Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a clothes treatment apparatus capable of preventing clothes from being damaged or shrunk in a drying process.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment apparatus that provides a combination of a plurality of drum motions that are variously optimized to prevent damage to laundry or prevent shrinkage of laundry in each of a preheating section, a constant rate drying section, a decreasing rate drying section, and a cooling section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry treatment device, and more particularly to a laundry treatment device capable of drying laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] A clothing processing device is a device that can wash, dry, or wash and dry clothing (items to be washed or dried), and is a concept that includes washing machines, dryers, and washing machines that can also be used for drying.

[0003] Recently, clothing treatment devices have emerged that use heat pumps to dry clothes intensively. These conventional clothing treatment devices dry clothes by supplying hot air generated by a heat pump to clothes placed inside a drum and simultaneously rotating the drum to evenly expose the clothes to the hot air.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional laundry processing device that performs a drying process.

[0005] Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0121656, a conventional dryer has a drive unit 3 fixed to the bottom surface of a cabinet 1.

[0006] Specifically, this dryer includes a cabinet 1 and a drum 2, a circulation channel 5 that circulates air from the drum 2 to the outside, and a heat pump 6 that condenses and reheats the air received in the circulation channel 5. Water condensed by the heat pump 6 is stored in a water storage tank 9 using a pump 8. Meanwhile, even if vibration occurs in the drive unit 3 or a temporary external force is transmitted through the drive unit 3, the bottom surface 12 of the cabinet 1 can be prevented from being deformed or tilted.

[0007] Therefore, in conventional dryers, the drive unit 3 is fixed to the bottom surface 12 of the cabinet 1, or to a base that is fixed to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 below the drum 2. In this dryer, the drive unit 3 is not aligned with the rotation axis of the drum 2, and therefore a different configuration is used to rotate the drum 2.

[0008] Specifically, the drive unit 3 includes a motor unit 34 fixed to the bottom of the cabinet 1, a rotating shaft 37 that rotates on the motor unit 34, a pulley 35 that rotates on the rotating shaft 37, and a belt 36 that connects the outer surface of the drum 2 to the outer surface of the pulley 35.

[0009] As a result, when the motor unit 34 rotates the rotary shaft 37, the pulley 35 rotates the belt 36, and the belt 36 rotates the drum 2. In this case, the diameter of the pulley 35 is much smaller than that of the drum 2, so the dryer can omit a reducer. However, because the diameter of the pulley 35 is much smaller than that of the drum 2, if the motor unit 34 rotates too quickly, a slip phenomenon occurs in which the belt 36 slips off the drum 2 or the pulley 35. Therefore, this dryer has a problem in that the rotational acceleration of the motor unit 34 must be limited to a predetermined level or less, and there is a fundamental limitation in that the motor unit 34 must be gradually accelerated or decelerated to prevent the belt 36 from slipping when the drum 2 is rotated.

[0010] Therefore, the conventional dryer cannot quickly change the rotation direction of the drum 2, and therefore the rotation of the drum 2 cannot be controlled or the rotation direction of the drum 2 cannot be changed.

[0011] Therefore, in conventional clothing processing devices, when the drum is rotated by a belt and pulley, it is difficult to change the drum speed during the drying process, so in order to prevent the clothes from being over-dried and damaged by the hot air, a method is used in which the operation of the heat pump is controlled according to the dryness of the clothes.

[0012] For example, referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0023715, a conventional clothing processing device divides the drying process into a preheating section, a constant rate drying section, a falling rate drying section, and a cooling section depending on the state of the heat pump and the dryness of the clothing, and protects the clothing by controlling the temperature or volume of the hot air supplied to the drum in each section.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of the drum when drying clothes in a conventional clothes treating device.

[0014] In conventional laundry treatment devices, when the drying process is performed in a preheating section, a constant rate drying section, and a decreasing rate drying section, the laundry only undergoes a tumbling motion in which the laundry rises and falls while being exposed to the supplied hot air.

[0015] The tumbling motion is a motion that rotates the drum so that clothes rise above the center of the drum and then fall from areas below the high point of the drum to the bottom. For this reason, the tumbling motion rotates the drum in a predetermined direction at a speed of 1G or less, and clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum, separate from it, and then fall, repeatedly exposing the widest area to hot air, resulting in the most efficient drying motion.

[0016] However, when only the tumbling motion is applied during the drying process, there are problems such as damage to the clothes, such as abrasion and fuzzing, and shrinkage of the clothes, such as changes in the fiber diameter and fiber spacing.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a problem that occurs when a tumbling motion is performed in a conventional clothing processing device.

[0018] Referring to Figure 3(a), as the tumbling motion progresses, the clothes received inside the drum 2 are placed in one of the following areas: a first area I where the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 2 and rotate; a second area II where the clothes do not contact the inner wall of the drum 2 but rub against each other; and a third area III where the clothes separate from the inner wall of the drum 2 and fall from inside the drum 2.

[0019] Referring to Figure 3(b), the clothes in the third region III of the drum are separated from the inner wall of the drum 2 and exposed to hot air, as in state 1. After this, the clothes come into contact with the inner wall of the drum 2, as in state 2.

[0020] However, due to the weight of the clothes and the acceleration of the clothes as they fall, the clothes collide with the inner wall of the drum 200 and are pressed against the inner wall of the drum 200, as shown in state 3.

[0021] Therefore, the clothes placed in the third area III are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and then collide again, causing a drop impact. As a result, the fibers of the clothes may be temporarily pressed, causing shrinkage or deformation.

[0022] Referring to Figure 3(c), the clothes in the second region ii of the drum are separated from the inner wall of the drum 2 but are in contact with other clothes or with other parts of the same clothes. In this case, when the drum 2 rotates at the second speed L1, the clothes relatively close to the inner wall of the drum 2 and the clothes relatively far from the inner wall of the drum 2 may rub against each other due to the difference in inertia. Therefore, the clothes in the second region ii may be subject to friction or wear against each other.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3(d), the clothes located in the first region i of the drum may adhere to the inner wall of the drum 2 below the center O of the drum 2. When the drum 2 rotates at the second speed L1, the clothes located in the first region i cannot move completely simultaneously with the inner wall of the drum 2 due to inertial force, so the clothes located in the first region i and the inner wall of the drum 2 rub against each other.

[0024] The tumbling motion creates friction between the garments, or between areas of a single garment, and between the garment and the drum 200. This can result in damage or wear to the garment and cause fuzzing of the garment.

[0025] Furthermore, the tumbling motion can cause a drop impact on the clothing, which can deform or damage the clothing, shrink the interior space of the clothing, and shrink the clothing itself.

[0026] As a result, although conventional clothing treatment devices dry clothes using a tumbling motion, which is the most advantageous motion for drying clothes, they have a fundamental limitation in that they perform the tumbling motion throughout the entire drying process without considering the condition of the clothes, which can damage or shrink the clothes.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows the structure of a conventional clothing treatment device that can arbitrarily change the rotation speed and rotation direction of the drum. Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0065932, a clothing treatment device that performs a concentrated drying process in recent years has been developed in which a driving unit 3 is connected to a drum 2 and the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drum can be changed.

[0028] However, this clothing treatment device also has the problem that there is no specific guidance on how to change and apply the drum rotation motion according to the condition of the clothing during the drying process, and damage or shrinkage of the clothing cannot be prevented.

[0029] Furthermore, conventional clothing treatment devices have limitations in that they do not have specific examples of how to fix the drive unit 3 to the cabinet and rotate the drum 2, making it impossible to implement them in actual products. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0030] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that can prevent damage to or shrinkage of clothes during the drying process.

[0031] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that can prevent damage to clothes due to wear and fluffing of clothes during the drying process.

[0032] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that can prevent clothes from shrinking during the drying process.

[0033] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that can prevent specific clothes or specific parts from being over-dried during the drying process.

[0034] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that is provided with a separate fabric protection course that can focus on preventing deformation and damage to clothes or preventing shrinkage.

[0035] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating device that can prevent clothes from being damaged by hot air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0036] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a clothes treating device that changes the rotation speed and direction of a drum during a drying process.

[0037] The clothes treating device according to the present invention has different drum rotation motions applied in the preheating section, constant rate drying section, falling rate drying section, and cooling section.

[0038] In addition, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention provides various and optimized combinations of drum motions in each of the preheating section, constant rate drying section, falling rate drying section, and cooling section to prevent damage to or shrinkage of clothing.

[0039] The clothing treatment device according to the present invention varies the drum rotation speed in the preheating section to prevent shrinkage and wear of clothing. In this preheating section, the drum speed is repeatedly varied between above and below 1G to expand clothing shrunk by water. This increases the area of ​​clothing exposed to hot air in the subsequent constant rate drying section and falling rate drying section, thereby guiding the drying process to end earlier.

[0040] The clothing treatment device according to the present invention can be further provided with a section in which the rotation speed of the drum is varied to dry the clothing evenly, while rotating the clothing continuously by rotating the clothing at a speed of 1 G or less in the constant rate drying section.

[0041] In addition, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention can be provided with a section in which the clothing is rotated at a speed of 1G or less in the constant rate drying section to continuously dry the clothing, and the rotation is accelerated to above 1G to prevent the dried surface of the clothing from wearing out.

[0042] The laundry treatment device according to the present invention may have a section in which the drum rotation speed is further reduced than in the constant rate drying section in order to reduce the impact of the drop in the falling rate drying section and prevent shrinkage of the laundry.

[0043] The clothes treatment device according to the present invention rotates the drum in the falling rate drying section so that the clothes do not rise higher than the center of rotation of the drum, thereby maintaining a space where moisture has evaporated from inside the clothes.

[0044] In addition, the laundry treatment device according to the present invention may include a section at the end of the falling rate drying section where the rotation speed of the drum is accelerated to 1G or more to prevent fuzz from forming on the surface of the laundry.

[0045] The clothes treatment device of the present invention can maintain the internal temperature of the drum below a limit temperature throughout the entire drying process, which is below 60 degrees Celsius, ensuring sterilization and preventing damage to the clothes.

[0046] For this reason, the laundry treatment device according to the present invention can perform control such that the driving rpm of the compressor is gradually reduced each time the drying process is performed.

[0047] The clothing treatment device according to the present invention can maximize the compressor's operating rpm in the preheating section and then gradually decrease the rpm as the device progresses through the constant rate drying section and the falling rate drying section, thereby increasing the internal temperature of the drum in the preheating section and then maintaining it without further increasing it in the constant rate drying section and the falling rate drying section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] The laundry treatment device according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing damage to or shrinkage of the laundry during the drying process.

[0049] The laundry treatment device according to the present invention has the effect of preventing damage to the laundry due to wear and fluffing of the laundry during the drying process.

[0050] The laundry treatment device according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to prevent the clothes from shrinking during the drying process.

[0051] The present invention has the effect of preventing specific clothes or specific parts from being over-dried during the drying process.

[0052] The present invention has the advantage that a separate fabric protection course can be provided that can focus on preventing deformation and damage to the garment or preventing shrinkage.

[0053] The present invention has the effect of preventing clothes from being damaged by hot air. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional clothing processing device.

[0055] [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a drying process method of a conventional laundry processing device.

[0056] [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating problems with a conventional clothing processing device.

[0057] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another structure of a conventional clothing processing device.

[0058] [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a clothing processing device according to the present invention;

[0059] [Figure 6] 1 is a simplified diagram showing the inside of a clothing processing device of the present invention;

[0060] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of the clothing processing device separated from each other.

[0061] [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the drive unit in detail.

[0063] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates a base and back plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating a coupling structure of a rear panel, a reducer, and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] [Figure 12] 1 is a rear view of a coupling structure of a reducer and a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a combination of a reducer and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] [Figure 14]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating situations in which clothes are damaged or shrunk during the drying process.

[0068] [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in volume of clothing due to the change in diameter of fiber L.

[0069] [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an embodiment in which the laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a drying process.

[0070] [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing the internal state of the heat exchanger 900 and the drum 200 when the air supply step S1 is performed.

[0071] [Figure 18] 10A and 10B illustrate the rotation stage of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, which includes a tumbling motion.

[0072] [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the state of clothing in a tumbling motion.

[0073] [Figure 20] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a pulling motion.

[0074] [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of clothes when the clothes processing device of the present invention performs a pulling motion.

[0075] [Figure 22] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a return motion.

[0076] [Figure 23] A diagram showing the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a turning motion.

[0077] [Figure 24] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a drying motion.

[0078] [Figure 25] A diagram showing the state of clothes when the rotation stage performs a drying motion.

[0079] [Figure 26] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a swinging motion.

[0080] [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a swinging motion.

[0081] [Figure 28] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a rolling motion.

[0082] [Figure 29] FIG. 10 shows the state of the garment when the rotation stage performs a rolling motion.

[0083] [Figure 30] FIG. 10 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a stopping motion.

[0084] [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a preheating section during an air supply step S1.

[0085] [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a constant rate drying section A2 in an air supply step S1.

[0086] [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a falling rate drying section during an air supply step S1.

[0087] [Figure 34] FIG. 10 shows a rotation stage S2 applicable to the cooling section during the air supply stage S1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

[0089] However, the present invention may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0090] In the present invention, duplicated descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0091] Furthermore, in this specification, when a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0092] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used only to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0093] Furthermore, in this specification, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0094] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of embodied features, numbers, steps, motions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, motions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0095] Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of listed items or any of the listed items. As used herein, "A or B" includes "A," "B," or "A and B."

[0096] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0097] The clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 100 that forms the exterior.

[0098] The cabinet 100 includes a front panel 110 that forms the front surface of the laundry treatment device, an upper panel 150 that forms the top surface, and side panels 140 that form the sides. The side panels 140 include a left panel 141 that forms the left side. The front panel 110 is provided with an opening 111 that communicates with the interior of the cabinet 100 and a door 130 that is rotatably connected to the cabinet 100 and opens and closes the opening 111.

[0099] An operation panel 117 is provided on the front panel 110. The operation panel 117 is provided with an input unit 118 through which a user inputs control commands, and a display unit 119 that displays information such as user-selectable control commands. The control commands include a drying course or drying options for performing a series of drying processes. A control panel is provided inside the cabinet 100 for controlling the internal components to carry out the control commands input through the input unit 118. The control panel is connected to the internal components of the laundry processing device and controls the components to carry out the input commands.

[0100] The input unit 118 includes a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the clothing processing device, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course from a plurality of courses, and an execution request unit that requests the start of the course selected by the user.

[0101] The display unit 119 includes one of a display panel capable of outputting text and graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting audio signals and sounds.

[0102] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a water tank 120 that stores moisture generated during the drying process. The water tank 120 includes a handle that can be pulled out from one side of the front panel 110. The water tank 120 collects condensed water generated during the drying process. Thus, a user pulls out the water tank 120 from the cabinet 100, removes the condensed water, and then reattaches it to the cabinet 100. This allows the clothing treatment device of the present invention to be installed in places where installation is difficult, such as near a sewer outlet.

[0103] Meanwhile, the water tank 120 is disposed above the door 130. This allows the user to bend slightly when pulling out the water tank 120 from the front panel 110, which increases the user's convenience.

[0104] 6 is a simplified diagram showing the interior of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. The clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a drum 200 that is received inside a cabinet 100 and receives clothing, a drive unit that rotates the drum 200, a heat exchange unit 900 that supplies hot air to the drum 200, and a base 800 that includes a circulation flow path unit 820. The circulation flow path unit 820 is in communication with the drum 200. Air discharged from the drum 200 is supplied to the circulation flow path unit 820. Air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 is also supplied to the drum 200.

[0105] The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The driving unit is directly connected to the drum 200 to rotate the drum 200. For example, the driving unit is a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. As a result, the driving unit can control the rotation direction or the rotation speed of the drum 200 by directly rotating the drum 200 without using components such as a belt and pulley.

[0106] The motor unit 500 rotates at a high RPM, for example, at a RPM much higher than the RPM at which the clothes inside the drum 200 can rotate while still adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0107] However, if the clothes inside the drum 200 are continuously attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 while it rotates, the part of the clothes attached to the inner wall of the drum is not exposed to the hot air, which reduces the drying efficiency.

[0108] When the rotor 520 is rotated at a low RPM, the power and torque generated by the drive unit cannot be fully utilized because the clothes inside the drum 200 roll or agitate instead of adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0109] Therefore, the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a reducer 600 that can reduce the RPM to utilize the maximum output of the motor unit 500 while increasing the torque.

[0110] The drive unit also includes a drum rotation shaft 6341 that is connected to the drum 200 and rotates the drum 200 .

[0111] Drum 200 is cylindrical and receives laundry. Unlike a drum used for washing, a drum used only for drying does not need to be filled with water, and liquid water condensed inside drum 200 does not need to be discharged to the outside of drum 200. Therefore, through holes provided along the circumferential surface of drum 200 may be omitted. In other words, a drum used only for drying is different from a drum used for washing.

[0112] The drum 200 is a one-piece cylindrical body, and has a shape in which a drum body 210 including a circumferential surface and a drum rear surface 220 forming a rear surface are joined together.

[0113] An inlet 211 for inserting and removing clothes is provided at the front of the drum body 210. A driving unit for rotating the drum is connected to the rear of the drum rear face 220. The drum body 210 and the drum rear face 220 may be connected by a fastening member such as a bolt, but are not limited to this and may be connected by various methods as long as the drum body 210 and the drum rear face 220 can be connected so as to rotate together.

[0114] The drum body 210 is equipped with a lift 213 that lifts the clothes inside so that they mix together as the drum rotates. As the drum 200 rotates, the clothes inside are repeatedly raised and dropped by the lift 213. As the clothes inside the drum 200 repeatedly rise and drop, they are uniformly exposed to the hot air. This increases drying efficiency and shortens drying time.

[0115] Reinforcing beads 212 are formed on the circumferential surface of the drum body 210. The reinforcing beads 212 are recessed or protruded from the inside / outside of the circumferential surface of the drum 200. A plurality of reinforcing beads are provided, spaced apart from one another. The reinforcing beads form a predetermined pattern and are provided on the inside / outside of the circumferential surface.

[0116] The reinforcing beads 212 increase the rigidity of the drum body 210. Therefore, even if a large amount of clothes is loaded into the drum body 210 or a sudden rotational force is transmitted by the drive unit, the drum body 210 can be prevented from twisting. Furthermore, when the reinforcing beads 212 are provided, the distance between the clothes and the inner circumferential surface is increased compared to when the circumferential surface of the drum body 210 is flat, so that the hot air supplied to the drum 200 can more effectively flow between the clothes and the drum 200. The reinforcing beads increase the durability of the drum and have the effect of improving the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device.

