Garment processing device and method for controlling the garment processing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment processing apparatus and a control method thereof, which cleans a circulation duct or heat exchange section with one or more of condensed water and orthologous water supplied from an external water source. Orthologous water supplied from an external water source can be collected in a water collection section and supplied to a circulation cleaning section. This allows the circulation duct or heat exchange section to be cleaned even if the external water source has low water pressure. The present invention can provide an optimal method for using a circulation cleaning section that cleans the heat exchanger and circulation duct by circulating condensed water, and a orthologous water cleaning section that cleans the heat exchanger and circulation duct by supplying orthologous water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus that dries clothing and has a self-cleaning function.

Background Art

[0002] Clothing treatment apparatuses such as dryers are configured to first cool and condense moisture while circulating the air inside the drum in which the clothing is housed through a circulation duct, and then heat it again to generate hot air and introduce it back into the drum. By circulating the air inside the drum in this way, the moisture contained in the clothing can be continuously dried.

[0003] Such dryers have the advantage that, since the inflow of external air and the discharge of the air inside the drum to the outside are blocked or minimized, a large amount of clothing can be continuously dried without changing the humidity or temperature outside the dryer.

[0004] However, when the clothing is dried, not only moisture evaporates, but foreign substances including lint and fluff are also separated from the clothing by the hot air. The foreign substances separated in this way may adhere to the clothing again while continuously circulating through the drum and the circulation duct, and may adhere to a heat exchanger or the like that cools or heats the air.

[0005] As time passes, the adhered foreign substances gradually grow, not only blocking the flow of air flowing through the circulation duct, but also allowing bacteria and the like to multiply and rot due to a high-temperature and humid environment.

[0006] Therefore, conventional dryers have the nuisance that the user or administrator has to periodically clean the foreign substances deposited on the heat exchanger or the circulation duct.

[0007] In recent years, dryers that can automatically clean the foreign substances with water have emerged (see Korean Patent Registration Announcement No. 10-1806241).

[0008] The dryer is equipped with a circulating cleaning system that discharges water collected by condensation in the heat exchanger back into the heat exchanger to clean it. When the drying process is performed and moisture evaporates from the clothes, the dryer can condense and collect the evaporated moisture and automatically clean the heat exchanger until the drying process is completed or as needed thereafter. As a result, the dryer has the advantage of not requiring manual removal of foreign matter adhering to the heat exchanger.

[0009] However, such dryers use the water discharged from the clothes to clean the heat exchanger, which means that the water is likely to still contain foreign matter separated from the clothes, and the heat exchanger is re-contaminated by the foreign matter remaining in the water.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional dryers had a fundamental limitation: when little moisture evaporated from the clothing and a small amount of water was collected, the heat exchanger could not be cleaned.

[0011] To solve these problems, a garment processing device has emerged that can supply direct water to the circulating washing section (see Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0114092).

[0012] The aforementioned garment processing device had the advantage of being able to clean the heat exchanger even when there was insufficient water in the circulating washing system, by supplying clean water directly from an external water source to the circulating washing system.

[0013] However, since the garment processing device supplies water from an external water source to a heat exchanger and other components through a circulating washing system that circulates condensed water, there was still a possibility that foreign matter could re-contaminate the heat exchanger. In addition, the flow path that supplies water directly from the external water source to the garment processing device was exposed to foreign matter, and there was a possibility that it would become blocked or contaminated.

[0014] The garment processing apparatus also discloses, as another embodiment, a technique in which only direct water is supplied to the heat exchanger. However, even in this embodiment, there was a problem in that when the water pressure of the external water source was low, the direct water had difficulty reaching the heat exchanger, making direct water washing impossible.

[0015] Furthermore, the above embodiment had the problem that the supplied water could not be reused in a manner such as to clean the heat exchange section or the circulation cleaning section again.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned dryer had the potential to be damaged or have its rotation hindered by the direct water supply pipes or other components coming into contact with the rotating drum.

[0017] Conventional dryers also had a fundamental limitation: they could not clean any foreign matter that accumulated inside the ducts, in addition to the heat exchanger. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing device that can clean a heat exchanger or circulation duct with water supplied directly from an external water source.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a clothing processing device that can clean a heat exchanger or circulation duct with direct water supplied from an external water source, even if the external water source is at low water pressure.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus that can clean a heat exchanger or circulation duct while repeatedly circulating water supplied from an external water source.

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus that can prevent the water washing section (direct water washing section) from interfering with or coming into contact with a rotating drum.

[0022] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing an optimal usage method for a circulation cleaning unit that circulates condensed water to clean a heat exchanger and a circulation duct, and a direct water cleaning unit that supplies direct water to clean the heat exchanger and the circulation duct.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0023] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a clothing treatment apparatus including a water collection unit that communicates with a circulation duct and collects water condensed in the heat exchange unit, a circulation cleaning unit that supplies the water collected in the water collection unit into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange unit, and a direct water cleaning unit that is supplied with water from an external water supply source and supplies the water into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange unit.

[0024] The direct water cleaning unit can be arranged independently of the circulation cleaning unit so that the water flowing through the circulation cleaning unit does not flow into it or is blocked from being exposed to the water flowing through the circulation cleaning unit.

[0025] The circulation cleaning unit can include a circulation water outlet that discharges the water collected in the water collection unit into the circulation duct above the heat exchange unit.

[0026] The direct water cleaning unit can include a direct water outlet that discharges the water supplied from the external water supply source into the circulation duct above the heat exchange unit.

[0027] The direct water outlet can be arranged independently of the circulation water outlet.

[0028] The direct water outlet can be arranged above the circulation water outlet.

[0029] The circulation water outlet can be provided to penetrate the circulation duct, and the direct water outlet can be provided to discharge the water toward the circulation water outlet.

[0030] The direct water outlet can be configured such that at least one of the following is different from the circulating water outlet: the direction of the discharged water, the amount of water sprayed, and the spray range of the discharged water.

[0031] The circulating outlet is provided so that at least a portion of the water collected in the water collection section is discharged in the direction of extension of the circulating duct, and the direct outlet may be provided so that water supplied from the external water source falls in the height direction of the circulating duct.

