section 2 to increase the moisture content of dry clothing, as is the case with clothing management machines.

[0026] Therefore, the conventional clothes treating device shown in FIG. 2 does not need to be equipped with a large-capacity heater 6 as in a clothes care machine.

[0027] Of course, in the conventional clothes treating device, the heater 6 is composed of a first heater 61 and a second heater 62 that can be driven independently of the first heater 61, and is provided to adjust the amount of steam supplied.

[0028] However, conventional clothes treatment devices such as washing machines and dryers perform a dehydration process to remove moisture from wet clothes and a drying process. Therefore, when the clothes storage section 2 rotates or when the drying process is performed, there is a fundamental limitation in that the heater 6 cannot be operated when the heat pump system including a compressor or the heating system including an air heater (hereinafter referred to as the heat supply section) is operating.

[0029] As a result, even if dry clothes are put into the washing machine and dryer, there is a fundamental limitation in that the heater 6 and the heat supply unit or motor cannot be driven simultaneously to refresh the clothes.

[0030] Furthermore, when a drying process is performed in a clothes processing device such as a washing machine or a dryer, the purpose is to finally dry wet clothes, so even if the heater 6 is heated and supplies steam during the drying process, the heat supply unit will not stop until the process is completed once it has started to operate. In this case, not only will the drying performance be rapidly reduced, but the drying process will also be significantly delayed.

[0031] Therefore, the washing machine and dryer have limitations in that there is no possibility or hint at a technology for simultaneously driving a heater for generating steam and a compressor, or a technology for stopping the operation of the compressor in order to drive a heater for generating steam after starting the operation of the compressor.

[0032] As a result, conventional clothing treatment devices were limited in that they could not provide technical information regarding the technology to simultaneously drive a heater that generates steam and a compressor that generates hot air in a clothing treatment machine, or how to control and apply the heaters when they are installed as dual heaters in a clothing treatment machine that treats dry clothes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0033] The present invention aims to provide a clothing processing device that can improve drying performance and reduce the drying process time by arranging a section in which a heater that generates steam and a compressor that heats a refrigerant are driven simultaneously.

[0034] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device that can ensure an initial temperature rise by locating a section in which the heater and compressor are driven simultaneously before the section in which the clothing is dried.

[0035] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothing processing device that can adjust the amount of steam and the amount of power used by dividing and arranging a heater that generates steam into multiple sections.

[0036] To provide a clothes treating device capable of carrying out refreshing processes such as deodorizing, removing wrinkles, and drying even on clothes such as silk and cashmere that are weak against moisture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0037] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device having a plurality of heater units for generating steam, each of which can be controlled independently.

[0038] The heaters are configured to distribute a maximum amount of heater power allocated to each heater unit and to be driven.

[0039] The heaters include a first heater and a second heater, and the first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously to heat water and generate steam, but after the steam is generated, only one of the first heater and the second heater is driven to supply the steam to the inner case.

[0040] The allowable power of the clothing treatment device is set to be less than the power required when the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and greater than the power required when either the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

[0041] The preheating step includes a section in which one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

[0042] The preheating step includes a first section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and a second section in which only the compressor is driven.

[0043] The second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater, and the preheating step is configured to activate the second heater and stop activating the first heater.

[0044] In the preheating step, the second heater is controlled so as to be repeatedly driven and stopped.

[0045] In the preheating step, the time for which the second heater is driven is set to be longer than the time for which the second heater is stopped.

[0046] In the preheating step, when any one of the discharge pressure of the refrigerant from the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the internal temperature of the inner case is equal to or higher than a reference value, the second heater is controlled to stop driving.

[0047] The second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater, and the preheating step is configured to activate the first heater and deactivate the second heater.

[0048] In the preheating step, the time for which the first heater is driven is set to be longer than the time for which the first heater is turned off.

[0049] The first heater and the second heater are simultaneously driven to generate steam, and the steam is supplied to the inner case.

[0050] When the first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously, the driving of the compressor is stopped.

[0051] The first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously, and the driving of the compressor, the first heater, and the second heater is stopped for a set time.

[0052] The compressor further includes a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, and after being stopped for a set time, the blower fan is driven but the compressor is stopped.

[0053] When the compressor is driven to supply hot air to the clothes, the driving of the first heater and the second heater is stopped.

[0054] On the other hand, when the clothes are fragile clothes, only one of the first heater and the second heater is driven when supplying steam.

[0055] The clothing storage device further includes a clothing setting unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing accommodated in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, and when the vulnerability information is input, a section for simultaneously driving the heater and compressor is omitted.

[0056] When the vulnerability information is input, the ejection step drives only one of the first heater and the second heater.

[0057] The drying device further includes a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, and when the vulnerability information is input, after drying the clothes, the blower fan is driven and the compressor is stopped.

[0058] The fragility information includes cashmere information indicating that the garment contains at least a portion of a cashmere material, and when the cashmere information is input, the second heater is driven when supplying steam.

[0059] The second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater, and the fragility information includes silk information that the garment contains at least a portion of silk material, and when the silk information is input, the first heater is driven.

[0060] The second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater, and the fragility information includes silk information indicating that the garment is at least partially composed of silk material, and sprays steam when the silk information is input.

[0061] In the present invention, sterilization is performed by driving the first heater and the compressor.

[0062] When sterilization is performed, the first heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

[0063] When the sterilization is performed, the first heater is controlled so as to be repeatedly driven and stopped.

[0064] When the sterilization is performed, if the internal temperature of the inner case rises above a target temperature, the operation of the first heater is stopped, and if the internal temperature of the inner case falls below the sterilization temperature, the first heater is operated. Effect of the Invention

[0065] The present invention has the advantage that the time required for a course of processing clothes can be further shortened.

[0066] The present invention has the advantage that the time during which the clothes are exposed to the effects of heat and moisture is reduced, further ensuring the durability of the clothes.

[0067] The present invention has an advantage that the drying performance can be improved and the drying process time can be reduced by arranging a section in which a heater for generating steam and a compressor for heating a refrigerant are driven simultaneously.

[0068] The present invention has an advantage that the section in which the heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven is disposed before the section in which the clothes are dried, thereby making it possible to ensure an initial temperature rise.

[0069] The present invention has the advantage that the amount of steam and the amount of power used can be adjusted by dividing the heater that generates steam into a plurality of sections and arranging them.

[0070] The present invention has the effect of enabling refreshing processes such as deodorization, wrinkle removal, and drying even for clothing made of silk, cashmere, and other materials that are sensitive to moisture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] 1 shows a conventional clothes treatment device. [Diagram 2] 1 shows another conventional laundry treatment device. [Diagram 3] 1 shows the appearance of a clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 shows the structure of the machine chamber of the laundry treatment device of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 shows the base structure of the machine chamber of the laundry treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 shows the structure of a circulation duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 shows the shape of the circulation duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the circulation duct. [Figure 9] 2 shows in detail the structure of the water storage section of the laundry treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view (S-S') of the circulation duct cut in the height direction is shown. [Figure 11] 1 shows a sloped structure associated with the water reservoir. [Figure 12] 1 shows the structure of the water storage section and the residual water treatment section. [Figure 13] 1 shows an embodiment of a residual water treatment unit of a clothing treatment device according to the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 shows an embodiment of a water cover. [Figure 15] 1 shows the water cover attached to the circulation duct. [Figure 16] The detailed structure of the water cover is shown. [Figure 17] 2 shows the structure of a control unit installation section provided on the base of the clothing processing device of the present invention. [Figure 18] The structure of the air exhaust section 323 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is shown. [Figure 19] 2 shows the structure of a base cover of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 20] The structure of the outside air duct is shown. [Figure 21] 4 shows the flow of air through the circulation duct. [Figure 22] The installation structure of the steam supply unit is shown. [Diagram 23] 3 shows a detailed structure of the steam supply unit. [Figure 24] 1 shows the inside of the steam case. [Diagram 25] 1 shows a steam supply unit with the heater unit attached thereto. [Figure 26] 1 shows the process of a conventional laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device of the present invention performing a standard course. [Figure 27] 4 shows the effect of the laundry treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 28] 1 shows the process of a conventional laundry treatment device and a laundry treatment device of the present invention performing a sterilization course. [Figure 29] An embodiment will be described below in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention treats clothing that is sensitive to moisture or temperature. [Diagram 30]An embodiment will be described below in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention treats clothing that is sensitive to moisture or temperature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference symbols are used for the same or similar configurations even in different embodiments, and the description thereof supersedes the initial description. The singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are merely for the purpose of easily understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the attached drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the clothing treatment device 1 of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3(a), the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a cabinet 100 that forms an exterior, and a door 400 that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 100.

[0075] The door 400 includes a main body 410 forming the front surface of the cabinet 100, and an installation body 420 extending from one side of the main body 410 and having a display for displaying information about the clothing processing device.

[0076] The installation body 420 is configured to form a step 430 from the main body 410 toward the rear of the cabinet 100 .

[0077] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the installation body 420 is disposed to overlap the rear of the main body 410 in the front-rear direction, so that the step 430 serves as a handle.

[0078] The installation body 420 may be made of a different material or color than the main body 410. The installation body 420 may be made of a translucent material through which light emitted from the display can pass.

[0079] 3(b), an inner case 200 having a storage space 220 for storing clothes is provided inside the cabinet 100. The inner case 200 has an opening 210 at the front through which clothes can enter and exit, and the opening 210 is closed by the door 400.

[0080] The inner case 200 is made of a plastic resin, and is made of a reinforced plastic resin that is not deformed even when exposed to air at a higher temperature than room temperature, heated air (hereinafter, hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0081] The inner case 200 has a height greater than its width so that the clothes are accommodated in the accommodating space 220 without being folded or wrinkled.

[0082] The clothing disposal device 1 of the present invention includes a hanging section 500 for hanging clothing in the storage space 220 of the inner case 200.

[0083] The hanging part 500 is provided on the upper surface of the inner case 200 and includes a hanger part 510 for hanging clothes.

[0084] When the garment is hung on the hanger portion 510, the garment is disposed within the storage space 220 in a suspended state.

[0085] Meanwhile, the hanging part 500 further includes a pressing part 520 which is coupled to the inner surface of the door 400 and fixes the clothes.

[0086] The hanger unit 510 is provided in a rod shape arranged along the width direction of the inner case 200 and is provided to support a hanger on which clothes are hung. Also, as shown in the drawings, the hanger unit 510 is provided in a hanger shape so that clothes can be directly hung thereon.

[0087] The clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a vibration unit that vibrates the hanger unit 510 to remove foreign matter such as fine dust attached to the clothing.

[0088] The hanging unit 500 is provided on the door 400 and includes a pressing unit 520 for pressing and fixing the garment. The pressing unit 520 is fixed to the inner surface of the door 400 and includes a support unit 522 for supporting one side of the garment, and a pressing unit 521 for pressing the garment supported by the support unit 522.

[0089] The pressing portion 521 is provided to move toward the supporting portion 522 or away from the supporting portion 522. For example, the pressing portion 521 is provided on the supporting portion 522 or the inner surface of the door 400 to be rotatable.

[0090] As a result, the compression portion 521 and the support portion 522 can apply pressure to both sides of the clothing to remove wrinkles in the clothing and create the intended creases.

[0091] The clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a machine room 300 in which various devices for supplying one or more of hot air or steam to the storage space 220 or for purifying or dehumidifying the air outside the cabinet 100 are installed.

[0092] The machine chamber 300 is disposed separately or partitioned from the inner case 200 but is provided to communicate with the inner case 200 .

[0093] The machine chamber 300 is disposed under the inner case 200. Thus, hot air and steam, which have a low specific gravity, are supplied to the inner case 200, and the hot air and steam are naturally supplied to the clothes.