[0117] In a typical DD type washing machine, the drive unit is connected to and fixed on a tub that receives the drum 200, and the drum 200 is connected to the drive unit and supported on the tub. However, since the laundry treatment device of the present invention is designed to perform the drying process in a concentrated manner, the tub that is fixed to the cabinet 100 to receive the drum 200 is omitted.

[0118] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a support part 400 for fixing or supporting the drum 200 or the driving part inside the cabinet 100.

[0119] The support part 400 includes a front plate 410 disposed in front of the drum 200 and a rear plate 420 disposed behind the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 are plate-shaped and disposed facing each other at the front and rear of the drum 200. The distance between the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 is set to be equal to or longer than the length of the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 are fixed to and supported by the bottom surface or base 800 of the cabinet 100.

[0120] The front plate 410 is disposed between the drum 200 and a front panel that forms the front surface of the cabinet. The front plate 410 is also provided with an insertion hole 412 that communicates with the insertion opening 211. Because the front plate 410 has the insertion hole 412, clothes can be inserted into or removed from the drum 200 while the front surface of the drum 200 is supported.

[0121] The front plate 410 includes a duct connector 416 provided below the input communication hole 412. The duct connector 416 forms the lower surface of the front plate 410.

[0122] The front panel 410 includes a duct communication hole 417 that penetrates the duct connection portion 416. The duct communication hole 417 is hollow and guides the air discharged through the drum's inlet 211 to the underside of the drum 200. The duct communication hole 417 also guides the air discharged through the drum 211 to a circulation flow path portion 820 located below the drum 200.

[0123] A filter unit (not shown) that filters lint or large particles of foreign matter generated from clothes is provided in the duct communication hole 417. The filter unit filters the air discharged from the drum 200 to prevent foreign matter from accumulating inside the clothes treating device, and has the effect of preventing the accumulation of foreign matter from interfering with air circulation.

[0124] Since the input port 211 is disposed at the front, it is preferable that the driving unit be provided on the rear plate 420 rather than the front plate 410. The driving unit is attached to and supported by the rear plate 420. As a result, the driving unit rotates the drum 200 while its position is stably fixed by the rear plate 420.

[0125] At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 rotatably supports the drum 200. At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 rotatably receives the front end or the rear end of the drum 200.

[0126] For example, the front of the drum 200 is rotatably supported on the front plate 410, and the rear of the drum 200 is spaced apart from the rear plate 420 but is connected to the motor unit 500 attached to the rear plate 420 and is indirectly supported on the rear plate 420. This minimizes the area where the drum 200 comes into contact with or rubs against the support unit 400, thereby preventing unnecessary noise and vibration.

[0127] Of course, the drum 200 may be rotatably supported on both the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 .

[0128] One or more support wheels 415 are provided on the lower part of the front plate 410 to support the front of the drum 200. The support wheels 415 are rotatably provided on the rear surface of the front plate 410. The support wheels 415 can rotate while being in contact with the lower part of the drum 200.

[0129] When the drum 200 is rotated by the driving unit, the drum 200 is supported by a drum rotation shaft 6341 connected to the rear of the drum 200. When clothes are placed inside the drum 200, the load applied to the drum rotation shaft 6341 by the clothes increases. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft 6341 may bend due to the load.

[0130] When the support wheel 415 supports the front lower part of the drum 200, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the drum rotation shaft 6341. This prevents the drum rotation shaft 6341 from bending and noise caused by vibration.

[0131] The support wheels 415 are provided at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the rotation center of the drum 200 to support the weight of the drum 200. It is preferable that the support wheels 415 are provided at the bottom of the left and right sides of the drum 200 to support the drum 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a greater number of support wheels 415 may be provided depending on the operating environment of the drum 200.

[0132] The circulation flow path part 820 provided in the base part 800 forms a flow path for circulating the air inside the drum 200 and introducing it back into the drum 200 .

[0133] The circulation flow path unit 820 includes an inlet duct 821 into which air discharged from the drum 200 is introduced, an outlet duct 823 that supplies air to the drum 200, and a moving duct 822 that connects the inlet duct 821 and the outlet duct 823.

[0134] When air is discharged from the front of the drum 200, the moving duct 822 is located on the front side of the circulation flow path section 820. The exhaust duct 823 is located on the rear side of the circulation flow path section 820.

[0135] The exhaust duct 823 further includes a blower 8231 that exhausts air to the outside of the circulation flow path unit 820. The blower 8231 is provided on the rear side of the exhaust duct 823. The air exhausted through the blower 8231 moves to the drum 200.

[0136] A duct cover 830 is coupled to the upper side of the circulation channel part 820 to cover a portion of the open upper surface of the circulation channel part 820. The duct cover 830 prevents air from leaking out of the circulation channel part 820. In other words, the duct cover 830 forms one side of the channel through which air circulates.

[0137] In addition, the heat exchanger 900 provided in the base 800 includes a first heat exchanger 910 provided inside the circulation flow path 820 to cool the air, and a second heat exchanger 920 provided inside the circulation flow path 820 to heat the air cooled by the first heat exchanger 910.

[0138] The first heat exchanger 910 dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum 200, and the second heat exchanger 920 heats the dehumidified air. The heated air is then resupplied to the drum 200 to dry the clothes received in the drum 200.

[0139] The first heat exchanger 910 and the second heat exchanger 920 are provided as heat exchangers through which a refrigerant flows. When provided as heat exchangers through which a refrigerant flows, the first heat exchanger 910 is provided as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger 920 is provided as a condenser. The refrigerant moving along the first heat exchanger 910 and the second heat exchanger 920 exchanges heat with the air discharged from the drum 200.

[0140] The heat exchanger 900 is installed in the circulation channel unit 820 and includes a circulation channel fan 950 that generates air flow within the circulation channel unit 820. The heat exchanger 900 further includes a circulation channel fan motor 951 that rotates the circulation channel fan 950. The circulation channel fan 950 is rotated by the rotational power supplied by the circulation channel fan motor 951. When the circulation channel fan 950 is operated, the air that has been dehumidified by the first heat exchanger 910 and heated by the second heat exchanger 920 moves to the rear of the drum 200.

[0141] The circulation channel fan 950 is provided in any one of the inlet duct 821, the moving duct 822, and the outlet duct 823. Because the circulation channel fan 950 is provided to rotate, there is a possibility that noise will be generated when the circulation channel fan 950 operates. Therefore, it is preferable that the circulation channel fan 950 be provided behind the circulation channel unit 820.

[0142] The circulation channel fan 950 may be provided in the blower 8231. Alternatively, the circulation channel fan motor 951 may be located behind the blower 8231. When the circulation channel fan 950 is rotated by the circulation channel fan motor 951, the air inside the circulation channel section 820 is discharged to the outside of the circulation channel section 820 via the blower 8231.

[0143] In order for the user to easily pull out the clothes inside the drum 200, it is preferable that the inlet 211 of the drum 200 is positioned at a relatively high position, and therefore it is preferable that the circulation flow path section 820 and the heat exchange section 900 are positioned at the bottom of the drum 200.

[0144] A rear plate 420 is provided behind the drum 200 to guide the air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 to the drum 200. The rear plate 420 is provided at a distance from the drum rear surface 220. The circulation flow path unit 820 receives air from inside the drum 200 through the front plate 410 and supplies air to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420. The air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 is guided to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420.

[0145] The base 800 further includes a connector 850 that guides the air discharged from the circulation channel part 820 to the back plate 420. The connector 850 guides the discharged air so that it spreads evenly over the entire area of ​​the back plate 420.

[0146] Connector 850 is provided in blower 8231. That is, connector 850 guides air discharged from blower 8231 to rear plate 420. The hot air supplied to rear plate 420 flows into drum 200 through drum rear surface 220.

[0147] The drum 200 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is not indirectly rotated by being connected to a belt or the like, but is directly connected to a drive unit located behind the drum 200. Therefore, unlike the drum of a conventional dryer, which is cylindrical with open front and rear ends, the rear of the drum of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is closed and directly connected to the drive unit.

[0148] As described above, the drum 200 is cylindrical and includes a drum body 210 that receives clothes, and a drum rear face 220 that is connected to the rear of the drum body 210 and forms the rear face of the drum.

[0149] The drum rear surface 220 is provided to shield the rear of the drum body 210 and provides a coupling surface that is directly coupled to the driving unit. That is, the drum rear surface 220 is connected to the driving unit and receives rotational power to rotate the entire drum 200. As a result, the front of the drum body 210 is formed with an inlet 211 through which clothes are inserted, and the rear is shielded by the drum rear surface 220.

[0150] The drum rear surface 220 is provided with a bushing unit 300 that connects the driving unit and the drum rear surface 220. The bushing unit 300 is provided on the drum rear surface 220 and forms the rotation center of the drum 200. The bushing unit 300 may be provided integrally with the drum rear surface 220, or may be made of a material that is more rigid and durable than the drum rear surface 220 so as to be firmly connected to the rotating shaft that transmits power. The bushing unit 300 is seated and connected to the drum rear surface 220 so as to be coaxial with the rotation center of the drum rear surface 220.

[0151] The drum rear surface 220 includes a peripheral portion 221 coupled to the outer periphery of the drum body 210, and a mounting plate 222 provided inside the peripheral portion 221 and coupled to a driving unit. The bushing portion 300 is seated on and coupled to the mounting plate 222. The rotating shaft that rotates the drum is coupled to the mounting plate 222 via the bushing portion 300, which has the effect of providing a more solid coupling. In addition, deformation of the drum rear surface 220 can be prevented.

[0152] The drum rear surface 220 includes suction holes 224 that penetrate between the peripheral edge 221 and the mounting plate 222 and communicate the front and rear of the drum rear surface 220. The hot air supplied through the circulation flow path 820 flows into the drum body 210 through the suction holes 224. The suction holes 224 may be formed as a plurality of holes that penetrate the drum rear surface 220 or as a mesh.

[0153] A driving unit for rotating the drum 200 is positioned behind the rear plate 420. The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 for generating rotational power and a reducer 600 for reducing the rotational power of the motor unit 500 and transmitting it to the drum 200.

[0154] A motor unit 500 is disposed behind the rear plate 420. The motor unit 500 is coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420 by a reducer 600.

[0155] The reducer 600 is fixed to the rear surface of the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 is coupled to the rear surface of the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 provides a support surface on which the reducer 600 or the motor unit 500 is supported. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the motor unit 500 may be coupled to the rear plate 420.

[0156] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of the laundry processing device separated from each other.

[0157] A clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drum 200 for receiving clothing, a front plate 410 for supporting the front surface of the drum, a rear plate 420 located at the rear of the drum, a base 800 located at the bottom of the drum and providing a space for circulating air inside the drum or for condensing moisture contained in the air, motor units 510, 520, 540 located at the rear of the drum and providing rotational power to the drum, a reducer 600 for reducing the rotation of the motor unit and transmitting it to the drum, and a rear cover 430 connected to the rear plate 420 and preventing the motor unit from being exposed to the outside.

[0158] The base 800 includes a circulation channel 820 that communicates with the drum 200 to allow air to flow in from the drum or to exhaust air to the drum.

[0159] The front plate 410 includes a front panel 411 that forms the front surface, and an input communication hole 412 that penetrates the front panel 411 and communicates with the drum 200. The front plate 410 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 411, surrounding the radially outer side of the input communication hole 412, and is provided with a front gasket 413 that receives a part of the drum body 210.

[0160] The front gasket 413 rotatably supports the drum body 210 and is provided so as to be in contact with the outer or inner peripheral surface of the inlet 211. The front gasket 413 prevents hot air from inside the drum 200 from leaking between the drum body 210 and the front plate 410. The front gasket 413 is made of a plastic resin or an elastic material, and another sealing member is further bonded to the front gasket 413 to prevent clothes or hot air from escaping from the drum body 210 to the front plate 410.

[0161] Meanwhile, the front panel 410 includes a duct communication hole 417 that penetrates the inner circumferential surface of the input communication hole 412. The front panel 410 also includes a duct connection portion 416 that extends below the duct communication hole 417 and forms a flow path that connects the drum body 210 and the circulation flow path portion 820.

[0162] The duct connector 416 is connected to the drum body 210 via a duct communication hole 417, and air discharged from the drum body 210 flows into the duct connector 416 via the duct communication hole 417 and is then guided to the circulation flow path 820. Because the air discharged from the drum body 210 is guided to the circulation flow path 820 by the duct connector 416, it is possible to prevent air from inside the drum from leaking out.

[0163] Duct connecting portion 416 is provided with a filter member (not shown) that filters foreign matter or lint from the air discharged from drum 200 and prevents foreign matter from entering circulation flow path portion 820.

[0164] The front plate 410 is rotatably mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 411, and is provided with a support wheel 415 that supports the lower part of the drum 200. The support wheel 415 supports the front of the drum 200, which has the effect of preventing the rotation shaft connected to the drum from bending.

[0165] The front plate 410 has a water tank support hole 414 that penetrates the front panel 411 and supports or pulls out the water tank 120 (see FIG. 1), which collects condensed water generated during the drying process. If the water tank support hole 414 is provided on the upper side, the user does not need to bend down when pulling out the water tank, which increases the user's convenience.

[0166] The drum 200 for receiving the clothes includes a drum body 210 having a front opening 211 for inserting and removing the clothes, and a drum rear surface 220 forming the rear surface.

[0167] The drum rear surface 220 includes a peripheral edge 221 connected to the drum body 210, suction holes 224 formed inside the peripheral edge 221 so as to penetrate the drum rear surface 220, and a mounting plate 222 provided at the rotation center of the drum rear surface 220 and connected to the rotation shaft. Air is introduced to the rear of the drum through the suction holes 224.

[0168] The drum rear surface 220 further includes reinforcing ribs 225 extending from the peripheral edge 221 toward the rotation center. The reinforcing ribs 225 extend to avoid the suction holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 have the effect of preventing the rigidity of the drum rear surface 220 from being reduced by the suction holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 extend radially from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting plate 222 toward the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral edge 221.

[0169] The drum rear surface 220 further includes a circumferential rib 227 extending in the circumferential direction of the drum rear surface 220 to connect the reinforcing ribs 225 to each other. Suction holes 224 are disposed between the reinforcing rib 225 and the circumferential rib 227 and between the peripheral edge 221 and the circumferential rib 227. The reinforcing rib 225 and the circumferential rib 227 have the effect of preventing the drum rear surface 220 from being deformed even when a rotational force is transmitted from the motor unit 500.

[0170] The inlet duct 821 is connected to the duct communication hole 417 of the front plate 410 and is provided to communicate with a flow path provided inside the front plate 410. The moving duct 822 extends from the end of the inlet duct 821 toward the rear of the drum 200, and the exhaust duct 823 is provided at the end of the moving duct 822 and is provided to guide air to the drum 200.

[0171] The blower 8231 is located downstream of the exhaust duct 823 and provides a space in which a circulation channel fan is installed. When the circulation channel fan operates, air introduced into the inlet duct 821 is discharged to the top of the blower 8231.

[0172] Meanwhile, the base 800 is provided with a heat exchanger 900 for cooling and heating the air circulating inside the drum 200. The heat exchanger 900 includes a compressor 930 connected to the first and second heat exchangers to supply compressed refrigerant. The compressor 930 may be located outside the circulation channel 820 so as not to directly exchange heat with the circulating air.

[0173] The heat exchanger includes a circulation channel fan motor 951 that is supported behind the blower 8231 and rotates the circulation channel fan. The circulation channel fan motor 951 is coupled to the rear of the blower 8231.

[0174] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a connector 850 coupled to the circulation flow path unit 820 to guide the hot air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 to the rear of the drum 200 or the rear panel 420 .

[0175] The connector 850 is disposed above the exhaust duct 823 and configured to guide the hot air heated through the second heat exchanger 920 upward from the exhaust duct 823. The connector 850 is also coupled to an opening provided on the upper side of the blower 8231.

[0176] The connector 850 is provided to form a flow path therein and to uniformly guide the airflow generated by the circulation flow path fan to the rear panel 420. That is, the connector 850 is provided so that the area of ​​the flow path increases as it is farther away from the blower 8231.

[0177] The rear plate 420 is connected to the base 800 or supported by the base 800 and is located behind the drum 200. The rear plate 420 includes a rear panel 421 facing the front plate 410 and a duct portion 423 recessed from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path for air to flow and to guide the air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 to the drum.

[0178] The rear panel 420 includes a mounting portion 425 to which the driving unit is coupled or supported. The mounting portion 425 is provided to pass through the rear panel 421 and is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423. The mounting portion 425 is provided at a distance radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423.

[0179] Here, as described above, the driving unit refers to the combination of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500. Alternatively, the driving unit may refer to only the motor unit 500. In other words, the driving unit refers to a configuration that generates power and transmits the rotational power to the drum.

[0180] The drive unit is attached to the attachment portion 425. The attachment portion 425 supports the load of the drive unit. The drive unit is connected to the drum 200 while being supported by the attachment portion 425.

[0181] The duct portion 423 is provided to receive a portion of the drum rear surface 220. The duct portion 423, together with the drum rear surface 220, forms a flow path through which air moves.

[0182] The drive unit is mounted on the mounting portion 425 so as to prevent interference with the duct portion 423. That is, the drive unit is disposed radially inward and spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423. Although the drive unit is mounted on the mounting portion 425, the rear side is exposed to the outside and is cooled by the outside air.

[0183] The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The motor unit 500 includes a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor 520 that is rotated by the stator 510.

[0184] The rotor 520 is provided as an outer rotor type that receives the stator 510 and rotates along the periphery of the stator 510. In this case, a drive shaft may be coupled to the rotor 520 and may be directly connected to the drum 200 by passing through the stator 510 and the mounting portion 425. In this case, the rotor 520 directly transmits power to rotate the drum 200.

[0185] The rotor 520 is coupled to the drive shaft via the washer part 540. The washer part 540 functions to connect the drive shaft and the rotor 520. The washer part 540 increases the contact area between the rotor 520 and the drive shaft, thereby enabling the rotation of the rotor 520 to be transmitted more effectively.

[0186] The reducer 600 is provided to connect the motor unit 500 and the drum 200. The reducer 600 converts the power of the motor unit 500 to rotate the drum 200. The reducer 600 is disposed between the motor unit 500 and the drum 200, and receives the power of the motor unit 500, converts it, and transmits it to the drum 200. The reducer 600 converts the RPM of the rotor to a smaller RPM, but increases the torque value before transmitting it to the drum 200.