[0032] The fan can be controlled to stop operating when water is discharged from the direct water outlet.

[0033] The amount of water injected per unit time from the direct water outlet can be set to be greater than the amount of water injected from the circulating water outlet.

[0034] The circulation outlets can be arranged in sections along the width direction of the heat exchange section so that the water is discharged sequentially in the width direction of the heat exchange section.

[0035] The direct water outlet can be provided in communication with the width direction of the heat exchange section such that the water is discharged simultaneously in the width direction of the heat exchange section.

[0036] The circulation cleaning unit may include a drain pump attached to the water collection unit for discharging water from the water collection unit, a drain channel provided at the top of the circulation duct for guiding the water discharged from the drain pump forward to the heat exchange unit, a circulation outlet at the end of the drain channel that penetrates the circulation duct and guides the water into the circulation duct, and a nozzle cover unit coupled to the circulation duct to shield the drain channel and the circulation outlet.

[0037] The direct water flushing unit may include a direct water valve connected to the cabinet and supplied with water from the external water source; a direct water pipe connected to the direct water valve and transmitting the water; a direct water nozzle connected to the end of the direct water pipe and seated on the nozzle cover portion and through which the water is transmitted; and a direct water outlet provided below the direct water nozzle so as to communicate with the nozzle cover portion and to discharge the water into the interior of the nozzle cover portion.

[0038] The circulation outlet is arranged along the width direction of the heat exchange section, and the direct water nozzle can be arranged to overlap the circulation outlet in the height direction.

[0039] The direct water nozzle further includes a nozzle box that is capable of collecting the water along the direction in which the circulating water outlet is positioned, and the direct water outlet may be positioned to penetrate the lower part of the nozzle box.

[0040] The direct water nozzle may further include a connecting pipe that extends from one side of the nozzle box and is connected to the direct water pipe.

[0041] The direct water nozzle may further include guide ribs that extend from the nozzle box along the width direction of the heat exchange section and guide the water discharged from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box.

[0042] The direct water valve can be positioned lower than the drum but higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct.

[0043] The direct water nozzle can be positioned lower than the drum but higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct.

[0044] The direct water nozzle can be fixedly positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct, which corresponds to the upper part or front of the heat exchange unit.

[0045] The straight water pipe can be extended from the straight water valve at a position lower than the drum but higher than the bottom surface of the circulation duct to the straight water nozzle.

[0046] The straight water pipe can be extended from the straight water valve to the side of the circulation duct and connected to the side of the straight water nozzle.

[0047] The direct water nozzle can be positioned above the circulation outlet.

[0048] The direct water nozzle may be provided to at least temporarily contain and discharge water supplied from the direct water pipe in the width direction of the heat exchange section.

[0049] The direct water nozzle may include a nozzle box connected to the direct water pipe at the upper part of the circulation duct and configured to collect the water in the width direction of the heat exchange section, and a direct water outlet that penetrates the lower part of the nozzle box and discharges the water supplied from the direct water pipe into the circulation duct.

[0050] Multiple direct water outlets are provided and can be arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section at the lower part of the nozzle box.

[0051] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water outlet can be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water pipe.

[0052] The direct water nozzle may include a connecting pipe that extends to one side of the nozzle box and is connected to the direct water pipe.

[0053] The direct-flow nozzle may further include guide ribs extending from the connecting pipe to the other side within the nozzle box to supply water supplied from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box.

[0054] The direct water outlet can be positioned either in front of or behind the guide rib.

[0055] At least one of the ends of the guide rib can be positioned spaced apart from both sides of the nozzle box.

[0056] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a control unit that controls the heat exchange unit, the circulating washing unit, and the direct water washing unit to wash the heat exchange unit.

[0057] If the control unit opens the direct water valve but the water level in the water collection section does not rise or reach the reference water level after a predetermined time or longer, it may close the direct water valve or stop controlling the direct water valve.

[0058] When the control unit closes the direct water valve or stops controlling the direct water valve, it can control the drain pump to clean the heat exchange unit.

[0059] The control unit may be configured to drive the drainage pump to detect the water level in the water collection section.

[0060] The system may further include a water level sensor attached to the water collection section, which detects the water level in the water collection section and transmits the information to the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0061] According to the present invention, there is an effect that the heat exchanger or circulation duct can be cleaned with water supplied directly from an external water source.

[0062] According to the present invention, even if the external water source is at low water pressure, the heat exchanger or circulation duct can be cleaned with water directly supplied from the external water source.

[0063] According to the present invention, there is an effect that the heat exchanger or circulation duct can be cleaned while repeatedly circulating water supplied from an external water source.

[0064] According to the present invention, there is an effect that the direct water washing section can be prevented from interfering with or coming into contact with the rotating drum.

[0065] The present invention provides an optimal method for using a circulating cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchanger and circulation duct by circulating condensed water, and a direct water cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchanger and circulation duct by supplying direct water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the internal structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the internal configuration of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the external appearance of the reduction gear of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the internal structure of the gearbox of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the air circulation structure of the garment processing device of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the drive unit of the garment processing device of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the arrangement structure of the motor unit and reduction gear of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the coupling arrangement structure of the motor unit and the reduction gear of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the structure of the circulating washing section of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the internal base configuration of the garment processing device of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a duct cover portion to which a nozzle cover portion is attached in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle cover portion in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]This figure shows an additional embodiment in which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention cleans the heat exchange section. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the relative positions of the direct water cleaning section and the circulating water cleaning section. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a location where a direct water cleaning unit can be installed. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the cleaning process for the circulation cleaning section and the direct water cleaning section. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the structure of a direct water nozzle. [Figure 19] This figure shows an embodiment of the structure of the direct water nozzle 1300. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing the inside of the aforementioned direct water nozzle. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example in which the direct water cleaning unit cleans the heat exchange unit. [Figure 22] This figure shows a control method for the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows how to utilize the direct water washing section and the circulating washing section of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 24] This figure shows an embodiment in which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs the detection step using a direct water washing unit and a circulating washing unit. [Figure 25] This diagram shows a method for performing a direct water flushing step when the water pressure of the external water source is normal or high. [Figure 26] This diagram shows a method for performing a direct water washing step when the water pressure of the external water source is low. [Figure 27] This figure shows the control method for the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention when direct water supply is not possible. [Figure 28-31] This figure shows the process by which the direct water washing step and the circulating washing step of the present invention are performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them.

