Clothes treatment device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing device that can optimally determine the specifications of a first heater and a second heater that supply steam to the inside of an inner case in which clothing is hung, wherein the first heater is configured to generate an amount of steam greater than the dehumidification capacity of the evaporator, and the second heater is configured to generate an amount of steam equal to or less than the dehumidification capacity of the evaporator.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof that supplies steam and hot air to clothing to perform a refreshing process such as sterilizing, removing wrinkles, deodorizing, and drying the clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a clothing treatment device is a concept that includes (comprises; constitutes; constructs; sets; contains; includes; contains) 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 temperature inside 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 larger electric capacity than 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 electrical 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 temperature inside the inner case 2 can be increased to a predetermined level, there is a problem that the temperature inside the inner case 2 cannot be maintained 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, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that the temperature inside the inner case 2 could not be maintained at the minimum temperature before the compressor 17 was driven, and therefore the effect of the refresh process was not achieved.

[0017] Therefore, since the temperature inside the inner case 2 can be raised to and maintained at the minimum temperature only at the point in time following the operation of the compressor 17 during 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 heat 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 temperature inside 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 damp clothes, there is no need to generate a large amount of steam inside the clothing storage section 2 to increase the moisture content of dry clothes, as is the case with clothing management machines.

[0026] Therefore, the conventional clothing treatment device shown in FIG. 2 does not need to be equipped with a large-capacity heater 6 as in a clothing 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, in the case of a clothes treatment device such as a washing machine or a dryer, when the drying process is performed, the purpose is to finally dry the wet clothes, so even if the heater 6 is heated and supplies steam during the drying process, the heat supply unit will not stop operating until the process is completed once it has started. 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.

[0033] In addition, conventional clothing processing devices have the problem that they are unable to provide any criteria for determining the specifications of the heater that generates steam, or any control method for driving the heater and compressor in cooperation with each other. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0034] The present invention has an object to provide a criterion for optimally determining the specifications of a system having multiple heaters that generate steam, some of which are driven simultaneously with a compressor, and the specifications of the multiple heaters.

[0035] The present invention has an object to provide a clothing processing device that is designed so that each heater uses water up to its allowable value to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to a target temperature.

[0036] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that optimally determines the specifications of each heater based on the dehumidification amount of an evaporator that condenses moisture.

[0037] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that drives a steam heater in such a way as to ensure the reliability of a compressor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0038] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention optimally determines the specifications of a first heater and a second heater that supply steam to the inside of an inner case in which clothes are hung.

[0039] For example, the first heater is configured (or set) to generate an amount of steam greater than the dehumidification capacity of the evaporator, and the second heater is configured to generate an amount of steam equal to or less than the dehumidification capacity of the evaporator.

[0040] The first heater is configured to generate an average amount of steam per minute that is greater than the average amount of dehumidification per minute of the evaporator, and the second heater is configured to generate an average amount of steam per minute that is equal to or less than the average amount of dehumidification per minute of the evaporator.

[0041] The first heater is provided so that a maximum steam generation amount is greater than a maximum dehumidification amount of the evaporator, and the second heater is provided so that a maximum steam generation amount is equal to or less than a maximum dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0042] When the compressor and the first heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined time or longer, the humidity inside the inner case increases.

[0043] When the compressor and the second heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined time or longer, the internal humidity of the inner case is maintained or decreased.

[0044] When the compressor, the first heater and the second heater are simultaneously driven for a predetermined time or longer, the humidity inside the inner case increases.

[0045] The average steam generation amount of the second heater is set to be smaller than the average dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0046] The first heater or the second heater is provided so that the amount of steam generated in the basic course corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0047] The first heater or the second heater is provided so that the amount of steam generated in the strong course corresponds to 130 to 150% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0048] The second heater is set to generate a smaller amount of steam than the first heater.

[0049] The control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives one of the first heater and the second heater when the compressor is driven in at least a portion of a course.

[0050] The heat supply unit includes a refrigerant sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the condenser.

[0051] When the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or discharged from the compressor reaches a limit temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven, the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater.

[0052] The clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the inner case or the temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct.

[0053] When the temperature reaches a target temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven, the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater.

[0054] When the first heater or the second heater is driven intermittently, the driving time is set to be longer than the driving stop time.

[0055] On the other hand, the second heater, which is set to generate less steam than the first heater, is set to increase the internal temperature of the inner case to at least a target temperature.

[0056] The second heater is configured to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to at least the target temperature before a delay time elapses.

[0057] The second heater is set with a specification to use water at or below an allowable value to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to the target temperature.

[0058] The driving power of the second heater is set between 450w and 700w.

[0059] The driving power of the first heater is set between 800w and 1100w. Effect of the Invention

[0060] The present invention has an effect of providing a standard for optimally determining the specifications of a plurality of heaters that generate steam, while driving some of the heaters and the compressor simultaneously.

[0061] The present invention has an advantage that each heater can be provided with a specification that uses water below an allowable value to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to a target temperature.

[0062] The present invention has the effect of optimally determining the specifications of each heater based on the dehumidification amount of the evaporator that condenses moisture.

[0063] The present invention has the effect of driving a steam heater in such a way as to ensure the reliability of the compressor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0064] [Figure 1] The conditions for removing wrinkles and creases are shown below. [Diagram 2] Indicates whether the removal conditions of a conventional dryer were achieved. [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] 2 shows the structure of a circulation duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 shows the structure of a heat supply unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 shows the structure of the blower fan of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 shows the structure of an inlet duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 9]2 shows the structure of a steam supply unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 shows the structure of a steam heater of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 11] 2 shows the inside of the steam case of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 12] 2 shows the internal structure of the steam supply unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 13] 2 shows the structure of a flow path of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating the flow path structure of a clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 15] 3 shows the direction of steam and water movement in the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 16] 3 shows the structure of a moving hanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 17] 3 shows the operation method of the moving hanger of the clothes treating device of the present invention. [Figure 18] 3 shows the configuration of a moving hanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 19] 3 shows the structure of a moving hanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 20] 3 shows the structure of the moving hanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. [Figure 21] 3 shows the process in which the laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a course of treating laundry. [Figure 22] An embodiment will be described in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on temperature. [Diagram 23] An embodiment will be described in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on the temperature and the amount of water used. [Figure 24] An embodiment will be described in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on the dehumidification amount of the heat supply section. [Diagram 25] An embodiment will be described in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on the dehumidification amount of the heat supply section. [Figure 26] An embodiment of an optimal driving method for a steam heater will be described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the clothing treatment device 1 of the present invention.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The installation body 420 is configured to form a step 430 from the main body 410 toward the rear of the cabinet 100 .

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The inner case 200 is made of a plastic resin system, and is made of a reinforced plastic resin system that is not deformed by air at a higher temperature than room temperature air or heated air (hereinafter, referred to as hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The clothing disposal device 1 of the present invention includes a moving hanger 1000 for hanging clothing in the storage space 220 of the inner case 200.

[0075] The moving hanger 100 is provided as a simple hanging part that is seated on the upper part of the inner case 200 and is provided to fix the clothes in a floating state inside the receiving space 220.

[0076] Alternatively, the moving hanger 1000 is seated on the upper surface of the inner case 200 and is configured to swing the clothes.

[0077] The moving hanger 1000 is provided to move back and forth or rotate back and forth on the upper part of the inner case 200. Thus, the clothes hung on the moving hanger 100 are swung in the receiving space 220 to remove foreign objects and are effectively exposed to the supplied steam or hot air.

[0078] The detailed structure and function of the moving hanger 1000 will be described later.

[0079] The door 400 is provided on its inner surface with a pressurizing portion 520 for pressurizing the clothes.

[0080] The pressure 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 compression unit 521 for applying pressure to the garment supported by the support unit 522 .

[0081] 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.

[0082] As a result, the compression portion 521 and the support portion 522 can apply pressure to both sides of the clothing, remove wrinkles in the clothing, and create the intended creases.

[0083] The clothing treatment device of the present invention has a machine room 300 in which various devices are installed that supply one or more of hot air or steam to the storage space 220, or absorb the air outside the cabinet 100, purify or dehumidify it, and then discharge it.

[0084] A control unit for controlling the clothing processing device is installed inside the machine room 300. Of course, the control unit may be installed inside the door 400.

[0085] The control unit is configured to control one or more of the electrical components of the clothing treatment device of the present invention and is configured as a PCB to perform any course of treatment of the clothing.

[0086] The machine chamber 300 is disposed separately or partitioned from the inner case 200 but is provided to communicate with the inner case 200 .

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 .

[0092] 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.

[0093] The through hole 230 includes an inlet hole 231 that penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200 to allow the air inside the inner case 200 to flow into the machine chamber 300, and an exhaust hole 232 that is spaced apart from the inlet hole 231 and penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200 to discharge hot air generated from the machine chamber 300 into the inside of the inner case 200.

[0094] The exhaust hole 232 is disposed closer to the rear side of the lower surface of the inner case 200 than the front side or the door 400 .

[0095] Also, the exhaust hole 232 is disposed at an angle to the ground between the lower surface or the rear surface of the inner case 200. The exhaust hole 232 is provided toward the moving hanger 1000 to guide the hot air to be supplied toward the clothes.

[0096] The inlet hole 231 is disposed in the lower surface of the inner case 200 closer to the front or the door 400 than the rear surface.

[0097] The inlet hole 231 is disposed farthest from the outlet hole 232 to prevent the air discharged from the outlet hole 232 from being immediately absorbed by the inlet hole 231 without reaching the clothes.

[0098] The through hole 230 further includes a steam hole 233 that passes through the lower part of the inner case 200 and introduces the steam generated from the steam supply part 800 into the inner case 200 .

[0099] The steam hole 233 is disposed closer to the discharge hole 232 than the inlet hole 231. For example, the steam hole 233 is disposed on one side of the discharge hole 232.

[0100] Meanwhile, the machine room 300 further includes 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Meanwhile, the machine room 300 further includes a drawer 50 that can be accessed from the front and has another storage space. For example, the drawer 50 may accommodate a steam generator or an iron.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the machine chamber of the laundry treatment device of the present invention.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] When the heat supply unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, the circulation duct 320 includes heat exchangers 341 and 343, which will be described later, and a compressor 342 that supplies a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the heat exchangers.

[0110] The heat exchangers 341 and 343 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The circulation duct 320 is provided to communicate with the outside air duct 370 and is configured to selectively draw in outside air.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] The machine room 300 includes a base cover 360 that is provided to communicate the circulation duct 320 and the inlet hole 231 .

[0116] 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 .

[0117] 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 side of a flow path of the circulation duct 320.

[0118] The base cover 360 includes an inlet portion 362 connecting the inlet hole 231 and the circulation duct 320. The inlet portion 362 is provided in a duct shape and serves as an intake duct for transmitting air inside the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0119] The machine chamber 300 is connected to the water supply tub 30 and includes a steam supply unit 800 which receives water, 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.

[0120] The steam supply unit 800 is disposed outside the circulation duct 320. This prevents the steam supply unit 800 from interfering with the movement of air flowing through the circulation duct 320 or from heating the air.

[0121] In addition, the steam supplying unit 800 is disposed at a distance from the inlet 362. For example, the steam supplying unit 800 is disposed rearward of the inlet 362.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 .

[0124] 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 .

[0125] 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 .

[0126] 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.

[0127] The base unit 310 is also provided with the control unit 700 that controls the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0128] The base part 310 is provided with a control part installation part 312 that forms a space under the circulation duct 320 into which the control part 700 is inserted.

[0129] The control unit 700 is provided to control all electrical components that are electronically controlled, such as the compressor 342, the steam supply unit 800, the blower fan 353, and the like.

[0130] Since the control unit 700 is inserted into and supported by the base unit 310, vibrations generated from the moving hanger 1000 or the clothes are prevented from being transmitted to the control unit 700 or are attenuated and transmitted to the control unit 700.

[0131] In addition, the control unit 700 is installed on the base unit 310, and is close to all the electrical equipment installed in the machine room 300, thereby preventing noise or control errors from occurring.

[0132] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the steam supply unit 800 is disposed above the circulation duct 320, and the control unit 700 is disposed below the circulation duct 320. Therefore, the circulation duct 320 is provided in the form of a straight duct between the steam supply unit 800 and the control unit 700. As a result, the flow resistance of the air passing through the circulation duct 320 is minimized.

[0133] 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 all provided on the base unit 310, so that the base unit 310 is provided as one module. As a result, the base unit 310 can be moved forward or backward in the machine room 300, and most of the electrical equipment can be easily installed and maintained.

[0134] FIG. 5 shows the base structure of the machine chamber of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0135] 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 310 as viewed from the rear.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The circulation duct 320 includes an outside air intake portion 322 formed by penetrating the front surface of a duct body 321 .

[0143] 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.

[0144] The circulation duct 320 includes a damper for opening and closing the outside air intake part 322. The damper allows or blocks the outside air from flowing into the circulation duct 320 depending on whether the damper is opened or closed.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] FIG. 6 shows the structure of the circulation duct of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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 .

[0153] The front surface of the duct body 321 is spaced rearward from the front end of the base bottom portion 311 .

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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 height of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 can also be increased. 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. This has the effect of reducing the flow loss of air passing through the condenser and the evaporator.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 to support the front of the evaporator 341.

[0160] In addition, the duct body 321 is expanded in width based on the installation partition wall 3211 and extends rearward.

[0161] 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.

[0162] The width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 are also greater than half the overall width of the base part 310. As described above, when the widths of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 are sufficient, there is an effect that the capacity of heat exchange can be sufficiently secured.

[0163] 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, which is advantageous in that flow loss can be minimized. The clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a temperature sensor S1 for detecting the temperature inside the inner case 200 or the temperature of the air flowing from the inside of the inner case 200 into the circulation duct 320, and a refrigerant sensor S2 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the heat supply unit.

[0164] The temperature sensor S1 is provided on the inner wall of the circulation duct 320, and the refrigerant sensor S2 is provided on the discharge side of the compressor 342.

[0165] FIG. 7 shows the structure of the air exhaust section 323 of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0166] The base portion 310 includes an air outlet portion 323 that exhausts treated air toward a fan housing.

[0167] 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 bell mouth shape. Since it has a bell mouth shape, it is possible to reduce air flow loss and improve air circulation efficiency.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] The fan housing 351 includes an exhaust duct 352 extending from an outer circumferential surface or an outside of the blower fan 353 to the exhaust hole 232 .

[0171] The fan housing 351 and the exhaust duct 352 house the blower fan 353 therein and form a flow path through which air moves.

[0172] A motor for rotating the blower fan 353 is coupled to and supported on the outside of the fan housing 351 .

[0173] FIG. 8 shows the structure of the base cover of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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 .