[0187] Specifically, the reducer 600 is coupled to the rotor 520 and to a drive shaft that rotates together with the rotor 520. The reducer 600 includes a gear unit that rotates while meshing with the drive shaft, converting the rpm of the drive shaft and increasing the torque, and the gear unit is coupled to the drum 200 and connected to a drum rotation shaft that rotates the drum. Therefore, when the drive shaft 530 rotates, the drum rotation shaft rotates at a slower rpm than the drive shaft, but can rotate with greater torque.

[0188] The performance of this reducer 600 depends on whether the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can be kept coaxial. That is, if the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are misaligned, the components that make up the gear assembly inside the reducer 600 may loosen or disengage from either the drive shaft or the drum rotation shaft. As a result, the power of the drive shaft may not be transmitted accurately to the drum rotation shaft, or the drive shaft may spin freely.

[0189] Furthermore, if the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are misaligned even temporarily, the gears inside the reducer 600 will be misaligned and collide with each other, generating unnecessary vibrations and noise.

[0190] Furthermore, if the angle between the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft becomes too large even temporarily, the reducer 600 may be completely displaced from its correct position or may be damaged.

[0191] To prevent this, it is generally preferable that a clothing processing device equipped with a reducer has the reducer 600 and motor unit 500 fixed to a support that will not deform and will maintain its original state even when an external force is applied.

[0192] For example, in the case of a washing machine, the tub that receives the drum is first fixed to the cabinet, and then the motor and reducer are secondarily fixed to the rigid bearing housing that is injection molded inside the tub. This means that even if the tub experiences significant vibration, the reducer and drive unit will tilt or vibrate along with the bearing housing and fixed steel plate. As a result, the reducer and drive unit themselves are always kept connected, and the drive shaft and rotating shaft can be maintained coaxially.

[0193] However, since the laundry treatment device of the present invention is provided as a dryer, the tub structure fixed inside the cabinet is omitted. Also, the rear panel of the cabinet is made of a relatively thin plate, and even if the stator 510 is fixed, the rear panel easily vibrates or bends due to the repulsive force generated when the rotor 520 rotates. If the rear panel vibrates or bends even temporarily, the rotation centers of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, which are connected to the drum 200, may become misaligned.

[0194] In addition, since the rear panel is made of a thin steel plate, it is difficult to support both the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500. For example, if the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are coupled to the rear panel side by side, a rotational moment is generated due to the overall length and weight of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, causing the reducer 600 to sag downward. As a result, the ram rotation axis coupled to the drum is misaligned with the reducer 600, and the axis cannot be maintained coaxially with the drive shaft.

[0195] Meanwhile, it is conceivable that the stator 510 is coupled to the rear plate 420 to support the motor unit 500. If a large amount of clothes is placed inside the drum 200 or if eccentricity occurs, the drum rotation shaft will shift in accordance with the arrangement of the clothes every time the drum 200 rotates. In this case, since the stator 510 is separated from the drum 200 and fixed to the rear plate 420, the drum rotation shaft will vibrate at a different amplitude or tilt at a different angle from the stator 510. As a result, the drum rotation shaft and the drive shaft cannot be kept coaxial.

[0196] From another perspective, the drum 200 is supported by the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 and is fixed at a predetermined level. Therefore, the position of the drum rotation shaft connected to the drum 200 is also fixed at a predetermined level. Therefore, even if vibration occurs in the drum 200, the vibration is buffered by either the front plate 410 or the rear plate 420.

[0197] However, when vibrations generated from the drum 200 are transmitted to the motor unit 500, the vibration amplitude of the motor unit 500 and the rear panel 420 may be greater than the vibration amplitude of the drum rotation shaft even if the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are fixed to the rear panel 420. In this case, the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft may not be able to maintain coaxiality.

[0198] To solve this problem, the clothing treatment device of the present invention has the motor unit 500 fixedly coupled to the reducer 600. In other words, the reducer 600 itself serves as a reference point for the entire drive unit. That is, the reducer 600 serves as a reference for the vibration and tilt angle of the entire drive unit.

[0199] Since the motor unit 500 is not fixed to other components of the clothing processing device but is fixed only to the reducer 600, when vibration or an external force is transmitted to the driving unit and the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates, the motor unit 500 always tilts or vibrates together with the reducer 600.

[0200] As a result, the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 form one vibration system, and the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 can be maintained in a fixed state without any relative movement relative to each other.

[0201] The stator 510 of the motor unit 500 is directly coupled and fixed to the reducer 600. As a result, the position of the drive shaft 530 relative to the reducer 600 does not change. The centers of the drive shaft 530 and the reducer 600 are aligned with each other, and the drive shaft 530 rotates while maintaining its axis coaxial with the center of the reducer 600.

[0202] The first axis M1 is an imaginary line extending in the front-rear direction along the rotation center of the drum 200. That is, the first axis M1 is provided parallel to the X-axis.

[0203] The second axis M2 and the third axis M3 are imaginary lines extending from the front to the rear of the laundry treatment device, that is, the second axis M2 and the third axis M3 are arranged parallel to the XZ plane or perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0204] The first axis M1 and the second axis M2 intersect with each other at the reducer 600. Furthermore, the first axis M1 and the third axis M3 intersect with each other at the mounting portion 425.

[0205] The reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are designed to be arranged along a first axis M1 parallel to the ground when there is no load on the drum 200 or when the motor unit 500 is not moving.

[0206] However, if vibration occurs in the drum 200 or the motor unit 500, the vibration is transmitted to the reducer 600, causing the reducer 600 to tilt, temporarily tilting along the second axis M2.

[0207] At this time, since the motor unit 500 is coupled to the reducer 600, it vibrates or tilts together with the reducer 600. Therefore, the motor unit 500 is arranged next to the reducer 600 on the second axis M2. Therefore, the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are also arranged next to each other along the second axis M2.

[0208] As a result, even if the reducer 600 tilts, the motor section 500 moves integrally with the reducer 600, and the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can remain coaxial.

[0209] The reducer 600 is coupled and fixed to the rear plate 420. In this case, the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates while coupled to the rear plate 420, so that the rear plate 420 serves as the center of a vibration system including the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, and the drum 200. In this case, the motor unit 500 is not directly coupled to the rear plate 420, but is coupled and fixed only to the reducer 600.

[0210] When the reducer 600, motor unit 500, and drum 200 are aligned along the first axis M1, the reducer 600 may be tilted along the third axis M3 due to vibrations of the drum 200 or motor unit 500. The third axis M3 passes through the reducer 600 coupled to the rear panel 420. At this time, since the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are coupled, the motor unit 500 also tilts along the third axis M3, just like the reducer 600.

[0211] As a result, the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 are coupled to the reducer 600, and the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 tilt in parallel with each other or vibrate simultaneously with respect to the reducer 600.

[0212] The above definition of "coaxial" and "aligned" does not mean perfect physical coaxiality and alignment, but is a concept that allows for a range of tolerance that can be recognized from a mechanical engineering perspective or a range of levels that a person skilled in the art would recognize as coaxiality or alignment. For example, a range in which the drive shaft 530 and the drum rotation axis 6341 are misaligned within 5 degrees may be defined as a coaxial or aligned state. However, this angle value is merely an example, and the tolerance allowed in design may vary.

[0213] The drive shaft 530 rotates based on the reducer 600 but is fixed to prevent tilting, and the stator 510 is also fixed to the reducer 600, so that the gap between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 is always maintained. As a result, collision between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 can be prevented, and noise and vibrations generated when the center of rotation changes as the rotor 520 rotates around the stator 510 can be fundamentally prevented.

[0214] The drum rotation shaft 6341 extends from inside the reducer 600 toward the drum 200, vibrates together with the reducer 600, and tilts together with the reducer 600. That is, the drum rotation shaft 6341 is merely provided to rotate with the reducer 600, and its installation position may be fixed. As a result, the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 are always arranged side by side and form a coaxial structure. In other words, the center of the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the center of the drive shaft 530 are kept aligned with each other.

[0215] Meanwhile, a sealing part 450 is provided between the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The sealing part 450 seals the gap between the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420 so that air that has flowed into the duct part 423 of the rear plate 420 is not discharged to the outside but is instead directed into the suction hole 224.

[0216] The seals 450 are disposed on both the outer and inner surfaces of the duct portion 423. A first seal 451 is provided on the radially outer side of the duct portion 423, and a second seal 452 is provided on the radially inner side. The first seal 451 prevents hot air from escaping radially outward between the drum rear surface 220 and the duct portion 423, and the second seal 452 prevents hot air from escaping radially inward between the drum rear surface 220 and the duct portion 423.

[0217] In other words, the sealing portions 450 are disposed on the radially outer and inner sides of the suction hole 224. The first seal 451 is provided on the radially outer side of the suction hole 224, and the second seal 452 is provided on the radially inner side of the suction hole 224.

[0218] It is preferable that the sealing part 450 contacts both the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420 to prevent the outflow of hot air. As the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the laundry treatment device, continuous friction is applied to the sealing part 450 by the drum rear surface 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing part 450 be made of a material that can seal between the drum rear surface 220 and the duct part 423 without losing performance in the face of frictional force and frictional heat generated by the rotation.

[0219] Meanwhile, the motor unit 500 or the reducer 600 is coupled to the rear of the back panel 420, but since the back panel 420 is made of a thin iron plate, it may bend or deform due to the load transmitted to the reducer 600 by the reducer 600 and the drum 200. That is, it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the back panel 420 in order to accommodate the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, etc.

[0220] For this purpose, the rear plate 420 further includes a bracket 700 for reinforcing the rigidity of the connection. The bracket 700 is further connected to the rear plate 420, and the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are connected to the rear plate 420 by the bracket 700.

[0221] The reducer 600 is simultaneously connected to the bracket 700 and the rear plate 420. The reducer 600, rear plate 420, and bracket 700 are simultaneously connected using a fastening member. The rear plate 420 is secured in rigidity by the bracket 700 being secured in rigidity. The reducer 600, motor unit 500, etc. are secured in rigid rear plate 420.

[0222] The reducer 600 is first coupled to the bracket 700, and then the bracket 700 is coupled to the rear plate 420. That is, the reducer may not be directly coupled to the rear plate 420, but may be fixed to the rear plate 420 via the bracket 700.

[0223] Meanwhile, when the motor unit 500 or the reducer 600 is coupled to the rear of the rear panel 420, the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 are exposed to the outside. Therefore, they need to be coupled to the rear of the rear panel 420 to prevent the motor unit 500 from blowing out. Also, the duct unit 423 is heated by the hot air. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the rear surface of the duct unit 423.

[0224] The rear cover 430 is coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420 to prevent the duct part 423 and the motor part 500 or the reducer 600 from being exposed to the outside. The rear cover 430 is disposed apart from the duct part 423 and the driving part.

[0225] The rear cover 430 has the effect of preventing the motor unit 500 from being damaged by external interference and preventing heat loss through the duct unit 423, which may reduce drying efficiency.

[0226] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0227] The reducer 600 includes reducer housings 610 and 620 that form the exterior. The reducer housings include a first housing 610 facing the drum and a second housing 620 facing the motor unit.

[0228] The reducer 600 includes a gear box. The gear box receives power from the motor, converts the RPM of the motor into a smaller RPM, and increases the torque before transmitting it to the drum. Most of the gear box is accommodated inside the second housing 620, and the first housing 610 shields the inside of the reducer 600. This allows the overall thickness of the reducer 600 to be reduced. The detailed configuration of the gear box will be described later.

[0229] The first housing 610 includes a first housing blocking body 611 that blocks the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 that extends from the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second housing 620. The first housing bearing portion 612 receives the drum rotation shaft 6341 and supports the drum rotation shaft 6341 so that it can rotate freely.

[0230] The first housing 610 includes a stator coupling portion 613 that supports the motor portion. The stator coupling portion 613 extends from the peripheral surface of the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing portion 612.

[0231] The stator coupling part 613 includes a stator fastening hole 615 to which the motor part is fastened. The stator fastening hole 615 is recessed from the stator coupling part 613. A fastening member is inserted into the stator fastening hole 615. The stator coupling part 613 and the motor part are fastened together using the fastening member.

[0232] The first housing 610 further includes a coupling guide 614 that guides the coupling of the motor part. The coupling guide 614 extends from the peripheral surface of the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing part 612. The coupling guide 614 extends from the first housing blocking body 611 to be connected to the stator coupling part 613. The coupling guide 614 guides the position of the stator 510 when the stator 510 is coupled to the stator coupling part 613, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0233] 8, second housing 620 receives a gear combination therein. Generally, a gear box coupled to reducer 600 includes a sun gear, planetary gears that revolve around the sun gear, and a ring gear that receives the planetary gears and guides the planetary gears to rotate. Second housing 620 includes second housing combination body 621 coupled to first housing 610, second housing blocking body 622 extending from second housing combination body 621 in a direction away from first housing 610 and forming a space in which the gear box is received, and a second housing bearing extending from an inner circumferential surface of second housing blocking body 622 in a direction away from first housing 610 and supporting drive shaft 530.

[0234] The center of the first housing 610 and the center of the second housing 620 are designed to be coaxial. It is advantageous for power transmission if the drive shaft 540 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 are positioned coaxially. Therefore, it is preferable that the first housing bearing 612, which rotatably supports the drum rotation shaft 6341, and the second housing bearing, which rotatably supports the drive shaft 540, are coupled to form a coaxial structure.

[0235] The drive shaft 530 is inserted into the second housing 620 and rotatably supported within the second housing 620. A washer part 540 that rotatably supports the rotor 520 is coupled to the drive shaft 530. The washer part 540 includes a receiver 542 having a shaft support hole 543 formed at its center to receive the drive shaft 530, and a washer coupler 541 that extends radially from the outer periphery of the receiver and forms a surface to which the rotor is coupled. The shaft support hole 543 is formed in a groove shape that corresponds to a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 530 so that the protrusion can be coupled to the shaft support hole 543.

[0236] The washer portion 540 includes one or more washer coupling protrusions 5411 that protrude from the washer assembly 541 in a direction away from the reducer. The washer portion 540 also includes one or more washer coupling holes 5412 that penetrate the washer assembly 541.

[0237] The washer coupling protrusion 5411 is coupled to a receiving groove formed in the rotor. The washer coupling hole 5412 is used to couple the rotor and the washer part 540 by inserting a fastening member that passes through the rotor.

[0238] A plurality of washer coupling protrusions 5411 and a plurality of washer coupling holes 5412 are provided, alternately positioned along the circumferential direction from the surface of the washer coupling body 541 .

[0239] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the drive unit in detail.

[0240] The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that generates rotational power, and a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of the motor unit 500 and transmits it to the drum. The reducer 600 includes a drum rotation shaft 6341 that rotates the drum.

[0241] The motor unit 500 includes a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field when supplied with an external power source, and a rotor 520 that surrounds the outer periphery of the stator 510. A permanent magnet is disposed on the inner periphery of the rotor 520.

[0242] The rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 510 causes the permanent magnets located on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520 to move in a predetermined direction, and the permanent magnets are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520. Therefore, the rotor 520 rotates due to the rotating magnetic field of the stator 510.

[0243] A drive shaft 530 is connected to the center of rotation of the rotor 520, rotating together with the rotor 520 and transmitting the rotational power of the rotor 520. The drive shaft 530 rotates together with the rotor 540. The drive shaft 530 is connected to the rotor 540 via a washer portion 540.

[0244] Although the drive shaft 530 is directly connected to the rotor 520, when the drive shaft 530 is connected via the washer part 540, the drive shaft 530 is more firmly connected to the rotor 520, and thus the rotational force of the rotor 520 can be more effectively transmitted. In addition, the drive shaft 530 is prevented from being subjected to a concentrated load, which has the effect of increasing the durability of the drive shaft 530.

[0245] The drive shaft 530 is directly connected to the drum, but because the drive shaft 530 rotates at the same speed as the rotor 520, it needs to be decelerated. Therefore, the drive shaft 530 is connected to a reducer, which is connected to the drum. That is, the reducer reduces the rotation of the drive shaft 530 to rotate the drum.

[0246] The reducer 600 includes a first housing 610 that forms the exterior, a second housing 620, and a gear box 630 that reduces the power of the drive shaft 530. The second housing 620 provides a space to receive the gear box 630, and the first housing 610 shields the receiving space provided by the second housing 620.

[0247] The second housing 620 comprises a second housing connecting body 621 that is connected to the first housing 610, a second housing blocking body 622 that extends rearward from the inner surface of the second housing connecting body 621 to form a receiving space and receive the gear box 630, and a second housing bearing portion 623 that extends rearward from the second housing blocking body 622 to receive the drive shaft 530.

[0248] The gear box 630 includes a ring gear 633 provided along the inner circumferential surface of the second housing shutoff body 622. One or more planetary gears 632 that are gear-engaged with the ring gear 633 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear 633, and a sun gear 631 that is gear-engaged with the planetary gears 632 and rotates together with the drive shaft 530 is provided inside the ring gear 633.

[0249] The sun gear 631 is provided to rotate while being coupled to the drive shaft 530. The sun gear 631 is provided as a separate member from the drive shaft 530, but is not limited thereto, and the sun gear 631 may be formed integrally with the drive shaft 530.

[0250] The sun gear 631, planet gears 632, and ring gear 633 may be configured as helical gears. When each gear is configured as a helical gear, noise is reduced and power transmission efficiency is increased. However, the sun gear 631, planet gears 632, and ring gear 633 may be configured as spur gears.

[0251] As an example of the operation of the gear box 630, as the rotor rotates, the drive shaft 530 and the sun gear 631 connected to the drive shaft 530 rotate, and the planetary gear 632, which is gear-coupled on the outer surface of the sun gear 631, rotates while being gear-coupled between the ring gear 633 and the sun gear 631.

[0252] The planetary gear 632 includes a planetary gear shaft 6323 inserted into the rotation center. The planetary gear shaft 6323 supports the planetary gear 632 rotatably.

[0253] The reducer further includes a first carrier 6342 and a second carrier 6343 that support the planetary gear shaft 6323. The planetary gear shaft 6323 is supported by the second carrier 6343 at the front and by the first carrier 6342 at the rear.

[0254] The drum rotation shaft 6341 extends from the rotation center of the second carrier 6343 in a direction away from the motor unit. The drum rotation shaft 6341 is provided as a separate component from the second carrier 6343 and is coupled to rotate together with the second carrier 6343. On the other hand, the drum rotation shaft 6341 extends from the second carrier 6343 and is formed integrally with the second carrier 6343.

[0255] The drum rotation shaft 6341 is connected to the drum to rotate the drum. As described above, the drum rotation shaft 6341 may be connected to the drum via a connector such as a bushing, or may be connected directly to the drum without a separate connector.