[0068] However, the present invention can be realized by various embodiments and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description may be omitted, and similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0069] In this specification, redundant explanations of identical components are omitted.

[0070] In this specification, when a component is described as being "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this may mean that the component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to the other component, or that other components may be interposed between them. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that this means that no other components are present between them.

[0071] Furthermore, the terms used herein are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0072] Furthermore, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0073] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "and / or" includes any combination of the items listed or any of the items listed. In this specification, "A or B" can be interpreted as meaning "A," "B," or "both A and B."

[0075] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0076] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 100 that constitutes the external appearance.

[0077] The cabinet 100 may include a front panel 110 forming the front surface of the garment processing device, an upper panel 150 forming the top surface, and side panels 140 forming the sides. The side panel 140 may include a left panel 141 forming the left side surface. The front panel 110 may be 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.

[0078] An operation panel 117 may be installed on the front panel 110. The operation panel 117 may include an input unit 118 into which control commands are input from the user, and a display unit 119 that outputs information such as control commands that the user can select. The control commands may include a drying course or drying option that can execute a series of drying processes. Inside the cabinet 100, there may be a control box (see Figure 10) that controls the internal configuration to execute the control commands input via the input unit 118. The control box is connected to the internal configuration of the garment processing device and can control the configuration to execute the input commands.

[0079] The input unit 118 may include a power supply request unit for requesting power supply to the garment processing device, a course input unit for allowing the user to select a desired course from a plurality of courses, and an execution request unit for requesting the start of the course selected by the user.

[0080] The display unit 119 may be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting audio signals and sound.

[0081] On the other hand, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a water storage tank 120 provided for separately storing moisture generated during the process of drying the garments. The water storage tank 120 may include a handle provided so as to be pullable out from one side of the front panel 110. The water storage tank 120 may be provided for collecting condensate generated during the drying process. This allows the user to pull out the water storage tank 120 from the cabinet 100, remove the condensate, and then reattach it to the cabinet 100. This makes it possible to install the garment processing apparatus of the present invention even in locations where there is no drain or the like.

[0082] On the other hand, the water storage tank 120 can be positioned above the door 130. This improves user convenience because the user can pull out the water storage tank 120 from the front panel 110 with relatively little bending of the body.

[0083] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram showing the interior of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a drum 200 housed inside the cabinet 100 for holding garments, a drive unit for rotating the drum 200, and a base 800 equipped with a heat exchange unit 900 and a circulation duct 820 for supplying hot air to the drum 200. The circulation duct 820 is provided to communicate with the drum 200. Air discharged from the drum 200 can be supplied to the circulation duct 820. Air discharged from the circulation duct 820 can be supplied back to the drum 200.

[0084] The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The drive unit may be directly connected to the drum 200 to rotate the drum 200. For example, the drive unit may be provided as a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. This allows the drive unit to control the rotation direction or rotation speed of the drum 200 by directly rotating the drum 200 without the need for components such as belts and pulleys.

[0085] The motor unit 500 is capable of rotating at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at a much higher RPM than the RPM required to rotate the clothes inside the drum 200 while they are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200.

[0086] However, if the clothes inside the drum 200 continue to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 while it is rotating, the portion of the clothes that adheres to the inner wall of the drum is not exposed to the hot air, which leads to a problem of reduced drying efficiency.

[0087] Because the clothes roll around and are agitated inside the drum 200 without adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200, rotating the rotor 520 at a low RPM may result in a problem where the output and torque that the drive unit can generate cannot be fully utilized.

[0088] Therefore, the drive unit of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a reduction gear 600 that can increase torque while utilizing the maximum output of the motor unit 500 by reducing the RPM.

[0089] Furthermore, the drive unit may include a drum rotation shaft 6341 that is connected to the drum 200 and rotates the drum 200.

[0090] The drum 200 can be cylindrical and capable of accommodating clothing. Unlike drums used for washing, the drum 200 used solely for drying does not require water to be introduced into it, nor does it require the condensed liquid water inside the drum 200 to be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the through-holes along the circumferential surface of the drum 200 can be omitted. In other words, the drum 200 used solely for drying can have a different configuration from the drum 200 used for washing.

[0091] The drum 200 may be provided as a single cylindrical shape, but it can also be manufactured in a form in which a drum body 210 including a circumferential surface and a drum back surface 220 forming the rear surface are joined together.

[0092] The front of the drum body 210 may be provided with an opening 211 through which clothes enter and exit. A drive unit for rotating the drum may be connected to the rear of the drum back 220. The drum body 210 and the drum back 220 may be joined by fastening members such as bolts, but are not limited to this, and can be joined by various methods as long as the drum body 210 and the drum back 220 are joined so that they can rotate together.

[0093] The drum body 210 may be equipped with a lift 213 that lifts the clothes inside upward so that the clothes inside are mixed as the drum rotates. When the drum 200 rotates, the clothes inside can repeatedly rise and fall due to the lift 213. The clothes inside the drum 200 can come into uniform contact with the hot air as they rise and fall. This improves drying efficiency and shortens drying time.

[0094] Reinforcement beads 212 can be formed on the circumferential surface of the drum body 210. The reinforcement beads 212 can be provided so as to be recessed or protruding from the inside / outside along the circumferential surface of the drum 200. Multiple such reinforcement beads can be provided and can be spaced apart from one another. The reinforcement beads can be provided on the inside / outside of the circumferential surface in a certain pattern.

[0095] The reinforced bead 212 improves the rigidity of the drum body 210. Therefore, even when a large amount of clothing is placed in the drum body 210 or when a sudden rotational force is transmitted through the drive unit, the drum body 210 can be prevented from twisting. In addition, the presence of the reinforced bead 212 increases the gap between the clothing and the inner surface of the drum body 210 compared to when the circumferential surface of the drum body 210 is a flat surface, so that the hot air supplied to the drum 200 can flow more effectively between the clothing and the drum 200. The reinforced bead improves the durability of the drum and improves the drying efficiency of the clothing processing device.