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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 .

[0178] The inflow body 361 serves as an inflow duct for moving the air in the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320 .

[0179] The inlet body 361 has an inlet portion 362 therein through which the air of the inner case 200 passes.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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 vertically and have a height corresponding to the height of the inflow body 361.

[0182] 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.

[0183] The first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622 have the same area, and the second inlet 36222 has an area smaller than the areas of the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622 .

[0184] 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 .

[0185] The damper part 364 includes a first damper part 3641 configured to open and close the first inlet 3621 , and a second damper part 3642 configured to open and close the third inlet 3623 .

[0186] 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 .

[0187] The second damper part 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 .

[0188] The second inlet 3622 is provided with a blocking filter 366 that allows air to pass through but filters out foreign matter such as fine dust and lint.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The blocking filter 366 is a filter capable of filtering out the moisture, for example, a HEPA filter.

[0191] Meanwhile, a shielding member for shielding the second inlet 3622 is further coupled to the second inlet 3622 when the blocking filter 366 is inserted.

[0192] The driving portion 365 includes a motor that provides power to selectively rotate the first damper portion 364 and the second damper portion 365, and a plurality of gear members that engage with the motor to rotate and selectively rotate the first damper portion 364 and the second damper portion 365.

[0193] The first inlet 3611 and the third inlet 3623 are selectively opened by the driving part 365 .

[0194] By the driving part 365, the air stored inside the inner case 200 may be caused to flow into the inside of the circulation duct 320 along the first inlet 3621, and may be caused to flow into the inside of the circulation duct 320 along the third inlet 3623.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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 .

[0199] The circulation duct 320 is provided with a coupling portion that is detachably coupled to the inlet hook 3612 .

[0200] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0201] The steam supply unit 800 is seated and supported on the base cover 360 .

[0202] The steam supply 800 is seated on the base cover 360 and includes a steam generator 810 that stores water that generates the steam.

[0203] The steam supply 800 further includes a mounting bracket 870 that secures the steam generator 810 to the base cover 360 .

[0204] The mounting bracket 870 is coupled to the base cover 360 and secures the steam generator 810 in place.

[0205] The installation bracket 870 includes a lower panel 871 that supports the lower surface of the steam generator 810 , and side panels 872 that support both sides of the steam generator 810 on the lower panel 871 .

[0206] The mounting bracket 870 further includes one or more securing clips 873 extending from the side panel 872 to prevent the steam generator 810 from becoming dislodged.

[0207] The fixing clip 873 is removably provided on the top or side of the steam generator 810.

[0208] Below the steam supply unit 800, the compressor 342 is disposed.

[0209] 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 .

[0210] 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 .

[0211] Meanwhile, the base cover 360 is provided on the shielding body 363 and includes a fastening part 3631 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 generator 810.

[0212] Therefore, even if a large amount of water is contained inside the steam generator 810, the steam generator 810 is stably seated on the base cover 360.

[0213] In addition, since the steam generator 810 is disposed above the circulation duct 320 and the distance between the steam generator 810 and the inner case 200 is further shortened, condensation of the steam generated from the steam generator 810 before it reaches the inner case 200 can be minimized.

[0214] FIG. 10 shows the detailed structure of the steam supply section.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 10(a), the steam supply unit 800 includes a steam generator 810 that stores water for generating steam, and a steam heater 840 that is accommodated in the steam generator 810 and heats the water to generate steam.

[0216] The steam generator 810 is provided in the form of a case forming a space for accommodating the steam heater 840 .

[0217] For example, the steam generator 810 is provided in the form of a case with an open top, and is provided to accommodate the steam heater 840 therein.

[0218] The steam supply unit 800 further includes a case cover 820 coupled to the steam generator 810 to prevent the steam heater 840 from being exposed to the outside and to prevent the water from leaking out.

[0219] The case cover 820 is provided with a water level sensor 850 for detecting the water level in the steam generator 810, and a steam sensor 860 for detecting the internal temperature of the steam generator 810 or detecting whether steam is generated inside the steam generator 810.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 10( b ), the steam generator 810 includes a case body 811 that stores the water and provides a space to accommodate a steam heater 840 .

[0221] The case body 811 has an open top, and various components can be easily installed inside the case body 811 .

[0222] 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.

[0223] The case body 811 includes a water return pipe 814 to which water for generating steam is supplied.

[0224] The water return pipe 814 may be provided to discharge water stored inside the case body 811 to the outside.

[0225] 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 generator 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.

[0226] Thus, when the steam generator 800 is repaired or when the steam generator 800 is to be prevented from freezing and breaking, water inside the steam generator 800 is discharged through the water circulation pipe 814 .

[0227] Of course, the water return pipe 814 is provided to supply water to the water supply tub 30. The details will be described later.

[0228] Meanwhile, a heater fixing part 830 for supporting or fixing the steam heater 840 is provided inside the case body 811. The heater fixing part 830 includes a fixing clip 831 for fixing the steam heater 840, and a clip fastening member 833 for fixing the supporting clip 831 to the case body 811.

[0229] The fixing clip 831 is configured to receive or surround at least a portion of the steam heater 840 .

[0230] 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.

[0231] The water supply pipe 815 is provided in the case cover 820 or disposed on the upper part of the steam generator 810. This prevents water from flowing back through the water supply pipe 815.

[0232] The steam supply unit 800 includes a steam pipe 813 for discharging steam generated by the operation of the steam heater 840 to the outside. The steam pipe 813 is also provided on the upper part of the case cover 820, and water is prevented from being arbitrarily discharged into the steam pipe 813.

[0233] The steam pipe 813 is connected to the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200 .

[0234] The case cover 820 is provided with a water level sensor hole 854 in which the water level sensor is installed.

[0235] 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 generator 810.

[0236] The sensor body 851 is coupled to the case cover 820 via a sensor fastening member 853 .

[0237] 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 generator 810, a support 863 that fixes the detection device 861 to the case cover 820, and a connecting member 862 that connects the support 863 to the case cover 820.

[0238] The detection device 861 is provided as a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor, and detects whether steam is generated inside the steam generator 810.

[0239] Meanwhile, the case cover 820 is provided with a cover hook 821 extending forward and coupled to the base cover 860 .

[0240] 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 .

[0241] The steam heater 840 is inserted into the heater insertion hole 8111, accommodated in the steam generator 810, and supplied with power so as to heat water.

[0242] The steam heater 840 is a sheath heater or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 700 so that it is repeatedly driven and stopped.

[0243] The steam heater 840 includes a first heater 841 to which a first power is supplied to heat water, and a second heater 842 to which a power smaller than the first power is supplied to heat water.

[0244] As a result, the second heater 842 is configured to heat less water than the first heater 841 to produce more steam.

[0245] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are provided to consume a portion of the maximum heater power amount allowed for the steam heater 840 in the clothing treatment device. That is, when the first heater 841 is provided to consume a portion of the maximum heater power amount, the second heater 842 is provided to consume the remainder of the maximum heater power amount.

[0246] For example, if the general maximum heater power amount allowed for the steam heater 840 is 1500 W, the first heater 841 is configured to consume 880 W, and the second heater 842 is configured to consume 600 W. In this manner, 20 W may be distributed in small amounts in consideration of an error, etc.

[0247] Of course, the steam heater 840 may include three or more heaters. For example, the steam heater 840 may include 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.

[0248] Hereinafter, the steam heater 340 will be described based on the assumption that the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are provided.

[0249] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are formed of U-shaped metal tubes.

[0250] The steam heater 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 portion 844 that supplies current to the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0251] 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 .

[0252] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are disposed at the same height. Therefore, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are configured to heat water at the same water level to generate steam.

[0253] Accordingly, the control unit 700 controls the amount of generated steam and the amount of consumed power by using both or selectively the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 .

[0254] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the inside of the steam generator.

[0255] The steam generator 810 has a heating space 817 for storing water therein and accommodating a steam heater 840 .

[0256] In addition, the steam generator 810 is supplied with water for generating steam through a water supply hose 8151 connected to the water supply pipe 815 .

[0257] Meanwhile, the steam generated by driving the steam heater 840 in the steam generator 810 is discharged to the outside of the steam supplying unit 800 through the steam discharge pipe 813 and the steam hose 8131 .

[0258] The steam hose 8131 is connected to the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200 .

[0259] Meanwhile, the steam generator 810 includes a partition wall 812 that separates the heating space 817 from the water level sensor 850. That is, the partition wall 812 is provided to separate the steam heater 840 from the water level sensor 850, and is disposed toward one side of the case body 811.

[0260] The water level sensor 850 is disposed between the separating partition 812 and the inner surface of the case body 811 .

[0261] 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 from the steam heater 840 from being directly transmitted to the water level sensor 850.

[0262] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a steam supply section in which the steam heater is provided.

[0263] 12(a), the steam sensor 860 is disposed above the steam heater 840 and is configured to detect the temperature inside the steam generator 810. Thus, the steam sensor 860 detects that steam is generated when the water reaches 100° C. or a high temperature.

[0264] The steam heater 840 is supported by the support clip 832, which prevents the steam heater 840 from contacting the bottom surface of the steam generator 810, etc.

[0265] In addition, the upper part is enclosed by the fixing clip 831, which prevents the water level in which the steam heater 840 is placed from fluctuating.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 12(b), the heater sealer 844 of the steam heater 840 has a first support hole 8441 through which the first heater 841 is passed and supported, and a second support hole 8442 through which the second heater 842 is passed and supported.

[0267] A first length L1 by which the first support hole 8441 is spaced from the bottom surface of the steam generator 810 and a second length L2 by which the second support hole 8442 is spaced from the bottom surface of the steam generator 810 are the same as each other.

[0268] Although the first support hole 8441 and the second support hole 8442 have different diameters, they have the same height.

[0269] As a result, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 heat the water at the same water level to generate steam.

[0270] FIG. 13 shows in detail the steam supply structure of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0271] The steam generated in the steam generator 810 is immediately supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 through the steam pipe 813 .

[0272] However, when steam is immediately supplied into the inner case 200 through the steam pipe 813, the water stored in the steam generator 810 may also be supplied into the inner case 200.

[0273] In addition, the water heated in the steam generator 810 heats the bottom surface of the inner case 200, which may cause thermal damage to the inner case 200.

[0274] To prevent this, the steam supplying unit 800 of the present invention further includes a steam nozzle 900 for receiving the steam generated from the steam generator 810 and supplying it to the inner case 200 .

[0275] The steam nozzle 900 is disposed apart from the steam generator 810 so that only the steam generated from the steam generator 810 is supplied, and water stored in the steam generator 810 is not supplied.

[0276] For example, the steam nozzle 900 is disposed above the steam generator 810 and connected to the steam pipe 813. Thus, the steam generated in the steam generator 810 rises due to a difference in density and is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the steam pipe 813, and water stored in the steam generator 810 does not flow into the steam pipe 813 or the steam nozzle 900 due to gravity.

[0277] The steam nozzle 900 is disposed between the bottom surface of the inner case 200 and the steam generator 810 , and is provided to communicate with the steam hole 233 .

[0278] Meanwhile, the steam supplying unit 800 of the present invention is provided to receive water from the water supplying bucket 30 and generate steam.

[0279] For this purpose, the laundry treatment device of the present invention further includes a water supply pump 880 for supplying water stored in the water supply tub 30 to the steam supply unit 800 .

[0280] The steam supply unit 800 further includes a supply pipe 890 for introducing the water stored in the water supply bucket 30 to the water supply pump 880 .

[0281] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a water supply pipe 815 for introducing water discharged from the water supply pump 880 to the steam supply unit 800. The water supply pipe 815 is provided in the form of a water supply hose 8151 such as rubber.

[0282] As a result, the water supply pump 880 is configured to supply water from a supply pipe 890 connected to the water supply tub 30. Also, the water supply pump 880 is configured to supply and discharge water to the steam supplier 800 through a water supply pipe 881 of the water supply pump 880.

[0283] The steam supply unit 800 includes a water supply pump 880 that provides power for supplying water stored in the water supply tub 30 to the steam generator 810 .

[0284] The supply pipe 890 is provided as a hose connecting the water supply tub 30 and the water supply pump 880 , and the water supply pipe 881 is provided as a hose connected to the water supply pump 880 .

[0285] Meanwhile, the water supply pipe 815 is provided to directly connect the water supply pump 880 and the steam generator 810. Thus, water supplied from the water supply pump 880 is directly supplied to the steam generator 810 and heated by the steam heater 840 to be generated as steam. The steam is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 through the steam pipe 813 and transferred to the inner case 200.

[0286] However, as shown in FIG. 15, the water supply pipe 815 is provided to directly connect the water supply pump 880 and the steam nozzle 900 .

[0287] In other words, the clothes treating apparatus of the present invention is configured to supply the water stored in the water supply tub 30 to the steam nozzle 900, not to the steam generator 810. The water supplied from the water supply pump 880 is supplied directly to the steam nozzle 900.

[0288] The water supply pump 880 does not have to be directly connected to the steam generator 810. The water supply pump 880 communicates with the steam generator 810 through the steam nozzle 900.

[0289] The water stored in the water supply tub 30 is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 through the water supply pump 880. The water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is transferred to the steam generator 810.

[0290] The steam nozzle 900 is disposed above the steam generator 810, so that water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is automatically supplied to the steam generator 810.

[0291] As a result, the steam nozzle 900 is configured such that the water stored in the water supply tub 30 is supplied to the steam generator 810 via the water supply pump 880 .

[0292] The steam supply unit 900 further includes a water return pipe 815 connecting the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810. The water return pipe 815 supplies the water, which is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 and temporarily stored therein, to the steam generator 810.

[0293] Therefore, the steam pipe 813 through which steam flows into the steam nozzle 900 and the water return pipe 815 through which water is discharged from the steam nozzle 900 are provided as separate flow paths.

[0294] Therefore, the water supplied from the steam nozzle 900 is prevented from interfering with the movement of the steam supplied from the steam generator 810 .

[0295] Meanwhile, the water return pipe 815 is provided in a U-shape. That is, a part of the area between both ends of the water return pipe 815 is disposed lower in height. As a result, a certain amount of water is accumulated in the water return pipe 815 like a water trap, and the steam or water supplied from the steam generator 810 is prevented from re-entering through the water return pipe 815.

[0296] The steam pipe 813 includes a steam hose 8131 that connects the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810. The steam hose 8131 is made of a rubber material.

[0297] The water return pipe 815 is provided separately from the steam pipe 813 and is disposed at a distance from the steam pipe 813. The water return pipe 815 includes a recovery hose 8151 that connects the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810. The recovery hose 8151 is made of a rubber material.