[0256] The drum rotation shaft 6341 is supported by the first housing 610. The first housing 610 includes a first housing blocking body 611 that blocks the receiving space of the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 that extends from the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second housing 620 and receives the drum rotation shaft 6341. A first bearing 660 and a second bearing 670 are press-fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the first housing bearing portion 612 to rotatably support the drum rotation shaft 6341.

[0257] The first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are connected to each other via a reducer fastening member 681. The reducer fastening member 681 simultaneously penetrates the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 to connect the two components. The reducer fastening member 681 simultaneously penetrates the first housing 610, the second housing 620, and the back plate 420 to connect the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 and fix the reducer 600 to the back plate 420.

[0258] The rear plate 420 is made of a thin iron plate. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity required to support the reducer 600, the motor unit 500 connected to the reducer 600, and the drum 200 connected to the reducer 600. Therefore, when the reducer 600 is connected to the rear plate 420, a bracket 700 is used to ensure the rigidity of the rear plate 420. The bracket 700 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the rear plate 420 and is connected to the front or rear surface of the rear plate 420.

[0259] The bracket 700 is connected to the front surface of the rear plate 420 to ensure the rigidity of the reducer 600, and the reducer 600 is connected to the rear plate 420 and the bracket 700 at the same time. Fastening members such as bolts are used to connect the rear plate 420, the bracket 700, and the reducer.

[0260] Furthermore, the reducer fastening member 681 used to connect the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be used to fix the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420. That is, the reducer fastening member 681 penetrates through the second housing 620, the first housing, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700 all at once to connect them. When connected in this manner, the rear plate 420 is supported by the bracket 700 at the front and by the first housing 610 at the rear, so that rigidity can be ensured even by connecting the reducer 600. However, this is not limited thereto. First, only the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are connected using the reducer fastening member 681, and then the reducer 600 is connected to the rear plate 420 using another fastening member.

[0261] In addition, a stator coupling part 613 to which the motor part 500 is coupled is formed on the radially outer side of the first housing 610. The stator coupling part 613 includes a coupling groove formed by recessing the stator coupling part 613 in correspondence with the stator coupling part 613.

[0262] The stator 510 may be directly coupled to the back plate 420 or may be coupled to a stator coupling portion 613. The stator 510 includes fixing ribs 512 provided on the inner circumferential surface thereof to support the stator. The fixing ribs 512 are coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The fixing ribs 512 and the stator coupling portion 613 are coupled to each other by stator coupling fins 617.

[0263] The motor unit 500 is coupled to the reducer 600 while being spaced apart from the rear plate 420, so that the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 form a single vibrating body. Therefore, even if vibration is applied from the outside, the driving shaft 530 coupled to the rotor 520 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 connected to the reducer 600 can easily maintain their coaxiality.

[0264] The drum rotation shaft 6341 may become misaligned due to vibration of the drum 200. However, because the motor unit 500 is coupled to the first housing 610 that supports the drum rotation shaft 6341, even if the axial direction of the drum rotation shaft 6341 becomes misaligned, the axial direction of the drive shaft 530 is also similarly misaligned due to the first housing 610. In other words, the motor unit 500 moves integrally with the reducer 600, and the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can maintain their coaxiality even when an external force is applied.

[0265] The above-described coupling structure increases the efficiency and reliability of the transmission of power generated by the motor unit 500 to the drum 200, and has the effect of preventing wear of the gear box 630, a decrease in power transmission efficiency, and a decrease in durability and reliability caused by axial misalignment between the drum rotating shaft 6341 and the driving shaft 530.

[0266] FIG. 10 shows a base and back plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] 10, the rear plate 420 is located behind the drum. The rear plate 420 guides the hot air discharged from the circulation channel 820 to the drum. That is, the rear plate 420 is located behind the drum and forms a channel so that the hot air is evenly distributed over the entire drum.

[0268] The rear plate 420 includes a rear panel 421 facing the rear surface of the drum, and a duct portion 423 recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path. The duct portion 423 is provided by being pressed rearward from the rear panel 421. The duct portion 423 receives a part of the rear surface of the drum.

[0269] The duct portion 423 includes an inlet portion 4233 located behind the circulation flow path portion and a flow portion 4231 located behind the drum. The flow portion 4231 receives a portion of the drum. The flow portion 4231 receives a portion of the drum and forms a flow path provided behind the drum.

[0270] The flow portion 4231 is provided in a ring shape to face the suction hole formed on the rear surface of the drum. The flow portion 4231 is recessed from the rear panel 421. That is, the flow portion 4231 is open at the front and forms a flow path together with the rear surface of the drum.

[0271] When the front of the flow section 4231 is open, the hot air that has traveled to the flow section 4231 can travel directly to the drum without passing through another component, thereby preventing heat loss that occurs when the hot air passes through another component. That is, this reduces heat loss of the hot air and increases drying efficiency.

[0272] The rear plate 420 includes a mounting portion 425 provided radially inside the moving portion 4231. The mounting portion 425 provides a space to which the reducer 600 or the motor unit 500 is coupled. That is, the rear plate 420 includes the mounting portion 425 provided on the inside and the moving portion 4231 provided in an annular shape radially outside the mounting portion 425.

[0273] Specifically, the flow section 4231 includes an outer flow section 4231a that surrounds the internal space through which the hot air flows from the outside. The flow section 4231 also includes an inner flow section 4231b that surrounds the internal space through which the hot air flows from the inside. That is, the outer flow section 4231a forms the outer periphery of the flow section 4231, and the inner flow section 4231b forms the inner periphery of the flow section 4231.

[0274] In addition, the flow portion 4231 includes a flow depression 4232 that forms the rear surface of the flow path through which the hot air moves. The flow depression 4232 is provided to connect the outer flow portion 4231a and the inner flow portion 4231b. That is, the inner flow portion 4231b, the outer flow portion 4231a, and the flow depression 4232 form a space through which the hot air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 moves.

[0275] In addition, the flow depression 4232 prevents the hot air from leaking backward and guides the hot air toward the drum. That is, the flow depression 4232 refers to the depression of the flow portion 4231.

[0276] The inlet portion 4233 faces the circulation channel portion 820. The inlet portion faces the blower portion 8231. The inlet portion 4233 is recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to prevent interference with the blower portion 8231. An upper side of the inlet portion 4233 is connected to the flow portion 4231.

[0277] A clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 850 connected to the air blowing unit 8231. The connector 850 guides hot air discharged from the air blowing unit 8231 to the flow unit 4231. A flow path is formed inside the connector 850, and guides hot air discharged from the air blowing unit 4231 to the flow unit 4231. That is, the connector 850 forms a flow path connecting the air blowing unit 8231 and the flow unit 4231. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path provided inside the connector 850 increases with increasing distance from the air blowing unit 8231.

[0278] The connector 850 faces the inlet portion 4233. The inlet portion 4233 is recessed rearward to prevent interference with the connector 850. In addition, the upper end of the connector 850 is configured to separate the flow portion 4231 and the inlet portion 4233. That is, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 flows into the flow portion 4231 but is prevented from flowing into the inlet portion 4233.

[0279] The connector 850 is provided to uniformly supply hot air to the flow portion 4231. The connector 850 is provided to have a width that increases as it moves away from the blower portion 8231. The upper end of the connector 850 is located along the circumferential extension line of the flow outer periphery 4231a.

[0280] Therefore, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 does not move to the inlet 4233 but is supplied to the entire flow section 4231. The connector 850 prevents the hot air from concentrating on one side of the flow section 4231 and allows the hot air to be supplied evenly inside the drum, thereby improving the efficiency of drying clothes.

[0281] The connector 850 is configured to increase in width toward the upstream side, and the speed of the hot air moving along the connector 850 decreases in the flow direction. That is, the connector 850 functions as a diffuser that adjusts the speed of the hot air. The connector 850 reduces the speed of the hot air, preventing the hot air from being concentrated in only a specific part of the drum.

[0282] Due to the shape of the connector 850 described above, the inlet 4233, which faces the connector 850 and is provided to prevent interference with the connector 850, is also provided to increase in width as it moves away from the blower 8231. Due to the shape of the inlet 4233, the overall shape of the duct unit 423 resembles the letter "9" when viewed from the front.

[0283] Since the drum rotates during the drying process, the drum is provided at a predetermined distance from the flow section 4231. Hot air may flow out through this space.

[0284] Therefore, the laundry treatment device further includes a sealing part 450 for preventing hot air from leaking from the space between the drum and the flow part 4231. The sealing part 450 is located along the periphery of the flow part 4231.

[0285] The sealing portion 450 includes a first seal 451 provided along the outer periphery of the flowing portion 4231. The first seal 451 is provided between the drum and the outer periphery of the flowing portion 4231. The first seal 451 also contacts both the drum back surface 220 and the back plate 420, thereby more effectively preventing leakage.

[0286] Meanwhile, the first seal 451 contacts the front surface of the connector 850. The first seal 451 also contacts the upper end of the connector 850. The connector 850 forms a flow path through which the hot air flows together with the flow portion 4231. Therefore, the first seal 451 contacts the connector 850, thereby preventing the hot air from leaking between the drum and the connector 850.

[0287] The sealing portion 450 includes a second seal 452 provided along the inner periphery of the flowing portion 4231. The second seal 452 is provided between the drum and the inner periphery of the flowing portion 4231. The second seal 452 also contacts both the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The second seal 452 prevents the hot air moving along the flowing portion 4231 from leaking toward the mounting portion 425.

[0288] As the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the laundry treatment device, continuous friction is applied to the sealing part 450 by the drum rear surface 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing part 450 is made of a material that does not deteriorate in performance even with the frictional force and frictional heat generated by the rotation and that can seal the gap between the drum rear surface 220 and the flow part 4231.

[0289] FIG. 11 is a view showing a coupling structure of a rear panel, a reducer, and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] 11, the reducer 600 is supported on the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 is coupled to the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 supports both the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500.

[0291] Behind the rear plate 420, there are located a motor unit 500 for providing rotational power and a reducer 600 for reducing the power of the motor unit and transmitting it to the drum.

[0292] The reducer 600 is provided on the back plate 420 so as to be located inside the duct portion 423. The reducer 600 is located radially inside the flow portion 4231 so as to prevent interference with the flow portion 4231.

[0293] The hot air moving along the flowing portion 4231 may damage the gear mechanism inside the reducer 600. Therefore, the flowing portion 4231 and the reducer 600 are provided at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0294] The reducer 600 is coupled to the rear plate 420 by passing through the rear plate 420. Therefore, the reducer 600 is connected to the drum located in front of the rear plate 420.

[0295] The stator 510 is coupled to the reducer 600. The stator 510 is coupled to the reducer 600 and is spaced apart from the rear plate 420. The reducer 600 is located between the drum and the motor unit and supports the drum and the motor unit at a distance from the rear plate 420. That is, the reducer 600 serves as a center for supporting the drum and the motor unit.

[0296] On the other hand, the stator 510 includes a ring-shaped main body 511, fixed ribs 512 extending from the inner surface of the main body 511 and connected to the stator connection part 613 of the reducer, teeth 514 extending from the outer surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and wound around the coil, and pole bushings 515 provided at the free ends of the teeth 514 to prevent the coil from coming off.

[0297] The rotor 520 includes a rotor body 521 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The rotor 520 also includes a mounting body 522 recessed forward from the rear surface of the rotor body 521. The rotor 520 has permanent magnets arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the rotor body 521.

[0298] The rotor 520 is coupled to a drive shaft 530, and transmits the rotational power of the rotor 520 to the outside via the drive shaft 530. The drive shaft 530 is connected to the rotor 520 via a washer portion 540.

[0299] The motor unit 500 also includes a washer unit 540 that supports the drive shaft 530. The washer unit 540 includes a washer assembly 541 that is connected to the rotor. The washer assembly 541 is disk-shaped.

[0300] The washer part 540 includes a receiver 542 that is received on the rotor. The receiver 542 protrudes rearward from the washer assembly 541. The washer part 540 includes a shaft support hole 543 that penetrates the center of the receiver 542. The drive shaft 530 is inserted into the shaft support hole 543 and is supported by the washer part 540.

[0301] In addition, the washer part 540 includes a washer coupling hole 5412 that passes through the washer coupling body 541. In addition, the installation body 522 includes a rotor coupling hole 526 that is provided at a position corresponding to the washer coupling hole 5412. That is, the washer part 540 and the rotor 520 are coupled to each other by a coupling member that simultaneously passes through the washer coupling hole 5412 and the rotor coupling hole 526 to couple them together. That is, the washer part 540 and the rotor 520 are coupled to each other so as to rotate together.

[0302] The washer part 540 also includes a washer coupling protrusion 5411 protruding rearward from the washer coupling body 541. The installation body 522 also includes a washer coupling protrusion receiving hole 525 corresponding to the washer coupling protrusion 5411. The washer coupling protrusion 5411 is inserted into the washer coupling protrusion receiving hole 525 to support the coupling of the washer part 540 and the rotor 520.

[0303] In addition, the rotor 520 includes a rotor installation hole 524 that penetrates the center of the installation body 522. The rotor installation hole 524 receives a receiver 542. As a result, the washer part 540 rotates together with the drive shaft 530 via the rotor 520, firmly supporting the connection between the drive shaft 530 and the rotor 520. This has the effect of ensuring the durability and reliability of the entire motor part 500.

[0304] FIG. 12 is a rear view showing a coupling structure of a reducer and a stator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0305] The stator 510 is fixed to the reducer 600 and includes a ring-shaped main body 511, fixing ribs 512 extending from the inner surface of the main body 511 and coupled to stator fastening holes 615 of the reducer, teeth 514 extending from the outer surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and around which the coil is wound, pole bushings 515 provided at the free ends of the teeth 514 to prevent the coil from coming off, and terminals (not shown) that control the supply of current to the coil.

[0306] The stator 510 penetrates the main body 511 and includes a receiving space 513 provided inside the main body 511. A plurality of fixing ribs 512 are provided inside the main body 511 at predetermined angles based on the receiving space 513, and fixing rib holes 5121 in which fixing members are installed are provided inside the fixing ribs 512, and the fixing rib holes 5121 and the stator fastening holes 615 of the reducer are coupled to each other using fixing members such as fins.

[0307] When the stator 510 is directly coupled to the reducer 600, a portion of the reducer 600 is received in the stator 510. In particular, when the reducer 600 is received in the stator 510, the thickness of the entire drive unit including both the reducer and the motor unit is reduced, further expanding the volume of the drum.

[0308] For this reason, the reducer 600 is provided with a diameter smaller than that of the main body 511. That is, the maximum diameters of the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are smaller than that of the main body 511. As a result, the reducer 600 is disposed with at least a portion thereof received in the main body 511. However, the stator coupling part 613 extends from the reducer housing to overlap the fixing rib 512. As a result, the stator coupling part 613 is coupled to the fixing rib 512, and portions of the first housing and the second housing 620 are positioned inside the main body 511.

[0309] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the coupling of the reducer and the motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0310] The stator 510 is coupled to the reducer 600. The stator 510 is coupled to a stator coupling portion 613 that protrudes outward from the housing of the reducer 600, and at least a portion of the reducer is received inside the main body 511. This allows the center of the main body 511 and the centers of the drive shaft 530 and reducer 600 to always remain coaxial.

[0311] Meanwhile, the rotor 520 is disposed to receive the stator 510 at a predetermined distance from the pawl bushing 515. The rotor 520 is fixed to the reducer 600, whose drive shaft 530 is received in the main body 511, so that the gap G1 between the rotor 520 and the stator 510 can be maintained at all times.

[0312] This prevents the rotor 520 and the stator 510 from colliding with each other, or the stator 510 from rotating while being temporarily twisted, thereby preventing noise and unnecessary vibrations from being generated.

[0313] On the other hand, a first imaginary diameter line K1 passing through the center of the reducer 600 and the center of the drive shaft 530, a second imaginary diameter line K2 passing through the center of the main body 511, and a third imaginary diameter line K3 passing through the center of the rotor 520 are all located at the rotation center of the reducer 600.

[0314] As a result, the reducer 600 itself becomes the center of rotation of the drive shaft 530, and since the stator 510 is directly fixed to the reducer 600, it is possible to prevent the drive shaft 530 from twisting with respect to the reducer 600. As a result, the reliability of the reducer 600 can be ensured.

[0315] FIG. 14 shows how clothes can be damaged or shrunk during the drying process.

[0316] 14(a), the fibers L forming the garment have a predetermined diameter. For example, when the fibers L are in a dry state, the diameter of the fibers L is a first diameter D1.

[0317] Since the fiber L is a material whose volume can be expanded or compressed, voids C containing air are arranged inside.

[0318] When the clothes are subjected to a washing process and immersed in water W, the fibers L themselves can contain water, but the voids C can also be filled with water.

[0319] Referring to Figure 14(b), even when the clothing is removed from the water W, the voids C may still contain water. In particular, since the fibers L themselves act as capillaries, the voids C may still be filled with water W even when the fibers L are placed in the air.

[0320] On the other hand, when the clothing is pulled out from the water W after being immersed, a portion of the clothing shrinks due to the surface tension of the water, etc. Therefore, when the fiber L is pulled out after being immersed in the water W, the diameter of the fiber decreases to a second diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter D1.

[0321] Referring to FIG. 14(c), when the drying process is performed in a state where the diameter of the fiber L is reduced, the water contained in the voids C evaporates, and an empty space is formed inside the voids C.

[0322] The fibers L generate contraction and restoring forces to fill the rapidly regenerated voids C. As a result, the fibers L are contracted inward.

[0323] 14(d), when voids C are regenerated inside the fibers L and an external force F acts on the fibers L due to the rotation of the drum, the voids C are eliminated. In other words, when the fibers L are subjected to a contraction force that tries to fill the voids C or even a drop impact F that acts on the fibers L, the voids C are eliminated.

[0324] Referring to FIG. 14(e), when the voids C are removed, the fibers L are shrunk accordingly, and the diameter of the fibers L becomes a third diameter D3 that is smaller than the second diameter D2.

[0325] As a result, in the process of drying clothes using the clothes treating device of the present invention, the diameter of the fibers L of the clothes is reduced from the first diameter D1 to the third diameter D3.

[0326] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the change in volume of clothing due to the change in diameter of the fiber L.

[0327] Referring to FIG. 15(a), the length of a portion of the garment in which the fibers L are combined is a first length T1, and the thickness of the portion of the garment is a first diameter D1.

[0328] Referring to FIG. 15(b), when the voids C inside are removed and the fibers l are shrunk, the length of a portion of the garment is shortened to a second length T2 that is shorter than the first length, and the thickness of a portion of the garment is also reduced to a third diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter D1.