[0096] Typically, in a DD-type washing machine, the drive unit is coupled to and fixed to a tub that houses the drum 200, and the drum 200 can be coupled to the drive unit and supported by the tub. However, since the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is configured to perform the drying process intensively, the tub that is fixed to the cabinet 100 to house the drum 200 is omitted.

[0097] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a support portion 400 provided for fixing or supporting the drum 200 or the drive unit inside the cabinet 100.

[0098] The support portion 400 may include a front plate 410 positioned in front of the drum 200 and a rear plate 420 positioned behind the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be plate-shaped and positioned opposite each other in front of and behind the drum 200. The distance between the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be the same as the length of the drum 200, or longer than the length of the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 may be fixed and supported to the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 or to the base 800.

[0099] The front plate 410 can be positioned between the front panel forming the front surface of the cabinet and the drum 200. The front plate 410 may also be provided with an input communication hole 412 that communicates with the input opening 211. Because the front plate 410 is provided with an input communication hole 412, clothes can be inserted into or removed from the drum 200 while the front surface of the drum 200 is supported.

[0100] The front plate 410 may include a duct connecting portion 416 provided below the input communication hole 412. The duct connecting portion 416 can form the lower surface of the front plate 410.

[0101] The front plate 410 may include a duct communication hole 417 that penetrates the duct connection portion 416. The duct communication hole 417 is provided in a hollow form and can guide the air discharged through the drum inlet 211 to the underside of the drum 200. It can also guide the air discharged through the drum 211 to the circulation duct 820 located at the bottom of the drum 200.

[0102] A filter unit (not shown) can be installed in the duct communication hole 417 to filter out lint and large foreign particles generated from clothing. The filter unit filters the air discharged from the drum 200, preventing foreign matter from accumulating inside the clothing processing device, and has the effect of preventing air circulation from being obstructed by the accumulation of foreign matter.

[0103] Since the input port 211 is located at the front, it is preferable that the drive unit be installed on the rear plate 420 rather than the front plate 410. The drive unit can be mounted and supported on the rear plate 420. This allows the drive unit to rotate the drum 200 while its position is stably fixed through the rear plate 420.

[0104] At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 can rotatably support the drum 200. At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 can rotatably accommodate the front end or rear end of the drum 200.

[0105] For example, the front of the drum 200 is rotatably supported by 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 can be indirectly supported by the rear plate 420. This minimizes the area in which the drum 200 contacts or rubs against the support unit 400, thereby preventing the generation of unwanted noise and vibration.

[0106] Of course, the drum 200 may be provided so as to be rotatably supported on both the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420.

[0107] One or more support wheels 415 can be provided on the lower part of the front plate 410 to support the front of the drum 200. The support wheels 415 can be rotatably mounted on the back of the front plate 410. The support wheels 415 are rotatable while in contact with the lower part of the drum 200.

[0108] When the drum 200 is rotated by the drive unit, the drum 200 can be supported by a drum rotation shaft 6341 connected to the rear. When clothing is placed inside the drum 200, the load applied to the drum rotation shaft 6341 by the clothing may increase. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft 6341 may bend due to the load.

[0109] When the support wheel 415 supports the front lower part of the drum 200, the load on the drum rotation shaft 6341 can be reduced. This prevents the drum rotation shaft 6341 from bending and prevents the generation of noise due to vibration.

[0110] The support wheels 415 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the rotation center of the drum 200 and are capable of supporting the load of the drum 200. Preferably, the support wheels 415 are provided on the left and right lower parts of the drum 200 to support the drum 200. However, this is not limited to this arrangement, and a larger number of support wheels 415 may be provided depending on the operating environment of the drum 200.

[0111] The circulation duct 820 provided in the base 800 can form a flow path that circulates the air inside the drum 200 and returns it to the drum 200.

[0112] The circulation duct 820 may include an inlet duct 821 into which air discharged from the drum 200 flows, an outlet duct 823 that supplies air to the drum 200, and a movable duct 822 that connects the inlet duct 821 and the outlet duct 823.

[0113] When air is discharged from the front of the drum 200, the moving duct 822 can be located in front of the circulation duct 820. The discharge duct 823 can also be located behind the circulation duct 820.

[0114] The discharge duct 823 may further include a blower duct 8231 that discharges air to the outside of the circulation duct 820. The blower duct 8231 may be located on the rear side of the discharge duct 823. The air discharged through the blower duct 8231 can be moved to the drum 200.

[0115] A duct cover portion 830 is attached to the upper side of the circulation duct 820, and a portion of the open upper surface of the circulation duct 820 can be shielded. The duct cover portion 830 can prevent air from flowing out of the circulation duct 820. In other words, the duct cover portion 830 can form one side of the airflow channel.

[0116] Furthermore, the heat exchange unit 900 provided in the base 800 may include an evaporator 910 provided inside the circulation duct 820 for cooling air, and a condenser 920 provided inside the circulation duct 820 for heating the air cooled by the evaporator 910.

[0117] The evaporator 910 can dehumidify the air discharged from the drum 200, and the condenser 920 can heat the dehumidified air. The heated air is then supplied back to the drum 200 to dry the clothes contained in the drum 200.

[0118] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 can be provided as heat exchangers through which a refrigerant flows.

[0119] The refrigerant moving along the evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 can be configured to exchange heat with the air discharged from the drum 200.

[0120] The heat exchange unit 900 is installed in the circulation duct 820 and may include a circulation flow fan 950 that generates airflow inside the circulation duct 820. The heat exchange unit 900 may further include a circulation flow fan motor 951 that rotates the circulation flow fan 950. The circulation flow fan 950 can rotate by rotational power supplied by the circulation flow fan motor 951. When the circulation flow fan 950 is operating, the air that has been dehumidified in the evaporator 910 and heated in the condenser 920 can be moved to the rear of the drum 200.

[0121] The circulating channel fan 950 can be installed in any one of the inlet duct 821, the moving duct 822, or the discharge duct 823. Since the circulating channel fan 950 is a rotating device, it may generate noise during operation. Therefore, it is preferable that the circulating channel fan 950 be positioned behind the circulating duct 820.