[0094] The machine room 300 includes a heat supply unit 340 that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case 200. The heat supply unit 340 may be provided as a heat pump system or as a heater that directly heats air with electrical energy.

[0095] When the heat supply unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, it is configured to dehumidify and heat the air discharged from the inner case 200 again and supply the dehumidified air to the inner case 200. A detailed structure will be described later.

[0096] The machine chamber 300 includes a steam supplier 800 for supplying steam to the inside of the inner case 200. The steam supplier 800 is configured to directly supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200. A detailed structure will be described later.

[0097] For this purpose, the inner case 200 has a plurality of through holes 230 penetrating one surface thereof and communicating with the machine chamber 300 .

[0098] Air in the accommodating space 220 is supplied to the machine room 300 through the through-holes 230, and at least one of hot air and steam generated from the machine room 300 is supplied to the accommodating space 200.

[0099] The through holes 230 include an inlet hole 231 that penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200 and through which air inside the inner case 200 is discharged or sucked into the machine chamber 300, and an exhaust hole 232 that penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200 and through which hot air generated from the machine chamber 300 is discharged.

[0100] The exhaust hole 232 is disposed biased toward the rear surface of the lower surface of the inner case 200. For example, the exhaust hole 232 is disposed between the lower surface or the rear surface of the inner case 200, inclined toward the ground, and disposed toward the hanger part 510.

[0101] In addition, the inlet hole 231 is disposed biased toward the front of the lower surface of the inner case 200. Thus, the inlet hole 231 is disposed apart from the exhaust hole 232.

[0102] The through hole 230 includes a steam hole 233 to which the steam generated in the steam supply part 800 is supplied. The steam hole 233 is disposed on one side of the exhaust hole 232.

[0103] Meanwhile, a water supply tub 30 for supplying water to the steam supply unit 800 and a drain tub 40 for collecting condensed water condensed in the heat supply unit 340 are provided in front of the machine room 300 .

[0104] The water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are detachably provided in the front of the machine room 300. This allows the clothing treatment device 1 of the present invention to be freely installed without being limited to a water supply source or a drain source.

[0105] Meanwhile, a drawer 50 having a separate storage space that can be accessed from the front is further provided in the front of the machine room 300. The drawer 50 may accommodate a steam generator or an iron.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the machine chamber of the laundry treatment device of the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 4(a) is a view of the machine room 300 as seen from the front, and FIG. 4(b) is a view of the machine room 300 as seen from the rear.

[0108] Inside the machine chamber 300, components are arranged for supplying hot air to the clothing treatment space, circulating air inside the clothing treatment space, supplying steam to the clothing treatment space, or purifying the air outside the cabinet.

[0109] The machine room 300 includes a base portion 310 that provides a space for supporting or installing various devices. The base portion 310 provides an area in which the various devices are installed.

[0110] The base part 310 is provided with a circulation duct 320 through which air introduced from the outside of the inner case 200 or the cabinet 100 moves.

[0111] The circulation duct 320 is in the form of a case with an open top, and some components of the heat supply unit 340 are provided inside.

[0112] When the heat supply unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, the circulation duct 320 includes heat exchangers 341 and 342, which will be described later, and a compressor 342 that supplies a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the heat exchangers.

[0113] The heat exchangers 341 and 342 are accommodated inside the circulation duct 320 and can cool and dehumidify the air flowing through the circulation duct 320, and can also heat the air to generate hot air.

[0114] When the circulation duct 320 is provided to draw air from the outside of the cabinet 100, an outside air duct 370 for drawing in outside air is provided in front of the circulation duct 320.

[0115] The circulation duct 320 is provided to communicate with the outside air duct 370 and is configured to selectively draw in outside air.

[0116] The water supply bucket and the drain bucket are detachably connected to the front of the circulation duct 320. The water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are seated on the upper part of the outside air duct 370.

[0117] The circulation duct 320 may be coupled to the base part 310 or may be integral with the base part 310. For example, the base part 310 and the circulation duct 320 are manufactured by injection molding.

[0118] The machine room 300 includes a base cover 360 that is provided to communicate the circulation duct 320 and the inlet hole 231 .

[0119] The base cover 360 is coupled to an upper portion of the circulation duct 320 and configured to guide the air drawn in through the inlet 231 into the circulation duct 320 .

[0120] The base cover 360 covers an upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to prevent the air inside the circulation duct 320 from being discharged to the outside. The lower part of the base cover 360 and the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 form one surface of a flow path of the circulation duct 320.

[0121] The base cover 360 includes an inlet portion 362 connecting the inlet hole 231 and the circulation duct 320. The inlet portion 362 has a duct shape and serves as an intake duct for transferring the internal air of the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0122] The machine chamber 300 is connected to the water supply tub 30 to receive water, and is provided with a steam supply unit 800 which generates steam and supplies the steam to the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 is disposed on the upper part of the base cover 360.

[0123] The steam supply unit 800 is disposed behind the inlet unit 362 .

[0124] The machine room 300 includes a fan installation part 350 provided to communicate between the circulation duct 320 and the inner case 200. The fan installation part 350 includes a blower fan 353 that provides power for moving air inside the circulation duct 320 in one direction, and a fan housing 351 that houses the blower fan 353 and is connected to or extended from the circulation duct 320.

[0125] The fan installation unit 350 includes an exhaust duct 352 that is provided to communicate between the circulation duct 320 and the exhaust hole 232 .

[0126] The exhaust duct 352 is provided extending from the fan housing 351 toward the exhaust hole 232 with a cross-sectional area corresponding to that of the exhaust hole 232 .

[0127] As a result, the air inside the inner case 200 is introduced through the base cover 360 , passes through the circulation duct 320 , and is then supplied back into the inner case 200 through the fan installation part 350 .

[0128] Meanwhile, the base part 310 includes a compressor installation part 313 in which the compressor 342 is installed to supply refrigerant to the heat exchangers 341 and 343. The compressor installation part 313 is disposed outside the circulation duct 320.

[0129] The base unit 310 is also provided with a control unit or control panel 700 for controlling the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0130] The base part 310 includes a control part installation part 312 that forms a space under the circulation duct 320 into which the control part 700 is inserted.

[0131] The control unit 700 is provided to control all electronically controlled components such as the compressor 342, the steam supply unit 800, the blower fan 353, etc.

[0132] Since the control unit 700 is inserted and supported in the base unit 310, it is possible to absorb vibrations and shocks applied to the control unit 700. In addition, since the control unit 700 is disposed close to all electronic components, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of control errors such as noise.

[0133] In addition, a steam supply unit is disposed at an upper portion of the circulation duct 320, and a control unit 700 is disposed at a lower portion of the circulation duct 320. Thus, the circulation duct 320 is provided in the form of a straight duct between the steam supply unit 800 and the control unit 700. Thus, the flow resistance of the air passing through the circulation duct 320 can be minimized.

[0134] The circulation duct 320, the outside air duct 370, the steam supply unit 800, the control unit 700, and the heat supply unit 340 are provided on the base unit 310 in a modular form.

[0135] This allows the base portion 310 to move forward or backward in the machine room 300, facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0136] FIG. 5 shows the structure of the machine chamber base of the clothes treatment device of the present invention.

[0137] FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the base portion 310 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c) are perspective views of the base portion 9310 as viewed from the rear.

[0138] The base portion 310 is mounted on a base plate that forms the lower surface of the laundry treatment device. The base portion 310 itself forms the lower surface of the laundry treatment device.

[0139] The base portion 310 includes a base bottom portion 311 forming a support surface. The base bottom portion 311 forms the lower surface of the clothing treatment device. The base bottom portion 311 is also provided on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 forming the lower surface of the clothing treatment device.

[0140] The base part 310 is integrally provided with the circulation duct 320 which forms at least a part of a flow path through which air moves. The circulation duct 320 is formed to extend from the bottom part 311 of the base to an upper part.

[0141] The circulation duct 320 includes a duct body 321 extending from the base bottom 311 to form a flow path, a heat exchanger installation section 3212 providing space inside the duct body 321 for installing an evaporator 341 or a condenser 343, and an air discharge section 323 provided at the rear of the duct body 321 through which air from the duct body 321 is discharged.

[0142] The air discharge part 323 has a pipe shape extending rearward from the duct body 321. The diameter of the air discharge part 323 is smaller than the width of the duct body 321.

[0143] The air discharge part 323 is connected to the fan housing 350. The air discharged from the air discharge part 323 is guided into the inside of the inner case 200 through the fan housing 350.

[0144] The circulation duct 320 includes an outside air intake portion 322 formed by penetrating the front surface of a duct body 321 .

[0145] The outside air intake part 322 is provided to communicate with the outside air duct 370. The outside air duct 370 is seated and supported in front of the outside air intake part 322.

[0146] The circulation duct 320 includes a damper for opening and closing the outside air intake portion 322. The damper allows or blocks the outside air from flowing into the circulation duct 320 by opening or closing the damper.

[0147] The base part 310 includes a compressor installation part 312 providing a space in which the compressor 342 is installed. The compressor installation part 312 is formed on one side of a base bottom part 311 and is integrally formed with the base bottom part 311.

[0148] The compressor installation part 312 has a protrusion for supporting the compressor 342. The compressor installation part 312 is disposed offset toward the rear of the base part 310. The compressor installation part 312 is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the air discharge part 323 in the width direction.

[0149] The compressor installation part 312 is provided with a buffer member for reducing vibration transmitted from the compressor 342. The buffer member is fixed to the protrusion.

[0150] The base part 310 includes a control unit installation part 313 in which the control unit 700 is installed. The control unit installation part 313 is formed between the base bottom part 311 and the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation part 313 is formed between the base bottom part 311 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation part 313 is provided in a duct shape at the lower part of the circulation duct 320, with either one of the front and rear ends being open.

[0151] The structure of the control unit installation section 313 will be described later.

[0152] FIG. 6 shows the structure of the circulation duct of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0153] The circulation duct 320 extends from the bottom to the top of the base to form a flow path through which air flows. The circulation duct 32 includes a heat exchanger installation part 3212 that provides a space in which an evaporator 341 and a condenser 342 are installed. The heat exchanger installation part 3212 is provided inside the duct body 321.

[0154] The duct body 321 has an open upper surface. A condenser 343 and an evaporator 341 are inserted through the opening of the duct body 321.

[0155] The opening of the duct body 321 is covered by the base cover 360 , and the base cover 360 and the duct body 321 form a flow path of the circulation flow path 320 .

[0156] The front surface of the duct body 321 is spaced rearward from the front end of the base bottom portion 311 .

[0157] Thus, the base bottom 311 secures a support surface 3111 on which at least one of the water supply bucket 30 or the drain bucket 40 and the outside air duct 370 is provided and supported.

[0158] Meanwhile, the heat supply unit 340 includes an evaporator 341 provided inside the circulation duct 320 and configured as a heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing into the circulation duct 320, a condenser 343 provided as a heat exchanger for heating the air passing through the evaporator 341 to form hot air, a compressor 342 provided outside the circulation duct 320 and supplying a refrigerant to the condenser 343 for heat exchange with the air, and an expansion valve 344 for expanding and cooling the refrigerant passing through the condenser 343.

[0159] Meanwhile, since the duct body 321 is integrally formed with the base part 310, the height of the heat exchanger installation part 3212 can be further secured, and the heights of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 are also increased.

[0160] As a result, the width of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction can be reduced, and the number of refrigerant pipes passing through the condenser and the evaporator can be reduced, which has the effect of reducing the flow loss of air passing through the condenser and the evaporator.

[0161] Meanwhile, the sum of the length of the evaporator 341 and the length of the condenser 343 is smaller than the length of the heat exchanger installation part 3212. Thus, the length of the heat exchanger installation part 3212 in the front-rear direction is equal to or smaller than half the length of the duct body 321.

[0162] Therefore, since the heat exchanger installation part 3212 is sufficiently separated from the outside air intake part 322, a sufficient space can be secured inside the circulation duct 320 for the outside air and the air inside the inner case 200 to flow in.