[0329] As a result, the clothes as a whole may shrink in both length and thickness during the drying process compared to their pre-drying state.

[0330] Furthermore, as the clothes are dried and become closer to a dry cloth state, even small friction can cause fluffing on the surface of the clothes.

[0331] In addition, if the clothes are not dried and are in a wet state, and are heavier than they should be, the frictional force increases when the clothes rub against each other or against the drum, causing wear on the surface of the clothes.

[0332] To prevent this, the laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a drying process that prevents not only shrinkage of the laundry but also wear and tear of the laundry.

[0333] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a drying process.

[0334] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the control steps that make up the drying process.

[0335] The control panel of the present invention clothing treatment device provides optional drying cycles and options for performing the drying process to remove moisture from clothing received in the drum 200 .

[0336] The control panel receives, via the input unit 118, a selection command to select any one of the drying courses and options, and an execution command to execute the selected course and option.

[0337] The optional drying course and option are configured by an algorithm that operates the drive unit and the heat exchange unit 900 to rotate the drum 200 and supply hot air to the inside of the drum 200 to perform the drying process.

[0338] For example, any drying course and option commonly includes an air supply stage S1 in which air is supplied to the drum 200, a rotation stage S2 in which the drum 200 is rotated during the air supply stage S1 to expose the clothes to air, and a temperature control stage S3 in which the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the refrigerant is controlled.

[0339] The air supply stage S1, the rotation stage S2, and the temperature control stage S3 may be performed simultaneously during the drying process.

[0340] The air supply step S1 includes driving the heat exchanger 900 and the circulation channel fan 950 to supply hot air to the drum 200. The air supply step S1 may also include driving only the circulation channel fan 950 without driving the heat exchanger 900 to supply relatively low temperature air into the drum 200.

[0341] Meanwhile, the spinning stage S2 and the temperature control stage S3 are performed to protect the clothes.

[0342] Specifically, the rotation step S2 and the temperature control step S3 are performed to perform any drying course and option for the drying process. Also, the rotation step S2 and the temperature control step S3 are performed to protect the clothes, such as preventing damage to the clothes and shrinkage of the clothes.

[0343] For example, if any drying course and option performs the functions of preventing damage to clothes and preventing shrinkage of clothes, a spinning step s2 and a temperature control step S3 for protecting clothes are performed.

[0344] Also, if there is a fabric protection course for protecting clothes, when the fabric protection course is performed, a rotation step s2 and a temperature control step S3 for protecting clothes are performed.

[0345] The following describes how the air supply stage S1, rotation stage S2, and temperature control stage S3 for protecting the clothes are performed.

[0346] The air supply stage S1, the rotation stage S2, and the temperature control stage S3 may be performed when any drying course and option is performed, and if there is a fabric protection course, they may be performed when the fabric protection course is performed.

[0347] FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing a control method for the air supply stage S1.

[0348] The air supply step S1 also includes stopping the circulation channel fan 950 and operating the pump 861 when the first heat exchanger 910 is washed with water collected in the water collecting section 860. As a result, the air supply step S1 also includes a section in which air is not temporarily supplied to the drum 200.

[0349] Meanwhile, since the driving unit is directly connected to the drum 200, the rotation speed and rotation direction of the drum 200 are changed in the rotation step S2. That is, when the air supply step S1 is performed, the control panel drives the motor unit 500 to rotate the drum 200 via the reducer 600. The motor unit 500 changes the rotation speed and rotation direction of the drum 200 according to the algorithm set in the desired drying course and options.

[0350] Generally, the air supply step S1 is divided into a preheating period A1, a constant rate period A2, a falling rate period A3, and a cooling period A4 depending on one of the state of the heat exchanger 900, the operation time of the heat exchanger 900, the temperature of the air discharged to the circulation flow path 820, the dryness of the clothes, and the operation time of the motor unit 500.

[0351] FIG. 16(c) is a diagram showing a control method for the rotation stage S2.

[0352] The rotation step S2 includes a high-speed section H in which the drum 200 is rotated at a first speed so that the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, and a constant-speed section L in which the drum 200 is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed so that the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and agitated each time the drum 200 rotates.

[0353] The first speed corresponds to a speed at which the drum 200 rotates so as to generate a centrifugal force of 1 G or more on the clothes, or a speed higher than that, and the second speed corresponds to a speed at which the drum 200 rotates so as to generate a centrifugal force of 1 G or less on the clothes.

[0354] The rotation step S2 is performed in any of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

[0355] Furthermore, the rotation step S2 may be suspended for a predetermined time in at least one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4, but the air supply step S1 does not have to be suspended throughout any one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

[0356] In the rotation stage S2, various combinations of high speed sections H and low speed sections L can be arranged in the preheating section A1, constant rate drying section A2, falling rate drying section A3, and cooling section A4 to prevent damage to the clothes, prevent shrinkage of the clothes, and dry the clothes.

[0357] As a result, the rotation stage S2 can adhere the clothes to the drum 200 in the high-speed section H to prevent friction and wear of the clothes, and can also dry the clothes in the low-speed section L. If the rotation speed is slower than the second speed, the mechanical force applied to the clothes can be reduced to prevent shrinkage of the clothes.

[0358] The rotation step S2 can also be divided into a protection section S21, a protection section S22, a separation section S23, and an exposure section S24 based on the function of protecting the fabric.

[0359] The prevention step S21 includes a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated at a speed equal to or faster than the first speed H1 at which the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotate. That is, the prevention step prevents friction between the clothes and between the clothes and the drum 200 by rotating the clothes adhered to the drum 200.

[0360] The prevention step S21 further includes a low-speed section L in which the clothes rotate at a speed lower than the first speed H1. Thus, the prevention step S21 may periodically include a high-speed section H and a low-speed section L. Thus, the prevention step S21 agitates the clothes in the low-speed section L, thereby preventing a specific area of ​​the clothes from being over-dried in the high-speed section H and allowing the clothes to be dried evenly.

[0361] That is, the prevention step S21 includes a low speed section L of the clothes, and not only protects the clothes but also dries them.

[0362] In the prevention step S21, one of a pulling motion and a drying motion, which will be described later, is performed.

[0363] The prevention step S21 is performed in at least one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3. In the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3, not only drying of the clothes but also protection of the clothes is required, so the prevention step S21 is performed at least once in each of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3.

[0364] The preheating section A1 ends when the refrigerant temperature reaches a predetermined temperature TC from the starting temperature. The constant rate drying section A2 ends when the dryness reaches a set value c or when the duration of the constant rate drying section A2 has passed a reference time. The falling rate drying section A3 ends when the dryness reaches an end value e.

[0365] Meanwhile, the prevention step S21 performed in the preheating section A1 has a longer ratio of the high speed section H to the low speed section L than the prevention step S22 performed in the constant rate drying section A2 or the falling rate drying section A3. This is because the clothes are in a wet state and therefore in a relatively large contracted state during the preheating section A1, so it is necessary to provide many high speed sections H to maximize the expansion of the clothes.

[0366] In addition, in the prevention step S22 performed in the constant rate drying section A2 or the decreasing rate drying section A3, the ratio of the low speed section L is higher than that in the preheating section A1, further increasing the efficiency of drying clothes.

[0367] Meanwhile, the rotation step S2 rotates the drum 200 faster than the limit speed but slower than the first speed H1, and performs the exposure step S24 in which the clothes are exposed to air.

[0368] The exposure step S24 is considered to be a step for drying the clothes, not for protecting the clothes. For example, the exposure step S24 is a step in which a tumbling motion, a turning motion, etc. are performed.

[0369] Meanwhile, the prevention step S21 is performed after the exposure step S24 is completed in the constant rate drying section A2 or the decreasing rate drying section A3. As the clothes dry more rapidly in the exposure step S24, the surface of the clothes is more likely to become lint-free or damaged due to friction. Therefore, the prevention step S21 is performed after the exposure step S24 to minimize friction between the clothes and between the clothes and the drum.

[0370] The protection step S22 includes a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated at a speed equal to or lower than the second speed L1. Specifically, the protection step S22 includes a limited section in which the drum is rotated at a limited speed L3 to prevent the clothes from rising above the height of the center O of the drum.

[0371] That is, the protection step S22 corresponds to reducing the impact of the drop on the clothes and further preventing friction between the drum and the clothes.

[0372] The protection step S22 minimizes the impact of the drop on the clothes, thereby maintaining the voids C in the fibers inside the clothes and preventing the clothes from shrinking. In addition to preventing the clothes from shrinking, the protection step S22 also agitates the clothes inside the drum 200 to dry the clothes.

[0373] The protection step S22 corresponds to the rolling motion being performed.

[0374] Further, the protection step S22 is performed in order to maintain the air gap C of the clothes, and is therefore performed in the falling rate drying section A3 where the drying has progressed considerably.

[0375] Meanwhile, the rotation step S2 further includes a separation step S23 in which the drum is rotated at a first speed H1 or a second speed L1, and then rotated at an increased speed and then at a decreased speed, and this is repeated periodically.

[0376] In the separation step S23, the wet cloth and the dry cloth are separated using the difference in inertial force of the clothes according to the dryness level. Therefore, when the separation step S23 is performed in the constant rate drying section A2, the wet cloth is separated from the dry cloth and dried intensively, preventing the dry cloth from being over-dried.

[0377] The separation step S23 corresponds to the execution of a shaking motion.

[0378] Since the clothes have been dried considerably during the falling rate drying section A3, it is more important to dry the clothes evenly. Therefore, the separation step S23 is performed before the falling rate drying section A3 starts, so that the clothes are separated according to their dryness level, thereby significantly reducing the duration of the falling rate drying section A3.

[0379] In the falling-rate drying section A3, the protection step S22 is performed, followed by the prevention step S21. This is because, when the dryness of the clothes increases in the protection step S22, it is necessary to prevent friction between the clothes and the drum, and in the prevention step S21, the clothes are agitated and dried in the low-speed section L, and even the area of ​​the clothes that is not attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 is dried in the high-speed section H.

[0380] In the falling rate drying section A3, the prevention step S21 is performed when the dryness reaches a predetermined value d.

[0381] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention appropriately selects or combines the prevention step S21, protection step S22, and separation step S23 for each section of the air supply step S1 to prevent wear and tear on clothing, prevent shrinkage of clothing, and dry clothing uniformly.

[0382] For example, in the preheating section A1, a pulling motion is performed to prevent shrinkage of the compress, in the constant rate drying section A2, a tumbling motion is performed to dry the clothes, a drying motion is performed to prevent wear on the clothes, and a shaking motion (described later) is performed to dry the clothes evenly, and in the decreasing rate drying section A3, a rolling motion (described later) is performed to dry the clothes while preventing shrinkage, and a drying motion is performed to prevent pilling on the clothes.

[0383] Depending on the type of course and option, the rotation step S2 is performed by appropriately selecting from a pulling motion, a drying motion, a tumbling motion, a turning motion, a rolling motion, and a stopping motion (described later) for each section of the air supply step S1.

[0384] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can apply any of the above-mentioned motions when performing the rotation step S2 in the air supply section S1.

[0385] Alternatively, the clothing processing device of the present invention may selectively perform only a predetermined motion among the drum motions in a predetermined section.

[0386] For example, when a predetermined drying course and option is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may select from the following when performing the rotation step S2: a pulling motion in the preheating section A1, a tumbling motion, drying motion, or shaking motion in the constant rate drying section A2, a rolling motion or drying motion in the decreasing rate drying section A3, and a stopping motion in the cooling section A4. That is, when performing the rotation step S2, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may perform a pulling motion in the preheating section A1 and a tumbling motion in the other sections.

[0387] FIG. 16(d) is a diagram showing a control method in the temperature control step S3.

[0388] The temperature control step S3 is a step of controlling the operation of the compressor 930 to control the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the hot air supplied to the drum 200. In the temperature control step S3, the control method of the compressor 930 may be different in the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

[0389] The temperature control step S3 is a step of controlling the temperature inside the drum 200 so that it does not exceed the limit temperature T_limit at which the clothes may be damaged. To this end, the temperature control step S3 includes an eleventh step S31 of rotating the compressor 930 at a heating RPM (rpm_h), a second step S32 of rotating the compressor 930 at a constant rate RPM (rpm_cr) lower than the heating RPM, and a third step S33 of rotating the compressor 930 at a decreasing rate RPM (rpm-fr) lower than the constant rate RPM (see FIG. 17).

[0390] In other words, the temperature control step S3 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant by gradually slowing down the driving RPM of the compressor 930 during the air supply step S1, thereby controlling the temperature inside the drum 200 so that it does not exceed the limit temperature T_limit, thereby preventing the clothes from being overheated and damaged by the hot air.

[0391] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the internal state of the heat exchanger 900 and the drum 200 when the air supply step S1 is performed.

[0392] The preheating section A1 is defined based on the operating time and operating conditions of the compressor 930. Specifically, when the drying process is started, the compressor 930 starts to operate, compresses the refrigerant, and discharges it to the second heat exchanger 920. At this time, the section in which the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 reaches a predetermined temperature TC from a start temperature T0 is set as the preheating section A1.

[0393] The predetermined temperature TC corresponds to the maximum temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 during the drying process, for example, 90 degrees Celsius.

[0394] Alternatively, the predetermined temperature TC corresponds to the temperature at which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 heats the second heat exchanger 920 at the maximum temperature.

[0395] Alternatively, the section until the operating Hz of the compressor 930 reaches either the heating Hz or the maximum Hz is set as the preheating section A1.

[0396] Alternatively, the section from when the compressor 930 is activated until the initial time is reached is set as the preheating section A1.

[0397] Meanwhile, the preheating section A1 may be set as the temperature at which the air flowing through the circulation channel unit 930 reaches the heating temperature. The heating temperature is the temperature at which the moisture in the clothes is dried more than if the clothes were naturally dried, and corresponds to 40° C. That is, the section from when the heat exchanger 900 is activated until the air discharged into the circulation channel unit 930 reaches the heating temperature is determined as the preheating section A1.

[0398] As a result, the preheating section A1 is the initial section of the drying process, in which the compressor 930 starts to operate and heats the second heat exchanger 920 to a predetermined temperature, thereby heating and preparing the air flowing inside the drum 200 or through the circulation flow path section 930 until the temperature is high enough to sufficiently dry the moisture in the clothes.

[0399] In the preheating section A1, the compressor 930 and the circulation channel fan 950 are operated to continuously introduce heated air into the drum 200. As a result, the temperature inside the drum 200 gradually increases, and moisture evaporates from the clothes.

[0400] Furthermore, the rotation step S2 is performed in the preheating section A1, and the clothes rotate in the drum 200, so that the surface of the clothes is uniformly exposed to air. As a result, the clothes are dried in the preheating section A1 as well.

[0401] After the preheating section A1, a constant rate drying section A2 starts.

[0402] The preheating section A1 and the constant rate drying section A2 can be divided based on the dryness of the clothes.

[0403] Specifically, the laundry treatment device of the present invention includes a dryness sensor capable of measuring the dryness of the laundry. The dryness sensor is provided so as to be in contact with the laundry inside the drum 200. The dryness sensor may be attached to the front panel 410 or may be disposed below the inner circumferential surface of the front gasket 413.

[0404] The dryness sensor is configured as an electrode sensor that comes into contact with the clothes, measures the resistance value of the clothes, and calculates the dryness of the clothes.

[0405] Of course, the dryness sensor may take any form as long as it can measure the dryness of the clothes.

[0406] When the dryness of the clothes reaches the reference value a, the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins. For example, the reference value a corresponds to 20%.

[0407] The constant rate drying section A2 is a section in which hot air is sufficiently introduced into the drum 200 to thoroughly dry moisture from the clothes.

[0408] In the constant rate drying section A2, a large amount of moisture continuously evaporates from the clothes, absorbing the heat of vaporization from the hot air. Therefore, in the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 increases by a smaller amount than in the preheating section A1 or remains at a predetermined level.

[0409] In the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 or the temperature discharged into the circulation flow path section 930 is maintained at the drying temperature, which corresponds to the predetermined temperature TC that is the end temperature of the preheating section A1.

[0410] That is, even if hot air having a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature TC is supplied to the inside of the drum 200 in the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 remains below the predetermined temperature TC.

[0411] *The rotation step S2 is also performed in the constant rate drying section A2, and the position of the clothes placed on the drum 200 is continuously changed so that the clothes are evenly exposed to the hot air. Therefore, more moisture is evaporated from the clothes 200 than when the drum 200 is stopped.

[0412] The constant rate drying section A2 is followed by a falling rate drying section A3.

[0413] During the constant rate drying section A2, the amount of moisture evaporating from the clothes gradually decreases. As a result, the amount of moisture evaporating from the clothes decreases, and the temperature of the hot air flowing into the drum 200 cannot be sufficiently reduced. As a result, the temperature inside the drum 200 rises above the drying temperature due to the supplied hot air. Therefore, the falling rate drying section A3 is set to start when the temperature inside the drum 200 rises above the drying temperature.

[0414] The falling rate drying section A3 is set to be entered when the dryness of the clothes reaches the set value c during the constant rate drying section A2. The falling rate drying section A3 is considered to be entered when the dryness calculated by the clothes contacting the dryness sensor provided as an electrode sensor reaches the set value c.

[0415] The set value c is set to 50% or more, for example, 80%. This is because when the dryness of the clothes is 50% or more, the amount of moisture expelled from the clothes decreases, so the heat of vaporization also decreases and the temperature of the hot air does not drop.

[0416] Rotation step S2 is also performed in the falling-rate drying section A3, and the clothes that have not yet been dried inside the drum 200 are exposed to the hot air. As a result, the dried parts of the clothes are prevented from being over-dried by being hidden by the inner wall of the drum 200 or other clothes due to the rotation of the drum 200.

[0417] Furthermore, the rotation of the drum 200 can prevent the incompletely dried portions of the clothes from being exposed to the inside of the drum 200, thereby preventing the clothes from being left undried.

[0418] The cooling section A4 is performed after the falling rate drying section A3. The cooling section A4 corresponds to a section where the clothes have been dried but the inside of the drum 200 has not yet cooled, which may cause injury to the user.

[0419] The cooling section A4 is set to start when the dryness of the clothes reaches a completion value e during the falling rate drying section A3, for example, the completion value e corresponds to 90% or more.

[0420] In the cooling section A4, the compressor 930 is not operated, and the motor unit 500 and the circulation channel fan 950 are driven. As a result, cool air, which is lower in temperature than the hot air, is supplied to the drum 200, and the cool air uniformly contacts the clothes rotating inside the drum 200, cooling the clothes.