[0122] The circulation channel fan 950 can be installed in the air supply duct 8231. The circulation channel fan motor 951 can be located behind the air supply duct 8231. When the circulation channel fan 950 is rotated by the circulation channel fan motor 951, the air inside the circulation duct 820 can be discharged to the outside of the circulation duct 820 through the air supply duct 8231.

[0123] In order for the user to easily remove the clothes inside the drum 200, it is desirable that the input opening 211 of the drum 200 be located at a relatively high position. Therefore, it is desirable that the circulation duct 820 and the heat exchange unit 900 be located at the bottom of the drum 200.

[0124] A rear plate 420 may be provided behind the drum 200 to guide the air discharged from the circulation duct 820 to the drum 200. The rear plate 420 may be provided spaced apart from the drum back surface 220. The circulation duct 820 is supplied with air from inside the drum 200 through the front plate 410 and can supply air to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420. The air discharged from the circulation duct 820 can be guided to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420.

[0125] The base 800 may further include a connector 850 that guides the air discharged from the circulation duct 820 to the rear plate 420. The connector 850 can guide the discharged air so that it is uniformly diffused over the entire surface of the rear plate 420.

[0126] The connector 850 can be installed in the air duct 8231. That is, the connector 850 can guide the air discharged from the air duct 8231 to the rear plate 420. The hot air supplied to the rear plate 420 can flow into the interior of the drum 200 through the drum back surface 220.

[0127] The drum 200 of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention does not rotate indirectly by being coupled to a belt or the like, but can rotate by being directly connected to a drive unit located at the rear of the drum 200. Therefore, unlike conventional dryer drums which are cylindrical with open front and rear, the rear of the drum of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is shielded and can be directly connected to the drive unit.

[0128] As described above, the drum 200 is cylindrical and may include a drum body 210 for holding clothes and a drum back 220 which is coupled to the rear of the drum body 210 and forms the back of the drum.

[0129] The drum back surface 220 is provided so as to shield the rear of the drum body 210 and can provide a coupling surface that is directly connected to the drive unit. That is, the drum back surface 220 can be connected to the drive unit to receive rotational power and rotate the entire drum 200. As a result, an opening 211 for inserting clothes is formed at the front of the drum body 210, and the rear can be shielded by the drum back surface 220.

[0130] The drum back surface 220 may be provided with a bushing portion 300 that connects the drive unit to the drum back surface 220. The bushing portion 300 is provided on the drum back surface 220 and can form the rotation center of the drum 200. The bushing portion 300 may be provided integrally with the drum back surface 220, but in order to be firmly coupled to the rotating shaft that transmits power, it may be made of a material with higher rigidity or durability than the drum back surface 220. The bushing portion 300 may be seated and coupled to the drum back surface 220 so as to be coaxial with the rotation center of the drum back surface 220.

[0131] The drum back surface 220 may include a peripheral edge 221 that is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the drum body 210, and a mounting plate 222 provided inside the peripheral edge 221 that can be coupled to the drive unit. The bushing portion 300 can be seated 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 stronger connection. In addition, deformation of the drum back surface 220 can be prevented.

[0132] The drum back surface 220 may include an intake hole 224 formed through the peripheral edge 221 and the mounting plate 222, connecting the front and rear of the drum back surface 220. Hot air supplied through the circulation duct 820 can flow into the drum body 210 through the intake hole 224. The intake hole 224 may consist of a plurality of holes provided through the drum back surface 220, or it may consist of a mesh.

[0133] A drive unit for rotating the drum 200 can be located behind the rear plate 420. The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that generates rotational power and a reduction gear 600 that reduces the rotational force of the motor unit 500 and transmits it to the drum 200.

[0134] A motor unit 500 can be positioned behind the rear plate 420. The motor unit 500 can also be coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420 via the reduction gear 600.

[0135] The reduction gear 600 is fixed to the back of the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 can be coupled to the back of the reduction gear 600. That is, the rear plate 420 can provide a support surface on which the reduction gear 600 or the motor unit 500 is supported. However, it is not limited to this, and the motor unit 500 can also be coupled to the rear plate 420.

[0136] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of the garment processing apparatus separated into individual parts.

[0137] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a drum 200 for storing garments, a front plate 410 supporting the front surface of the drum, a rear plate 420 located behind the drum, a base 800 provided at the bottom of the drum which provides a space for air to circulate inside the drum and for moisture contained in the air to condense, motor units 510, 520, 540 located behind the drum which provide rotational power to the drum, a reduction gear 600 which reduces the rotation of the motor units and transmits it to the drum, and a rear cover 430 coupled to the rear plate 420 which prevents the motor units from being exposed to the outside.

[0138] The base 800 communicates with the drum 200 and may include a circulation duct 820 through which air flows in from the drum or discharges air to the drum.

[0139] The front plate 410 may include a front panel 411 that forms the front surface, and an input communication hole 412 formed through the front panel 411 and communicating with the drum 200. The front plate 410 may also be provided with a front gasket 413 that is located on the back of the front panel 411, surrounds the radially outer side of the input communication hole 412, and accommodates a portion of the drum body 210.

[0140] The front gasket 413 can rotatably support the drum body 210 and can be provided so as to be in contact with the outer or inner surface of the input opening 211. The front gasket 413 can prevent hot air from leaking from inside the drum 200 between the drum body 210 and the front plate 410. The front gasket 413 can be made of a plastic resin or an elastic material, and a separate sealing member can be further bonded to the front gasket 413 to prevent clothes or hot air from detaching from the drum body 210 to the front plate 410.

[0141] On the other hand, the front plate 410 may include a duct connection hole 417 that penetrates the inner circumferential surface of the input connection hole 412. Furthermore, the front plate 410 may include a duct connecting portion 416 that extends below the duct connection hole 417 and forms a flow path connecting the drum body 210 and the circulation duct 820.

[0142] The duct connection portion 416 can communicate with the drum body 210 through the duct communication hole 417, and the air discharged from the drum body 210 can flow into the duct connection portion 416 through the duct communication hole 417 and be guided to the circulation duct 820. Since the air discharged from the drum body 210 is guided to the circulation duct 820 by the duct connection portion 416, this has the effect of preventing air from leaking out of the inside of the drum.