[0163] Meanwhile, the inside of the duct body 321 includes an installation partition 3211 that separates the heat exchanger installation part 3212 from the outside of the heat exchanger installation part 3212. The installation partition 3211 protrudes from a side surface of the duct body 321 and is configured to support the front of the evaporator 341.

[0164] In addition, the duct body 321 is expanded in width based on the installation partition wall 3211 and extends rearward.

[0165] As a result, the width of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 is greater than half the width of the base portion 310. Also, the width of the circulation duct 320 is greater than half the width of the base portion 310.

[0166] The width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 are also greater than half the entire width of the base portion 310 .

[0167] As described above, when the widths of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 are ensured, there is an effect that a sufficient capacity for heat exchange can be ensured.

[0168] In addition, the fan housing 350 is disposed to overlap the condenser 343 or the evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the air that has passed through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 flows into the fan housing 350 without bending its flow path. That is, the air that has flowed into the circulation duct 320 does not bend its flow path while moving to the fan housing, thereby minimizing flow loss.

[0169] FIG. 7 shows the shape of the circulation duct of the clothes treatment device of the present invention.

[0170] The base portion 310 is formed by molding the base bottom portion 310 and the circulation channel 320 as a single unit by injection molding.

[0171] The mold for molding the inner surface of the duct body 321 is removed by being pulled out upward from inside the duct body 321. At this time, the wall surface of the duct body 321 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the mold removal direction so that the mold can be easily pulled out.

[0172] The width of a lower surface 321a of the duct body 321 is greater than the width of an upper surface 321b of the duct body 321.

[0173] Specifically, the distance between the opposing wall surfaces of the duct body 321 increases as it moves away from the base bottom 311. The distance between the left and right sides of the opposing circulation flow paths increases along the mold removal direction, which makes it easier to remove the mold.

[0174] Meanwhile, the air discharge part 323 includes an air extension tube 3231 extending from the rear of the duct body 321 so as to narrow in diameter or width, and an air discharge tube 3232 extending from the air extension tube 3231 in the shape of a pipe with a uniform diameter and forming a hollow 3233 therein. The air extension tube 3231 functions as a nozzle to increase the speed of the discharged air.

[0175] In addition, the mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is removed as shown in the figure. The air discharge part 323 is pulled forward from the inside toward the inside of the circulation channel 320, and then removed toward the upper open surface of the circulation channel 320. In this process, the mold is formed in a structure that allows easy removal.

[0176] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the circulation duct.

[0177] The installation partition 3211 is formed by protruding inward from the inner wall of the duct body 321 or by recessing the outer wall of the circulation duct inward.

[0178] The heat exchanger installation part 3212 is formed between the heat exchanger installation partition 3211 and the air discharge part 323 .

[0179] The mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is pulled out to the front of the air discharge part 323, and then pulled out to the top and removed. When the mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is pulled out to the front from inside the air discharge part 323, it is necessary to prevent the mold from being interfered with by the partition wall where the heat exchanger is installed. For this purpose, the design values ​​of the air discharge part 323 are adjusted.

[0180] Specifically, when molding air exhaust portion 323, a mold for molding the front side and a mold for molding the rear side are separately prepared based on parting line 3233 of air exhaust portion 323 shown in the drawing. As a result, the directions in which the molds are removed are different. The mold for molding the portion located in front of air exhaust portion 323 based on the parting line is pulled forward, and the mold for molding the portion located in the rear of air exhaust portion 323 based on the parting line is pulled backward.

[0181] That is, in order to prevent the mold being pulled forward from interfering with the heat exchanger installation partition during the pulling process, distance 1 (323a) is set smaller than distance 2 (321c) in the drawings. Distance 1 (323a) means the distance between the parting line of air exhaust part 323 and the front end of air exhaust part 323. Distance 1 (323a) also means the distance between the parting line of air exhaust part 323 and the rear opening of the circulation duct. Distance 2 (321c) means the distance between the front end of air exhaust part 323 and the heat exchanger installation partition. Distance 2 (323a) also means the distance between the rear opening of the circulation duct and heat exchanger installation partition 3211.

[0182] FIG. 9 shows in detail the structure of the water storage section of the laundry treatment device of the present invention.

[0183] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, when the compressor 342 and the blower fan 352 are driven, the air supplied from outside the cabinet 100 and the air supplied from the inner case 200 pass through the evaporator 341 and are cooled, and the water vapor contained in the air is condensed.

[0184] The water condensed in the evaporator 341 accumulates on the lower surface of the circulation duct 320 .

[0185] The clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a water storage section 326 formed by recessing a part of the bottom surface of the duct body 321 in order to collect the condensed water condensed in the evaporator 341 .

[0186] The water storage part 326 is a space formed by partially recessing a bottom surface of the duct body 321 , and forms one side of the control unit installation part 313 .

[0187] The water storage portion 326 is formed by being recessed downward from the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 .

[0188] The water storage part 326 is formed integrally with the circulation duct 320. The circulation duct 320 is injection molded on the base part 310, and a part of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 is recessed to form the water storage part 326.

[0189] The water storage section 326 is disposed so that at least a portion of the upper surface thereof is aligned with the heat exchanger installation section 313 .

[0190] The base portion 310 includes a drain pipe 3263 for discharging water collected in the water storage portion 326 to the outside.

[0191] The drain pipe 3263 is provided protruding from a lower portion of the water storage part 362 to the outside of the circulation duct 320. The drain pipe 32634 discharges the water stored in the water storage part to the outside of the base part, thereby preventing the water collected in the water storage part 326 from spoiling or flowing back to the bottom of the circulation duct 320.

[0192] The circulation duct 320 includes the partition wall 3211 extending from the inner surface of the duct body 321. The partition wall 3211 protrudes inward from the inner wall of the circulation duct 320, or protrudes inward as the outer wall of the circulation duct 320 is recessed inward. The partition wall 3211 guides the positions where the heat exchangers 341 and 343 are installed, and can prevent air entering the heat exchangers from bypassing the heat exchangers.

[0193] The partition wall 3211 is provided in the water storage portion 326 .

[0194] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view (S-S') of the circulation duct cut in the height direction.

[0195] The water storage section 326 includes a bottom surface 3261 where water accumulates, and a recessed section 3262 recessed further downward from the bottom surface 3261. The drain pipe 3263 is provided at a position corresponding to the recessed section 3262 on the outer surface of the circulation duct 320. As a result, the drain pipe 3263 is disposed at a portion of the water storage section 326 where the water level is the lowest. Water collected in the water storage section 326 moves to the drain pipe 3263 by its own weight.

[0196] FIG. 11 shows a slope structure associated with the water reservoir.

[0197] FIG. 11(a) shows a vertical cross section parallel to the width direction of the base portion, and FIG. 11(b) shows a vertical cross section parallel to the front-rear direction of the base portion.

[0198] The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and the bottom surface of the water reservoir 326 are provided to have a predetermined inclination.

[0199] In particular, a bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is inclined toward the water storage portion 326 , and a bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is inclined toward a drain pipe 3263 .

[0200] The bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is inclined at an angle 1(a) toward the water reservoir 326 with respect to the ground or the bottom surface of the base portion 310.

[0201] In addition, the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is inclined downward from the rear to the front toward the drain pipe 3263. The bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is inclined from the rear to the front by an angle 2(b) based on the bottom surface of the base part 310.

[0202] As a result, the water condensed on the bottom surface of the circulation duct moves forward towards the water reservoir 326 .

[0203] On the other hand, the bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is also provided to have a predetermined inclination.

[0204] The drain pipe 3263 is arranged biased toward the inner surface of the water storage section 326, not toward the outer surface.

[0205] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion has a slope that decreases toward the inside of the circulation duct 320 with the bottom surface of the base portion 310 as a reference.

[0206] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is inclined at an angle 3(c) with respect to the bottom surface of the base portion 310, and the inclination direction of the bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is opposite to that of the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct.

[0207] The angle 3(c) slopes downwardly away from the partition wall 3211.

[0208] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is provided with a slope that decreases toward the drain pipe 3263 .

[0209] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage portion is inclined at an inclination 4(d) decreasing from the rear to the front with respect to the base portion 310.

[0210] The above-mentioned angles 1 to 4 are formed by a mold in the process of molding the base portion 310. The angles 1 to 4 may be formed in the process of molding the circulation duct 320 or the water storage portion 326. Angle 2 (b) and angle 4 (d) form an inclination in the same direction.

[0211] The mold for forming the water storage part 326 is pulled upward and removed. At this time, in order to facilitate removal of the mold, the sidewall of the water storage part 326 is tapered. Specifically, the cross-sectional area is increased along the direction in which the mold is pulled out. In other words, the periphery of the top surface of the water storage part 326 is larger than the periphery of the bottom surface of the water storage part 326.

[0212] The front surface of the water storage part 326 is inclined forward as it goes upward. The rear surface of the water storage part 326 is inclined backward as it goes upward. The left and right sides of the water storage part 326 are inclined left and right as it goes upward.

[0213] FIG. 12 shows the structure of the water storage section and the residual water treatment section.

[0214] 12(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the water storage section taken along the front-rear direction, and FIG. 12(b) shows a front lower surface of the circulation duct 320. As shown in FIG.

[0215] The water storage section 326 is disposed such that the bottom surface 3261 is inclined downward toward the front, and the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct 320 is also inclined downward toward the front.

[0216] The recess 3262 is provided with the filter 3264 to prevent foreign matter from being discharged to the outside of the drain pipe 3263 .

[0217] The clothes treating device of the present invention includes a residual water treatment unit 330 that collects the water collected in the water storage unit 326 into the drain tub 40 .

[0218] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes the drain pump 331 that discharges the water collected in the water storage unit 326 into the drain tub 40. The drain pipe 3263 and the drain pump 331 are connected via a first drain hose 3351, and the water discharged from the drain pump 331 moves along the second drain hose 3352.

[0219] The drain pipe 3263 is disposed above the drain pump 331. Thus, water collected in the water storage section 326 due to its own weight is collected in the drain pump 331.

[0220] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a residual water treatment section of a clothes treatment device according to the present invention.

[0221] Since the condensed water collected in the water storage section 326 needs to be collected in the drain tub 40 , the laundry treatment device of the present invention includes a residual water treatment section 330 for collecting the condensed water in the drain tub 40 .

[0222] Meanwhile, since the drain tub 40 is provided in front of the duct body 321 , it is advantageous that the residual water treatment device 330 is also provided in front of the duct body 321 .

[0223] Meanwhile, the residual water treatment unit 330 has a part of the structure connecting the drain pump 331 and the drain bucket 40 provided on the base part 310. Thus, when the drain bucket 40 is full or condensed water flows back from the drain bucket 40, the condensed water is transferred back into the base part 310 and circulated to the water storage part 326. Thus, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from flowing out of the base part 310.

[0224] The water storage part 326 includes a drain pipe 3263 for discharging the condensed water to the outside of the water storage part 326. The drain pipe 3263 is provided to extend forward from the base part 310.

[0225] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes a drain pump 331 that provides power for transferring the water discharged into the drain pipe 3263 to the drain tub 40 .

[0226] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes an inlet pipe 332 extending from one side of the circulation duct and communicating with the drainage pump 331 .

[0227] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes a discharge pipe 334 that communicates with the inlet pipe 332 and transfers the condensed water to the drain tub 40 , and the discharge pipe 334 is integrally provided on the base 310 .

[0228] The residual water treatment device 330 further includes a guide pipe 333 provided below the discharge pipe. The guide pipe 333 is provided to communicate between the drain bucket 40 and the circulation duct 320. When the water level in the drain bucket 40 is equal to or higher than a preset water level, the guide pipe 333 guides the water in the drain bucket back into the circulation duct 320.