[0298] The steam generator 810 receives and receives the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900. The steam generator 810 is not directly connected to the water supply pump 880, so that the water flowing into the steam generator 810 does not flow back to the water supply pump 880.

[0299] In addition, since the steam nozzle 900 is disposed above the steam generator 810 and is connected to the steam generator 810 via the water return pipe 815, the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is automatically supplied to the steam generator 810 by gravity. As a result, the water supplied from the water supply pump 880 to the steam nozzle 900 does not flow back to the water supply pump 880.

[0300] As a result, a check valve may be omitted between the water supply pump 800 and the steam nozzle 900 or the steam generator 810. Therefore, the water supply pipe 881 is provided with one water supply hose. The flow path for supplying water to the steam supply unit 900 is simplified, and the possibility of water being filtered out from the flow path is accordingly reduced.

[0301] In addition, a large amount of water is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 at a considerable pressure through the water supply pump 800. As a result, foreign matter or bacteria that has accumulated in the steam nozzle 900 is washed away by the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 and into the inside of the steam generator 810. Therefore, the steam nozzle 900 can be constantly kept clean and the flow of supplied steam can be prevented from being obstructed.

[0302] Meanwhile, when the steam supplied from the steam nozzle 900 is condensed, the condensed water is re-flowed into the steam generator 810 through the water return pipe 815. That is, the condensed water generated from the steam nozzle 900 is collected in the steam generator 810 in the same direction as the water supplied from the water supply pump 800, and is reused as water for generating the steam. Therefore, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can prevent the water level in the water supply tub 30 from decreasing rapidly, and can also prevent water from being wasted.

[0303] FIG. 14 illustrates the flow path structure of the steam supply of the present invention.

[0304] Water supplied from the water supply pump 880 is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the water supply pipe 881 .

[0305] The steam nozzle 900 supplies the water to the steam generator 810 .

[0306] The steam generator 810 is supplied with water via the water return pipe 815 .

[0307] When water is heated by the steam heater 840 in the steam generator 810 to generate steam, the steam is supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the steam wand 813 .

[0308] At this time, the water return pipe 815 and the steam pipe 813 are disposed in the steam generator 810 while being separated from each other.

[0309] The steam condensed in the steam nozzle 900 is again introduced into the steam generator 810 via a water return pipe 815 .

[0310] The steam generator 810 may omit hoses connected to the outside, except for the water return pipe 815 and the steam pipe 813 connected to the steam nozzle 900. That is, since the water supply pump 880 is not directly connected to the steam generator 810, the hoses connecting the water supply pump 800 and the steam generator 810 may be omitted.

[0311] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention only needs to include the water supply pipe 881, the water return pipe 815, and the steam pipe 813 as steam-related flow paths, and therefore the structure of the flow paths is simplified.

[0312] In addition, the steam nozzle 900 is disposed above the steam generator 810. Therefore, the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is entirely guided to the steam generator 810 without a separate check valve.

[0313] Therefore, when the water supplied from the water supply pump 880 is supplied to the steam nozzle 900, all of the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is guided to the steam generator 810, thereby preventing the possibility of water flowing back from the steam nozzle 900 to the water supply pump 880.

[0314] Therefore, the check valve between the water supply pump 880 and the steam nozzle 900 may be omitted.

[0315] In addition, since there is no need to provide the check valve in the water supply pipe 880, there is no need to provide a plurality of water supply pipes 880, and one hose is provided. As a result, not only is the flow path structure further simplified, but installation and repair of the flow path are also simplified, and the possibility of water leakage can be further reduced.

[0316] FIG. 15 shows the flow path structure of the steam nozzle.

[0317] The steam nozzle 900 includes a supply container 910 to which steam is supplied in the steam case 810 or water is supplied from the water supply pump 880 and accommodated.

[0318] The supply container 910 is in the form of a case having an internal space for receiving and storing water or steam.

[0319] The water supply pipe 881 is connected to the supply container 910 at a position higher than the bottom surface of the supply container 910. For example, the water supply pipe 881 is connected to a side surface of the supply container 910. Thus, the water supplied to the supply container 910 can be prevented from flowing back to the water supply pipe 881.

[0320] The water supply pipe 881 is connected to the supply vessel 910 at a position higher than the water return pipe 815. For example, one end of the water return pipe 815 is connected to the bottom of the supply vessel 910 and the other end is connected to the steam generator 810. Thus, water supplied to the water supply pipe 881 automatically flows into the water return pipe 815.

[0321] The water return pipe 815 is U-shaped so as to accommodate a predetermined amount of water therein.

[0322] Meanwhile, the water return pipe 815 is disposed adjacent to the water supply pipe 881. Therefore, the water supplied to the water supply pipe 811 does not remain in the supply container 810, but quickly flows into the steam case 810.

[0323] Meanwhile, one end of the steam pipe 813 is connected to the lower part of the supply container 910, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the steam generator 810 or the steam cover 820. Thus, the steam generated from the steam generator 810 is automatically supplied to the supply container 910 according to the density difference.

[0324] The steam pipe 813 is connected to the supply vessel 910 at a position higher than the water return pipe 815. In addition, the steam pipe 813 is disposed farther away from the water supply pipe 881 than the water return pipe 815.

[0325] As a result, the water supplied to the supply vessel 910 does not flow back to the steam pipe 813, and more water is supplied to the water return pipe 815.

[0326] The steam wand 813 is coupled to the bottom of the supply vessel 910 .

[0327] The bottom of the supply vessel 910 is lower where the water return pipe 815 is connected and higher where the steam pipe 813 is connected. For this purpose, the bottom of the supply vessel 910 has a step or is inclined.

[0328] The steam nozzle 900 further includes a container cover 920 coupled to an upper portion of the supply container 910. The container cover 920 includes a steam injection hole 923 formed through an upper portion of the container cover 920. The steam injection hole 923 is formed to communicate with the inside of the inner case 200.

[0329] The supply container 910 is provided in the form of a box with an open top, and the container cover 920 is provided to cover the top of the supply container 910 .

[0330] The steam supplied through the steam pipe 813 is discharged through the steam injection hole 923 and supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 .

[0331] The steam pipe 813 is disposed between the steam injection hole 932 and the inner surface of the supply container 910. The steam injection hole 932 is disposed between the water supply pipe 881 and the steam pipe 813, and between the water return pipe 815 and the steam pipe 813. As a result, steam that is not discharged to the steam injection hole 932 and is condensed does not remain inside the supply container 910, but is discharged to the water return pipe 815.

[0332] The steam injection hole 932 is disposed at the center of the vessel cover 920 in the width direction.

[0333] The container cover 920 is coupled to the supply container 910 by a hook coupling or the like, so that a separate fastening member for coupling the container cover 920 to the supply container 910 may be omitted.

[0334] Meanwhile, since the supply container 910 has an open top, it is advantageous for installing various shaped structures inside, and the container cover 920 is advantageous for installing various structures at the bottom.

[0335] With respect to the steam injection hole 932 , the water supply pipe 881 and the water return pipe 815 are disposed on one side of the supply vessel 910 , and the steam pipe 813 is disposed on the other side of the supply vessel 910 .

[0336] That is, the water supply pipe 881 and the water return pipe 815 are disposed adjacent to each other, and the steam pipe 813 is disposed farther away from the water supply pipe 881 than the water return pipe 815 is.

[0337] As a result, water moving to the water supply pipe 881 is supplied to the supply container 910 along direction I. The water supplied to the supply container 910 is immediately discharged to the water return pipe 815 along direction II and supplied to the steam generator 810. Steam supplied from the steam pipe 813 is supplied to the supply container 910 along direction III and discharged to the steam jet hole 932, and the condensed water is discharged to the water return pipe 815 along direction II and re-supplied to the steam generator 810.

[0338] An embodiment of the moving hanger 1000 will now be described in detail.

[0339] The moving hanger 1000 is provided to move reciprocally in a straight line inside the inner case 200. Thus, the clothes are directly moved reciprocally inside the inner case 200 and swung.

[0340] The moving hanger 1000 is adapted to cyclically shake the garment at various frequencies.

[0341] For example, the moving hanger 1000 may be provided with a structure as disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1285890.

[0342] In addition, the moving hanger 1000 is configured to rotate the clothes back and forth inside the inner case to shake the clothes.

[0343] That is, in the clothing processing device of the present invention, the moving hanger 1000 may have any structure as long as the clothing can be shaken in the inner case.

[0344] The structure of the moving hanger 1000 for rotating the garment back and forth will be described below.

[0345] FIG. 16 shows the structure of the upper part of the inner case of the clothes treating device of the present invention.

[0346] The moving hanger 1000 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is disposed on the upper part of the inner case 200 and includes a power transmission unit 1400 for swinging the hanger 1900.

[0347] A hanging part 1700 on which the hanger 1900 is seated or hung is provided at the lower part of the power transmission part 1400 .

[0348] As a result, when the power transmission part 1400 moves, the hanging part 1700 moves, and the hanger 1900 hung on the hanging part 1700 is swung, thereby producing the effect of beating the clothes.

[0349] A plurality of power transmission units 1400 are provided, and a plurality of hanging units 1700 are also provided to be connected to the power transmission units 1400. Thus, a large number of clothes, the number of which corresponds to the number of power transmission units 1400, can be hung inside the inner case 200 and refreshed.

[0350] The moving hanger 1000 further includes a drive unit 1200 that provides power for moving the power transmission unit 1400 .

[0351] The driving unit 1200 may be provided to be exposed inside the inner case 200 as long as it can transmit power to the power transmission unit 1400. However, since the driving unit 1200 is operated by being supplied with electric energy, it is preferable that the driving unit 1200 is not exposed to steam or hot air.

[0352] Therefore, the actuator 1200 is disposed between the upper surface of the inner case 200 and the cabinet 100 and is prevented from being exposed to the receiving space 220 .

[0353] The power transmission part 1400 passes through the inner case 200 to transmit power to the driving part 1200 and then to the hanging part 1700 .

[0354] The power transmission part 1400 extends into the receiving space 220 by penetrating an upper surface of the inner case 200. A lower end of the power transmission part 1400 is exposed to the receiving space 220, and an upper end of the power transmission part 1400 is exposed above the inner case 200.

[0355] The power transmission part 1400 may be in the form of a rod, a tube, or a plate, the length of which is greater than the thickness of the rod, a tube, or a plate.

[0356] Meanwhile, the upper surface of the inner case 200 supports the loads of the power transmission unit 1400 and the driving unit 1200. The power transmission unit 1400 moves while clothes are hung on it, and the load of the driving unit 1200 is also relatively heavy. Therefore, in order to stably install the moving hanger 1000 on the upper surface of the inner case 200, the clothing processing device 1 of the present invention further includes a support unit 1800.

[0357] The support part 1800 is disposed on the upper part of the inner case 200 and is coupled to and supported by the cabinet 100. The support part 1800 is made of a metal material that is durable and difficult to deform.

[0358] The power transmission part 1400 and the driving part 1200 are seated on the support part 1800 and disposed on the upper part of the inner case 200. The power transmission part 1400 passes through the support part 1800 and extends into the receiving space 220.

[0359] Meanwhile, the driving unit 1200 includes a motor for rotating a rotating shaft, and the driving unit 1200 is configured to move the power transmission unit 1400 with the power for rotating the rotating shaft.

[0360] However, it is difficult to achieve a sufficient displacement of the power transmission unit 1400 by simply rotating the rotation shaft on the spot.

[0361] Therefore, the moving hanger 1000 further includes a displacement generating unit 1300 coupled to a rotation shaft rotated by the motor, which generates a sufficient displacement (amount of change in position) for moving the power transmission unit 1400.

[0362] The displacement generating unit 1300 is connected or coupled to the driving unit 1200 .

[0363] For example, the displacement generating unit 1300 is configured to transmit the power of the driving unit 1200 to the power transmitting unit 1400 .

[0364] The displacement generating unit 1300 includes an eccentric shaft that rotates in a path larger than the diameter of the rotation shaft. The eccentric shaft may be directly connected to the rotation shaft of the driving unit 1200, or may be eccentrically connected to or extended from a power shaft 1240 that rotates by the rotation shaft.

[0365] The displacement generating unit 1300 may have any configuration as long as it can generate a displacement that can move the power transmitting unit 1400 back and forth within a predetermined range. A detailed structure will be described later.

[0366] When the driving unit 1200 is operated, the power generated at the rotation shaft generates a displacement of the displacement generating unit 1300 , and the power transmission unit 1400 moves along with the displacement of the displacement generating unit 1300 .

[0367] The displacement generating unit 1300 can directly move the power transmission unit 1400, but can also move the power transmission unit 1400 through an additional configuration.

[0368] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is provided to reciprocate the power transmission unit 1400 .

[0369] In addition, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is provided to rotate the power transmission unit 1400. Specifically, the moving hanger 1000 is provided to rotate the power transmission unit 1400 reciprocally within a predetermined angle range, rather than reciprocating the power transmission unit 1400 in a straight line.

[0370] The power transmission unit 1400 is provided to rotate back and forth in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from a normal position, and the clothes hung on the power transmission unit 1400 also move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The power transmission unit 1400 is provided to rotate by the moving hanger 1000, but may not move due to its position being changed to the left or right side.

[0371] Even if the clothes are rotated by the power transmission unit 1400 inside the inner case 200, the movement of the center of gravity inside the inner case 200 is restricted. Therefore, even if the moving hanger 1000 is operated, the vibration generated inside the inner case 200 is rapidly reduced, and the generation of noise is also minimized.

[0372] For this, the moving hanger 1000 further includes a reciprocating rotation unit 1500 that converts the continuous rotational energy generated from the driving unit 1200 or the displacement generating unit 1300 into a reciprocating rotational motion of the power transmitting unit 1400 .

[0373] The reciprocating rotation unit 1500 is provided to connect the displacement generating unit 1300 and the power transmitting unit 1400 to each other. The reciprocating rotation unit 1500 is provided to connect the displacement generating unit 1300 and the power transmitting unit 1400 to each other above the inner case 200. The reciprocating rotation unit 1500 prevents the garment from being exposed to the receiving space 220, and prevents the garment from being damaged by the reciprocating rotation unit 1500.

[0374] Meanwhile, the moving hanger 1000 is provided so that only one of the plurality of power transmission parts 1400 rotates reciprocally.

[0375] However, when only one power transmission unit 1400 rotates, clothes hung on the rotating power transmission unit may collide with and be damaged by clothes hung on other power transmission units 1400. Furthermore, the impact may be transmitted to the moving hanger 1000, causing the moving hanger 1000 to be damaged.

[0376] Therefore, it is preferable that the moving hanger 1000 is provided so as to rotate all of the power transmission parts 1400.