[0421] The cooling section A4 is terminated when the internal temperature of the drum 200 reaches a safe temperature, which is a temperature at which the user is not exposed to fire and corresponds to 20 degrees.

[0422] In the cooling section A4, the rotation step S2 is also performed, and all areas of the clothes are exposed to the cool air. Therefore, not only are the clothes cooled, but the air inside the drum 200 is also cooled by mixing with the cool air due to the movement of the clothes.

[0423] Meanwhile, in the cooling section A4, a standby step of waiting for a predetermined time may be further performed after the rotation step S2 is completed. That is, at the end of the cooling section A4, the drum 200 is not rotated and only the circulation channel fan 950 is driven to allow only cool air to flow into the drum 200, or the circulation channel fan 950 is not driven and the clothes are left to cool naturally.

[0424] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further perform a temperature control step S3 during the air supply step S1 and the rotation step S2.

[0425] The temperature control step S3 is a step of preventing the temperature inside the drum 200 from rising above the limit temperature Tmax, which is a temperature that dries and sterilizes the clothes but prevents the clothes from being damaged or deformed by high heat.

[0426] For example, the limit temperature Tmax is set to 60 degrees Celsius or less.

[0427] The temperature control stage S3 is carried out during the entire duration of the air supply stage S1.

[0428] The temperature control step S3 controls the driving rpm of the compressor 930 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 so that either the air discharged from the inside of the drum 200 or the air introduced therein does not exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

[0429] In the temperature control step S3, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 is controlled so as not to exceed a limit temperature that is set so as to decrease from the maximum temperature Th of the refrigerant to a predetermined temperature over time.

[0430] The limit temperature T_limit of the refrigerant is set to decrease throughout all sections from the preheating section A1 to the cooling section A4, so that the temperature of the refrigerant decreases in each section, and the temperature of the drum 200 is controlled so as not to exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

[0431] The limit temperature T_limit of the refrigerant varies with time and decreases as time passes.

[0432] In the temperature control step S3, the compressor 930 is controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged does not exceed the limit temperature set at each moment.

[0433] In the temperature control step S3, the limit temperature T_limit of the falling rate drying section is set lower than the limit temperature T_limit of the constant rate drying section, and the limit temperature T_limit of the constant rate drying section is set lower than the limit temperature T_limit of the falling rate drying section.

[0434] In the temperature control step S3, the RPM of the compressor 930 is controlled to control the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby controlling the temperature of the drum.

[0435] Specifically, as the preheating section A1 progresses, the first step S31 is performed. The compressor 930 is accelerated to a heating RPM (rpm_H), which corresponds to the maximum RPM that the compressor 930 reaches during the drying process. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant rises rapidly in the preheating section A1.

[0436] When the preheating section A1 ends or the constant rate drying section A2 begins, the second step S32 is performed. Accordingly, the compressor 930 is controlled to reduce its operating rpm. In the constant rate drying section A2, the compressor 930 is controlled to operate at a constant rate rpm (rpm_CR) lower than the heating rpm.

[0437] This prevents the temperature of the drum 200 from rising in the constant rate drying section A2.

[0438] In the falling rate drying section A3, the third step S33 is performed. The compressor 930 is controlled to operate at a falling rate rpm (rpm_FR) lower than the constant rate rpm.

[0439] Thereafter, in the cooling section A4, the compressor 930 stops operating, and the temperature of the drum 200 drops.

[0440] As a result, in temperature control step S3, compressor 930 is driven, so that the temperature of the refrigerant increases and the temperature of the drum increases or is maintained.

[0441] Also, in the temperature control stage S3, the rpm of the compressor 930 is reduced in each section, so that the temperature of the drum 200 does not exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

[0442] In addition, in the temperature control step S3, the compressor 930 continues to operate even if the rpm drops, so the refrigerant is compressed and can heat the air flowing into the drum 200. As a result, the temperature of the drum 200 is maintained at a predetermined temperature without dropping below the limit temperature Tmax.

[0443] As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent damage to clothing not only through the rotation step S2 but also through the temperature control step S3.

[0444] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing that the rotation stage of the clothes treatment device of the present invention includes a tumbling motion.

[0445] The rotation stage S2 includes a tumbling motion that rotates the drum 200 in one direction at a second speed L1 that is lower than the first speed H1 and provides an acceleration force of 1 G or more.

[0446] For example, if the diameter of the drum 200 is 24 inches or 27 inches, the first speed H1 corresponds to 50 RPM or greater, and the second speed L1 corresponds to 50 RPM or less.

[0447] The first speed H1 is defined as the speed at which clothes received in the drum 200 adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotate when the drum 200 rotates. In a tumbling motion where the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 lower than the first speed H1, the clothes received in the drum 200 separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate. As a result, the clothes received in the drum 200 separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 and fall down every time the drum 200 rotates, and are uniformly exposed to hot air.

[0448] The tumbling motion may be either clockwise or counterclockwise as long as the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1. However, the tumbling motion may be performed without changing the rotation direction of the drum 200, thereby reducing the load on the motor unit 500 and preventing the clothes from being twisted or tangled suddenly.

[0449] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the state of the clothes in the tumbling motion.

[0450] Referring to FIG. 19(a), the clothes received inside the drum 200 are placed at the bottom of the drum 200 due to their own weight.

[0451] Referring to FIG. 19(b), when the tumbling motion is performed and the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes received inside the drum 200 adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rise to the top due to the frictional force with the drum 200 and the centrifugal force generated as the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1.

[0452] The clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rise from the center of rotation (O) or the center of the drum 200 to the top.

[0453] Referring to FIG. 19(c), the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 that provides a centrifugal force lower than 1 G, so that the clothes move above the center of the drum 200, but separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 at a position lower than the high point of the drum 200 and fall toward the bottom of the drum 200.

[0454] That is, the clothes received in the drum 200 in the tumbling motion adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 above the radius R of the drum 200 at the bottom of the drum 200 and rise, but do not rise to the diameter 2R of the drum 200 at the bottom of the drum 200 and are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0455] In other words, in the tumbling motion, the weight of the clothes is greater than the centrifugal force from the drum 200, so the clothes separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 between the center O of the drum 200 and the high point of the drum 200 and fall toward the low point of the drum 200.

[0456] Furthermore, when the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 due to the inertial force of the clothes rotating together with the drum 200, they fall to one side of the lowest point of the drum 200. For example, when the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes fall from the lowest point of the drum 200 to the right, and when the drum 200 rotates counterclockwise, the clothes fall from the lowest point of the drum 200 to the left.

[0457] As a result, the clothes fall from the top of one side higher than the center O of the drum to the bottom of the other side lower than the center O of the drum, moving as close to the diameter 2R of the drum 200 as possible, further increasing the area and time that the clothes are exposed to the hot air supplied to the drum 200.

[0458] Furthermore, as the clothes repeatedly adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are separated, the exposed surface facing the center O of the drum 200 changes, and the entire surface of the clothes is uniformly exposed to the hot air.

[0459] As a result, clothes are most effectively dried in a tumbling motion, although as mentioned above, sustained tumbling motion alone can cause shrinkage and wear of the clothes.

[0460] To prevent this, the clothing treatment device of the present invention provides a drum motion in addition to the tumbling motion to prevent the above-mentioned wear and shrinkage of the clothing. Also, the clothing treatment device of the present invention varies the drum motion applied to each section or applies various combinations.

[0461] In other words, the rotation step S2 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention varies the rotation speed, rotation direction, and duration of the drum 200 in each section of the air supply step S1. That is, the rotation step S2 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs various motions to minimize friction between the clothing and the drum, such as expanding the clothing to be shrunk and reducing external forces such as mechanical and frictional forces applied to the clothing.

[0462] In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the motor unit 500 is directly connected to the drum 200 or directly fastened to the drum 200 by a reducer 600, so that the motor unit 500 can freely change the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drum 200.

[0463] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent shrinkage, wear, and damage to the clothing by varying at least one of the rotation speed of the drum 200, the rotation direction of the drum 200, and the duration of the rotation speed of the drum 200 depending on the condition of the clothing and the internal condition of the drum 200 in the air supply step S1.

[0464] Various motions that the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform in the rotation stage S2 will be described below.

[0465] The rotation stage S2 consists of a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes rotate while adhering to the inner wall of the drum, and a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes fall off the inner wall of the drum and rotate.

[0466] The high-speed section H is a section in which the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 or higher, generating an acceleration force of 1G or more, and the low-speed section L is a section in which the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1, which is lower than the first speed H1, generating an acceleration force of 1G or less.

[0467] For example, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the second speed L1 is set to a speed of 50 RPM or less, and the first speed H1 is set to a speed of more than 50 RPM.

[0468] FIG. 20 shows that the rotation stage includes a pulling motion.

[0469] The rotation stage S2 performs a pulling motion that periodically repeats rotating the drum 200 at the second speed L1 during a preparation time and rotating the drum 200 at the first speed H1 during an expansion time.

[0470] As a result, the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and agitated inside the drum 200 during the preparation time, and are subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more while adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the inflation time.

[0471] The inflation time is set longer than the preparation time, so the clothes are subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more for a longer period than the agitation time.

[0472] During the inflation time, the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 due to an acceleration force of 1G or more, and therefore expand along the inner circumferential surface of the drum 200. Furthermore, since the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 during the preparation time after the inflation time, other areas of the clothes will adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the next inflation time.

[0473] The pulling motion pulls the garment during the inflation time, changes the pulled part during the preparation time, and then repeats the pulling again during the inflation time. As a result, the pulling motion has the effect of expanding the deflated garment or pre-tensioning the garment to prevent it from shrinking.

[0474] Alternatively, the pulling motion may further include rotation at a third speed L2 during a standby time. In the pulling motion, rotation at the third speed L2 during a standby time is interspersed with acceleration from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. This causes the drum 200 to rotate at the second speed L1, decelerate to the third speed L2, and then accelerate back to the first speed H1. As a result, the acceleration force applied to the clothes in the drum 200 increases, further expanding the clothes.

[0475] Furthermore, the rotation at the third speed L2 during the waiting time in the pulling motion may be performed after the drum 200 has decelerated from the first speed H1 to the second speed L1. As a result, the drum 200 rotates at the first speed H1, decelerates to the second speed L1, and then decelerates to the third speed L2. As a result, the time it takes for the rotation speed of the drum 200 to decelerate from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 is increased, thereby reducing the impact of a drop on the clothes. Also, the load on the motor unit 500 for braking the drum 200 is reduced.

[0476] On the other hand, the waiting time is set shorter than the inflation time, so that the garment has more time to be pulled during the pulling motion.

[0477] Also, the standby time is set shorter than the preparation time, so that the time during which the clothes are agitated in the pulling motion is minimized, and the clothes are prevented from rubbing against each other or the drum 200.

[0478] On the other hand, the inflation time is set to be equal to or longer than the sum of the preparation time and the standby time, so that the time during which the clothes are pulled in the pulling motion is set to be equal to or longer than the time during which the clothes are agitated.

[0479] As a result, high speed sections H and low speed sections L are periodically arranged in the pulling motion.

[0480] Also, the low speed section L may be further divided into two speed sections, so that a total of three or more speed sections are periodically repeated in the pulling motion.

[0481] In the pulling motion, the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 during the inflation time, decelerates to a second speed L1 and rotates during the preparation time, then decelerates to a third speed L2 and rotates during the standby time, and then accelerates to the first speed H1 and rotates during the inflation time, repeating this process cyclically.

[0482] As a result, the pulling motion passes through two acceleration sections of 1 G or more during one cycle.

[0483] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the state of the clothes when the clothes treating device of the present invention performs a pulling motion.

[0484] Referring to FIG. 21(a), the clothes inside the drum 200 are arranged in an initial length D1 state.

[0485] Referring to FIG. 21(b), the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1 during the preparation time or at the third speed L2 during the standby time, and the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are agitated in the drum 200 without rising.

[0486] 21(c), the drum 200 rotates at an accelerated speed of H1. The drum 200 maintains the first speed H1 during the inflation time, which is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to make one rotation. The clothes then adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, inflating along the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0487] Referring to Figure 21(d), the garment expands to an expanded length (D2) that is longer than the initial length (D1). This process is repeated, and the garment is continuously subjected to an expansion force, and does not contract, but after contracting, it expands again.

[0488] FIG. 22 shows that the rotation step includes a return motion.

[0489] The rotation stage S2 includes a return motion that rotates the drum 200 in both directions at a second speed L1 that is lower than the first speed H1 and provides an acceleration force of 1 G or more.

[0490] The return motion involves a tumbling motion in one direction for a predetermined time, and a tumbling motion in the other direction for a predetermined time.

[0491] The predetermined time corresponds to the time it takes for the drum to rotate once. In this case, the turning motion is to rotate the drum 200 once clockwise at the second speed L1 and then once counterclockwise at the second speed L1. In this case, the drum 200 turns the clothes in one direction and then turns them in the other direction, creating the effect of turning the clothes over.

[0492] As a result, the surface of the clothes exposed to the inside of the drum 200 changes, preventing certain areas of the clothes from being over-dried and encouraging uniform drying.

[0493] The return motion is performed intermittently at a specific time when the tumbling motion is performed, and when the return motion is performed, the rotation direction of the tumbling motion is changed.

[0494] As a result, the surface of the clothes that contacts the drum 200 changes during the tumbling motion, and the subsequent tumbling motion concentrates drying on areas of the clothes that have not yet been dried.

[0495] On the other hand, the predetermined time corresponds to the time it takes for the drum to rotate N times. For example, the predetermined time is set to 2 minutes or more. In this case, the return motion corresponds to the tumbling motion periodically changing direction.

[0496] This allows the drum to rotate in one direction so that only certain areas of the clothes contact the inner wall of the drum 200 or are exposed to the interior of the drum 200, and the drum rotates in the other direction, turning or agitating the clothes so that other areas of the clothes contact the inner wall of the drum 200 or are exposed to the interior of the drum 200.

[0497] As a result, the clothes inside the drum 200 are uniformly exposed to the hot air.

[0498] Of course, the return motion also includes the drum 200 rotating in one direction at the first speed H1 for a predetermined time and then rotating in the other direction at the first speed H1 for a predetermined time, which changes the area of ​​the clothes adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200 and concentrates the area where hot air is supplied to the clothes.

[0499] The return motion includes the drum 200 rotating in one direction at a first speed H1 for a predetermined time and then rotating in the other direction at a second speed L1 for a predetermined time.

[0500] FIG. 23 shows the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a turning motion.

[0501] 23(a), the drum 200 rotates clockwise. When the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1, the clothes rise to a height higher than the center o of the drum and then fall to the bottom, as in a tumbling motion.

[0502] 23(b), the clockwise rotation of the drum 200 is slowed down, and then the drum 200 momentarily stops or starts rotating counterclockwise. The clothes received by the drum 200 are distributed under the central o region of the drum.

[0503] Referring to Figure 23(c), the drum 200 rotates counterclockwise at an accelerated rate. When the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1, the tumbling motion occurs in the opposite direction. The clothes rise to a higher area than the center O of the drum and then fall to the bottom. Because the rotation direction is opposite to that when the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes rise with other areas adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200 than when the drum 200 rotates clockwise. As a result, the clothes are agitated inside the drum 200 with at least some of them turned over.

[0504] As a result, as the drum 200 rotates clockwise, other areas are more exposed to the hot air, resulting in even drying of the clothes.

[0505] 21A to 21C are periodically repeated. Also, unlike the illustration, the drum 200 may rotate at a first speed H1 during the returning motion.

[0506] FIG. 24 shows that the rotation step includes a drying motion.

[0507] The rotation stage S2 includes a drying motion in which a high-speed section H in which the clothes are rotating while adhering to the inner wall of the drum and a low-speed section L in which the clothes fall off the inner wall of the drum and rotate are periodically performed.

[0508] The drying motion is a motion in which the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 for a first time period, and then rotates at a second speed L1, which is lower than the first speed H1, for a second time period, and this is repeated periodically. That is, in the drying motion, the drum 200 rotates periodically between a high speed section H and a low speed section L.

[0509] The drying motion is a repeat of rotating the drum 200 so as to generate an acceleration force of 1G or more for a first time, rotating the drum 200 so as to generate an acceleration force of 1G or less for a second time, and then rotating the drum 200 so as to generate an acceleration force of 1G or more for the first time.

[0510] The drying motion involves the drum 200 rotating at a first speed H1 for a first period of time and then performing a tumbling motion for a second period of time, which is repeated.

[0511] When the drying motion is performed, the clothes are attached to the drum 200 and rotated for a first time, separated from the drum 200 and agitated or dropped for a second time, and then attached to the drum 200 and rotated again for the first time.

[0512] This allows the clothes to remain attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 for a longer period of time than in the tumbling motion, minimizing friction with the inner wall of the drum 200. In addition, when the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, the clothes are fixed to the drum 200, preventing friction or wear between the clothes.

[0513] The drying motion is set such that the first time is longer than or at least equal to the second time to prevent damage to the clothes.

[0514] That is, the drying motion ensures sufficient time for the clothes to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, thereby preventing unnecessary friction of the clothes.

[0515] As a result, the duration of the high speed section H in the drying motion may be set to be equal to or longer than the duration of the low speed section L, and the total time of the high speed section H may be set to be longer than the total time of the duration.

[0516] The drying motion rotates the drum 200 at a first speed H1 for a first time period, concentrating hot air on areas of the clothes 200 that are not in contact with the inner wall of the drum 200. Also, the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 for a second time period, separating and agitating the clothes 200 from the drum, and during the next first time period, other areas of the clothes 200 are prevented from contacting the inner wall of the drum 200, thereby changing the area on which the hot air is concentrated.

[0517] As a result, the drying motion can prevent certain areas of the clothes from being over-dried.

[0518] On the other hand, in the drying motion, the drum rotates at least one revolution in the high-speed section H and at least one revolution in the low-speed section L to ensure that the clothes are not only sufficiently fixed to the inner wall of the drum 200 but also have time to sufficiently agitate the clothes inside the drum 200.

[0519] In other words, the first time period is set to be equal to or longer than the time required for one rotation of the drum 200, and the second time period is set to be equal to or longer than the time required for one rotation of the drum 200. For example, the first time period is set to be equal to or longer than two minutes, and the second time period is also set to be equal to or longer than two minutes.

[0520] The drying motion may further include a preparation section in which the drum 200 rotates for a third time at a third speed L2 lower than the second speed L1 between the high speed section H and the low speed section L. When the drum 200 is decelerated from the first speed H1 to the second speed L1, the drying motion further decelerates to the third speed L2.