[0229] The water guided to the circulation duct 320 is collected again in the water storage section 326 and guided again to the drain tub 40 via the residual water treatment section 330.

[0230] As a result, even if the drain bucket 40 is full, the condensed water flows into the inside of the circulation duct 320 through the guide pipe 333, thereby preventing the water from overflowing from the drain bucket 40.

[0231] Deleted the diagram of the water flow path configuration

[0232] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the water cover.

[0233] The clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a water cover 327 seated on the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The water cover 327 is provided to support at least one of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343, and is provided to block the water condensed in the evaporator 341 from moving to the condenser 343 and guide the water condensed in the evaporator 341 to the water storage section 326.

[0234] The water cover can prevent the bottom surface of the circulation duct from being exposed to the outside. Also, the water cover forms a support surface on which the evaporator and the condenser are supported. The water cover supports the evaporator and the condenser while separating them from the bottom surface of the circulation duct. The water cover is provided to cover the top surface of the water storage unit. That is, the water cover performs a function of covering the water storage unit.

[0235] The water cover 327 is provided to cover the upper part of the water storage part 326. Thus, the air introduced into the circulation duct 320 can be prevented from being resisted by a step between the water storage part 326 and the circulation duct 320.

[0236] The water cover 327 is plate-shaped and includes a water body 3271 that supports at least one of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343, and a support rib 3276 that extends downward from the water body 3271 and maintains the height or inclination of the water body 3271.

[0237] Any one of the support ribs 3276 is supported by the recess 3262 or the filter 3264. Thus, the support ribs 3276 guide the water flowing along the water body 3271 directly to the drain pipe 3263.

[0238] FIG. 15 shows the water cover attached to the circulation duct.

[0239] The water cover 327 is provided in a plate shape to cover at least a part of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 .

[0240] The water cover 327 may block the water storage part 326 from being exposed to the area facing the inlet part 362 or the area into which the outside air is introduced.

[0241] The water cover 327 is provided to support the lower ends of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. Even if the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 is inclined due to the water cover 327, the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 are disposed at the same height.

[0242] In addition, the water cover 327 can prevent the positions of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 from being changed.

[0243] The water body 3271 of the water cover 327 is provided with a slope parallel to the base part 310. This can prevent the air introduced into the evaporator 341 from receiving unnecessary slope resistance.

[0244] FIG. 16 shows the detailed structure of the water cover.

[0245] The water cover includes a water body 3271 located above a bottom surface of the circulation duct or a bottom surface of the water storage unit. The water body 3271 can prevent a bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct or a bottom surface 3261 of the water storage unit from being exposed to the outside.

[0246] The water cover 327 includes a seating rib 3274 protruding upward from the water body 3271. The seating rib 3274 is provided to fix one or more of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343, and also maintains a distance between the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.

[0247] The water cover 327 includes a through hole 3272 penetrating a water body 3271. The through hole 3272 is formed between the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. Thus, the water condensed in the evaporator 341 is guided to the lower part of the water cover.

[0248] The water cover 327 further includes a water outlet 3275 which penetrates the water body 3271 and is spaced apart from the through hole 3272. The water outlet 3275 is disposed in an area facing the water storage portion 326.

[0249] The water outlet 3275 discharges water flowing along the upper surface of the water body 3271 into the water storage portion 326 .

[0250] The water outlet 3275 also guides water overflowing from the drain bucket 40 to the water storage section 326 .

[0251] The water cover 327 includes a separation rib 3273 supported on a bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 in the water body 3271. The separation rib 3273 is provided to correspond to the inclination of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320, so that the air can be prevented from moving between the water body 3271 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

[0252] Meanwhile, the separation rib 3273 is provided along the periphery of the water body 3271 .

[0253] Meanwhile, the water cover 3273 further includes a avoidance portion 3277 for preventing interference with the partition wall 3211 of the circulation duct. The avoidance portion 3277 is recessed from a side surface of the water body 3271. The avoidance portion 3277 is provided to correspond to the shape of the partition wall.

[0254] The water cover 327 includes a discharge rib 3276 supported by the water storage portion 326. The discharge rib 3276 is provided in a shape that does not block the drain pipe 3263.

[0255] FIG. 17 shows the structure of the control unit installation section provided on the base of the laundry treatment device of the present invention.

[0256] FIG. 17( a ) shows an embodiment in which the control unit 700 is provided in the control unit installation portion 313 .

[0257] The control unit 700 is provided to control all devices necessary for the laundry treatment device of the present invention to execute any course of the laundry refreshing process. The control unit 700 is provided on a PCB board, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided on various devices for control.

[0258] The control unit 700 is inserted into the control unit installation portion 313 and seated therein.

[0259] The control unit installation unit 313 is disposed below the circulation duct 320 .

[0260] The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 forms the upper surface of the control unit installation part 313. The control unit installation part 313 is disposed below the air discharge part 323.

[0261] The control unit installation part 313 is formed integrally with the base bottom part 311. The control unit installation part 313 is formed as a recessed space below the circulation duct 320 during the process of molding the circulation duct 320 on the base part 310.

[0262] The control unit 700 is retracted from the rear to the front of the control unit installation portion 313 in a sliding manner.

[0263] A bracket 3131 is further provided on the surface of the control unit 700 to surround the control unit. The brackets 3131 are disposed above and below the control unit to prevent foreign matter from entering the control unit.

[0264] In addition, the bracket 3131 can prevent heat or vibration from being transferred to the control unit 700 and damaging a circuit board inside the control unit 700. The bracket 3131 is made of a metal material.

[0265] FIG. 17(b) shows the state in which the control unit is attached to the control unit installation part.

[0266] As shown, the control unit 700 is disposed at a predetermined angle with the base bottom 311 .

[0267] For example, the control unit 700 is disposed with an incline toward the water storage unit 326. Thus, when water flows out from the top of the control unit 700, the water can quickly leave the control unit 700, and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 is formed with an incline toward the water storage unit 326.

[0268] The control unit 700 includes a supporter 3132 protruding from a side surface.

[0269] The control unit mounting portion 313 includes ribs 3134 protruding from both sides of the mounting portion. A supporter 3132 of the control unit is hung on the upper side of the ribs 3134.

[0270] The control unit supporter 3132 supports the entire weight of the control unit 700. When the control unit supporter 3132 is supported on the upper side of the rib 3134, the control unit 700 is spaced apart from the base bottom 311 by a predetermined distance.

[0271] The ribs 3134 are formed integrally with the base portion 310. The ribs 3134 are molded together when the base portion 310 is injection molded, and are provided integrally with components such as the base bottom portion 311 and the circulation duct 320.

[0272] The controller 700 has a protrusion 3133 protruding from the front surface thereof. Also, the controller installation part 313 has a guide protruding rearward from the inner surface thereof. The protrusion is coupled to the guide. The protrusion is inserted into the guide. When the controller is inserted into the controller installation part, the controller is aligned in the correct position by coupling the protrusion to the guide.

[0273] In addition, the positions of both sides of the control unit are determined by the way in which the supporters are seated on the ribs as described above. Using this joining process, the control unit can be joined in the correct position to the control unit installation part without the need for a separate fastening member.

[0274] FIG. 18 shows the structure of the air exhaust section 323 of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0275] The base portion 310 includes an air outlet portion 323 that exhausts treated air toward a fan housing.

[0276] The air discharge part 323 is provided to communicate the inside of the circulation duct 320 or the duct body 321 with the fan housing 350. The air discharge part 323 has a bellmouth shape. Since it has a bellmouth shape, it is possible to reduce air flow loss and improve air circulation efficiency.

[0277] The air exhaust pipe 3232 of the air exhaust part 323 is provided in a pipe shape, and based on the parting line 3233, during the mold removal process, the mold disposed in front of the parting line 3233 is pulled forward, and the mold disposed behind the parting line 3233 is pulled backward.

[0278] The fan installation part 350 is coupled to and supported by the air exhaust pipe 3232. The fan housing 351 has a coupling hole coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the air exhaust pipe 3232, and the blower fan 353 is disposed in the coupling hole.

[0279] The fan housing 351 includes an exhaust duct 352 extending from the outer circumferential surface or outside of the blower fan 353 to the exhaust hole 232 .

[0280] The fan housing 351 and the exhaust duct 352 house the blower fan 353 therein and form a flow path through which air moves.

[0281] A motor for rotating the blower fan 353 is coupled to and supported on the outside of the fan housing 351 .

[0282] FIG. 19 shows the structure of a base cover of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0283] The base cover 360 is coupled to an upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to prevent the inside of the circulation duct 320 from being exposed.

[0284] The base cover 360 includes an inlet body 361 coupled to an upper surface of the circulation duct 320 and communicating between the inner case 200 and the circulation duct 320 , and a shielding body 363 extending from the inlet body 361 and shielding the circulation duct 320 .

[0285] The inflow body 361 has a duct shape and is provided to communicate the inflow hole 231 of the inner case with the inside of the circulation duct 320. The inflow body 361 is provided to protrude upward from the shielding body 363.

[0286] The inflow body 361 is disposed forward of the evaporator 341 and the partition wall 3211 so as not to face the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0287] The inflow body 361 serves as an inflow duct for moving the air in the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320 .

[0288] The inlet body 361 has an inlet portion 362 therein through which the air of the inner case 200 passes.

[0289] Specifically, the base cover 360 includes a first rib 362a extending along the width direction of the inlet body 361, and a second rib 362b spaced rearward from the first rib 362a and extending along the width direction of the inlet body 361.

[0290] The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b are provided side by side. The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b are provided in a plate shape extending in a vertical direction, and the height of the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b corresponds to the height of the inflow body 361.

[0291] The front corner of the inflow body 361 and the first rib 362a form a first inflow port 3621, the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b form the second inflow port 3622, and the second rib 362b and the rear corner of the inflow body 361 form a third inflow port 3623.

[0292] The first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622 have the same area, and the second inlet 3622 has an area smaller than the areas of the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622 .

[0293] The base cover 360 includes a damper part 364 configured to open and close the inlet part 362 , and a driving part 365 coupled to the damper part 364 and controlling the opening and closing of the damper part 364 .

[0294] The damper portion 364 includes a first damper portion 3641 configured to open and close the first inlet 3621 , and a second damper portion 3642 configured to open and close the third inlet 3623 .

[0295] The first damper part 3641 is in the form of a plate having an area corresponding to the first inlet 3621 , and is rotatably coupled to both sides of the inlet body 361 inside the first inlet 3621 .

[0296] The second damper portion 3642 is in the form of a plate having an area corresponding to the third inlet 3622 , and is rotatably coupled to both sides of the inlet body 361 inside the third inlet 3622 .

[0297] The second inlet 3622 allows air to pass through but is provided with a blocking filter 366 that filters out foreign matter such as fine dust and lint.

[0298] The blocking filter 366 is inserted into the second inlet 3622 and is configured to separate the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623. The blocking filter 366 is disposed to extend from the second inlet 3622 to contact a bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

[0299] The blocking filter 366 is provided as a filter capable of filtering out the moisture, for example, a HEPA filter.

[0300] Meanwhile, when the blocking filter 366 is inserted, a blocking member for blocking the second inlet 3622 is further coupled to the second inlet 3622 .

[0301] The drive unit 365 includes a motor that provides power to selectively rotate the first damper unit 364 and the second damper unit 365, and a plurality of gear members that engage with the motor to rotate and selectively rotate the first damper unit 364 and the second damper unit 365.

[0302] The first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3623 are selectively opened by the driving part 365 .

[0303] By the driving unit 365, the air stored inside the inner case 200 may be flowed into the inside of the circulation duct 320 along the first inlet 3621, and may be flowed into the inside of the circulation duct 320 along the third inlet 3623.

[0304] Of course, the driving unit 365 controls the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642 to open both the first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3623, and controls the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642 to close both the first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3623.