[0377] The moving hanger 1000 rotates the plurality of power transmission units 1400 as a unit. The moving hanger 1400 is provided to rotate the plurality of power transmission units 1400 at the same angle at the same time. This makes it possible for the clothing processing device of the present invention to prevent the power transmission units 1400 from colliding with each other.

[0378] It is advantageous for the power generated by the driving unit 1200 to be directly transmitted to a plurality of power transmission units 1400 in order to rotate all of the power transmission units 1400 .

[0379] However, if the driving unit 1200 is configured to directly transmit power to each of the power transmission units 1400, the structure for connecting the driving unit 1200 to all of the power transmission units 1400 becomes complicated.

[0380] In addition, when a plurality of driving units 1200 are provided or when a plurality of configurations for connecting all of the power transmission units 1400 are provided in the driving unit 1200, an excessive load may be applied to the inner case 200 or the support unit 1800. In addition, it may be inconvenient to control a plurality of driving units 1200.

[0381] In addition, if the displacement generating unit 1300 and the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 are connected to transmit the power transmitted from one driving unit 1200 to each of all of the power transmission units 1400, the arrangement and structure of the displacement generating unit 1300 and the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 become complicated, and reliability decreases.

[0382] Therefore, the moving hanger 1000 is configured such that one driving unit 1200 generates power to rotate a plurality of power transmission units 1400 .

[0383] In addition, the moving hanger 1000 is configured such that the power generated from the driving unit 1200 is preferentially transmitted to some of the power transmission units 1400 or some of the reciprocating rotation units 1500, and the remaining power transmission units 1400 or the remaining reciprocating rotation units 1500 transmit the power secondarily.

[0384] For example, the reciprocating rotation unit 1500 is provided to receive power transmitted from the driving unit 1200 or the displacement generating unit 1300 and transmit it to a part of the power transmitting unit 1400. That is, the moving hanger 1000 is provided to transmit the power generated from the driving unit 1200 intensively to one reciprocating rotation unit 1500, so that the power transmission structure can be designed simply and power loss can be minimized.

[0385] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is provided to transmit the power transmitted from the driving unit 1200 to one reciprocating rotating unit 1500 and rotate a specific power transmitting unit 1400 connected to the reciprocating rotating unit 1500.

[0386] In addition, the moving hanger 1000 further includes a connecting part 1600 configured to transmit the power transmitted to a specific power transmission part 1400 to another power transmission part 1400 .

[0387] For example, the connection part 1600 is provided to connect the plurality of power transmission parts 1400 to each other. Thus, when any one of the power transmission parts 1400 rotates, the connection part 1600 can rotate all of the plurality of power transmission parts 1400.

[0388] FIG. 17 shows how the moving hanger of the present invention operates.

[0389] 17(a), when the driving unit 1200 is operated, the power transmission unit 1400 rotates rightward by the reciprocating rotation unit 1500. At this time, the power transmission unit 1400 connected to the connecting unit 1600 also rotates rightward.

[0390] 17(b), when the driving unit 1200 is further operated, the power transmission unit 1400 is rotated leftward by the reciprocating rotation unit 1500. At this time, the power transmission unit 1400 connected to the connecting unit 1600 also rotates leftward.

[0391] This process is repeated, causing the power transmission part 1400 to rotate left and right.

[0392] At this time, the power transmission unit 1400 is configured to rotate left and right while being fixed at a normal position. The power transmission unit 1400 is fixed to the support unit 1800 so that there is no positional change in the front, back, left and right directions when the power transmission unit 1400 rotates.

[0393] The power transmission unit 1400 is fixed so that its position does not move in the vertical, front-rear and width directions.

[0394] However, the power transmission unit 1400 is configured to rotate left and right around the vertical or height direction in which the power transmission unit extends as a rotation axis. As a result, when the driving unit 1200 is driven, the hanging unit 1700 reciprocates left and right around the power transmission unit 1400 as an axis, and does not move in position.

[0395] 17(c), the hanger 1900 includes a hook portion 1910 that is hung on the hanging portion 1700, and a seat portion 1950 that is connected to the hook portion 1910. The seat portion 1950 is provided on a surface thereof with a surface portion 950 that prevents the clothes from slipping.

[0396] The seating parts 1950 are provided symmetrically with respect to the hook part 1910. The hanger 1900 is hung on the hanging part 1700 so that the seating parts 1950 are arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0397] When the power transmission unit 1400 rotates to the left, the left side of the seating unit 1950 of the hanger 1900 rotates to the left and the right side of the seating unit 1950 rotates to the right based on the hook unit 1910. At this time, the angle (I) by which the left side of the seating unit 1950 rotates is the same as the angle (theta) by which the right side of the seating unit 1950 rotates, and the distance by which the left side of the seating unit 1950 moves is the same as the distance by which the right side of the seating unit 1950 moves.

[0398] As a result, the weight and force moving leftward and the weight and force moving rightward based on the hanger 1900 are the same and cancel each other out.

[0399] Similarly, even if the power transmission unit 1400 rotates to the right, the weight and force moving leftward and the weight and force moving rightward based on the hanger 1900 are the same and cancel each other out.

[0400] As a result, even if the power transmission unit 1400 rotates, the forces applied to the hanger 1900 are offset with each other, and as a result, the vibration force, excitation force, and inertia force generated from the hanger 1900 itself are minimized. As a result, the inertia force generated from the multiple power transmission units 1400 is minimized, and the vibration and noise generated from the entire moving hanger 1000 is minimized, and the generation of vibration and noise from the entire clothing processing device 1 is rapidly reduced.

[0401] As a result, even if the drive unit 1200 rotates at maximum output, the moving hanger 1000 or the entire clothing processing device 1 does not generate large vibrations.

[0402] Instead, each surface of the clothes hung on the hanger 1900 is hit by rotating left and right, so that a large hitting force can be ensured.

[0403] As described above, the power transmission unit 1400 is provided to penetrate the inner case 200, and is provided to transmit the power and rotate reciprocally in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As a result, the power transmission unit 1400 rotates reciprocally left and right while being fixed in position at the upper part of the inner case 200. The power transmission unit 1400 is fixed so that its position cannot be changed up, down, left, or right. In addition, not only the upper part but also the lower part of the power transmission unit 1400 is fixed so that its position cannot be changed up, down, left, or right.

[0404] That is, the power transmission unit 1400 is configured to rotate back and forth at a predetermined angle in less than one rotation with the center of rotation being fixed.

[0405] As a result, no matter how fast the power transmission unit 1400 rotates, the hanger 1900 remains fixed in position and one end rotates or moves to one side and the other end to the other side, so that the forces and vibrations transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400 cancel each other out.

[0406] Therefore, vibrations and noises generated inside the inner case 200 by the power transmission part 1400, the hanging part 1700 and the hanger 1900 are minimized.

[0407] As a result, the clothes treating device of the present invention rotates the driving unit 1200 at a higher rpm and reciprocates the power transmission unit 1400 at a higher frequency, thereby enabling the clothes treating device of the present invention to shake the clothes more vigorously.

[0408] In addition, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is provided with a power transmission unit 1400 that rotates back and forth clockwise or counterclockwise on the spot. Therefore, as described above, no matter how fast the hanger 900 rotates, the vibration or inertial force generated from the hanger 1900 and the clothes is offset when it is transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0409] As a result, even if the driving unit 1200 of the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is increased to a predetermined RPM or higher, the moving hanger 1000 is not damaged, and vibrations and noises exceeding the limit value can be prevented from being generated in the clothing processing device.

[0410] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive the drive unit 1200 faster than a clothing treatment device using a conventional moving hanger, and can drive the power transmission unit 1400 at a faster frequency to shake the clothing more vigorously.

[0411] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can more reliably remove foreign matter attached to the clothing by the moving hanger 1000, and can more effectively remove wrinkles from the clothing. Also, the clothing treatment device of the present invention vibrates the clothing more quickly, exposing it to the supplied steam more.

[0412] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can freely adjust the RPM of the driving unit 1200 and adjust the driving frequency or driving cycle of the power transmission unit 1400 according to the course.

[0413] FIG. 18 shows one embodiment of a moving hanger 1000 of the present invention.

[0414] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is configured to transmit the power of the driving unit 1200 to only one of the multiple power transmission units 1400, and transmit the power transmitted to a specific power transmission unit 1400 via the connecting unit 1600 to the other power transmission units 1400.

[0415] The displacement generating unit 1300 or the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 is provided to intensively transmit power generated in one driving unit 1200 to one power transmitting unit 1400. The connecting unit 1600 transmits the power transmitted to a specific power transmitting unit 1400 to all the power transmitting units 1400.

[0416] The connecting portion 1600 is provided as a rigid body so that its length is not variable, and is provided to connect all the power transmission portions 1400 together.

[0417] As a result, all the power transmission parts 1400 rotate at the same angle in the same direction when the connecting part 1600 moves. As a result, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention rotates the multiple power transmission parts 1400 back and forth at the same time or at the same angle at once by one driving part 1200.

[0418] The moving hanger 1000 includes a driving unit 1200 fixed to the upper part of the inner case 200 and providing power for moving the power transmission unit, a plurality of reciprocating rotating units 1500 respectively coupled to the plurality of power transmission units 1400, receiving the power from the driving unit 1200 and rotating so that the rotation direction is repeatedly changed, and a connecting unit 1600 provided to connect the plurality of reciprocating rotating units to each other.

[0419] The connecting part 1600 includes a link bar that connects the plurality of reciprocating rotating parts 1500 and rotates the plurality of reciprocating rotating parts 1500 as a unit.

[0420] The connecting portion 1600 is provided in a single piece.

[0421] The connecting portion 1600 is provided to connect all of the power transmission portions 1400 together.

[0422] However, when the connecting part 1600 is provided to connect the reciprocating transmission part 1500 , the connecting part 1600 may be provided above the supporting part 1800 to prevent the connecting part 1600 from being exposed to the inside of the inner case 200 .

[0423] The connecting unit 1600 is coupled to either the front or rear of the reciprocating rotation unit 1500, and at least one of the displacement generating unit 1300 and the driving unit 1200 is disposed at the remaining one of the front or rear of the reciprocating rotation unit 1500. Thus, the connecting unit 1600 can be prevented from interfering with the driving unit 1200.

[0424] The connecting part 1600 is configured to reciprocate in the width direction of the inner case 200 to rotate the plurality of reciprocating rotating parts 1500 .

[0425] The driving unit 1200 includes a motor 1210 that rotates a rotating shaft 1210, a power shaft 1240 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 1210 when the rotating shaft 1210 rotates, and a transmission unit 1230 that connects the power shaft 1240 and the rotating shaft 1210 and transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft 1210 to the power shaft 1240.

[0426] The motor 1210 is fixed to an upper portion of the inner case 200 and configured to rotate the rotating shaft 1220. However, the rotating shaft 1220 is configured to rotate at a speed faster than an appropriate period for reciprocatingly rotating the power transmission unit 1400 in the motor 1210. In consideration of this, if the RPM of the rotating shaft is reduced, the output of the motor 1210 may not be transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0427] To solve this problem, the transmission unit 1230 transmits the output of the rotating shaft 1220 to the power transmission unit 1400 as is, but is configured to transmit the output at a lower RPM of the rotating shaft 1220.

[0428] The transmission part 1230 is connected to the rotating shaft 1220 to rotate, and has a diameter larger than that of the rotating shaft 1220. Thus, the transmission part 1230 rotates slower than the RPM of the rotating shaft 1220 to transmit the torque of the rotating shaft 1220.

[0429] The power shaft 1240 is provided to be rotated by the transmission unit 1230 , and is provided separately from the rotating shaft 1230 , and is configured to directly transmit power to the power transmission unit 1400 .

[0430] The reciprocating rotating unit 1500 is coupled to the power transmission unit 1400 and is provided to be rotatable together with the power transmission unit 1400 .

[0431] The reciprocating rotating part 1500 is coupled to an upper part of the power transmission part 1400 and includes a reciprocating lever 1510 for rotating the power transmission part 1400 .

[0432] The reciprocating lever 1510 is provided in the form of a rib or rod whose rotation center is connected to the support shaft 1410 .

[0433] The reciprocating levers 1510 are coupled to the upper ends of the plurality of power transmission parts 1400, respectively, and some of the reciprocating levers 1510 are connected to the transmission part 1230 so that the power of the motor 1210 is transmitted thereto.

[0434] The reciprocating lever 1510 is configured to rotate reciprocally at a predetermined angle when the transmission unit 1230 is rotated by the motor 1210. The power transmission unit 1400 is coupled to the rotation center of the reciprocating lever 510 and configured to rotate together with the reciprocating lever 1510.

[0435] A plurality of reciprocating levers 1510 are arranged connected to a connecting portion 1600 .

[0436] The connecting portion 1600 is provided to connect one end of a plurality of reciprocating levers 1510 .

[0437] Therefore, when any one of the plurality of reciprocating levers 1510 rotates, the connecting portion 1600 moves, and the plurality of reciprocating levers 1510 rotate simultaneously and at the same time.

[0438] The power transmission unit 1400 and the reciprocating lever 1510 are supported by the support unit 1800. In addition, the motor 1210 and the transmission unit 1230 are also supported by the support unit 1800.

[0439] FIG. 19 shows the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention separated from the inner case 200.

[0440] The power transmission part 1400 is provided to extend from the upper part to the lower part of the inner case, and the hanging part 1700 is coupled to the lower part of the power transmission part 1400 .

[0441] The reciprocating rotating part 1500 is coupled to each of the power transmission parts 1400 and to an upper part of the power transmission part 1400 so as to be easily connected to the driving part 1200 .

[0442] The power transmission unit 1400 and the reciprocating rotation unit 1500 are provided in plurality and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the inner case.

[0443] The connecting unit 1600 is provided to connect the plurality of power transmission units 1400 or the plurality of reciprocating rotation units 1500 to each other. Thus, the connecting unit 1600 is provided to rotate the plurality of power transmission units 1400 or the plurality of reciprocating rotation units 1500 as a whole simultaneously.

[0444] The power transmission part 1400 includes a support shaft 1410 that penetrates the upper part of the inner case 200 and is coupled to the reciprocating lever 1510 .

[0445] The support shaft 1410 passes through the support part 1800 and is exposed to an upper part of the support part 1800 or an upper part of the inner case 200 .

[0446] The power transmission part 1400 includes an auxiliary support part 1420 coupled to the support shaft 1410 and exposed to the receiving space. The auxiliary support part 1420 has a rod shape, and a hanging part 1700 is coupled and fixed to a lower part of the auxiliary support part 1420.

[0447] The auxiliary support part 1420 is fixed to the support shaft 1410 and is configured to rotate together with the support shaft 1410. Thus, when the support shaft 1410 rotates by the reciprocating lever 1510, the auxiliary support part 1420 connected to the support shaft 1410 also rotates, and the hanging part 1700 also rotates left and right.