[0143] A filter member (not shown) can be installed in the duct connection section 416 to filter out foreign matter or lint from the air discharged from the drum 200 and prevent foreign matter from flowing into the circulation duct 820.

[0144] The front plate 410 is rotatably mounted on the back of the front panel 411 and may be equipped 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 rotating shaft connected to the drum from bending.

[0145] The front plate 410 is provided through the front panel 411 and may be equipped with a water tank support hole 414 through which a water storage tank 120 (see Figure 1), which stores condensed water generated during the drying process, can be pulled out or supported. By providing the water tank support hole 414 on the upper side, the user does not need to bend down when pulling out the water storage tank, which improves user convenience.

[0146] The drum 200 for storing clothes may include a drum body 210 with an opening 211 at the front through which clothes enter and exit, and a drum back surface 220 that forms the rear surface.

[0147] The drum back surface 220 may include a peripheral edge 221 connected to the drum body 210, an intake hole 224 formed inside the peripheral edge 221 and penetrating the drum back surface 220, and a mounting plate 222 provided at the rotation center of the drum back surface 220 and connected to the rotation axis. Air can flow into the rear of the drum through the intake hole 224.

[0148] The drum back surface 220 may further include reinforcing ribs 225 extending from the peripheral edge 221 toward the center of rotation. The reinforcing ribs 225 may extend to avoid the intake holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 have the effect of preventing the rigidity of the drum back surface 220 from decreasing due to the intake holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 may be provided extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the mounting plate 222 toward the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral edge 221.

[0149] Furthermore, the drum back surface 220 may further include circumferential ribs 227 that extend circumferentially on the drum back surface 220 so as to connect the reinforcing ribs 225 to each other. The intake holes 224 can be positioned between the reinforcing ribs 225, the circumferential ribs 227, and the peripheral edge 221. The reinforcing ribs 225 and the circumferential ribs 227 have the effect of preventing the drum back surface 220 from deforming even when rotational force is transmitted from the motor unit 500.

[0150] The inlet duct 821 may be connected to a duct communication hole 417 in the front plate 410 and to a flow path installed inside the front plate 410. The movable duct 822 may be provided extending from the end of the inlet duct 821 toward the rear of the drum 200, and the discharge duct 823 may be provided at the end of the movable duct 822 and to guide the air to the drum 200.

[0151] The air supply duct 8231 can be located downstream of the discharge duct 823, and the air supply duct 8231 can provide space for a circulating flow fan to be installed. When the circulating flow fan is operating, air flowing in from the inlet duct 821 can be discharged to the top of the air supply duct 8231.

[0152] On the other hand, the base 800 may be equipped with a heat exchange unit 900 for cooling and heating the air circulating inside the drum 200. The heat exchange unit 900 may include a compressor 930 connected to the evaporator and condenser and supplying compressed refrigerant. The compressor 930 is provided so as not to directly exchange heat with the circulating air, and can therefore be located outside the circulation duct 820.

[0153] Furthermore, the heat exchange unit may include a circulating flow fan motor 951 that is supported behind the air supply duct 8231 and rotates a circulating flow fan. The circulating flow fan motor 951 can be coupled to the rear of the air supply duct 8231.

[0154] On the other hand, a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a connector 850 connected to the circulation duct 820, which guides the hot air discharged from the circulation duct 820 to the rear of the drum 200 or the rear plate 420.

[0155] The connector 850 may be positioned above the exhaust duct 823 and configured to guide the hot air heated by passing through the condenser 920 upward above the exhaust duct 823. The connector 850 may also be connected to an opening provided on the upper side of the air supply duct 8231.

[0156] The connector 850 may be configured to form a flow path inside. The connector 850 may be configured to uniformly guide the airflow generated by the circulating flow path fan to the rear plate 420. That is, the connector 850 may be configured such that the area of ​​the flow path increases as it moves away from the air supply duct 8231.

[0157] The rear plate 420 may be coupled to or supported by the base 800 and positioned behind the drum 200. The rear plate 420 may include a rear panel 421 positioned opposite the front plate 410, and a duct section 423 recessed from the rear panel 421, which is provided to form a flow path for air and to guide air discharged from the circulation duct 820 to the drum.

[0158] The rear plate 420 may include a mounting portion 425 to which the drive unit is coupled or supported. The mounting portion 425 may be provided so as to penetrate the rear panel 421 and positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423. The mounting portion 425 may be provided spaced radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423.

[0159] Here, the drive unit can refer to the combination of the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500, as described above. Alternatively, the drive unit can refer to the motor unit 500 alone. In other words, the configuration that generates power and transmits rotational power to the drum can be called the drive unit.

[0160] The drive unit can be attached to the mounting portion 425. The mounting portion 425 can support the load of the drive unit. The drive unit can be connected to the drum 200 while supported by the mounting portion 425.

[0161] The duct portion 423 can be configured to accommodate a part of the drum back surface 220. The duct portion 423 can form a flow path for air to move together with the drum back surface 220.

[0162] The drive unit can be installed on the mounting portion 425 so as not to interfere with the duct portion 423. That is, the drive unit can be positioned radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423. The drive unit is installed on the mounting portion 425, but is installed so that its rear is exposed to the outside and can be cooled by the outside air.

[0163] The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The motor unit 500 may include a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor 520 that is configured to be rotated by the stator 510.

[0164] The rotor 520 can be configured as an outer rotor type, housing the stator 510 and configured to rotate along the periphery of the stator 510. In this case, a drive shaft may be coupled to the rotor 520 and pass through the stator 510 and the mounting portion 425 to directly connect to the drum 200. In this case, the rotor 520 can directly transmit power to rotate the drum 200.

[0165] The rotor 520 can be coupled to the drive shaft via a washer portion 540. The washer portion 540 serves to connect the drive shaft and the rotor 520. The washer portion 540 increases the contact area between the rotor 520 and the drive shaft, thus having the effect of more effectively transmitting the rotation of the rotor 520.