[0305] The driving unit 365 may have any structure as long as it rotates the first damper 3641 and the second damper 3642. For example, the driving unit 365 may be provided as a combination of a motor, a driving gear rotated by the motor, and a driven gear coupled to the first damper and the second damper and rotated by the driving gear.

[0306] The base cover 360 includes a shielding body 363 extending from the inlet body 361 and shielding the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The shielding body 363 has a plate shape.

[0307] The base cover 360 is detachably connected to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 by an inlet hook 3612 extending from the lower surface of the inlet body 361 .

[0308] The circulation duct 320 is provided with a coupling portion that is detachably coupled to the inlet hook 3612 .

[0309] Figure 20 shows the structure of the outside air duct.

[0310] Referring to FIG. 20( a ), the outside air duct 370 is coupled to the base part 310 .

[0311] The outside air duct 370 is provided in communication with the outside air intake portion 322 .

[0312] The outside air duct 370 includes an outside air damper 373 that opens and closes the outside air intake portion 322, and an outside air driving portion 374 that rotates the outside air damper 373 and controls the outside air intake portion 322 to selectively open it.

[0313] The outside air damper 373 is provided in a plate shape for sealing the outside air intake part 322, and is rotatably coupled to both side surfaces of the outside air intake part 322.

[0314] The outside air driving unit 374 is coupled to the outside air duct 370 or the circulation duct 320 and is provided as an actuator for rotating the outside air damper 373 .

[0315] The outside air duct 370 includes an extension duct 372 extending forward from the outside air intake portion 322, and an intake duct 371 extending forward from the extension duct 372 and receiving the outside air.

[0316] The intake duct 371 is provided to extend from the lower part of the extension duct 372, and the water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are disposed on the upper part of the intake duct 371. The water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are connected to or seated on the intake duct 371.

[0317] The intake duct 371 includes an outside air port 3711 through which outside air is taken in at one end or a free end, and a partition rib 3712 provided to partition the outside air port 3711.

[0318] The outside air opening 3711 is disposed below the door 400 so as not to be blocked by the door 400 .

[0319] The partition rib 3712 is provided to partition the inside of the outside air port 3711 and to prevent foreign objects or the user's body from being introduced.

[0320] Referring to FIG. 20(b), when the outside air driving part 374 rotates the outside air damper 373 to open the outside air intake part 322, the intake duct 371 and the circulation duct 320 communicate with each other.

[0321] At this time, when the blower fan 352 is driven, the air outside the cabinet is introduced into the circulation duct 320. When the compressor 342 is driven, the air outside the cabinet is dehumidified while passing through the circulation duct 320 and is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0322] The door 400 further includes an exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the inner case 200 to the outside, and an exhaust damper for selectively opening and closing the exhaust port. The exhaust port is provided to face the receiving space of the inner case 200.

[0323] As a result, the dehumidified air is discharged to the exhaust port.

[0324] The outside air is filtered as it passes through the blocking filter 366 and is then discharged outside the cabinet 100 again.

[0325] FIG. 21 shows the flow of air through the circulation duct.

[0326] Referring to FIG. 21(a), the outside air damper 373 is controlled to close the outside air intake portion 322, the first damper 3641 opens the first inlet 3621, and the second damper 3642 closes the third inlet 3623.

[0327] When the blower fan 352 is driven, the air inside the inner case 200 is introduced into the first inlet 3621 and filtered while passing through the filter 366 .

[0328] When the compressor 342 is driven, the air that has passed through the filter 366 is dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0329] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger passes through the fan installation part 350 and is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 .

[0330] In this state, steam is not supplied to the inner case 200. If steam is supplied to the inner case 200, the moisture will wet the filter 600, and the performance of the filter 366 cannot be guaranteed.

[0331] As a result, when steam is not supplied to the inner case 200, before steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, or when the humidity is low even after steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, the air inside the inner case 200 passes through the first inlet 3641 and through the filter 366, filtering out foreign matter such as lint.

[0332] Referring to FIG. 21(b), the outside air damper 373 is controlled to block the outside air intake portion 322, the first damper 3641 is controlled to block the first inlet 3621, and the second damper 3642 is controlled to open the third inlet 3623.

[0333] When the blower fan 352 is driven, the air inside the inner case 200 is introduced into the third inlet 3623. Since the third inlet 3623 is provided downstream of the blocking filter 366, the air introduced into the third inlet 3623 does not need to pass through the blocking filter 366.

[0334] When the compressor 342 is driven, the air that has passed through the filter 366 is dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0335] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger passes through the fan installation part 350 and is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 .

[0336] As a result, when steam is being supplied to the inner case 200 or the humidity inside the inner case 200 is very high, the air in the inner case 200 flows into the third inlet 3623 and is prevented from flowing into the first inlet 3621, thereby preventing the blocking filter 366 from being exposed to moisture.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 21(c), the outside air damper 373 is controlled to open the outside air intake portion 322, the first damper 3641 is controlled to block the first inlet 3621, and the second damper 3642 is controlled to block the third inlet 3623.

[0338] When the blower fan 352 is driven, the air inside the inner case 200 is prevented from flowing into the inlet 362, and only the air outside the cabinet 100 flows into the circulation duct 320 and passes through the blocking filter 366. Thus, foreign matter such as fine dust contained in the outside air is filtered by the blocking filter 366.

[0339] When the compressor 342 is driven, the air that has passed through the filter 366 is dehumidified while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 .

[0340] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger passes through the fan installation part 350 and is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, thereby supplying fresh hot air to the clothes.

[0341] In this case, if the door 400 is provided with a device for discharging the air inside the inner case 200 to the outside, the air outside the cabinet passes through the blocking filter 366 and the heat supply unit 340 and is discharged in a purified and dehumidified state.

[0342] As a result, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the control unit 700 controls the outside air driving unit 374 and the inflow driving unit 365 to determine the flow direction of the air inside the inner case 200 and the air outside the cabinet.

[0343] FIG. 22 shows the installation structure of the steam supply section.

[0344] The steam supply unit 800 is seated and supported on the base cover 360 .

[0345] The steam supply unit 800 is seated on the base cover 360 and includes a steam case 810 that stores water for generating the steam.

[0346] The steam supply unit 800 further includes an installation bracket 870 that fixes the steam case 810 to the base cover 360 .

[0347] The mounting bracket 870 is coupled to the base cover 360 to fix the steam case 810 .

[0348] The installation bracket 870 includes a lower panel 871 that supports the lower surface of the steam case 810 , and side panels 872 that support both side surfaces of the steam case 810 on the lower panel 871 .

[0349] The mounting bracket 870 further includes one or more fastening clips 873 extending from the side panel 872 to prevent the steam case 810 from becoming detached.

[0350] The fixing clip 873 is detachably provided on the top or side of the steam case 810.

[0351] Below the steam supply unit 800, the compressor 342 is disposed.

[0352] The installation bracket 870 is provided to block the transfer of heat generated from the compressor or the heat generated from the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the steam supplier 800 .

[0353] The mounting bracket 870 can also prevent a fire from spreading to the steam supply unit 800 if a fire occurs in the compressor 342 .

[0354] Meanwhile, the base cover 360 includes a fastening part 3631 provided on the shielding body 363 and detachably coupled to the steam supplying part 800. The fastening part 3631 is provided in a structure to be detachably coupled to a protrusion protruding from a lower part of the steam case 810.

[0355] As a result, even if a large amount of water is contained inside the steam case 810, the steam case 810 is stably seated on the base cover 360.

[0356] In addition, since the steam case 810 is disposed above the circulation duct 320 and the distance to the inner case 200 is further shortened, condensation of the steam generated from the steam case 810 before it reaches the inner case 200 can be minimized.

[0357] FIG. 23 shows the detailed structure of the steam supply section.

[0358] Referring to FIG. 23(a), the steam supply unit 800 includes a steam case 810 that stores water for generating steam, and a heater unit 840 that is housed in the steam case 810 and heats the water to generate steam.

[0359] The steam case 810 is in the form of a case with an open top, and is configured to accommodate the heater unit 840 therein.

[0360] The steam supply unit 800 further includes a case cover 820 coupled to the steam case 810 to prevent the heater unit 840 from being exposed to the outside and to prevent the water from leaking out.

[0361] The case cover 820 is provided with a water level sensor 850 for detecting the water level in the steam case 810, and a steam sensor 860 for detecting the temperature inside the steam case 810 or detecting whether steam is generated inside the steam case 810.

[0362] Referring to FIG. 23( b ), the steam case 810 includes a case body 811 that stores the water and provides a space for accommodating a heater unit 840 .

[0363] The case body 811 has an open top, and various components can be easily installed inside the case body 811 .

[0364] The case body 811 has one side penetrated to include a heater insertion hole 8111 into which the heater 840 is inserted or pulled out.

[0365] The case body 811 includes a water return pipe 814 for discharging water contained therein to the outside.

[0366] The water return pipe 814 is maintained in a closed state by a shielding plug 8141 so as to be opened only when residual water inside the steam case 810 is to be removed, and includes a shielding clip 8142 which maintains a state in which the shielding plug 8141 is attached to the water return pipe 814 so as to prevent the shielding plug 8141 from being arbitrarily separated.

[0367] Thus, when the steam case 800 is repaired or when the steam case 800 is prevented from freezing and cracking, water inside the steam case 800 is discharged through the water circulation pipe 814.

[0368] Meanwhile, a heater fixing part 830 for supporting or fixing the heater part 840 is provided inside the case body 811. The heater fixing part 830 includes a fixing clip 831 for fixing the heater part 840, and a clip fastening member 833 for fixing the supporting clip 831 to the case body 811.

[0369] The fixing clip 831 is provided to accommodate or surround at least a portion of the heater portion 840 .

[0370] Meanwhile, the steam supply unit 800 is provided with a water supply pipe 815 through which water is supplied. The water supply pipe 815 is connected to the water supply tub 30 so that water can be supplied thereto.

[0371] The water supply pipe 815 is provided in the case cover 820 or disposed on the upper portion of the steam case 810. This prevents water from flowing back through the water supply pipe 815.

[0372] The steam supply unit 800 includes a steam pipe 813 for discharging steam generated by driving the heater unit 840 to the outside. The steam pipe 813 is also provided on the upper part of the case cover 820, and prevents water from being discharged to the steam pipe 813. The steam pipe 813 is connected to the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200.

[0373] The case cover 820 is provided with a water level sensor hole 854 in which the water level sensor is installed.

[0374] The water level sensor 850 includes one or more contact protrusions 852 that are inserted into the water level sensor hole 854 and immersed in water to detect the water level, and a sensor body 851 that is coupled to the water level sensor hole 854 or supported by the case cover 820 to maintain the contact protrusions 852 in a floating state inside the steam case 810.

[0375] The sensor body 851 is coupled to the case cover 820 via a sensor fastening member 853 .

[0376] Meanwhile, the case cover 820 is provided with an insertion hole 864 in which the steam sensor 860 is installed. The steam sensor 860 includes a detection device 861 that is inserted into the insertion hole 864 and detects whether steam is generated inside the steam case 810, a support base 863 that fixes the detection device 861 to the case cover 820, and a connecting member 862 that connects the support base 863 to the case cover 820.

[0377] The detection device 861 is provided as a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor, and detects whether steam is generated inside the steam case 810.

[0378] Meanwhile, the case cover 820 is provided with a cover hook 821 which extends forward and is coupled to the base cover 860 .

[0379] In addition, a fixing protrusion 822 for fixing the lower part of the inner case 200 or a separate steam exhaust part 900 is provided at the rear of the case cover 820 .

[0380] The heater part 840 is inserted into the heater insertion hole 8111, accommodated in the steam case 810, and supplied with power to heat water.

[0381] The heater unit 840 is provided with a sheath heater or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 700 so as to repeatedly start and stop the heater unit 840 .