[0448] The reciprocating lever 1510 includes a main lever 1511 which is reciprocally rotated by directly transmitting power from the driving unit 1200 , and an auxiliary lever 1512 which receives power from the main lever 1511 via a connecting unit 1600 .

[0449] The main lever 1511 is provided in a single piece and is provided so that power is directly transmitted from the driving unit 1200 .

[0450] In the driving unit 1200 , the motor 1210 includes a vertical motor 1211 coupled to the support unit 1800 and a vertical rotation shaft 1221 rotated by the vertical motor 1211 .

[0451] The transmission part 1230 includes a power pulley 1231 connected to the vertical rotation shaft 1221 and rotating together with the vertical rotation shaft 1221, a transmission pulley 1232 connected to the power shaft 1240 and rotating the power shaft 1240, and a belt 1233 connecting a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the power pulley 1231 and the transmission pulley 1232.

[0452] The transmission unit 1230 further includes a pulley support unit 1224 that rotatably supports the power shaft 1240 and the transmission pulley 1232. The pulley support unit 1224 supports the transmission pulley 1232 so that the transmission pulley 1232 is arranged next to the power pulley 1231, and is seated on the support unit 1800.

[0453] The power shaft 1240 is provided to transmit the power transmitted from the rotating shaft 1220 to one end of the main lever 1511 .

[0454] The displacement generating unit 1300 is coupled to the power shaft 1240 and receives power. The displacement generating unit 1300 is also connected to the main lever 1511 and rotates the main lever 1511 reciprocally around the support shaft 410.

[0455] For example, the displacement generating unit 1300 includes an eccentric shaft that is eccentrically coupled to the power shaft 1240 and rotates at a predetermined radius based on the rotation center of the power shaft 1240 .

[0456] The displacement generating unit 1300 is connected to an end of the main lever 1511. The displacement generating unit 1300 is rotated by the power shaft 1240 to rotate the end of the main lever 1511 reciprocally around the support shaft 410.

[0457] The connecting part 1600 includes a link bar 1610 that connects one end of the main lever 1511 , which is not connected to the power shaft 1240 or the displacement generating part 1300 , to one end of the auxiliary lever 1512 .

[0458] The auxiliary lever 1512 is rotatably connected to another support shaft 1410 that is not connected to the main lever 1511, extends in one direction from the point where it is connected to the support shaft 1410, and is configured to be connected to the link bar 1610.

[0459] The link bar 1610 is provided in the form of a straight frame connecting one end of the main lever 1511 and one end of the auxiliary lever 1512. At this time, one end of the main lever 1511 and one end of the auxiliary lever 1512 are arranged side by side with respect to the width direction of the link bar 1610.

[0460] The link bar 1610 is provided in a single unit and is provided to rotate the main lever 1511 and the auxiliary lever 1512 around the respective support shafts 1410 simultaneously and at the same time.

[0461] The inner case 200 includes a through hole 230 through which a portion of the support part 1800 is seated to expose the power transmission part 1400 to the receiving space 220 .

[0462] The through hole 230 is provided on the upper surface 22 of the inner case, and the through hole 230 is provided along a direction in which the power transmission part 1400 is arranged.

[0463] For example, the power transmission parts 1400 are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the inner case, and the through holes 230 are arranged along the width direction of the inner case.

[0464] The clothing processing device 1 of the present invention further includes a support frame 120 that is disposed outside the inner case and supports the cabinet 100.

[0465] The support frame 120 is disposed at positions corresponding to the corners of the cabinet 100 or the corners of the inner case 200, and is made of a metal material that maintains the appearance of the clothing treatment device. Both ends of the support part 1800 are seated and supported by the support frame 120, thereby preventing unnecessary impact or load from being transferred to the upper surface 220 of the inner case.

[0466] FIG. 20 shows the operation of the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention.

[0467] 20( a ), the main lever 1511 is connected to the support shaft 1410 and includes a main body 15111 connected to the connection bar 1610 .

[0468] The main body 15111 is coupled to the support shaft 1410 and includes a main central hole 15115 for rotating the support shaft 1410, and extends from the main central hole 15115 on both sides.

[0469] The main body 15111 has a main receiving hole 15112 at one end to which power is transmitted from the driving unit 1200, and a main transmission hole 15113 at the other end to which the connection bar 1610 is seated and coupled.

[0470] The main body 15111 extends from the central hole to the main receiving hole 15112 and further includes a step portion 15114 forming a step. The main body 15111 has one end of the main body 15111 or the main transmitting hole 15113 disposed lower than the main central hole 15115 due to the step portion 15114.

[0471] This ensures a certain length for the power shaft 1240 or the eccentric shaft 1310 disposed above the main central hole 15115 to extend from the transmission portion 1230 .

[0472] Meanwhile, the auxiliary lever 1512 includes an auxiliary center hole 15125 connected to the support shaft 1410 , and an auxiliary body 15121 having an auxiliary transmission hole 15123 extending from the auxiliary center hole 15125 to one side and connected to the link bar 1610 .

[0473] The auxiliary body 15121 is shorter in length than the main body 15111 .

[0474] The distance from the main central hole 15115 to the main transmission hole 15113 is set to be the same as the distance from the auxiliary central hole 15125 to the auxiliary transmission hole 15123 .

[0475] The link bar 1610 is seated on the auxiliary transmission hole 15123 and the upper portion of the main transmission hole 15113 to connect the auxiliary lever 1512 and the main lever 1511 to each other.

[0476] 20(b), the driving unit 1200 is configured so that the power shaft 1240 is inserted into the main receiving hole 15112. Thus, the driving unit 1200 is configured to directly rotate the power shaft 1240 to rotate the main receiving hole 15112 left and right.

[0477] In other words, rotation of the powered shaft 1240 alone may not produce enough displacement to rotate the main receiver aperture 15112 left or right about the main center aperture 15115 .

[0478] For this, the displacement generating unit 1300 is coupled to the powered shaft 1240 and configured to generate a displacement larger than the rotation radius of the powered shaft 1240 .

[0479] The displacement generating unit 1300 is provided to convert the in-situ rotational motion of the power shaft 1240 into a displacement motion that reciprocates within a predetermined range. The displacement motion is transmitted to the reciprocating rotation unit 1500, and the power transmitting unit 1400 rotates reciprocally.

[0480] As described above, the displacement generating section 1300 includes the eccentric shaft 1310 that extends from the powered shaft 1240 and rotates along a trajectory along a predetermined radius.

[0481] The eccentric shaft 1310 has a smaller diameter than the power shaft 1240 , is spaced a predetermined distance from the rotation center of the power shaft 1240 , and is coupled to or extends from the power shaft 1240 .

[0482] Therefore, when the power shaft 1240 rotates, the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates in a circle whose radius is the distance from the power shaft 1240 .

[0483] The diameter of the eccentric shaft 1310 is set to be smaller than the diameter or width of the main receiving hole 15112 .

[0484] The eccentric shaft 1310 is inserted into and supported by the main receiving hole 15112 .

[0485] However, the predetermined radius around which the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates is set to be larger than the width or diameter of the main receiving hole 15112. As a result, when the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates, the main receiving hole 15112 is pushed by the eccentric shaft 1310 and moves left and right with respect to the main central hole 15115.

[0486] As a result, when the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates in a predetermined direction (x), the main receiving hole 15112 of the main body 1511 also rotates back and forth along a predetermined direction (y), and as a result, the central hole 15115 of the main body also rotates in the same direction as the main receiving hole 15112, and the main transmission hole 15113 rotates back and forth in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (z).

[0487] When the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates, the support shaft 1410 rotates reciprocatingly together with the main center hole 15115, the power transmission unit 1400 rotates reciprocatingly, and the main transmission hole 15113 also rotates reciprocatingly to move the link bar 1610 reciprocatingly, so that the auxiliary lever 1521 also rotates reciprocatingly around the auxiliary center hole 15125 and the support shaft 1410. The power transmission unit 1400 connected to the auxiliary lever 1521 also rotates reciprocatingly.

[0488] The power transmission part 1400 has a spiral formed along the periphery of the upper part of the support shaft 1410 .

[0489] The main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125 are directly coupled and fixed to the support shaft 1410 using a screw or the like.

[0490] However, the power transmission part 1400 further includes a transmission coupling part 1415 which is coupled to the spiral of the support shaft 1410 so as to fix the support shaft 1410 to the main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125 after the support shaft 1410 passes directly through the main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125.

[0491] Therefore, the support shaft 1410 and the reciprocating lever 1510 are coupled by the transmission coupling part 1415, and the support shaft 1410 and the reciprocating lever 1510 rotate simultaneously.

[0492] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the control unit 700 of the clothing processing device of the present invention executes any course based on the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

[0493] FIG. 21 shows the process in which the laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a course of treating laundry.

[0494] The clothing processing device of the present invention has a maximum usable power capacity set as the allowable power capacity. The control unit 700 of the clothing processing device of the present invention is set to cut off the power supply when it detects that the power consumption exceeds the allowable power capacity.

[0495] The allowable power amount is smaller than the power amount consumed when simultaneously driving the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the compressor 342. As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is configured so that the entire steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 cannot be driven simultaneously.

[0496] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is configured such that the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 cannot be operated simultaneously while the compressor 342 is operating, and the compressor 342 cannot be operated when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are operated simultaneously.

[0497] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is set up so that when hot air is supplied to the inside of the inner case, the maximum possible steam cannot be supplied at the same time.

[0498] However, the allowable power amount is greater than the amount of power consumed when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously. Also, the allowable power amount is greater than the amount of power consumed when the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously. Also, the allowable power amount is greater than the amount of power consumed when the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0499] As a result, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously, the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously, and the second heater and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously.

[0500] Therefore, when the compressor 342 is not driven, the clothing treatment device of the present invention drives the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously, and can supply the maximum amount of steam that can be supplied to the inside of the inner case.

[0501] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, so that the steam can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 and hot air can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 at the same time, and steam can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 at the same time as hot air is supplied.

[0502] The clothing treatment device of the present invention initially drives the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously to quickly heat the water inside the steam generator 810 and generate steam preferentially. After that, when steam is generated, the clothing treatment device of the present invention drives only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to maintain the temperature of the water at the boiling point or the like and continue to generate steam.

[0503] In this case, after the steam is generated, the amount of steam injected is reduced compared to when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously.

[0504] The clothing treatment device of the present invention adjusts the amount of steam supplied by driving only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842. Therefore, even for materials that are sensitive to moisture and temperature, such as silk or cashmere, only a small amount of steam is supplied to perform a sufficient refreshing process.

[0505] When supplying steam to the inside of the inner case, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can use only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842, thereby reducing the amount of power consumption required for supplying steam.

[0506] In addition, the clothes treating device of the present invention can quickly increase the temperature inside the inner case by driving the compressor 342 when supplying steam. As a result, the clothes treating device of the present invention can quickly complete the drying process for removing moisture from wet clothes, and the refreshing process for sterilizing, deodorizing, and removing wrinkles from clothes.

[0507] FIG. 21(a) shows one embodiment of a method for controlling a clothes processing device of the present invention.

[0508] When the refreshing course or standard course that performs the refreshing process is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a steam preparation step (A1) of driving a steam heater to heat water, and when the water is heated and steam is generated during the steam preparation step (A1), a steam injection step (A2) of supplying the steam to clothing.

[0509] Generally, the refreshing step is intended to supply moisture to dry clothes, and therefore requires a large amount of steam to be sprayed onto the clothes.

[0510] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously in both the steam preparation step (A1) and the steam injection step (A2).

[0511] In the steam preparation step (A1) and the steam injection step (A2), the compressor 342 may not be driven in consideration of the allowable power amount.

[0512] The laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a waiting step (A3) to provide time for the laundry to absorb moisture with the supplied steam.

[0513] If the standby step (A3) is performed for a predetermined time, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a cooling step (A4) in which the surface temperature of the clothing is further lowered and only the blower fan is operated before the compressor is started, thereby preventing heat damage to the clothing.

[0514] When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 decreases and the moisture content of the clothes is sufficient, the clothes treating device of the present invention performs a drying step (A5) by driving at least one of the compressor 342 and the blower fan 351.

[0515] The drying step (A5) dries the moisture contained in the clothes and refreshes the clothes by deodorizing the clothes, removing wrinkles, etc. The drying step (A5) is formed to have the longest duration of all the steps performed previously.

[0516] Meanwhile, in the steam injection step (A2), the compressor cannot be driven and hot air cannot be supplied, so that the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat supply unit 400 are relatively low until the drying step (A5) is reached.

[0517] Therefore, in the above-mentioned control method, the drying step (A5) is continued for a relatively long period of time, so that the refreshing performance including any one of complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of the clothes can be guaranteed.

[0518] FIG. 21(b) shows another embodiment of the method for controlling a clothes processing device of the present invention.

[0519] However, since the clothing treatment device of the present invention is provided with multiple heaters as described above, some of the heaters and compressors can be driven simultaneously.

[0520] For example, since the steam heater 840 includes the first heater 841 and the second heater 842, one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor can be driven simultaneously. Using this, the refresh process can be performed in a different manner.

[0521] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can quickly raise the temperature inside the inner case 200 before the drying stage by simultaneously driving the heater and compressor before the drying stage, and can more quickly ensure the temperature and time required for complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of clothing.

[0522] As a result, the duration of the drying step can be reduced compared to before. Also, the duration of the drying step is set to be the longest in the refresh step. By reducing the duration of the drying step, the duration of the entire refresh step can be significantly reduced. Also, by reducing the drive time of the compressor, the energy efficiency can be significantly increased.

[0523] When any course of refreshing or caring for clothes is performed, the clothes treatment device of the present invention performs a steam preparation step (b1) of driving all of the steam heaters 840 to supply steam to the clothes.

[0524] In the steam preparation step (b1), the control unit 700 can drive all the heaters of the steam heater 840 since the refresh process time can be reduced as the steam is generated faster.

[0525] In other words, in the steam preparation step (B1), the control unit 700 heats water using the maximum power of the steam heater 840.

[0526] When the steam heater 840 includes the first heater 841 and the second heater 842, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously to heat water.

[0527] In the steam preparation step (B1), if the detection device 860 detects that steam is generated inside the steam case 810, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a preheating step (B2) in which only a portion of the steam heater 840 is driven.

[0528] That is, after steam is generated in the steam case 810, even if only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is driven, the steam is continuously generated and supplied to the inner case 200.

[0529] In the pre-heating step (B2), the control unit 700 may drive only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to supply heat to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0530] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200 by the steam from the pre-heating step (B2) and increase the moisture content of the clothing. Also, since only a portion of the steam heater 840 is used in the pre-heating step (B2), it is possible to secure an extra amount of electricity.