[0521] This prevents further strong external forces from being applied to clothes that have been subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more while adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200. In addition, when the motor unit 500 is decelerated by braking the remaining power, it decelerates to the third speed L2, ensuring a long deceleration time for the drum 200, thereby reducing the maximum magnitude of the acceleration force or external force applied to the clothes. This prevents friction or fluffing from occurring when the clothes are separated from the drum 200.

[0522] The third time is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to make one rotation, ensuring that the clothes rise to the top of the drum 200 and are properly distributed before being agitated. However, the third time is set to be shorter than the second time to prevent unnecessary delays in drying.

[0523] The third speed L2 is also the speed at which the clothes are prevented from rising above the center O region of the drum.

[0524] As a result, the drying motion involves the drum 200 rotating at a first speed H1 for a first time, slowing down to a third speed L2 that is lower than the second speed L1, rotating for a third time, and then accelerating back to the second speed L1 and rotating for a third time, repeating this process.

[0525] During the drying motion, the rotation direction of the drum is maintained without being changed, thereby preventing excessive load from being placed on the motor unit 500 or excessive agitation and friction of the clothes.

[0526] Meanwhile, the first time of the drying motion is set longer than the inflation time of the pulling motion, and the second time is set longer than the preparation time of the pulling motion because the drying motion is not intended to prevent the clothes from expanding, but rather to prevent friction from being applied to the clothes and to ensure that the clothes are sufficiently exposed to the hot air.

[0527] That is, the ratio of the high speed section H in the drying motion is smaller than the ratio of the high speed section H in the pulling motion.

[0528] In addition, the time or cycle required to reach the next high speed section H after the high speed section H has passed in the drying motion is set to be longer than the time or cycle required to reach the next high speed section H after the high speed section H has passed in the pulling motion.

[0529] On the other hand, the pulling motion and the drying motion have in common that a high speed section H and a low speed section L are periodically performed.

[0530] However, the high speed section H of the pulling motion is set longer than the low speed section L, and the high speed section H of the drying motion is set longer than the high speed section H of the pulling motion.

[0531] This is because the pulling motion focuses on expanding the clothes, while the drying motion focuses on drying and agitating the clothes.

[0532] Therefore, the low speed section L of the drying motion is set longer than the high speed section H of the pulling motion.

[0533] FIG. 25 shows the state of the clothes when the rotation stage performs the drying motion.

[0534] 25(a), the drum 200 rotates clockwise at a second speed L1 for a second period of time. The clothes are repeatedly agitated by rising to a height corresponding to the center region O of the drum or to a position higher than the center region O of the drum and then falling back down. The period of rotation at the second speed L1 for the second period of time corresponds to a tumbling motion.

[0535] 25(b), the drum 200 rotates clockwise at a first speed H1 for a first time period, and the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate for the first time period.

[0536] At this time, the drum 200 may be gradually accelerated from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. For example, the time required for the speed to change from the low speed section L to the high speed section H in the drying motion may be set to about one minute. This prevents excessive physical force from being applied to the clothes, thereby preventing damage to the clothes.

[0537] During this process, areas of the clothes that are not attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 are exposed to hot air and dried intensively. In addition, since the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and continuously rotate, they are fixed to the drum 200. Therefore, the clothes and the drum 200 do not move relative to each other, preventing friction between the clothes and the drum 200.

[0538] In addition, because the entire garment is attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 while rotating, the garments do not rub against each other, and some parts of the garments do not rub against other parts. As a result, friction between the garments is also prevented, and the generation of fuzz on the garments can be prevented.

[0539] 25(c), the drum 200 again rotates at a reduced speed to the first speed H1. At this time, the drum 200 rotates at a reduced speed to the third speed L2. As a result, the clothes are not only reliably separated from the inner wall of the drum 200, but are also continuously agitated as the drum 200 rotates. As the clothes are agitated, the area that was in contact with the inner wall of the drum 200 is exposed to the inside of the drum 200 and dried.

[0540] On the other hand, the time required for deceleration from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 is set to about one minute.

[0541] The drum 200 is then accelerated to the second speed L1 and rotates again for a second time. The clothes rise from the central region o of the drum 200, fall, and are continuously exposed to the hot air and agitated, repeatedly. Therefore, the clothes are dried more efficiently than when the drum rotates at the first speed H1.

[0542] Referring to FIG. 25(d), the drum 200 is again accelerated to the first speed H1 and rotates for a first time.

[0543] The drying motion repeats this process, allowing the tumbling motion to be performed intermittently to dry the clothes. Also, the drying motion adheres the clothes to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the tumbling motion, significantly reducing the amount of time the clothes are rubbed against the drum during the agitation process.

[0544] As a result, the drying motion can both dry and protect the clothes.

[0545] The drying motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2. If the drying motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2 when the dryness of the clothes approaches the target value b, which is the value at which the clothes enter the falling rate drying section, friction or wear on the clothes can be prevented.

[0546] The drying motion is performed in the decreasing rate drying section A3. In the decreasing rate drying section A3, the dryness of the clothes exceeds the target value b, so fuzz and wear easily occur on the clothes. Therefore, the drying motion is performed in the decreasing rate drying section to protect the clothes.

[0547] In this case, it is preferable that the drying motion be performed at the end of the falling rate drying section. This is because the drying motion is a motion that has a long section for fixing the clothes to the inner wall of the drum 200, and if it is performed at the beginning of the falling rate drying section, the clothes cannot be guaranteed to be dry. Also, the clothes are in the driest state at the end of the falling rate drying section, so it is important to protect them from wear and damage.

[0548] Therefore, the drying motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches the predetermined value d in the falling rate drying section, and continues until the end of the falling rate drying section.

[0549] FIG. 26 shows that the rotation stage includes a swinging motion.

[0550] The rotation step s2 includes a swing motion that periodically varies the rotation speed of the drum between two or more regions.

[0551] The swinging motion includes rotating the drum at a first speed H1 at which the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotating, and periodically rotating the drum at a second speed L1 that is slower than the first speed H1.

[0552] The swinging motion provides a difference in acceleration to the clothes due to the difference in rotation speed of the drum, causing the clothes to separate from each other according to their weight.

[0553] On the other hand, the swinging motion involves periodically varying the rotation speed of the drum 200 between at least two of a first speed H1 at which the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotate, a second speed L1 slower than the first speed H1, and a third speed L2 slower than the second speed L1.

[0554] For example, the swinging motion may involve sequentially varying the speed of the drum 200 from a second speed L1 to a first speed H1 to a third speed L2.

[0555] The swing motion also includes repeating the drum speed of the drum 200 through the second speed L1, the first speed H1, and the third speed L2.

[0556] That is, the swing motion includes rotating the drum 200 at a second speed L1, accelerating the drum 200 to a first speed H1, and then decelerating the drum 200 to a third speed L2, and repeating this process.

[0557] When the drum 200 accelerates during the swing motion, it accelerates from the third speed L2 to the second speed L1, and then from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. This prevents the drum 200 from accelerating too quickly, preventing excessive load from being placed on the motor unit 500 and preventing the clothes from being pushed against the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0558] In addition, when the drum 200 decelerates in the swinging motion, it decelerates from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 in one go, maximizing the difference in inertial force between the clothes adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200. As a result, when the drum 200 decelerates in the swinging motion, a large change in acceleration occurs, and the clothes are separated from each other due to the difference in inertial force.

[0559] In the swinging motion, the clothes are separated from the drum 200, and the separated clothes are then evenly distributed and attached to the drum 200, which then rotates repeatedly.

[0560] As a result, the swing motion is a motion that repeats the process of accelerating from the low-speed section L to the high-speed section H and decelerating from the high-speed section to the low-speed section L, and when decelerating from the high-speed section H to the low-speed section L, it can decelerate even further than before acceleration.

[0561] On the other hand, the purpose of the swinging motion is to change the acceleration inside the drum 200 and create a difference in inertial force in the clothes, so the shorter the period of the speed change, the more advantageous it is.

[0562] However, if the speed is set to change periodically during one rotation of the drum, the time for the clothes to be sufficiently separated is not ensured, and an excessive load is generated on the motor unit 500.

[0563] Therefore, the time period during which the drum speed changes in the swing motion is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to rotate once but shorter than one minute. For example, this period is set to be between 10 and 20 seconds.

[0564] In the swing motion, all speed cycles of the drum 200 are completed within one minute.

[0565] In the swinging motion, a difference in inertial force acting on the clothes occurs by changing the acceleration force applied to the clothes according to a change in the rotational force of the drum 200. Among the clothes, heavy clothes have a high inertial force and react sensitively to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200, while light clothes have a low inertial force and react insensitively to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200. Therefore, heavy and light clothes are separated from each other according to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200 due to the difference in inertial force.

[0566] As a result, heavy clothes rise and fall inside the drum as the drum 200 rotates, and are frequently exposed to hot air, while light clothes rise less compared to the rotation of the drum 200, so the impact of the fall is small, and the amount of position change is small, so friction between the clothes and the drum is small, and damage to the fabric is also prevented.

[0567] Therefore, the swinging motion has the advantage of separating the clothes according to the difference in the load of the clothes and carrying out the drying process.

[0568] On the other hand, if the clothes are not very dry and are in a wet state or contain a lot of moisture, they are heavy and therefore sensitive to changes in the rotation speed of the drum 200. If the clothes are very dry and are in a dry state or contain a small amount of moisture, they are light and therefore sensitive to changes in the rotation speed of the drum 200.

[0569] Therefore, the shaking motion also has the effect of separating clothes that are very dry from clothes that are only slightly dry, depending on the difference in the degree of dryness of the clothes.

[0570] Relatively moist clothes are sensitive to changes in the rotation of the drum 200, so they continually rise high inside the drum 200 and fall, frequently being exposed to the hot air passing through the drum 200. Therefore, clothes that are not dry enough or need more drying are further dried in the swinging motion.

[0571] Since clothes that contain a relatively small amount of moisture react insensitively to changes in the rotation of the drum 200, the temperature rises only slightly inside the drum 200, and the area exposed to the hot air is small. Therefore, clothes that are highly dry or do not require drying will have a low drying rate when using the swinging motion.

[0572] Even if the rotation speed of the drum 200 is varied over multiple sections of the swing motion, the duration of each section is the same.

[0573] As a result, even if the air supply step S1 is continued until the clothes that need more drying are dried in the swinging motion, the clothes that are already sufficiently dried can be prevented from being over-dried.

[0574] Meanwhile, the drying motion is performed after the tumbling motion, and the shaking motion is performed after the drying motion, in order to separate the clothes dried by the tumbling motion and the drying motion.

[0575] In addition, the shaking motion is performed before the rolling motion because the rolling motion is a motion that agitates and dries clothes at a low speed, so the effect of the rolling motion can be maximized by separating clothes that need more drying from clothes that have already been dried.

[0576] Meanwhile, the shaking motion is preferably performed in the constant rate drying section where the clothes still contain moisture, since it includes the high speed section H. Of course, it may also be performed in the decreasing rate drying section to separate clothes that have been dried from clothes that need more drying.

[0577] FIG. 27 shows the state of the clothes when the swinging motion is performed in the rotation stage.

[0578] Referring to FIG. 27(a), all three types of garments are accommodated inside the drum 200.

[0579] All three garments may be exposed to hot air for the same amount of time, but will dry to different degrees depending on the material of the garments and their placement inside the drum 200.

[0580] For example, the first item of clothing is in a wet state because it has not been dried sufficiently, the second item of clothing is in a dry state because it has been dried sufficiently, and the third item of clothing is in a partially dried state.

[0581] Referring to Figure 27(b), when the drum rotates at the second speed L1, all the clothes inside the drum 200 rise along with the drum 200 in a tumbling motion, and then fall from the highest point of the drum 200 to be exposed to the hot air.

[0582] In this process, the first, second, and third clothes form similar trajectories and are agitated inside the drum 200. Rotation at the second speed L1 proceeds for about 10 or 20 seconds.

[0583] Referring to Figure 27(c), the drum 200 is accelerated at a first speed H1 or an overspeed. In this case, the first garment is heavy and therefore adheres to the inner wall of the drum 200, rotating with the drum 200. At this time, the third garment is lighter than the first garment and therefore is less sensitive to changes in the speed of the drum 200 than the first garment. Therefore, although it is positioned closer to the inner wall of the drum 200, it adheres to the inner wall of the drum 200 with less force than the first garment.

[0584] On the other hand, the second piece of clothing is lighter than the first and third pieces of clothing, and therefore reacts less sensitively to changes in the speed of the drum 200. Therefore, rather than adhering directly to the inner wall of the drum 200, it falls along a path similar to that of the drum rotating at the second speed L1.

[0585] As a result, the trajectories of the first, second and third clothes change as the rotational speed of the drum changes, and the first, second and third clothes are separated.

[0586] After this, the first garment repeatedly rises and falls on the drum 200 according to the rotation speed of the drum 200, with the third garment rising to a lower height than the first garment, and the second garment rising to a lower height than the third garment, so that the third garment is more exposed to the hot air than the second garment, and the first garment is more exposed to the hot air than the third garment.

[0587] Also, the third garment rubs against the drum 200 a little more than the first garment, and the second garment rubs against the drum 200 a little more than the third garment.

[0588] *Therefore, as with the third garment, even small friction can cause pilling when the garment is close to dry, but the shaking motion prevents pilling.

[0589] Also, when the clothes are in a wet state like the first clothes, even if they are rubbed relatively hard, they are less likely to pill, so even if a considerable drop impact occurs, it is not a problem.In fact, moving at a large drop will expose the clothes to more hot air.

[0590] FIG. 28 shows that the rotation step involves a rolling motion.

[0591] The rotation step S2 includes a rolling motion that rotates the drum so that the clothes fall or roll from below the center O of the drum.

[0592] The rolling motion is generally a motion that rotates the drum 200 at a speed lower than the second speed L1 at which the tumbling motion occurs.

[0593] As a result, the range and trajectory of the clothes moving inside the drum 200 during the rolling motion 200 is minimized, and the mechanical force applied to the clothes is also minimized, preventing damage or wear to the clothes.

[0594] In addition, in the rolling motion 200, the clothes are repeatedly rolled so that the entire area is evenly exposed to the inside of the drum 200, thereby allowing for effective drying.

[0595] On the other hand, the rolling motion 200 is for minimizing the physical force applied to the clothes, and the rolling motion does not change the rotation direction of the drum 200, and the rotation speed of the drum 200 can be maintained at a constant speed.

[0596] The rolling motion is mainly performed in the falling rate drying section A3 because the impact of the drop on the clothes is the weakest.

[0597] FIG. 29 shows the state of the clothes when the rotation stage performs a rolling motion.

[0598] In the rolling motion 200, the clothes rise due to friction with the inner wall of the drum 200 as the drum 200 rotates. However, the clothes do not rise higher than the radius R of the drum from the low point of the drum 200, but rather separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 and roll toward the low point of the drum 200.

[0599] In the rolling motion 200, the drum rotates at a protection speed L4 that is lower than the second speed L1.

[0600] The protection speed L4 is set to a speed that prevents the clothes from moving above the center of the drum.

[0601] As a result, the clothes are repeatedly moved from the lowest point of the drum 200 to only one side and rolled over, so that the impact of the drop is small and the clothes are prevented from shrinking.

[0602] On the other hand, in the rolling motion 200, the clothes are agitated only in the area below the central area O of the drum 200, so they frequently come into contact with the dryness sensor. Therefore, the rolling motion 200 can more accurately detect changes in the dryness of the clothes.

[0603] The time for which the rolling motion is performed is set to be longer than the time for which the shaking motion is performed, because the shaking motion is a motion for sorting clothes, and the rolling motion is a motion for drying clothes.

[0604] Additionally, the rolling motion is preferably performed after the shaking motion, because the shaking motion separates clothes that need to be dried from clothes that have already been dried, allowing the rolling motion to more evenly expose the clothes to the hot air.

[0605] It is suitable that the swinging motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2 and the rolling motion is performed in the decreasing rate drying section A3.

[0606] FIG. 30 shows that the rotation stage includes a stopping motion.

[0607] Referring to FIG. 30(a), the rotation step S2 includes a stop motion that causes the drum 200 to rotate intermittently.

[0608] The stopping motion is performed by repeatedly rotating and stopping the drum 200, and when the drum 200 rotates, the rotation direction of the drum 200 is changed. In the stopping motion, the drum 200 rotates once in one direction, waits for a stopping time, and then rotates in the other direction.

[0609] The stop motion is set so that the time during which the drum 200 stops is longer than the time during which the drum 200 rotates. For example, in the stop motion, the time during which the drum stops is set to be three times or more the time during which the drum rotates.

[0610] Therefore, the stop motion can minimize energy consumption and also prevent the clothes from being continuously pressed by their own weight, changing their position and forming wrinkles.

[0611] Referring to FIG. 30(b), in the stopping motion, the drum is in a stopped state.

[0612] Thereafter, the drum 200 rotates intermittently clockwise or counterclockwise to change the position of the clothes, agitate the clothes, or turn the clothes over.

[0613] In the stopping motion, the speed at which the drum 200 rotates is set to a protection speed L4.

[0614] The following describes sections in which various motions in the rotation stage S2 can be optimally performed.

[0615] As described above, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the driving unit is directly connected to the drum 200 to rotate the drum 200, so the rotation direction, rotation time, and rotation speed of the drum 200 can be freely changed.

[0616] Therefore, the rotation step S2 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention does not rotate the drum 200 at a constant speed in one direction, but performs various motions to change the rotation speed and direction of the drum 200 depending on the dryness of the clothing and the internal condition of the drum 200.

[0617] The clothes treatment device of the present invention can apply various motions in each section of the air supply stage to protect clothes in all drying cycles and options, and also applies various motions in each section of the air supply stage in the protection cycle to protect fabrics.

[0618] Specifically, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the rotation step S2 is composed of a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated so that the clothing rotates while adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200, and a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated so that the clothing falls from the inner wall of the drum and rotates. During the air supply step S1, the ratio of the high-speed section H to the low-speed section L is set differently for each specific section, thereby protecting the fabric and preventing shrinkage of the clothing while performing the drying process.

[0619] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the preheating section during the air supply step S1.

[0620] The preheating section A1 corresponds to the section where the wet clothes are placed in the drum 200 and the drying process begins. Therefore, the clothes in the preheating section A1 are shrunk by water. That is, the fibers of the clothes are shrunk from the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2.

[0621] When a drying step is performed during this process, the clothes are dried in a shrunk state in the form of fibers having the second diameter D2 even if the gap C is not collapsed.