[0382] The heater unit 840 includes a first heater 841 that receives a first power to heat water, and a second heater 842 that receives a power larger than the first power to heat water.

[0383] As a result, the second heater 842 is configured to heat a larger amount of water than the first heater 841 to produce more steam.

[0384] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are configured to consume a portion of the maximum heater power amount allowed for the heater unit 840 in the clothing treatment device. That is, when the first heater 841 is configured to consume a portion of the maximum heater power amount, the second heater 842 is configured to consume the remainder of the maximum heater power amount.

[0385] For example, if the general maximum heater power amount allowed for the heater unit 840 is 1500 W, the first heater 841 is configured to consume 600 W, and the second heater 842 is configured to consume 880 W. The 20 W may be distributed smaller in consideration of an error, etc.

[0386] Of course, the heater unit 840 may include three or more heaters, for example, the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the third heater 843, and the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the third heater 843 are configured to share the maximum heater power amount.

[0387] Hereinafter, the heater unit 340 will be described as being provided as the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0388] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are formed of a U-shaped metal tube.

[0389] The heater section 840 includes a heater sealer 843 that fixes the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and seals the heater through hole 8111, and includes a terminal section 844 that supplies current to the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0390] The terminal portion 844 includes a first terminal 844 a for supplying a current to the first heater 841 and a second terminal 844 b for supplying a current to the second heater 842 .

[0391] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are disposed at the same height. Thus, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are configured to heat water at the same water level to generate steam.

[0392] Accordingly, the control unit 700 controls the amount of steam generated and the amount of power consumed by using both or selectively the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0393] FIG. 24 shows the inside of the steam case.

[0394] The steam case 810 has a heating space 817 for storing water therein and accommodating a heater unit 840 .

[0395] In addition, the steam case 810 is supplied with water for generating steam through a water supply hose 8151 connected to the water supply pipe 815 .

[0396] Meanwhile, steam generated in the steam case 810 by driving the heater unit 840 is discharged to the outside of the steam supply unit 800 through the steam discharge pipe 813 and the steam hose 8131 .

[0397] The steam hose 8131 communicates with the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200 .

[0398] Meanwhile, the steam case 810 includes a partition wall 812 that separates the heating space 817 and the water level sensor 850. That is, the partition wall 812 is provided to separate the heater unit 840 and the water level sensor 850, and is disposed toward one side of the case body 811.

[0399] The water level sensor 850 is disposed between the separating partition 812 and the inner surface of the case body 811 .

[0400] This prevents the vibration of the water generated when the water boils from being transmitted to the water level sensor 850, and prevents the heat generated by the heater unit 840 from being directly transmitted to the water level sensor 850.

[0401] FIG. 25 shows a steam supply unit provided with the heater unit.

[0402] 25(a), the steam sensor 860 is disposed above the heater unit 840 and is configured to detect the internal temperature of the steam case 810. Thus, the steam sensor 860 detects that steam is generated when the water reaches 100° C. or a high temperature.

[0403] The heater part 840 is supported by the support clip 832 to prevent the heater part 840 from contacting the bottom surface of the steam case 810 or the like.

[0404] In addition, the upper portion is enclosed by the fixing clip 831, thereby preventing the water level in which the heater part 840 is disposed from fluctuating.

[0405] Referring to FIG. 26(b), the heater sealer 844 of the heater unit 840 has a first support hole 8441 through which the first heater 841 passes and is supported, and a second support hole 8442 through which the second heater 842 passes and is supported.

[0406] A first length L1 by which the first support hole 8441 is spaced from the bottom surface of the steam case 810 and a second length L2 by which the second support hole 8442 is spaced from the bottom surface of the steam case 810 are the same as each other.

[0407] Although the diameters of the first support hole 8441 and the second support hole 8442 are different from each other, they are provided at the same height.

[0408] As a result, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 heat the water at the same water level to generate steam.

[0409] FIG. 26 shows the process of a conventional laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device of the present invention performing a standard cycle.

[0410] The clothing treatment device of the present invention has a permissible power amount set. For example, the permissible power amount is smaller than the power amount consumed when the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0411] Also, the allowable power amount is greater than the power amount consumed when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously.

[0412] Also, the allowable power amount is greater than the power amount consumed when the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0413] Also, the allowable power amount is greater than the power amount consumed when the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0414] As a result, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously to generate steam.

[0415] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, any one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously. This allows the steam to be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, and hot air to be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0416] The clothing treatment device of the present invention initially drives the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously to generate steam quickly, but once steam is generated, only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is driven to maintain steam generation.

[0417] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention adjusts the amount of steam supply by driving only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842. Therefore, the refreshing process can be performed sufficiently even on materials that are sensitive to moisture and temperature, such as silk or cashmere.

[0418] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can reduce the amount of power consumption required to supply steam by using only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842, and can also drive the compressor 342 when supplying steam.

[0419] FIG. 26(a) shows a conventional method for controlling a clothes treating device.

[0420] When a conventional clothing treatment device is performing a clothing refreshing course, it performs a steam preparation step (A1) in which a heater is driven to heat water, and a steam injection step (A2) in which, when the water is heated and steam is generated, the steam is supplied to the clothing.

[0421] In this case, the conventional clothing treatment device has a limitation that the heater and compressor cannot be driven simultaneously because the purpose of the conventional clothing treatment device is to supply moisture to dry clothing, and the amount of steam injected is large and the power consumption of the heater is also large.

[0422] Therefore, in the steam injection step (A2), the conventional laundry treatment device drives only the heater.

[0423] Then, a waiting step (A3) is performed to allow time for the clothes to absorb moisture with the supplied steam. Then, a cooling step (A4) is performed in which only the blower fan is operated to prevent heat damage to the clothes before the compressor is driven. When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 decreases and the moisture content of the clothes is sufficient, a drying step (A5) is performed in which the compressor is driven.

[0424] The drying step (A5) dries the moisture contained in the clothes and performs a refreshing process of deodorizing the clothes, removing wrinkles, etc. The drying step (A5) is set to have the longest duration of all the steps performed previously.

[0425] However, in the conventional clothing treatment device, the compressor cannot be driven in the steam injection step (A2), and therefore hot air cannot be supplied. Therefore, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the refrigerant temperature of the heat supply unit 400 are relatively low until the drying step (A5) is reached.

[0426] Therefore, the conventional laundry treatment device can guarantee the refreshing performance, such as complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal, only after the drying step (A5) is continued for a relatively long time.

[0427] However, as described above, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive the heater and compressor simultaneously. In other words, even if the clothing treatment device of the present invention has the same maximum allowable power as the conventional clothing treatment device and the total power consumption of the heater is the same or similar, since the heater is divided into multiple parts, some of the heaters and the compressor can be driven simultaneously.

[0428] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can quickly raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200 before the drying step by simultaneously driving the heater and compressor before the drying step, and can ensure the absolute time required for complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of the clothing. As a result, the duration of the drying step can be reduced. At this time, since the duration of the drying step is set to be the longest, the total duration of the refreshing step can be significantly reduced by reducing the duration of the drying step. In addition, the energy efficiency can be significantly increased by reducing the driving time of the compressor.

[0429] FIG. 26(B) shows one embodiment of a method for controlling a clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0430] When any course for refreshing or caring for clothes is performed, the clothes treatment device of the present invention performs a steam preparation step (B1) of driving the heater unit 340 to supply steam to the clothes.

[0431] In the steam preparation step (B1), the faster the steam is generated, the shorter the refresh process time can be, so all the heaters of the heater unit 340 are driven.

[0432] In other words, in the steam preparation step (B1), the water is heated using the maximum power of the heater unit 340.

[0433] For example, when the heater unit 340 includes the first heater 341 and the second heater 342, the first heater 341 and the second heater 342 are driven simultaneously to heat water.

[0434] When the detection device 860 detects that steam is generated inside the steam case 810 during the steam preparation step (B1), the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a preheating step (B2) in which only one of the first heater 341 and the second heater 342 is driven.

[0435] That is, after steam is generated in the steam case 810, the steam is continuously supplied to the inner case 200 even if only one of the first heater 341 and the second heater 342 is used.

[0436] Therefore, after the pre-heating step (B2), steam is supplied to the inner case 200 using only one of the first heater 341 and the second heater 342, thereby increasing the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the moisture content of the clothes, and also securing available extra power.

[0437] In the pre-heating step (B2), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can supply hot air to the inner case 200 by simultaneously driving the compressor 342.

[0438] In other words, in the pre-heating step (B2), one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously. This allows steam and hot air to be simultaneously supplied to the inside of the inner case 200. Therefore, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be increased from the early stage of the refresh process, and the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 341 can be enhanced, and even the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat supply unit 340 can be improved.

[0439] Also, the clothes reach the optimum or minimum temperature required for refreshing during the pre-heating stage (B2), and the time required for the subsequent drying stage can be significantly reduced.

[0440] The pre-heating step (B2) includes a section in which either one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, and a section in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0441] That is, in the pre-heating step (B2), there is not only a section in which the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, but also a section in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0442] However, it is preferable that the section in which only the compressor 342 is driven is disposed after the section in which the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 are driven. When the steam is supplied to the inner case 200 through the heater unit 340, not only the internal temperature of the inner case 200 increases, but also the steam comes into contact with the evaporator 341, not only with the increased temperature but also with moisture, and exchanges a large amount of heat with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 341. As a result, the performance of the heat supply unit 340 is improved, and the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be increased quickly.

[0443] For example, the preheating step (B2) includes a first section in which either one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven, and a second section in which the driving of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is stopped and only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0444] The first section supplies hot air and steam to the inner case 200, thereby increasing the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the heat of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320.

[0445] The second section fully supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case 200, thereby satisfying the minimum temperature condition for performing refreshing such as deodorizing, removing wrinkles, and sterilizing clothes.

[0446] In the preheating section (B2), the second heater 842 is driven rather than the first heater 841. As a result, a larger amount of steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 than when the first heater 841 is driven, and the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the heat amount of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 can be further increased.

[0447] Of course, in the preheating section (B2), the first heater 841 may be driven, and the second heater 842 may not be driven. As a result, in the preheating section (B2), the temperature rise of the inner case 200 is not large, but a small amount of steam is sprayed, so that damage to clothes due to moisture can be prevented. Even if steam is sprayed for a longer period of time, the temperature rise is not large, so that more time required for sterilization, etc. can be secured.

[0448] The preheating section (B2) can be completed when the internal temperature of the inner case 200 reaches a reference temperature, the temperature of the air discharged from the inner case 200 reaches a reference temperature, or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 reaches a set temperature. To this end, the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a temperature sensor provided inside the inner case 200 or in the circulation duct 320 to detect the temperature of the air or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342.

[0449] Of course, if the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises rapidly in the preheating section B2 or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 exceeds a reference temperature, the heater unit 340 is stopped from operating.

[0450] That is, in the preheating section (B2), either the first heater section 841 or the second heater section 842 is set to be repeatedly driven and stopped (ON / OFF). Since the purpose of the preheating section (B2) is to quickly increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200, the time for driving the first heater section 841 and the second heater section 842 is set to be longer than the time for stopping the first heater section 841 and the second heater section 842.

[0451] Upon completion of the pre-heating section (B2), the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a steam injection step (B3) of fully supplying steam into the inner case 200. In the steam injection step (B3), the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously to supply a large amount of steam to the inner case 200. Therefore, the clothing hung in the inner case 200 is fully supplied with steam while being heated to a predetermined level in the pre-heating step (B2), and the moisture content in the entire area can be increased.

[0452] The steam injection step (B3) is performed in a shorter time than the conventional steam injection step (A2) because a certain level of steam has already been supplied in the preheating step (B2).

[0453] After the steam injection step (B3), a drying step (B6) is immediately performed in which the clothes are dried with hot air, but a waiting step (B4) is performed beforehand to wait a predetermined time to ensure that the steam injected in the steam injection step (B3) has time to penetrate the entire clothes.