[0166] The reduction gear 600 can be configured to connect the motor unit 500 and the drum 200. The reduction gear 600 can convert the power of the motor unit 500 to rotate the drum 200. The reduction gear 600 can be positioned between the motor unit 500 and the drum 200, and can receive, convert, and transmit the power of the motor unit 500 to the drum 200. The reduction gear 600 can be configured to convert the RPM of the rotor to a lower RPM while increasing the torque value and transmitting it to the drum 200.

[0167] Specifically, the reduction gear 600 can be coupled to the rotor 520 and to a drive shaft that rotates with the rotor 520. The reduction gear 600 includes a gear coupling that meshes with the drive shaft and rotates, converting the RPM of the drive shaft while increasing torque, and the gear coupling can be 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.

[0168] The performance of such a reduction gear 600 may depend on whether the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can maintain coaxiality. That is, if the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft become misaligned, there is a risk that the components constituting the gear coupling inside the reduction gear 600 may become loose or even disengaged from at least one of the drive shaft or the drum rotation shaft. Consequently, the power from the drive shaft may not be properly transmitted to the drum rotation shaft, and the drive shaft may spin freely.

[0169] Furthermore, if the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft become misaligned even temporarily, the gears inside the reduction gear 600 may become misaligned and collide with each other, potentially generating unwanted vibrations and noise.

[0170] Furthermore, if the angle at which the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are temporarily misaligned becomes large, there is a risk that the reduction gear 600 may completely deviate from its correct position or be damaged.

[0171] To prevent this, it is desirable that the garment processing apparatus equipped with a gearbox fixes the gearbox 600 and the motor unit 500 to a support that does not deform even when an external force is applied and maintains its original state.

[0172] For example, in the case of a washing machine, a method can be applied in which, after the tub housing the drum is first fixed to the cabinet, the motor unit and the reduction gear are secondarily fixed to a rigid bearing housing built into the tub by injection molding. As a result, even if large vibrations occur in the tub, the reduction gear and the drive unit can tilt and vibrate together with the bearing housing or the fixed steel plate. Consequently, the reduction gear and the drive unit themselves can always maintain a coupled state, and the drive shaft and the rotation shaft can maintain a coaxial state.

[0173] However, since the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is configured as a dryer, the configuration of tabs fixed inside the cabinet is omitted. Furthermore, the rear panel of the cabinet is made of a relatively thin plate, and even if the stator 510 is fixed, the rear panel may easily vibrate or flex due to the repulsive force when the rotor 520 rotates. If the rear panel vibrates or flexes even temporarily, a problem may occur in which the rotation centers of the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500, which are coupled to the drum 200, become misaligned.

[0174] Furthermore, since the rear panel is made of thin steel plate, it may be 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 side by side to the rear panel, a rotational moment may be generated due to the overall length and weight of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, causing the reducer 600 to sag downwards. As a result, the drum rotation axis coupled to the drum may become misaligned with the reducer 600, and coaxiality with the drive shaft may not be maintained.

[0175] On the other hand, a configuration can be considered in which the stator 510 is coupled to the rear plate 420 and the motor unit 500 is supported. When a large amount of clothing is stored inside the drum 200 or when eccentricity occurs, the drum rotation axis may shift each time the drum 200 rotates, depending on the arrangement of the clothing. In this case, since the stator 510 is fixed to the rear plate 420 separately from the drum 200, the drum rotation axis may vibrate with a different amplitude or tilt at a different angle than the stator 510. Therefore, the coaxiality of the drum rotation axis and the drive shaft may not be maintained.

[0176] From another perspective, the drum 200 can be fixed in a certain position by being supported and installed by the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420. Therefore, the position of the drum rotation axis coupled to the drum 200 can also be fixed in a certain position. Thus, even if vibration occurs in the drum 200, that vibration can be dampened by at least one of the front plate 410 or the rear plate 420.

[0177] However, if vibrations generated in the drum 200 are transmitted to the motor unit 500, even if the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 are fixed to the rear plate 420, the vibration amplitude of the motor unit 500 and the rear plate 420 may be greater than the vibration amplitude of the drum rotation shaft. In such a case, there is a risk that the coaxial relationship between the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft cannot be maintained.

[0178] To solve these problems, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can connect and fix the motor unit 500 to the reduction gear 600. In other words, the reduction gear 600 itself can serve as a reference point for the entire drive unit. That is, the reduction gear 600 can serve as a reference for the vibration and tilt angle of the entire drive unit.

[0179] Since the motor unit 500 is not fixed to any other component of the garment processing apparatus, but only to the reduction gear 600, when vibration or external force is transmitted to the drive unit, if the reduction gear 600 tilts or vibrates, the motor unit 500 can always tilt or vibrate simultaneously with the reduction gear 600.

[0180] As a result, the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 can form a single vibration system, and the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 can maintain a fixed state without relative motion relative to each other.

[0181] Of the motor section 500, the stator 510 can be directly coupled to and fixed to the reduction gear 600. This prevents the position in which the drive shaft 530 is installed relative to the reduction gear 600 from being variable. The center of the drive shaft 530 and the center of the reduction gear 600 can be aligned, and the drive shaft 530 can rotate while maintaining coaxiality with the center of the reduction gear 600.

[0182] The first axis M1 can represent a virtual line extending in the front-rear direction along the rotation center of the drum 200. That is, the first axis M1 can be provided parallel to the X-axis.

[0183] The second axis M2 and the third axis M3 can represent imaginary lines extending from the front to the rear upper side of the garment processing device. That is, the second axis M2 and the third axis M3 can be configured to be parallel to the XZ plane or perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0184] The first shaft M1 and the second shaft M2 can intersect at the reduction gear 600. Furthermore, the first shaft M1 and the third shaft M3 can intersect at the mounting portion 425.

[0185] The reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 can be designed to be positioned along the first axis M1 parallel to the ground when there is no load on the drum 200 or when the motor unit 500 is not operating.

[0186] However, if vibration occurs in the drum 200 or the motor unit 500, the vibration is transmitted to the reduction gear 600, causing the reduction gear 600 to tilt, which may temporarily result in the reduction gear 600 being tilted along the second shaft M2.