[0531] In the pre-heating step (B2), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can drive at least one of the compressor 342 and the blower fan 351. As a result, hot air is also supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0532] As a result, in at least a portion of the preheating step (B2), the compressor 342, the blower fan 351, and the steam heater 840 may be driven together in an overlapping manner.

[0533] In the pre-heating step (B2), one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously. Steam and hot air are supplied into the inner case 200 at the same time.

[0534] When either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be increased from the beginning of the refresh cycle, and hotter air is introduced into the evaporator 341. As a result, the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 341 is enhanced, and the condenser 343 is heated to a higher temperature. Thus, hot air of a higher temperature is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, and the inside of the inner case 200 can quickly reach the optimum temperature or the minimum temperature required for the refresh cycle. Therefore, the execution time of the refresh cycle can be significantly shortened thereafter.

[0535] Also, the overall coefficient of performance (cop) of the heat supply section 340 is increased.

[0536] The pre-heating step (B2) includes at least one of a period in which either one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously and a period in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0537] For example, in the pre-heating step (B2), there is not only a section in which the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, but also a section in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0538] However, it is preferable that the section where only the compressor 342 is driven is disposed after the section where the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 are driven.

[0539] This is because it is more advantageous for driving the heat supply unit 340 to supply air with high heat capacity to the evaporator 341 before driving the compressor 342. That is, when the steam is supplied to the inner case 200 by the steam heater 840, not only the temperature inside the inner case 200 increases but also the absolute humidity increases, and the air with high heat capacity comes into contact with the evaporator 341.

[0540] Specifically, the pre-heating 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.

[0541] The first section supplies hot air and steam to the inner case 200, thereby increasing the temperature inside the inner case 200 and the heat of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320.

[0542] The second section allows hot air to be fully supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, thereby satisfying the minimum temperature conditions for refreshing the clothes, such as deodorizing, removing wrinkles, and sterilizing.

[0543] In the preheating section (B2), the first heater 841 is driven. 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 temperature inside the inner case 200 and the heat amount of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 can be further increased.

[0544] Alternatively, in the preheating section (B2), the second heater 841 is driven.

[0545] Therefore, the pre-heating section (B2) gradually increases the temperature inside the inner case 200 and can stably maintain the increased temperature for a longer period of time, thereby ensuring the time required for sterilization and the like.

[0546] It also prevents the clothes from being deformed due to moisture at high humidity.

[0547] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is configured to stop operating the steam heater 840 when the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises rapidly or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 exceeds a limit temperature in the preheating section (B2).

[0548] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is configured to repeatedly drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 during the preheating section (B2). That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant approaches or exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 700 can stop driving the driven steam heater 840, and when the temperature of the refrigerant reaches a safety temperature lower than the limit temperature, the control unit 700 can repeatedly drive the steam heater 840 again. Also, when the internal temperature of the inner case approaches or exceeds the target temperature, the control unit 700 can stop driving the driven steam heater 840, and when the internal temperature reaches a cooling temperature lower than the target temperature, the control unit 700 can repeatedly drive the steam heater 840 again.

[0549] Meanwhile, even if the steam heater 840 is driven intermittently, the purpose of the preheating section (B2) is to quickly increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200, so the time during which the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven is set longer than the time during which the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are stopped.

[0550] The pre-heating section (B2) is performed for a predetermined time and is terminated when the internal temperature of the inner case or the temperature of the refrigerant is maintained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time or more.

[0551] When the preheating section (B2) is completed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a steam injection step (B3) of fully supplying steam to the inside of 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.

[0552] Since the steam injection step (B3) is performed while the clothes hung in the inner case 200 are heated to a predetermined level in the pre-heating step (B2), the moisture content of the clothes increases significantly.

[0553] The steam injection step (B3) is performed for a shorter period than the steam injection step (A2) without the previous pre-heating step (B2) because the amount of steam to be further supplied is set to be smaller since a certain level of steam has already been supplied in the pre-heating step (B2).

[0554] The steam injection step (B3) is terminated when a guaranteed time has elapsed for the clothes to be sufficiently moistened.

[0555] When the steam injection step (B3) is completed, a drying step (B6) is performed to dry the clothes with hot air. However, when the steam injection step (B3) is completed, a waiting step (B4) may be performed first to wait a predetermined time to ensure that the steam injected into the inner case 200 has time to permeate the entire clothes.

[0556] The standby step (B4) is a state in which the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 are not driven.

[0557] The standby step (B4) prevents the steam injected into the inner case from evaporating immediately before being absorbed into the clothes, and prevents damage to the clothes caused by a sudden increase in surface temperature due to further supply of hot air when the surface temperature of the clothes has already been increased by the steam.

[0558] 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 supplied when the temperature inside the inner case 200 is not below a safe temperature, the temperature inside the inner case 200 will rise above the limit temperature, damaging the clothes.

[0559] 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 control unit 700 drives the blower fan 352 but stops the compressor 342 and the steam heater 340.

[0560] In the cooling step (B5), the air inside the inner case 200 is circulated along the circulation duct 200 and cooled.

[0561] When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 falls below a safe temperature or the cooling step (B5) has been performed for a required time, the cooling step (B5) is terminated.

[0562] The laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a drying step (B6) of supplying hot air to the laundry until the moisture content of the laundry falls below a predetermined level.

[0563] The control unit 700 recognizes that the moisture content has decreased to a predetermined level or lower by detecting the temperature inside the inner case 200 or the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0564] For example, when the moisture content of the clothes is high, the temperature of the clothes re-entering the circulation duct 320 due to the heat of vaporization does not increase or does not increase rapidly even if the drying step (B6) is performed.

[0565] However, when most of the clothes are dried and the moisture content is below a certain level, the heat of vaporization is small, so the temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 rises rapidly and finally corresponds to the temperature of the hot air.

[0566] This is because the temperature of the refrigerant also follows a similar pattern to the temperature of the refrigerant entering the circulation duct 320 .

[0567] When the control unit 700 detects that the moisture content of the clothes is low, the clothes are sufficiently dry, and the minimum time required for refreshing has elapsed, the control unit 700 ends the drying step (B6).

[0568] Alternatively, the control unit 700 may terminate the drying step (B6) when the time during which the clothes are exposed to the minimum drying temperature condition or above reaches a minimum time or above.

[0569] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can significantly reduce the duration of the drying step (B6) by further placing a pre-heating step (B2) before the drying step (B6) and increasing the overall time for the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to reach or exceed the minimum temperature condition.

[0570] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention continuously maintains the compressor 342 in a stopped state from when the compressor 342 is operated in the preheating section (B2) until before the drying step (B6) is performed.

[0571] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the capacity of the heater is optimally determined when a plurality of steam heaters 840 are provided will be described.

[0572] As described above, the control unit 700 is configured to control the heat supply unit 340 and the steam supply unit 800 to operate within the allowable power amount and to perform any course for treating the clothes.

[0573] The driving power of the compressor 342, the sum of the driving power of the first heater 841 and the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to be larger than the allowable power amount.

[0574] The sum of the driving power of the compressor 342 and the driving power of the first heater 841 is set to be smaller than the allowable power amount, and when the sum of the driving power of the compressor 342 and the driving power of the second heater 841 is set to be smaller than the allowable power amount, the specifications of the compressor 342, the first heater 841, and the second heater 842 may be set in various ways.

[0575] The driving power of the compressor 342 is defined as the amount of power required when the compressor 342 is driven at maximum rpm, and is determined according to any one of the individual specifications of the compressor 342 .

[0576] The driving power of the first heater 841 is defined as the amount of power required to drive the first heater 841 and is determined according to any one of the individual specifications of the first heater 841 .

[0577] The driving power of the second heater 842 is defined as the amount of power required to drive the second heater 842 and is determined according to any one of the individual specifications of the second heater 842 .

[0578] The driving power of the compressor 342 is determined as an amount of power that can remove all the moisture contained in the clothes within an allowable time when the control unit 700 executes the arbitrary course.

[0579] The driving power of the second heater 842 is set to be smaller than the driving power of the first heater 841. A criterion for determining the driving power of the first heater 841 and a minimum criterion for determining the driving power of the second heater 842 are required.

[0580] The first heater 841 or the second heater 842 can be operated without any problem no matter what driving power is used, so long as the driving power is equal to or smaller than the allowable power amount minus the driving power of the compressor.

[0581] However, if the driving power of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is set too small, the amount of heat and moisture required to perform the arbitrary course cannot be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0582] Furthermore, if the driving power of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is set to be excessively large, the amount of heat and moisture required to perform the arbitrary course is excessively supplied to the inner case 200 .

[0583] Since the second heater 842 is set to have a smaller driving power than the first heater 841, it is first necessary to determine the optimum driving power for the second heater 842.

[0584] Figures 22 and 23 show an embodiment in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on temperature and water usage. Referring to Figure 22, the time required for the steam heater to reach a predetermined temperature when driven with various specifications is shown.

[0585] During the course of performing a given cycle, the control unit 700 uses the steam heater 840 to increase the moisture content of the clothes and raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200. However, since the inner case 200 is sealed, the moisture content of the clothes will be sufficiently high during the execution of the cycle, regardless of the driving power of the steam heater 840. Therefore, the steam heater 840 needs to ensure a minimum driving power that raises the internal temperature of the inner case 200 above a set temperature.

[0586] The set temperature is defined as the minimum temperature at which wrinkles and creases in the clothes can be removed, and the target temperature (T) is defined as a temperature higher than the set temperature that evaporates the moisture contained in the clothes and eradicates bacteria, mites, etc. on the clothes.

[0587] For example, the set temperature is defined as 37° C. or higher, and the target temperature (T) is defined as 60° C. or higher.

[0588] The driving power of the second heater 842 is set to a value that increases the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to at least a target temperature (T) or higher.

[0589] On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises to the target temperature (T) by driving the second heater 842, and the target temperature is reached slowly, an excessively long time passes during the course, and energy efficiency decreases.

[0590] Therefore, the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to a target temperature or higher before the delay time (t7). The delay time is determined as the average time that the steam heater 840 is driven during the given course.

[0591] For example, the delay time (t7) is set within 40 minutes. When the allowable power of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is set to 1500W to 1600W, the driving power of the second heater 842 is determined to be in the range of 400W to 900W, taking into consideration the driving power of the first heater 841 and the driving power of the compressor 342. Referring to FIG. 22, when the second heater 842 is provided with a specification to be driven at a first power (IW), a specification to be driven at a second power (II W) higher than the first power, a specification to be driven at a third power (III W) higher than the second power, a specification to be driven at a fourth power (IV W) higher than the third power, a specification to be driven at a fifth power (VW) higher than the fourth power, or a specification to be driven at a sixth power (VI W) higher than the fifth power, the temperature inside the inner case 200 increases with time.

[0592] It can be confirmed that no matter which power the second heater 842 is driven at among the first power (IW) to the sixth power (VIW), the internal temperature of the inner case 200 always reaches the target temperature (T).

[0593] However, when the second heater 842 is provided with a specification to be driven at the first power (IW), the inside of the inner case 200 reaches the target temperature beyond the delay time, and it can be confirmed that the inside of the inner case 200 reaches the target temperature (T) within the delay time (t7) from when it is provided with a specification to be driven at the second power (II W) or higher.

[0594] Therefore, it is considered that the second heater 842 is preferably provided with a specification for being driven at least with the second power (II W) or more.

[0595] FIG. 23 shows the time and amount of water used to reach the predetermined temperature when the second heater 842 is driven in various specifications.

[0596] It can be seen that the time required to reach the target temperature decreases as the driving power of the second heater 842 increases. For example, when the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the first power (IW), it takes the longest time to reach the target temperature.

[0597] For example, when the driving power of the second heater 842 is determined by the specifications of the first power (IW), an overtime (t5) is required.

[0598] For example, the first power (IW) corresponds to 400W.

[0599] Moreover, the excess time (t5) is set to 40 minutes or more, for example, 46 minutes.

[0600] The excess time (t5) is a time that is longer than the delay time (t4) and causes a course delay.

[0601] When the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the second power (II W), it takes a delay time (t4) that is shorter than the overtime (t5) to reach the target temperature.

[0602] For example, the second power (II W) corresponds to 500 W.

[0603] Moreover, the delay time (t4) is set to within 40 minutes, for example, 35 minutes.

[0604] Therefore, since the driving power of the second heater 842 is the second power (II W), no delay in the course occurs and the heater enters an appropriate specification range. When the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the third power (III W), it takes a stabilization time (t3) that is shorter than the delay time (t4) to reach the target temperature.

[0605] For example, the third power (III W) corresponds to 600 W.

[0606] The stabilization time (t3) is also set to within 40 minutes, for example, 28 minutes.

[0607] When the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the fourth power (IV W), it takes an economical time (t2) shorter than the safe time (t3) to reach the target temperature.

[0608] For example, the fourth power (IV W) corresponds to 700W.

[0609] In addition, the economical time (t2) is set to 40 minutes or less, for example, 25 minutes. When the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the fifth power (VW), it takes a quick time (t1) shorter than the economical time (t2) to reach the target temperature.

[0610] For example, the fifth power (VW) corresponds to 800W.

[0611] In addition, the rapid time (t1) is set to 40 minutes or less, for example, 23 minutes. When the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the sixth power (VI), it takes a shortened time (t0) shorter than the rapid time (t1) to reach the target temperature.

[0612] For example, the fifth power (VW) corresponds to 800W.

[0613] Moreover, the shortened time (t0) is set to 40 minutes or less, for example, 21 minutes.

[0614] It can be seen that the higher the specification of the driving power of the second heater 842, the shorter the time required to reach the target temperature.

[0615] However, the time to reach the target temperature (T) does not decrease in proportion to the increase in the specification of the driving power of the second heater 842. For example, the difference between the delay time (T4) and the stable time (T3) is smaller than the difference between the overtime (T5) and the delay time (T4).

[0616] Moreover, the difference between the stable time (T3) and the economic time (T2) is smaller than the difference between the delay time (T4) and the stable time (T3).

[0617] Further, the difference between the economic time (T2) and the rapid time (T1) is smaller than the difference between the stable time (T3) and the economic time (T2).

[0618] In this way, it is expected that as the driving power of the second heater 842 increases, the time to reach the target temperature becomes shorter and the amount of water consumption will decrease accordingly; however, since the time to reach the target temperature does not decrease in proportion to the difference in driving power, the amount of water consumption does not decrease continuously.

[0619] Basically, no matter what driving power the second heater 842 is driven with, the target temperature (T) cannot be reached unless the driving is maintained for 20 minutes or more.