[0454] The standby step (B4) is a state in which the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 are not driven. The standby step (B4) prevents the clothes from being dried before being completely exposed to steam, and prevents the clothes from being damaged by heat due to hot air being supplied immediately after the surface temperature of the clothes is increased by steam.

[0455] Meanwhile, the drying step (B6) is a step of driving the compressor 342 to fully supply hot air to the inner case 200. Therefore, if hot air is immediately supplied before the internal temperature of the inner case 200 falls below the safe temperature, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 will rise above the limit temperature, damaging the clothes.

[0456] Therefore, before the drying step (B6), a cooling step (B5) is performed in which the blower fan 352 is driven. In the cooling step (B5), the blower fan 352 is driven, and the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340 are stopped.

[0457] In the cooling step (B5), the air inside the inner case 200 is circulated along the circulation duct 200 and cooled.

[0458] When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 falls below a safe temperature or the cooling step (B5) is performed within the required time, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a drying step (B6) of supplying hot air to the clothing.

[0459] The drying step (B6) is performed until the moisture content of the clothes is equal to or lower than a predetermined level. For example, if the clothes are very wet, the temperature of the clothes entering the circulation duct 320 may be maintained or may not rise rapidly due to the heat of vaporization during the drying step (B6).

[0460] However, when most of the clothes are dried, the heat of vaporization is small and the temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 rises rapidly. In this manner, the dryness of the clothes is ensured, and when the minimum time required for refreshing has elapsed, the compressor 342 is stopped and the drying step (B6) is terminated.

[0461] In addition, the laundry treatment device of the present invention terminates the drying step (B6) when the time during which the laundry is placed above the minimum temperature condition reaches or exceeds the minimum time.

[0462] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can significantly reduce the duration of the drying step (B6) by further arranging a preheating step (B2) before the drying step (B6) and increasing the total time for the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to reach or exceed the minimum condition temperature.

[0463] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention operates the compressor 342 in the preheating section (B2), and maintains the compressor 342 in a stopped state from when it is stopped until before the drying step (B6) is performed.

[0464] FIG. 27 shows the effect of the clothes treatment device of the present invention.

[0465] FIG. 27(a) shows the process in which a conventional laundry treatment device performs the most basic standard course of refreshing laundry.

[0466] The conventional clothing processing device performs a steam preparation step (A1) for about 2 minutes in which the heater is heated to generate steam, and a steam injection step (A2) for about 5 minutes in which the generated steam is injected into the inner case 200. After this, a standby step (A3) for about 5 minutes in which the heater unit 340 and compressor 342 are not driven, and a cooling step (A4) for about 1 minute in which the blower fan 352 is driven. After this, a drying step (A5) for about 26 minutes in which the compressor 342 is fully driven to refresh the clothing is performed.

[0467] As a result, the conventional laundry treatment device completes the laundry refreshing process for a total of 39 minutes.

[0468] 27(b), the clothing treatment device of the present invention also performs the steam preparation step (B1) for about 2 minutes, which generates steam by driving the heater unit 340. The total rated capacity of the heater unit 340 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is the same as the rated capacity assigned to the heater of the conventional clothing treatment device, so the time to boil water to generate steam is the same.

[0469] However, when the steam is generated, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a pre-heating step (B2) for about 5 minutes, in which only some of the heaters of the heater unit 340 are driven to supply the steam into the inner case 200.

[0470] In the pre-heating step (B2), some of the heaters and the compressor of the heater unit 340 may be driven simultaneously. For example, when the heater unit 340 includes two heaters, the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0471] After the pre-heating step (B2) is completed, a steam injection step (B3) is performed for 3 minutes, in which the heater unit 340 is driven to supply steam into the inner case 200. That is, the steam injection step (B3) is allocated less time than the steam injection step (A2) of the conventional clothing processing device, because steam is supplied in the pre-heating step (B2). In the steam injection step (A2), all the heaters of the heater unit 340 are driven. As a result, a sufficient amount of steam is quickly supplied into the inner case 200. Of course, only some of the heaters of the heater unit 340 may be driven as necessary.

[0472] Meanwhile, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, since the steam injection step (B3) is performed in a short time, the waiting step (B4) in which the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340 are not driven is also performed in a short time. For example, the waiting step (B4) is performed for 4 minutes.

[0473] The laundry treatment device of the present invention similarly performs the cooling step (B5) in which the blower fan 352 is driven for one minute.

[0474] As a result, in the laundry treatment device of the present invention, since the preheating step (B2) is further performed, the drying step (B6) in which the compressor 342 is driven is performed two minutes later than in the conventional laundry treatment device.

[0475] However, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the preheating step (B2) ensures a period of time during which the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is maintained above the minimum condition temperature for achieving a refreshing effect, so that the duration of the drying step (B6) can be significantly reduced.

[0476] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is maintained higher than in the conventional case due to the preheating step (B2), so that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the hit pump is increased, thereby reducing the duration of the drying step (B6).

[0477] For example, the drying step (B6) is carried out for about 20 minutes.

[0478] As a result, the standard cycle of the laundry treatment device of the present invention takes 35 minutes, which is shorter than that of conventional laundry treatment devices, and therefore the energy efficiency is high, the time that the laundry is exposed to heat and moisture is reduced, and the durability of the laundry is further ensured.

[0479] FIG. 28 shows the process of a conventional laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device of the present invention performing a sterilization course.

[0480] FIG. 28(a) shows a conventional clothes treating device performing a sterilization course.

[0481] When a conventional clothing treatment device performs a sterilization course, it performs the steam preparation step (C1), the steam injection step (C3), the waiting step (C4), the cooling step (C5), and the drying step (C5) in the same manner as the standard course.

[0482] Microorganisms and bacteria can only be eradicated by maintaining a sterilization temperature (e.g., 55°C or higher) and sterilization time (e.g., 25 minutes or longer).

[0483] Meanwhile, since hot air is supplied in the drying step (c5), sterilization can be performed by this, but the purpose of the drying step (c5) is not to maintain the surface temperature of the clothes above the sterilization temperature, but to dry the clothes, and the surface temperature of the clothes cannot be kept above the sterilization temperature due to the heat of vaporization of water.

[0484] Therefore, conventional laundry treatment devices perform a sterilization step (c2) to sterilize bacteria before the steam injection step (c3).

[0485] In the conventional clothing processing apparatus, the compressor is driven in the sterilization step (c2) to heat the inner temperature of the inner case 200 to a sterilization temperature or higher and for a sterilization time or longer.

[0486] However, at the beginning of the course, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is low, and the evaporator does not exchange a sufficient amount of heat, lowering the coefficient of performance of the hit pump. Also, since the inside of the inner case 200 is dry, the temperature may change suddenly due to the supply of hot air.

[0487] Therefore, in the conventional clothing processing device, the compressor needs to be operated for a longer period of time to reach the sterilization temperature in the sterilization step (c2), and since the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises rapidly when the compressor is operated, the compressor is stopped and then started again from time to time to prevent the clothing from being thermally damaged.

[0488] As a result, the sterilization stage of conventional clothing treatment devices takes a long time, around 45 minutes.

[0489] FIG. 28(b) shows the method by which the clothes treating device of the present invention performs the sterilization course.

[0490] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs the sterilization course, it performs the steam preparation step (D1), steam injection step (D3), standby step (D4), cooling step (D5), and drying step (D6) according to the operating method of the compressor, heater, and blower fan in the same manner as the standard course.

[0491] The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention also performs the sterilization step (D2) before the steam injection step (D3) in order to maintain the surface of the clothes above the sterilization temperature for the duration of the sterilization time.

[0492] In the sterilization step (D2) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously.

[0493] Specifically, in the sterilization step (D2), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive either the first heater unit 341 or the second heater unit 342 and the compressor 342 simultaneously.

[0494] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent the surface of the clothing from excessively absorbing moisture even if a relatively small amount of steam is supplied and the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is raised. As a result, when the compressor 342 is driven to supply hot air, the surface of the clothing easily rises to a temperature above the sterilization temperature.

[0495] In addition, the small amount of steam can increase the specific heat inside the inner case 200, thereby reducing the rate of increase or decrease in the temperature inside the inner case 200. Therefore, when the compressor 342 is driven, the overall average temperature increases, but the rate of increase in temperature is low, and even when the drive of the compressor 342 is stopped, the rate of decrease in temperature is also low.

[0496] Therefore, since the clothing treatment device of the present invention can very easily maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200 at or above the sterilization temperature, the time for which the compressor 342 is stopped and the number of times the compressor is stopped and restarted can be significantly reduced.

[0497] Furthermore, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be precisely controlled by turning the heater portion 340 on and off.

[0498] Therefore, the laundry treatment device of the present invention can achieve a sterilization time maintained above the sterilization temperature in the sterilization step (B2) more quickly, and can significantly reduce the duration of the sterilization step (B2).

[0499] Meanwhile, in the sterilization step (B2), it is more advantageous to use the first heater part 841, which consumes less power than the second heater part 842. This is because, when the first heater part 841 is driven, a smaller amount of steam is supplied to the inner case 200 than when the second heater part 842 is driven, so that the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be increased more slowly and it is easier to maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200.

[0500] In addition, since a small amount of steam is supplied when the first heater unit 841 is driven, the moisture content on the surface of the clothes is not significantly increased. Therefore, by driving the first heater unit 841, it is possible to minimize the heat loss due to the heat of vaporization even when hot air is supplied to the surface of the clothes by driving the second heater unit 842, and it is easier to maintain the surface temperature of the clothes at or above the sterilization temperature.

[0501] Furthermore, since it is important for the clothing treatment device of the present invention to maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200 at approximately the sterilization temperature during the sterilization time rather than increasing it, it is more advantageous in terms of sterilization conditions to drive the first heater section 841 which generates a smaller amount of steam.

[0502] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive the heater by dividing the maximum heater capacity of the heater unit 340 and can also adjust the amount of steam, thereby significantly reducing the duration of the sterilization step (B2).

[0503] For example, the laundry treatment device of the present invention can complete the sterilization step (B2) in about 28 minutes, thereby reducing the duration of the entire sterilization course and further saving energy.

[0504] FIG. 29 shows an embodiment in which the clothes treating device of the present invention treats clothes that are sensitive to moisture or temperature.

[0505] Among clothing, there are fragile clothing that are easily deformed or damaged by moisture and high temperatures.

[0506] Conventional clothing treatment devices need to moisten dry clothes to a certain level in order to refresh them. To achieve this, the rated capacity of the heater in the conventional clothing treatment device is determined so that the heater unit 340 supplies a large amount of steam. As a result, conventional clothing treatment devices have limitations in that they cannot refresh such fragile clothes at all.

[0507] However, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the heater section 340 is provided with multiple heaters that divide the maximum heater rated capacity, so that the amount of steam supplied and the rate of increase in the internal temperature of the inner case 200 when steam is injected can be controlled.

[0508] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped to refresh even such fragile clothing.

[0509] The clothing processing device of the present invention is provided with an input unit, such as a display panel, for inputting commands or information to the control unit 700. The input unit is provided to input vulnerability information that the clothing stored inside the inner case 200 is vulnerable to moisture or high temperature.

[0510] For example, the input unit inputs the vulnerability information by inputting the type or material of the clothing, or by selecting the type or material of the clothing provided by the manufacturer.

[0511] As another example, the input unit inputs the fragility information by selecting a course suitable for fragile clothing, such as a cashmere course or a silk course.

[0512] When the vulnerability information is input, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may omit a pre-heating step of simultaneously driving the heater unit and the compressor after the steam preparation step.

[0513] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can omit the preheating step and prevent the internal temperature of the inner case 200 from rising and damaging the clothing, or the internal humidity of the inner case 200 from rising and damaging the clothing.