[0622] To prevent this, the rotation stage S2 performs a pulling motion in the preheating section A1, which causes the garment to expand in the preheating section A1 and return the garment fibers to approximately the first diameter D1.

[0623] On the other hand, wet clothes can become tangled during the spin cycle. In this case, the pulling motion alternates between the first speed H1 and the second speed L1, stirring and pulling the clothes, and eliminating tangles.

[0624] The pulling motion is performed during the preheating section A1. During the preheating section A1, the refrigerant in the compressor is not heated to the predetermined temperature TC, or the compressor's operating RPM is not increased to the maximum RPM or the predetermined RPM. Therefore, even if the drum speed periodically changes rapidly due to the pulling motion, the energy consumed by the laundry treatment device does not exceed the limit range.

[0625] In the preheating section A1, the air is heated and introduced, so that the clothes are dried during the pulling motion.

[0626] Alternatively, the pulling motion and the drying motion may be performed simultaneously, or the drying motion may be performed after the pulling motion, thereby more reliably ensuring that the clothes expand and that parts of the clothes are stirred and repositioned during the pulling motion.

[0627] As a result, since a pulling motion or a drying motion is performed in the preheating section A1, the high speed section H and the low speed section L are alternately performed in the rotation step S2. The total time of the high speed section H is set to be longer than the total time of the low speed section L. Also, the duration of the high speed section H is set to be longer than the duration of the low speed section L.

[0628] In the pulling motion, if the low-speed section L is a constant-speed section where the rotation is at the second speed L1 and a deceleration section where the rotation is at the third speed L2, the preheating section A1 is periodically arranged with a high-speed section H, a constant-speed section, and a deceleration section.

[0629] In the pulling motion, the waiting time is set shorter than the preparation time, so the deceleration section is set to have a shorter duration than the constant speed section.

[0630] In the preheating section A1, the high speed section H is longer than the low speed section L, so that the preheating section A1 is a section that focuses on expanding the clothes rather than agitating the clothes.

[0631] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the rotation step S2 applicable to the constant rate drying section A2 in the air supply step S1.

[0632] When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor reaches a predetermined temperature TC or the driving RPM of the compressor reaches a predetermined RPM, the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins.

[0633] The pulling motion ends when the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins.

[0634] The constant rate drying section A2 is a section where maximum hot air is introduced into the drum 200 and corresponds to a section where full-scale drying of the clothes is performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the clothes inside the drum 200 are exposed to maximum hot air.

[0635] Therefore, in the constant rate drying section A2, the tumbling motion is performed first. After the pulling motion is completed, the tumbling motion is performed, causing the clothes to rise above the center O of the drum in an expanded state, and then separate from the drum 200 and fall below the high point of the drum O, where they are exposed to the hot air for the longest time.

[0636] Furthermore, as the clothes repeatedly fall and rise, they become tangled and the area of ​​adhesion to the inner wall of the drum 200 changes, so that the entire clothes are uniformly exposed to the hot air.

[0637] Meanwhile, when the tumbling motion is performed for a predetermined time, the clothes received in the drum 200 are classified into clothes that have been sufficiently dried by the hot air and clothes that need more drying.

[0638] If the tumbling motion is repeated in this state, the air gaps C of the clothes that have been sufficiently dried will collapse due to the impact of the fall, causing the fibers to shrink to the third diameter D3, and the surface will rub against the inner wall of the drum 200 or other clothes, causing damage.

[0639] To prevent this, it is preferable that the rotation step S2 includes a shaking motion, which separates clothes that are sufficiently dried from clothes that need more drying.

[0640] As a result, clothes needing more drying are separated from clothes that have been thoroughly dried and move with the motion of the drum 200, exposing them to concentrated hot air.

[0641] In addition, clothes that have been thoroughly dried do not fall together with clothes that need to be dried, so they do not receive the impact of being dropped. Also, the load decreases as the moisture evaporates, so the clothes do not react sensitively to the motion of the drum 200, preventing over-drying and preventing friction and wear.

[0642] The tumbling motion is a motion that dries clothes intensively, and the shaking motion is a motion that separates and dries parts of clothes that need more drying.

[0643] Therefore, the duration of the shaking motion is shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion. The shaking motion is performed to separate the clothes that have been sufficiently dried, and is performed at the end of the constant rate drying section A2.

[0644] The swing motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches the target value b. That is, the swing motion is performed from when the dryness of the clothes reaches the target value b in the constant rate drying section A2 until the constant rate drying section A2 ends and before the falling rate drying section A3 begins.

[0645] In the constant rate drying section A2, a tumbling motion is performed followed by a swinging motion, and the duration of the swinging motion is set shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion.

[0646] The shaking motion is a motion for sorting the dried clothes, and the tumbling motion is a motion for drying the clothes.

[0647] Meanwhile, a drying motion may be performed while a tumbling motion and a shaking motion are being performed.

[0648] Therefore, when the drying motion is performed, the high-speed section H has the effect of a tumbling motion, and the low-speed section L causes the clothes to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and be fixed to the drum 200, thereby preventing the clothes from rubbing against the drum 200 or between the clothes.

[0649] That is, the drying motion is performed to prevent damage and friction to the clothes when the tumbling motion is performed and the clothes have been dried to a certain extent. The drying motion is a pause period during the tumbling motion to stop agitating the clothes.

[0650] The drying motion is performed when a predetermined time has elapsed in the constant rate drying section A2, i.e., when a predetermined time has elapsed during the tumbling motion, the drying motion is performed.

[0651] The predetermined time is set as the time when the dryness of the clothes corresponds to the reference value a, and is set as the time when 20 minutes have elapsed since entering the constant rate drying section.

[0652] The drying motion is performed for a predetermined time when the dryness of the clothes reaches a reference value a, which is lower than the target value b, in the constant rate drying section A2.

[0653] The target value b of the dryness corresponds to 80% or more, and for example, the standard value a corresponds to 70%.

[0654] The drying motion is performed after the tumbling motion is completed, but may be performed intermittently during the tumbling motion.

[0655] The drying motion is performed after the tumbling motion ends and before the shaking motion begins.

[0656] Meanwhile, the drying motion is a motion that dries the entire clothes while protecting them, so it is performed before the shaking motion. The duration of the drying motion is set to be shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion but longer than the duration of the shaking motion.

[0657] As a result, the constant rate drying section A2 always ends with a shaking motion, and is preceded by a tumbling motion and a drying motion.

[0658] Of course, the shaking motion may be performed before the drying motion, because it is efficient to sort all the clothes with the shaking motion and then dry specific areas of the clothes intensively while preventing wear on the clothes with the drying motion.

[0659] Of course, the duration of the shaking motion may be set longer than the duration of the drying motion, because the shaking motion is also a section in which clothes are sorted, but since it includes both the high-speed section H and the low-speed section L, there is a possibility that the clothes may be exposed to hot air while sorted.

[0660] Thus, the shaking motion may be performed for a longer duration than the drying or tumbling motion to sort the clothes and concentrate on drying the clothes that need drying.

[0661] As a result, since a tumbling motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2, the low speed section L is set longer than the high speed section H even if a drying motion or a shaking motion is performed.

[0662] That is, the constant rate drying section A2 is different from the heat drying section A1 in that it has more low speed sections L arranged and distributed, and is a section in which the clothes are mainly agitated and exposed to hot air.

[0663] Meanwhile, since the swinging motion is placed in the constant rate drying section A2, the rotation step S2 further includes a variable section in which the rotation speed of the drum is variable in the constant rate drying section A2, and the variable section is performed until the clothes enter the falling rate drying section.

[0664] When the oscillation motion is performed when the dryness reaches the target value b, the constant rate drying section is entered, and then the variable section is started when the dryness reaches the reference value a.

[0665] Also, if the swing motion is controlled by time rather than dryness, the variable section starts when a reference time has elapsed after entering the constant rate drying section.

[0666] The swing motion includes a section where the drum rotates at an excessive speed faster than the section where the drum rotates at the first speed H1 or higher, and therefore the variable section includes both sections where the drum rotation speed is faster and slower than the high-speed section H. In addition, the variable section includes a fast section, high-speed section H, and a slow section arranged periodically.

[0667] On the other hand, if a shaking motion is performed after a tumbling motion, the low speed section L is placed before the start of the variable section. Because the tumbling motion is performed longer than the shaking motion, the duration of the low speed section L in the constant rate drying section A2 is set longer than the duration of the variable section.

[0668] In addition, if a drying motion is further performed between the tumbling motion and the shaking motion, the rotation step S2 has a high speed section H and a low speed section L periodically repeated between the low speed section L and the variable speed section.

[0669] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the falling rate drying section during the air supply step S1.

[0670] At the end of the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3 is initiated. The falling rate drying section A3 is a section in which a significant amount of moisture is removed from the clothes in the constant rate drying section A2, causing a shortage of heat of vaporization, and the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the air discharged into the circulation channel section 930 begins to rise.

[0671] That is, the falling rate drying section A3 starts when the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the air discharged into the circulation channel part 930 reaches the reference temperature TR during the constant rate drying section A2.

[0672] Furthermore, a rise in the temperature inside the drum 200 indicates that the clothes have been sufficiently dried. Therefore, the decreasing-rate drying section A3 starts when the dryness of the clothes approaches set value c, which is higher than target value b.

[0673] The set value c corresponds to 80%.

[0674] The falling rate drying section A3 is a section in which most of the clothes have been dried sufficiently, but some clothes or some areas of the clothes are not completely dry.

[0675] Therefore, if the rotation step S2 in the falling rate drying section A3 has many high speed sections H like a tumbling motion, the dried clothes receive a strong drop impact, causing the voids C to collapse and shrink.

[0676] To prevent this, the rotation stage S2 performs a rolling motion when entering the falling rate drying section A3.

[0677] In the rolling motion, the range of movement of the clothes rising and falling inside the drum 200 is much smaller than in the tumbling motion, so the impact of the clothes falling is minimized.

[0678] In addition, in the rolling motion, the clothes move along the direction of the drum's rotation and are continuously dropped from a position lower than the drum's radius R, causing the clothes to be agitated, so that the surface of the clothes is evenly exposed to the hot air.

[0679] Therefore, the rolling motion dries the parts of the clothes that need more drying, while minimizing the impact of the fall on the parts that are already sufficiently dried, preventing shrinkage.

[0680] The rolling motion is performed for a set time, and is performed before the drying motion described below is performed.

[0681] When the decreasing rate drying section A3 is performed, the clothes are further dried and the area that needs more drying is greatly reduced. In this situation, even if the rolling motion is performed, the dried clothes are subjected to a drop impact, and the dried clothes are rubbed against the drum 200 and each other, causing fuzzing and wear.

[0682] Therefore, a drying motion may also be performed in the falling-rate drying section A3. In the drying motion performed in the falling-rate drying section A3, the high-speed section H is set to be much longer than the low-speed section L.

[0683] This prevents the clothes 200 from being fixed to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the drying motion, and from falling off the drum 200 or being rubbed against the drum 200 and the clothes.

[0684] In addition, even during the drying motion, the portion exposed to the inside of the drum 200 continues to dry. Therefore, during the drying motion, the clothes are dried and protected at the same time.

[0685] The drying motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches a predetermined value d, which is slightly smaller than the completion value e and higher than the set value c.

[0686] Specifically, the drying motion is performed after the rolling motion, that is, the drying motion is performed after the rolling motion is completed.

[0687] The execution time of the rolling motion is set longer than that of the drying motion because the rolling motion has a higher drying efficiency than the drying motion, and the drying motion has the effect of protecting the fabric when the clothes are dried to a predetermined value d or more.

[0688] In the decreasing rate drying section A3, a rolling motion is performed in the beginning and a drying motion is performed in the end. As a result, the drum rotation speed is set faster in the latter part of the decreasing rate drying section A3 than in the beginning. In other words, in the decreasing rate drying section, the drying motion causes the clothes to stick to the inner wall of the drum at the end, causing the drum to rotate more than once.

[0689] The falling rate drying section is set so that the drum rotates slower in the initial section than in the final section.

[0690] In addition, in the falling rate drying section, the drum rotates in an initial rolling motion to separate or roll the clothes from the inner wall of the drum.

[0691] On the other hand, the constant rate drying section A2 ends with a swinging motion and the falling rate drying section A3 starts with a rolling motion, so the rolling motion occurs after the swinging motion.

[0692] Meanwhile, in the falling rate drying section A3, the rolling motion is longer than the drying motion in terms of the speed of the rotation step S2, so the duration of the low speed section L is set longer than the duration of the high speed section H.

[0693] When a tumbling motion is performed in the falling-rate drying section A3, the low-speed section L of the rotation stage S2 is set so that the clothes fall from below the center of the drum.

[0694] When the rolling motion and the drying motion are performed in the falling-rate drying section A3, once the low-speed section L is completed in the rotation step S2, the high-speed section H is placed until the falling-rate drying section A2 is completed, or the high-speed section H and the low-speed section L are placed periodically and repeatedly.

[0695] The drying motion is set such that the duration of the high speed section H is equal to or longer than the duration of the low speed section L from the start of the high speed section H to the end of the falling rate drying section A2 based on the speed of the rotation step S2.

[0696] Since the drying motion is performed when the dryness reaches a predetermined value d, the time when the high speed section H starts in the rotation step S2 is set to the time when the dryness reaches a predetermined value d, which is higher than the set value c.

[0697] FIG. 34 shows a rotation step S2 that can be applied in the cooling section during the air supply step S1.

[0698] When the dryness of the clothes reaches the completion value e, which is higher than the set value c, in the falling rate drying section, the cooling section A4 starts. The completion value e is set to 90% or more of the dryness.

[0699] In the cooling section A4, the clothes have been dried, but the temperature inside the drum 200 is higher than the outside air temperature, and if the door is opened, the user will be exposed to fire.

[0700] Therefore, in the cooling section A4, the heat exchanger 900 is not driven, and only the circulation fan 950 is driven to cool the clothes.

[0701] In the cooling section A4, since the clothes are almost completely dried, it is preferable not to rotate the drum 200 at maximum speed because even slight friction between the drum 200 and the clothes in the cooling section A4 may damage the clothes.

[0702] However, if only air is introduced into the drum 200 in the cooling section A4, the clothes placed at the lowest point of the drum 200 are pressed down by the weight, causing wrinkles in the clothes.

[0703] Therefore, a stop motion is performed in the cooling section A4, that is, the drum 200 rotates intermittently due to the stop motion, thereby preventing wrinkles from occurring in the clothes.

[0704] *As a result, the rotation step S2 performed in the air supply section S1 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention selectively performs one of a plurality of drum motions depending on the time, thereby preventing damage and shrinkage of clothing and completing the drying of clothing.

[0705] The present invention can be embodied in various forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, as long as the modified embodiments include the elements of the claims of the present invention, they are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for receiving clothing, a drive unit for rotating the drum, a circulation flow path for circulating air in the drum or providing a space for condensing moisture contained in the air, and a heat exchanger for heating the air flowing through the circulation flow path, an air supply step of supplying the air heated by the heat exchanger to the drum; a rotating step of rotating the drum while the air supplying step is being performed, The air supply step is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period, The rotating step includes a high-speed section in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes are rotated while adhering to the inner wall of the drum, and a low-speed section in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes fall off the inner wall of the drum and rotate, A method for controlling a clothing processing device, characterized in that the ratio of the high-speed section to the low-speed section is set to be different for each specific section among the preheating section, the constant rate drying section, and the falling rate drying section of the air supply step.

2. The preheating section is set to a period from when the heat exchange unit is activated until the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange unit reaches a predetermined temperature from a start temperature, or is set to a period from when the heat exchange unit is activated until a reference time has elapsed, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the high speed section and the low speed section are alternately arranged in the preheating section.

3. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 2, wherein the total time of the high speed section in the preheating section is set to be longer than the total time of the low speed section.

4. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 2, wherein the duration of the high speed section in the preheating section is set to be longer than the duration of the low speed section.

5. The low speed section is a constant speed section in which the drum is rotated so that the garments fall between the high point of the drum and the center of the drum; a deceleration section in which the rotation speed of the drum is slower than that of the constant speed section, The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 4, wherein the preheating section includes the high speed section, the constant speed section, and the deceleration section, which are arranged periodically.

6. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 5, wherein the deceleration section is set to have a duration shorter than that of the constant speed section.

7. The constant rate drying section is entered when the refrigerant temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a reference value in the preheating section or the heat exchanger operates for a reference time, The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 1, wherein the low speed section is set longer than the high speed section in the constant rate drying section.

8. The rotating step further includes a variable section in which the rotation speed of the drum is variable, The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 7, wherein the variable section is disposed in the constant rate drying section.

9. The falling rate drying section is entered when the discharge temperature of the circulation flow path rises above a reference temperature or when the dryness of the clothes reaches a set value, The method of claim 8, wherein the variable drying period is performed before the falling rate drying period begins.

10. Further comprising a dryness sensor for detecting the dryness of the clothes; The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 8, wherein the variable drying section is entered when the dryness level reaches a target value after entering the constant rate drying section.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the variable section is entered when a reference time has elapsed after the constant rate drying section is entered.

12. The variable section varies the rotation speed of the drum between the high speed section and the low speed section, The method of claim 8, wherein the low speed section is further divided into a constant speed section and a deceleration section having a rotation speed lower than that of the constant speed section.

13. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 12, wherein the variable section includes the constant speed section, the high speed section, and the deceleration section, which are periodically arranged.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the constant rate drying section is configured to continuously include the low speed section until the variable rate drying section is entered.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the duration of the low speed section before entering the variable speed section is set to be longer than the entire duration of the variable speed section.

16. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 14, wherein the high-speed section and the low-speed section are periodically repeated between the low-speed section and the variable-speed section.

17. The falling rate drying section is entered when the discharge temperature of the circulation flow path rises above a reference temperature or when the dryness of the clothes reaches a set value, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the low speed section in the falling rate drying section is set longer than the duration of the high speed section.

18. 18. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 17, wherein the rotation speed of the drum during the low speed section of the falling rate drying section is set so that the clothing falls from below the center height of the drum.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the low speed section is continuously set when the falling rate drying section is entered.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the high-speed section in the falling-rate drying section is arranged after the low-speed section.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein when the falling rate drying section enters the high speed section, the high speed section and the low speed section are periodically arranged until the falling rate drying section is completed.

22. Further comprising a dryness sensor for detecting the dryness of the clothes; The method of claim 19, wherein the entry into the high speed zone is set when the dryness level reaches a predetermined value higher than the set value.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the decreasing rate drying section is terminated when the dryness reaches a completion value higher than the predetermined value.

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