[0620] In other words, it is believed that the higher the driving power of the second heater 842, the faster the target temperature is reached, and therefore the amount of water used tends to decrease. However, as the driving power of the second heater 842 increases, the amount of steam generated per unit time increases, and the driving time is also maintained for a predetermined time or longer, so that a larger amount of steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that the higher the driving power of the second heater 842, the less amount of water is required to raise the temperature inside the inner case 200 to the target temperature.

[0621] In summary, the second heater 842 must be set to a specification that uses water not exceeding the allowable value and raises the temperature inside the inner case 200 to the target temperature. The allowable value is set to an amount of water that allows at least five cycles to be performed when the water supply bucket 30 is filled with water to the maximum. For example, the allowable value is set to 440 g or less.

[0622] 23, as the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to be gradually higher, such as the first power (IW), the second power (IIW), and the third power (IIIW), the amount of water usage decreases to excessive (A3), medium (A2), and small (A1). This can be interpreted as meaning that as the driving power of the second heater 842 is higher, a larger amount of steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, and the internal temperature of the inner case 200 increases more quickly, thereby decreasing the overall amount of water usage.

[0623] The small amount (A1) and the medium amount (A2) are defined as the amount of water used that ensures that the course is performed more than the target number of times, taking into consideration the volume of the water supply bottle. For example, the target number of times is defined as 4 times or more. However, when the driving power of the second heater 842 is set to the fourth power (IV W), the fifth power (VW), or the sixth power (VI W) that is higher than the third power (III W), the water usage gradually increases to the medium amount (A2), the excessive amount (A3), and the excessive amount (A4).

[0624] For example, the excessive amount (A3) is set to 460 g, the medium amount (A2) to 430 to 440 g, and the appropriate amount (A1) to 420 g.

[0625] This is interpreted as meaning that as the driving power of the second heater 842 is set higher, more steam can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 and the target temperature can be reached more quickly, but the amount of steam generated per unit time becomes too much and water consumption actually increases.

[0626] Therefore, it is optimal for the second heater 842 to be set at a driving power of not less than the second power (II W) and not more than the fourth power (IV W), taking into consideration both the time required to reach the target temperature and the amount of water used.

[0627] That is, the second heater 842 is designed to have an optimum driving power that allows the second heater 842 to reach the target temperature in the shortest possible time and minimizes the amount of water used.

[0628] The optimal driving power of the second heater 842, which can prevent delays in the course using the smallest amount of water possible and also save energy, is considered to be the third power (III V). However, taking into consideration the environment in which the clothing treatment device is placed, the amount of power supplied, and the weight and material of the clothing placed inside the inner case 200, the optimal driving power of the second heater 842 is determined to be within the range of the first to fourth powers.

[0629] The optimum driving power of the first heater 841 is determined to be within the range of the second to fourth powers, taking into consideration the standard of the second heater 842 .

[0630] Differently, the driving power of the first heater 841 is determined to be equal to or smaller than the allowable power amount minus the driving power of the second heater.

[0631] For example, the driving power of the first heater 841 is set to a seventh power that is set higher than the sixth power to an eighth power that is set higher than the seventh power.

[0632] For example, the driving power of the first heater 841 is set in the range of 800w to 1100w.

[0633] For example, when the allowable power is 1500 W and the driving power of the second heater 842 is determined to be 600 W, the driving power of the first heater 841 is determined to be 900 W. In addition, the driving power of the first heater 841 is determined to be 880 W with an error of about 20 W so as not to exceed the allowable power when the second heater 842 is driven together.

[0634] Meanwhile, the specifications of the steam heater 840 of the clothes treating device of the present invention are determined according to standards different from the above-mentioned water usage amount and temperature conditions.

[0635] 24 and 25 show an embodiment in which the specifications of the steam heater are determined based on the dehumidification amount of the heat supply section.

[0636] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the specifications of the steam heater 840 are determined based on the dehumidification performance or dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341.

[0637] The main purpose of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is not the drying process for removing moisture contained in the clothing, but rather to perform a refreshing process such as deodorizing, removing wrinkles, and sterilizing the clothing.

[0638] The refreshing process is a process in which moisture is supplied to clothes with a low moisture content to increase the moisture content, the moisture is evaporated, foreign matter, odorous substances, dust, etc. attached to the clothes are removed, the fibers constituting the clothes are arranged in the right direction, and wrinkles are removed.

[0639] Therefore, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the driving power of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is set so as to generate an amount of steam greater than the dehumidification amount of the heat supply unit 340.

[0640] Therefore, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the specifications of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are determined so that the sum of the amount of steam generated from the first heater 841 and the amount of steam generated from the second heater 842 is greater than the amount of dehumidification condensed in the evaporator 341.

[0641] As a result, when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven, it is possible to ensure that the internal humidity of the inner case 200 and the moisture content of the clothes are always high.

[0642] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the first heater 841 can be used to increase both the temperature and the relative humidity inside the inner case 200, and the second heater 842 can be used to increase the temperature inside the inner case 200 in a concentrated manner while maintaining or even decreasing the relative humidity inside the inner case 200.

[0643] As a result, for a sterilization course or the like in which maintaining the temperature inside the inner case 200 is important and excessive moisture supply is not required, one or more of the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven, and for a standard course or a refresh course in which the temperature inside the inner case 200 is raised to increase the moisture content of the clothes, one or more of the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 can be driven.

[0644] Referring to FIG. 24( a ), the first heater 841 is provided so that the amount of steam generated is greater than the amount of dehumidification condensed in the evaporator 341 .

[0645] Specifically, the first heater 841 is provided so that the average amount of steam generated per minute is greater than the average amount of dehumidification per minute of the evaporator.

[0646] Alternatively, the first heater 841 is provided such that the maximum amount of steam that can be generated is greater than the maximum amount of dehumidification of the evaporator that can condense moisture.

[0647] When the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, the first heater 841 generates steam and the steam is introduced into the inner case 200, and the evaporator 341 condenses moisture from the air introduced into the inner case 200.

[0648] However, since the amount of steam injected from the first heater 841 is greater than the amount of dehumidification from the evaporator 341, a part of the steam or moisture is discharged from the exhaust hole 232.

[0649] 24(b), the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are simultaneously driven to supply hot air and steam into the inner case 200. When the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are subsequently stopped, moisture (S) remains inside the inner case 200, and the moisture content of the clothes (L) increases.

[0650] As a result, when the compressor 342 and the first heater 841 are simultaneously driven for more than a predetermined time, the humidity inside the inner case increases.

[0651] Naturally, if the compressor 342, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are simultaneously driven for more than a predetermined time, the humidity inside the inner case increases.

[0652] For this reason, the driving power of the first heater 841 is determined to be in the range of 800 to 1100 w.

[0653] Referring to FIG. 25(a), the second heater 842 is provided so that the amount of steam generated is equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification of the evaporator.

[0654] Specifically, the second heater 842 is configured such that the average steam generation amount per minute is equal to or less than the average dehumidification amount per minute of the evaporator.

[0655] Alternatively, the second heater 842 is configured such that the maximum steam production is equal to or less than the maximum dehumidification rate of the evaporator.

[0656] In addition, the average steam generation amount of the second heater 842 is set to be smaller than the average dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341 .

[0657] When the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, the first heater 842 generates steam and the steam is introduced into the inner case 200, and the evaporator 341 condenses moisture from the air introduced into the inner case 200.

[0658] However, since the amount of steam injected from the second heater 842 is greater than the amount of dehumidification from the evaporator 341, only hot air from which moisture has been removed is discharged from the exhaust hole 232.

[0659] 25(b), the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are simultaneously driven to supply hot air and steam into the inner case 200. After that, when the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are stopped being driven, the inside of the inner case 200 is dried and no moisture (S) remains. Also, the moisture content of the clothes (L) is reduced or at least partially dried.

[0660] As a result, when the compressor 342 and the second heater 842 are simultaneously driven for a predetermined time or longer, the humidity inside the inner case 200 is maintained or decreased.

[0661] As described above, the standard of the dehumidification amount that determines the specification of the second heater 842 is set to the dehumidification amount dehumidified from the evaporator 341 when a specific course is proceeding.

[0662] For example, the clothes treatment device may be equipped to perform a drying course in addition to the refreshing course described above.

[0663] Specifically, the refresh course corresponds to a course in which the clothes are de-wrinkled, deodorized, sterilized, and dried in the process of supplying steam to the clothes and then drying them again.

[0664] When the refresh course is performed, the control unit performs a control method as shown in FIG.

[0665] The control unit can stop driving the compressor during the refresh course in the injection stage in which steam is injected into the inner case in earnest, the standby stage in which neither steam nor hot air is supplied into the inside of the inner case, and the cooling stage in which only the blower fan is driven.

[0666] Since the purpose of the refresh cycle is to process clothes that are not wet or clothes with a moisture content of 50% or less, the control unit can provide a section for stopping the supply of the steam or hot air to prevent the clothes from being thermally damaged.

[0667] However, the drying course corresponds to a course for processing wet clothes or clothes with a moisture content of 50% or more.

[0668] In the drying course, the main purpose is to dry the clothes, so once hot air is supplied to the clothes, it must be continued until the clothes are completely dried. If the supply of hot air is stopped, the drying process is delayed accordingly, and additional energy is required to supply hot air again.

[0669] Therefore, when the drying course is performed, the control unit drives the compressor 342 to generate hot air, and maintains the operation of the compressor 342 until the drying course ends or the drying of the clothes is completed.

[0670] Therefore, the drying course is different from the refreshing course in that the waiting and cooling steps are omitted.

[0671] Of course, the laundry treatment device of the present invention includes the steam preparation step (B1) and the preheating step (B2) in the drying course, so that the temperature inside the inner case is quickly raised to a temperature higher than the temperature at which the laundry is dried in the drying course.

[0672] As a result, the drying course is set to perform only the drying step (B6), and to perform the steam preparation step (B1), the preheating step (B2), and the drying step (B6), but omit the steam injection step (B3), the waiting step (B4), and the cooling step (B5).

[0673] The specifications of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 are determined based on the drying course.

[0674] For example, the specification of the second heater 842 is determined based on the amount of moisture removed from the evaporator 842 during the time the drying course is performed.

[0675] Specifically, the second heater 842 is provided so that the amount of steam generated in the drying course is equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification of the evaporator 341 in the drying course.

[0676] Alternatively, the second heater 842 is arranged such that the average steam production per minute during the drying course is equal to or less than the average moisture removal per minute of the evaporator during the drying course.

[0677] Alternatively, the second heater 842 is provided such that the maximum steam generation amount in the drying course is equal to or less than the maximum dehumidification amount of the evaporator in the drying course.

[0678] Alternatively, the average steam generation amount of the second heater 842 in the drying course is set to be smaller than the average dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341.

[0679] Meanwhile, since the drying course is performed until the clothes are completely dried, the execution time of the drying course becomes longer when there is a large amount of clothes. In this case, the amount of dehumidification from the evaporator 342 increases, so it is difficult to determine the specifications of the second heater 842 based on the dehumidification amount. Therefore, the second heater 842 is determined based on the amount of dehumidification from the evaporator 342 when the drying course is performed for a reference time. Thus, the amount of steam generated by the second heater 842 is set to be equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification from the evaporator 342 when the drying course is performed for a reference time.

[0680] For example, the reference time is set to within or outside 40 minutes. For example, the reference time is set to 45 minutes.

[0681] The dehumidification amount of the evaporator 342 is set on the assumption that a sufficient amount of moisture to be dehumidified exists inside the inner case 200 for the reference time.

[0682] The amount of steam generated by the second heater 842 during a reference time in the drying course is set to be smaller than the amount of dehumidification by the evaporator 341 during a reference time in the drying course.

[0683] When determining the specifications of the second heater 842 based on the dehumidification amount, the method and standard for measuring the dehumidification amount must be clear.

[0684] The dehumidification amount is defined as the amount of water condensed in the evaporator 341 when the compressor 342 is driven.

[0685] For example, the dehumidification amount is measured by the amount of water condensed in the evaporator 341 when the compressor 342 is driven during the drying course.

[0686] The dehumidification amount is defined based on the amount of weight reduction of the clothes hung during a predetermined time or during the execution time of any course.

[0687] For example, in the dry course, the dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341 is measured based on the weight of the clothes reduced during the dry course.

[0688] The weight of the clothes is detected by the control unit 700 based on changes in the driving frequency or driving RPM of the moving hanger 1000, the amount of power, and the like.

[0689] The dehumidification amount is measured based on the amount of water lost in the water supply tub 30 during a predetermined period of time or during the execution of an arbitrary course of time.

[0690] The dehumidification amount is measured based on the amount of water condensed in the evaporator 341 and collected in the water collection section or the drain tank 40 during a predetermined time or during an arbitrary course execution time.

[0691] In addition, the specifications of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are determined to be within a predetermined range based on the dehumidification amount of the evaporator in any refreshment course other than the drying course performed by the control unit 700. The refreshment course is generally broadly divided into a basic course and a strong course.

[0692] The basic course includes the standard course or the boiling course, and the strong course corresponds to a course that processes clothes more quickly than the basic course.

[0693] The basic course is a course in which the drive rpm of the compressor 342 is driven at a basic rpm, such as the standard course, and the powerful course is a course in which the drive rpm of the compressor 342 is driven at a more powerful rpm that is higher than the basic rpm, as in the basic course.

[0694] The basic course refers to all courses in which the compressor 342 is driven at a basic rpm, and the basic courses are classified in detail according to the time that the compressor 342 is driven, which of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is driven, the amount of steam supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, the steam injection time, etc.

[0695] Also, the strong course is defined as a course in which the average rpm of the compressor 342 driven in the basic course is set higher than the average rpm of the compressor 342 driven in the basic course.

[0696] Also, the strong course is defined as a course in which the maximum rpm of the compressor is set higher than the maximum rpm of the compressor 342 driven in the basic course.

[0697] Also, the strong course is defined as a course in which the duration of the compressor 342 is set longer than the duration of the compressor 342 operating in the basic course.

[0698] Also, the powerful course is defined as a course that drives the compressor 342 with a higher output than the output that drives the compressor 342 in the basic course.

[0699] For example, the standard course is a course in which the compressor 342 is driven at the base rpm and either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven simultaneously, and the boiling course is a course in which the compressor 842 is driven at the base rpm and the second heater 842 is driven simultaneously.

[0700] In the boiling / washing course, the second heater 842 is driven intermittently and repeatedly.

[0701] This is because the boiling course maintains the internal temperature of the inner case 200 at the sterilization temperature for a long period of time, preventing excessive moisture from being supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 and preventing overloading of the compressor 342.