[0514] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may drive only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 in the steam injection step after the pre-heating step. This minimizes the amount of steam supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 in the steam injection step, thereby preventing the clothing from being exposed to moisture.

[0515] This is followed by the waiting, cooling and drying steps.

[0516] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further perform an additional cooling step by additionally driving only the blower fan 352 after the drying step. This allows the clothing exposed to the hot air and steam to be cooled, preventing the clothing from being damaged by residual heat or humidity before being removed from the inner case 200.

[0517] For example, the vulnerability information includes cashmere information indicating that the garment at least partially contains cashmere material.

[0518] For example, the cashmere information corresponds to the cashmere course being input.

[0519] When the cashmere course is performed, the clothes treatment device of the present invention performs the steam preparation step (E1) of driving all the heater units 340 to heat water.

[0520] When the heater unit 340 includes the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842, the steam preparation step (E1) drives the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 simultaneously.

[0521] When the steam preparation step (E1) is completed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention skips the preheating step and immediately performs the steam injection step (E2). At this time, the steam injection step (E2) is performed as a reduced injection step (E2) in which only one of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 is driven.

[0522] The cashmere material is weak against moisture, but requires a certain amount of moisture for refreshing, so the reduced injection step (E2) corresponds to driving only the second heater part 842.

[0523] Therefore, the reduced injection stage (E2) has a smaller amount of steam supplied than the injection stages in the standard course and the sterilization course.

[0524] Thereafter, when the reduced injection step (E2) is completed, a waiting step (E3) of stopping the operation of the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340, a cooling step (E4) of driving the blower fan 352, and a drying step (E5) of refreshing the clothes by driving the compressor 342 are performed.

[0525] At this time, when the drying step (E5) is completed, an additional cooling step (E6) is further performed by driving the blower fan 352.

[0526] Meanwhile, the reduced injection step (E2) in the cashmere course has a shorter duration than the steam injection step in the standard course or sterilization course.

[0527] Also, the drying step (E5) in the cashmere course has a shorter duration than the drying steps in the standard course and sterilization course.

[0528] This allows the amount of moisture and heat exposed to clothing to be minimized, and even fragile clothing such as cashmere can be refreshed by deodorizing, removing wrinkles, separating foreign matter, and drying.

[0529] FIG. 30 shows an embodiment in which the clothes treating device of the present invention treats clothes that are sensitive to moisture or temperature.

[0530] Among fragile clothing, materials such as silk are extremely vulnerable to moisture, so fragile clothing such as silk needs to be managed even more carefully.

[0531] The fragility information includes silk information indicating that the garment contains at least a portion of silk material.

[0532] For example, the silk information corresponds to the silk course being input.

[0533] When the silk course is performed, the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention performs the steam preparation step (F1) of driving all the heater units 340 to heat water.

[0534] When the heater unit 340 is composed of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842, the steam preparation step (F1) may drive the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 simultaneously.

[0535] When the steam preparation step (F1) is completed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention skips the preheating step and immediately performs the steam injection step (F2). At this time, the steam injection step (F2) is performed as a minimum injection step (F2) in which only one of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 is driven.

[0536] Since the silk material is very sensitive to moisture, it is sufficient to maintain a minimum humidity level that can remove wrinkles. Therefore, the minimum spraying step (F2) corresponds to driving only the first heater unit 842.

[0537] Therefore, the minimum injection stage (E2) has the smallest steam supply amount compared to the injection stages in the standard course, sterilization course, and cashmere course.

[0538] Meanwhile, in the silk course, the injection step (F2) itself may be omitted from the beginning, that is, steam supply to the inside of the inner case 200 may not be performed.

[0539] Thereafter, when the minimum injection step (F2) is completed, a standby step (F3) is performed to stop the operation of the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340, a cooling step (F4) is performed to drive the blower fan 352, and a drying step F is performed to refresh the clothes by driving the compressor 342.

[0540] At this time, when the drying step (F5) is completed, an additional cooling step (F6) is further performed by driving the blower fan 352.

[0541] Meanwhile, the minimum spray step (E2) in the silk course has a shorter duration than the steam spray steps in the standard course, sterilization course, cashmere course, etc.

[0542] Also, the drying step (E5) in the silk course has a shorter duration than the drying steps in the standard course, sterilization course, etc.

[0543] This minimizes the amount of moisture and heat exposed to clothing, and even fragile clothing such as silk can be refreshed by deodorizing, removing wrinkles, separating foreign matter, and drying.

[0544] The present invention may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if the modified embodiments include elements of the claims of the present invention, they should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0545] [Claims at the time of international application] [Claim 1] A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing processing device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothing is stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger, a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; A method for controlling a clothing processing device, further comprising: a preheating step of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case after the steam is generated in the preparation step. [Claim 2] The allowable power of the clothing treatment device is: The power is smaller than the power required to simultaneously drive the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power is set to be greater than the power required when driving either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor simultaneously. [Claim 3] The method of claim 1, wherein the preheating step includes a section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. [Claim 4] The preheating step comprises: a first section in which one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously; The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 3, further comprising a second section in which only the compressor is driven. [Claim 5] the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 3, wherein the preheating step includes driving the second heater and stopping the driving of the first heater. [Claim 6] The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 5, wherein the second heater is controlled to be repeatedly driven and stopped during the preheating step. [Claim 7] The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 6, wherein the time for driving the second heater in the preheating step is set longer than the time for stopping the second heater. [Claim 8] The control method for a clothing processing device described in claim 7, characterized in that, in the preheating step, when any one of the refrigerant discharge pressure, the refrigerant temperature, and the internal temperature of the inner case in the compressor is equal to or higher than a reference value, the second heater is controlled to stop operating. [Claim 9] the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 3, wherein the preheating step includes driving the first heater and stopping the driving of the second heater. [Claim 10] 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the time for which the first heater is driven in the preheating step is set longer than the time for which the first heater is turned off. [Claim 11] The method of claim 1, wherein the spraying step comprises simultaneously driving the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case. [Claim 12] The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the injection step includes stopping the operation of the compressor. [Claim 13] The method for controlling a clothing processing device as described in claim 12, further comprising: a waiting step of stopping operation of the compressor, the first heater, and the second heater for a set time when the injection step is terminated. [Claim 14] a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 13, further comprising: a cooling step in which, when the waiting step is terminated, the blower fan is driven but the compressor is stopped from being driven. [Claim 15] The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the drying step includes stopping the operation of the first heater and the second heater. [Claim 16] The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the spraying step further includes a reduced spraying step of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater. [Claim 17] A clothing setting unit is provided to input vulnerability information indicating that the clothing stored in the inner case is likely to be deformed by moisture or high temperature, The method of claim 1, wherein the preheating step is omitted when the vulnerability information is input. [Claim 18] A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing treatment device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothing is stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger; and a clothing input unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing housed in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; a preheating step of driving one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to increase an internal temperature of the inner case after the steam is generated in the preparation step; A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising the steps of: omitting the preheating step when the vulnerability information is input. [Claim 19] The method of claim 18, wherein, when the vulnerability information is input, the spraying step drives only one of the first heater and the second heater. [Claim 20] a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, The method for controlling a clothing processing device as described in claim 19, further comprising: an additional cooling step, after the drying step, in which, when the vulnerability information is input, the blower fan is driven and the compressor is stopped. [Claim 21] The fragility information includes cashmere information indicating that the garment at least partially contains a cashmere material, 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spraying step drives the second heater when the cashmere information is input. [Claim 22] the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The fragility information includes silk information that the garment at least partially contains a silk material, The method of claim 18, wherein the spraying step drives the first heater when the silk information is input. [Claim 23] the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The fragility information includes silk information that the garment at least partially contains a silk material, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 18, wherein the spraying step is also omitted when the silk information is input. [Claim 24] A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing processing device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothing is stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger; a clothing input unit for inputting a sterilization command for sterilizing the clothing contained inside the inner case, a detection step of detecting that the sterilization command is input; a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; In the preparation step, after the steam is generated, a sterilization step of driving any one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to increase the internal temperature of the inner case to a sterilization temperature or higher; the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, wherein the sterilization step includes driving the first heater and the compressor. [Claim 25] 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sterilizing step includes a section in which the first heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. [Claim 26] 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sterilizing step controls the first heater to be repeatedly turned on and off. [Claim 27] The sterilization step includes stopping the operation of the first heater when the internal temperature of the inner case rises above a target temperature, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 26, characterized in that the first heater is driven when the internal temperature of the inner case drops below a sterilization temperature.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing treatment device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothes are stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger, a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; A method for controlling a clothing processing device, further comprising a preheating step of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case after the steam is generated in the preparation step.

2. The allowable power of the clothing treatment device is: The power is smaller than the power required to simultaneously drive the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the power is set to be greater than the power required when one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-heating step includes a section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

4. The preheating step comprises: a first section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously; The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 3, further comprising a second section in which only the compressor is driven.

5. the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The method of claim 3, wherein the preheating step drives the second heater and stops the first heater.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second heater is controlled to be repeatedly turned on and off during the preheating step.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the time for driving the second heater in the preheating step is set longer than the time for stopping the second heater.

8. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the preheating step, when any one of the discharge pressure of the refrigerant in the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the internal temperature of the inner case is equal to or higher than a reference value, the second heater is controlled to stop operating.

9. the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The method of claim 3, wherein the preheating step drives the first heater and stops the second heater.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the time for driving the first heater in the preheating step is set to be longer than the time for turning off the first heater.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the spraying step comprises driving the first heater and the second heater simultaneously to supply the steam to the inner case.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the spraying step includes stopping the operation of the compressor.

13. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 12, further comprising: a waiting step of stopping the operation of the compressor, the first heater and the second heater for a set time when the injection step is terminated.

14. a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 13, further comprising: a cooling step in which, when the waiting step is completed, the blower fan is driven but the compressor is stopped.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the drying step includes stopping the operation of the first heater and the second heater.

16. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the spraying step further includes a reduced spraying step of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater.

17. A clothing setting unit is provided to input vulnerability information indicating that the clothing stored in the inner case is likely to be deformed by moisture or high temperature, The method of claim 1 , wherein the preheating step is omitted when the vulnerability information is input.

18. A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing treatment device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothes are stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger; and a clothing input unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing housed in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; a preheating step of driving one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to increase an internal temperature of the inner case after the steam is generated in the preparation step; A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising the steps of: omitting the preheating step when the vulnerability information is input.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, when the vulnerability information is input, the spraying step drives only one of the first heater and the second heater.

20. a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 19, further comprising: an additional cooling step, after the drying step, in which, when the vulnerability information is input, the blower fan is driven and the compressor is stopped.

21. The fragility information includes cashmere information indicating that the garment at least partially contains a cashmere material, The method of claim 19, wherein the spraying step drives the second heater when the cashmere information is input.

22. the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The fragility information includes silk information that the garment at least partially contains a silk material, The method of claim 18, wherein the spraying step drives the first heater when the silk information is input.

23. the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; The fragility information includes silk information that the garment at least partially contains a silk material, The method of claim 18, wherein the spraying step is omitted when the silk information is input.

24. A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: The clothing treatment device includes: A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothes are stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger; a clothing input unit for inputting a sterilization command for sterilizing the clothing contained inside the inner case, a detection step of detecting that the sterilization command is input; a preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; In the preparation step, after the steam is generated, a sterilization step of driving any one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to increase the internal temperature of the inner case to a sterilization temperature or higher is further included, the second heater is configured to generate more steam than the first heater; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, wherein the sterilization step includes driving the first heater and the compressor.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sterilizing step includes a section in which the first heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the sterilizing step controls the first heater to be repeatedly turned on and off.

27. The sterilization step includes stopping the operation of the first heater when the internal temperature of the inner case rises to or exceeds a target temperature, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 26, further comprising driving the first heater when the internal temperature of the inner case drops below a sterilization temperature.

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