[0702] The strong course means all courses in which the compressor 342 is driven at a strong rpm, and the strong course is also classified in detail according to the time that the compressor 342 is driven, which of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is driven, the amount of steam supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, the steam injection time, etc.

[0703] Of course, each of the basic course and the powerful course may be defined as one particular course.

[0704] As a result, the basic course is a course in which normal hot air is supplied to the inside of the inner case, while the powerful course is a course in which hotter air than the basic course is supplied to the inside of the inner case, and which is seen as a course that processes clothes more quickly than the basic course.

[0705] Meanwhile, in all the courses corresponding to the basic course, the driving rpm of the compressor 342 is the same, so the amount of dehumidification dehumidified by the evaporator 341 is similar.

[0706] In addition, all the courses equivalent to the strong course have the same driving rpm of the compressor 342, so the dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341 is similar. The dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341 in the strong course is larger than the dehumidification amount of the evaporator 341 in the basic course.

[0707] At least one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is provided with a specification such that the amount of steam generated in the basic course corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0708] For example, the amount of steam generated by the second heater 842 is determined to be 80 to 120% based on the amount of dehumidification by the evaporator 841 in the basic course.

[0709] For example, the second heater 842 is determined to have a specification such that the steam injection amount reaches a range of 80 to 120% based on the dehumidification amount of the evaporator 841 in the preheating section (B2) during the execution of the refresh course.

[0710] The preheating section (B2) is a section in which the compressor 342 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously, so that the dehumidification amount and the steam injection amount generated by the second heater 842 can be intuitively compared.

[0711] For example, the second heater 842 corresponds to a specification of 450 to 700 W, specifically, a specification equivalent to 600 W.

[0712] At least one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is provided with a specification such that the amount of steam generated in the strong course corresponds to 110 to 150% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

[0713] For example, the amount of steam generated by the first heater 841 is determined to be 110 to 150% based on the dehumidification amount of the evaporator 841 in the strong course. For example, the first heater 841 is determined to have a specification of 800 to 1000 W, such as 800 W or 950 W.

[0714] FIG. 26 shows one embodiment of the optimum driving method for the steam heater.

[0715] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven simultaneously with the compressor 342 .

[0716] Referring to FIG. 26(a), when the compressor 342 is driven during at least a portion of the course, the control unit 700 drives either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 in an intermittent and repeated manner.

[0717] The control unit 700 may drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 intermittently and repeatedly throughout the entire period in which the compressor 342 is driven, or may drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 intermittently and repeatedly only during a portion of the period in which the compressor 342 is driven.

[0718] When either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven, steam is supplied into the inner case 200, causing the internal temperature to rise, and the temperature of the air flowing into the evaporator 341 also rises. Thus, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 342 also rises, and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 also rises.

[0719] As a result, the pressure inside the compressor 342 also increases, and the compressor 342 is subjected to an excessive load.

[0720] In addition, when the refrigerant is R290 or CO2 having a larger heat capacity than R-139, if the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or discharged from the compressor 342 becomes high, the reliability of the compressor 342 decreases.

[0721] In summary, when the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 is low, the control unit 700 continuously drives either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842. However, when the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 rises rapidly or reaches a limit temperature that threatens the reliability of the compressor 342, the control unit 700 intermittently drives the first heater 841 or the second heater 842. That is, the control unit 700 drives the compressor 342 and repeatedly turns on and off either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842.

[0722] That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or discharged from the compressor 342 reaches a limit temperature while the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are simultaneously operating, the control unit 700 alternately drives the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 intermittently.

[0723] As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 does not exceed the limit temperature, and the compressor 342 operates continuously. Therefore, the compressor 342 can ensure reliability in the entire course and prevent delays in the course.

[0724] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously with the compressor 342 in order to rapidly increase at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the inner case 200. Therefore, referring to Fig. 26(b), when the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven intermittently, the driving time is set to be longer than the driving stop time.

[0725] Meanwhile, the control unit 700 controls the operation of the steam heater 840 according to the temperature inside the inner case 200 .

[0726] Specifically, when the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches a target temperature while the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 842 are simultaneously driven, the control unit 700 drives the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 intermittently and alternately.

[0727] As a result, the temperature inside the inner case 200 is prevented from overheating above the target temperature, preventing thermal damage to the clothes, and the target temperature is maintained for a period of time before the clothes are thermally damaged, thereby eradicating bacteria and mites present on the clothes.

[0728] The sterilization time is set to 10 minutes or more.

[0729] The temperature inside the inner case 200 corresponds to the temperature at the top of the inner case 200 on which the moving hanger 1000 is hung, or corresponds to the temperature of the air flowing from the inner case 200 into the circulation duct 310 .

[0730] The control unit 700 may drive the moving hanger 1000 simultaneously when the compressor 342, the first heater 841, or the second heater 842 is driven.

[0731] The control unit 700 may change the driving frequency of the moving hanger 1000 according to the amount of steam supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 and drive the moving hanger 1000 .

[0732] For example, the control unit 700 may drive the moving hanger 1000 faster when the first heater 841 is driven than when the second heater 842 is driven, thereby allowing the clothes to be more uniformly exposed to steam.

[0733] 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.

[0734] [Invention as claimed in the international patent application] [Claim 1] A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet for housing clothing; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit configured to control the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit and perform any course of treating the garment; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air; a condenser for heating the dehumidified air; a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser, The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; The first heater is configured to generate a larger amount of steam than the dehumidification amount of the evaporator, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second heater is configured to generate an amount of steam equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification of the evaporator. [Claim 2] The first heater is configured to generate steam at an average rate per minute that is greater than the average rate at which the evaporator removes moisture at an average rate per minute; The clothing treatment device of claim 1, wherein the second heater is configured to generate an average amount of steam per minute that is equal to or less than an average amount of dehumidification per minute of the evaporator. [Claim 3] The first heater is configured such that a maximum steam generation rate is greater than a maximum dehumidification rate of the evaporator; The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the second heater is configured so that a maximum amount of steam generated is equal to or less than a maximum amount of dehumidification of the evaporator. [Claim 4] The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that when the compressor and the first heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined period of time or longer, the humidity inside the inner case increases. [Claim 5] The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the internal humidity of the inner case is maintained or decreased when the compressor and the second heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined time or longer. [Claim 6] The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the internal humidity of the inner case is increased when the compressor, the first heater and the second heater are simultaneously driven for a predetermined period of time or longer. [Claim 7] The clothing treatment device according to claim 6, wherein an average amount of steam generated by the second heater is configured to be smaller than an average amount of dehumidification by the evaporator. [Claim 8] A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet for housing clothing; a heat supply unit including: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air; a condenser for heating the dehumidified air; and a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the condenser; a steam supply unit including: a steam case that stores water for generating steam to be supplied to the inner case; and a steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam; a control unit that performs a refresh course in which the compressor and the steam heater are driven to treat clothes and a section is set in which the operation of the compressor is stopped, and a dry course in which at least one of the compressor and the steam heater is driven to treat clothes and, once the operation of the compressor is started, the operation of the compressor is maintained until the course is completed; The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; A second heater that is provided independently of the first heater and heats the water to generate steam; The clothing treatment device is characterized in that the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the refresh course corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator. [Claim 9] The refresh course includes a preheating step of simultaneously driving the first heater or the second heater and the compressor, The clothing processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the preheating stage corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator in the preheating stage. [Claim 10] 9. The clothing processing device according to claim 8, wherein the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the drying course is equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification of the evaporator in the drying course. [Claim 11] The clothing processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated during a reference time in the drying course is equal to or smaller than the dehumidification amount of the evaporator during a reference time in the drying course. [Claim 12] The refresher course includes: A basic course for driving the compressor and the steam heater; a powerful course for driving the compressor at a higher rpm than the basic course; 9. The clothing processing device according to claim 8, wherein the first heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the strong course corresponds to 90 to 150% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator. [Claim 13] 9. The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the second heater is configured to generate less steam than the first heater. [Claim 14] 9. The clothing processing device according to claim 8, wherein the amount of dehumidification is measured based on an amount of weight reduction of the clothing. [Claim 15] The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the amount of dehumidification is measured based on the amount of water condensed in the evaporator. [Claim 16] A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet for housing clothing; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit that controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to perform any course of processing the clothes; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating air discharged from the inner case, an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air, a condenser for heating the dehumidified air, and a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the condenser, The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; The control unit is characterized in that, when the compressor is operating during at least a portion of the execution of the course, it intermittently and repeatedly drives either the first heater or the second heater. [Claim 17] The heat supply unit includes a refrigerant sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the condenser, The clothing processing device of claim 16, characterized in that the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or discharged from the compressor reaches a limit temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven. [Claim 18] Further, a temperature sensor is provided for detecting an internal temperature of the inner case or a temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct, The clothing processing device of claim 17, characterized in that the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater when the temperature reaches a target temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven. [Claim 19] 18. The clothing processing device according to claim 17, wherein when the first heater or the second heater is driven intermittently, the driving time is set to be longer than the time for which the driving is stopped. [Claim 20] A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet for housing clothing; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit that controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to an allowable power amount or less and performs any course of processing the clothes; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying and reheating the air; a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger so as to exchange heat with the air; The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; The clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second heater is configured to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to at least a target temperature. [Claim 21] 21. The clothing processing device according to claim 20, wherein the second heater is set to a specification for raising the internal temperature of the inner case to at least the target temperature before the delay time elapses. [Claim 22] 21. The clothing processing device of claim 20, wherein the second heater is configured to use water not exceeding an allowable value to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to the target temperature. [Claim 23] 21. The clothing processing device according to claim 20, wherein the driving power of the second heater is set between 450W and 700W. [Claim 24] 21. The clothing processing device according to claim 20, wherein the driving power of the first heater is set between 800W and 1100W.

Claims

1. A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet and in which clothing is stored; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit configured to control the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to perform any course of treating the garments; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air; a condenser for heating the dehumidified air; a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser, The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; The first heater is configured to generate a larger amount of steam than a dehumidification amount of the evaporator, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second heater is configured to generate an amount of steam equal to or smaller than the amount of dehumidification of the evaporator.

2. The first heater is configured to generate steam at an average rate per minute that is greater than the average rate at which the evaporator removes moisture at an average rate per minute; The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second heater is configured to generate an average amount of steam per minute that is equal to or less than an average amount of dehumidification per minute of the evaporator.

3. The first heater is configured such that a maximum steam generation rate is greater than a maximum dehumidification rate of the evaporator; The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second heater is configured so that a maximum amount of steam generated is equal to or less than a maximum amount of dehumidification of the evaporator.

4. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the humidity inside the inner case increases when the compressor and the first heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined period of time or longer.

5. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the internal humidity of the inner case is maintained or decreased when the compressor and the second heater are simultaneously operated for a predetermined time or longer.

6. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the humidity inside the inner case increases when the compressor, the first heater, and the second heater are simultaneously driven for a predetermined period of time or longer.

7. The clothing treatment device according to claim 6, wherein an average amount of steam generated by the second heater is configured to be smaller than an average amount of dehumidification by the evaporator.

8. A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet and in which clothing is stored; a heat supply unit including: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air; a condenser for heating the dehumidified air; and a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the condenser; a steam supply unit including a steam case that stores water for generating steam to be supplied to the inner case, and a steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam; a control unit that performs a refresh course in which the compressor and the steam heater are driven to treat clothes and a section in which the operation of the compressor is stopped is set, and a dry course in which at least one of the compressor and the steam heater is driven to treat clothes and, once the operation of the compressor is started, the operation of the compressor is maintained until the course is completed; The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; A second heater that is provided independently of the first heater and heats the water to generate steam; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the refresh course corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

9. The refresh course includes a preheating step of simultaneously driving the first heater or the second heater and the compressor, The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the first heater or the second heater is configured such that the amount of steam generated in the preheating step corresponds to 80 to 120% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator in the preheating step.

10. The clothing processing device according to claim 8, wherein the first heater or the second heater is configured so that an amount of steam generated in the drying course is equal to or smaller than an amount of dehumidification by the evaporator in the drying course.

11. The clothing processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first heater or the second heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated during a reference time in the drying course is equal to or smaller than the dehumidification amount of the evaporator during a reference time in the drying course.

12. The refresher course includes: A basic course for driving the compressor and the steam heater; a powerful course for driving the compressor at a driving rpm greater than that of the basic course; The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the first heater is configured so that the amount of steam generated in the strong course corresponds to 90 to 150% of the dehumidification amount of the evaporator.

13. The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the second heater is configured to generate less steam than the first heater.

14. The clothing processing device according to claim 8, wherein the amount of dehumidification is measured based on an amount of weight reduction of the clothing.

15. The clothing treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the amount of dehumidification is measured based on the amount of water condensed in the evaporator.

16. A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet and in which clothing is stored; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit that controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to perform any course of processing the clothes; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating air discharged from the inner case, an evaporator provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying the air, a condenser for heating the dehumidified air, and a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the condenser, The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; The control unit is characterized in that, when the compressor is driven during at least a portion of the execution of the course, the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives either the first heater or the second heater.

17. The heat supply unit includes a refrigerant sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the condenser, The clothing processing device according to claim 16, characterized in that the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or discharged from the compressor reaches a limit temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven.

18. Further, a temperature sensor is provided for detecting an internal temperature of the inner case or a temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct, The clothing processing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the control unit intermittently and repeatedly drives the first heater or the second heater when the temperature reaches a target temperature while the first heater or the second heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven.

19. The clothing processing device according to claim 17, wherein when the first heater or the second heater is driven intermittently, the driving time is set to be longer than the time for which the driving is stopped.

20. A clothing treatment device, cabinet; an inner case provided inside the cabinet and in which clothing is stored; a machine chamber including a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit that controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to an allowable power amount or less and performs any course of processing the clothes; The heat supply unit includes: a circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation duct for dehumidifying and reheating the air; a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger so as to exchange heat with the air; The steam supply unit includes: A steam case that stores water for generating the steam; A steam heater that is housed in the steam case and heats the water to generate the steam, The steam heater comprises: A first heater for heating the water to generate steam; a second heater for heating the water but producing less steam than the first heater; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second heater is configured to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to at least a target temperature.

21. The clothing processing device according to claim 20, wherein the second heater is set to increase the internal temperature of the inner case to at least the target temperature before the delay time elapses.

22. The clothing treatment device according to claim 20, wherein the second heater is configured to use water not exceeding a tolerance value to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to the target temperature.

23. The clothing treatment device according to claim 20, wherein the driving power of the second heater is set between 450W and 700W.

24. The clothing treatment device according to claim 20, wherein the driving power of the first heater is set between 800W and 1100W.

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