[0187] At this time, since the motor unit 500 is coupled to the reduction gear 600, it can vibrate and tilt together with the reduction gear 600. Therefore, the motor unit 500 can be positioned parallel to the reduction gear 600 on the second shaft M2. Consequently, the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can also be positioned parallel to the second shaft M2.

[0188] As a result, even if the reduction gear 600 is tilted, the motor unit 500 can operate in conjunction with the reduction gear 600, and the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can maintain coaxiality.

[0189] The reduction gear 600 can be coupled and fixed to the rear plate 420. In this case, since the reduction gear 600 tilts and vibrates while coupled to the rear plate 420, the rear plate 420 can be considered to play the role of the center of the vibration system including the reduction gear 600, the motor unit 500, and the drum 200. In this case as well, the motor unit 500 can be coupled and fixed only to the reduction gear 600 without being directly coupled to the rear plate 420.

[0190] The reduction gear 600, the motor unit 500, and the drum 200 are arranged parallel to each other along the first axis M1, and vibrations of the drum 200 or the motor unit 500 may cause the reduction gear 600 to tilt parallel to the third axis M3. The third axis M3 can pass through the reduction gear 600 which is coupled to the rear plate 420. At this time, since the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 are coupled, the motor unit 500 can also tilt parallel to the third axis M3 in the same way as the reduction gear 600.

[0191] Ultimately, the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 are coupled to the reduction gear 600, and the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 can tilt parallel to each other or vibrate simultaneously with respect to the reduction gear 600.

[0192] The aforementioned meanings of coaxial and coincident do not imply perfect physical coaxiality and coincidence, but rather are concepts that allow for a range of mechanically acceptable error, or a range that a person skilled in the art would recognize as coaxial or coincident. For example, a range in which the drive shaft 530 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 are offset by 5 degrees or less can be defined as coaxial or coincident. However, such angular values ​​are merely examples, and the allowable error in the design may change.

[0193] Since the drive shaft 530 rotates relative to the reduction gear 600 but is fixed in a manner that prevents it from tilting, and the stator 510 is also fixed to the reduction gear 600, the distance between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 can always be maintained. As a result, collisions between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 are prevented, and noise and vibrations that may be generated by the rotor 520 rotating around the stator 510 and causing the center of rotation to change can be fundamentally suppressed.

[0194] The drum rotation shaft 6341 is provided to extend from inside the reduction gear 600 toward the drum 200, and can vibrate and tilt together with the reduction gear 600. In other words, the drum rotation shaft 6341 is provided to rotate in the reduction gear 600, and its installation position can be fixed. As a result, the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can always be arranged parallel to each other and form a coaxial structure. That is, the center of the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the center of the drive shaft 530 can be kept in a state of coincidence.

[0195] On the other hand, a sealing portion 450 may be provided between the drum back surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The sealing portion 450 can seal the space between the drum back surface 220 and the rear plate 420 so that the air that flows into the duct portion 423 of the rear plate 420 does not flow out to the outside but flows into the intake hole 224.

[0196] The sealing portion 450 can be positioned on the outer and inner surfaces of the duct portion 423, respectively. A first sealing portion 451 may be provided on the radially outer side of the duct portion 423, and a second sealing portion 452 may be provided on the radially inner side. The first sealing portion 451 can prevent hot air from leaking radially outward between the drum back surface 220 and the duct portion 423, and the second sealing portion 452 can prevent hot air from leaking radially inward between the drum back surface 220 and the duct portion 423.

[0197] In other words, the sealing portion 450 can be positioned on the radially outer and inner sides of the intake port 224, respectively. The first sealing portion 451 can be provided on the radially outer side of the intake port 224, and the second sealing portion 452 can be provided on the radially inner side of the intake port 224.

[0198] In order to prevent hot air leakage, it is desirable that the sealing portion 450 be provided so as to be in contact with both the drum back surface 220 and the rear plate 420. As the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the garment processing device, the sealing portion 450 is subjected to continuous friction by the drum back surface 220. Therefore, it is desirable that the sealing portion 450 be made of a material that does not deteriorate in performance due to the frictional force and frictional heat generated by rotation, and that can seal between the drum back surface 220 and the duct portion 423.

[0199] On the other hand, a motor unit 500 or a reduction gear 600 can be coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420. However, since the rear plate 420 can be made of thin sheet metal, deflection or deformation may occur due to the load transmitted to the reduction gear 600 by the reduction gear 600 and the drum 200. In other words, the rigidity of the rear plate 420 must be ensured in order to install the reduction gear 600, motor unit 500, etc.

[0200] To this end, the rear plate 420 may further include a bracket 700 for reinforcing the joint rigidity. The bracket 700 is further coupled to the rear plate 420, and the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500 can be coupled to the rear plate 420 by the bracket 700.

[0201] The reduction gear 600 can be coupled simultaneously with the bracket 700 and the rear plate 420. The reduction gear 600, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700 can be coupled simultaneously by fastening members. The rear plate 420 can be made rigid by coupling it with the bracket 700. The reduction gear 600, the motor unit 500, etc. can be coupled to the rigid rear plate 420.

[0202] The reduction gear 600 can be fastened to the bracket 700 first, and then the bracket 700 can be fastened to the rear plate 420. In other words, the reduction gear may not be directly fastened to the rear plate 420, but may be fixed to the rear plate 420 via the bracket 700.

[0203] On the other hand, if the motor unit 500 or the reduction gear 600 is coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420, the motor unit 500 and the reduction gear 600 may be exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the motor unit 500 from being exposed when coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420. Also, the duct unit 423 may be heated by hot air. Therefore, it may be necessary to insulate the rear surface of the duct unit 423.

[0204] The rear cover 430 is coupled to the rear of the rear plate 420, preventing the duct portion 423 and the motor portion 500 or the reduction gear 600 from being exposed to the outside. The rear cover 430 can be positioned at a distance from the duct portion 423 and the drive portion.

[0205] The rear cover 430 has the effect of preventing the motor section 500 from being damaged by external interference, and preventing heat loss through the duct section 423, which would reduce drying efficiency.

[0206] Figure 4 shows the external appearance of a gearbox according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] The reduction gear 600 may include reduction gear housings 610 and 620 that form its exterior. The reduction gear housing may include a first housing 610 facing the drum and a second housing 620 facing the motor section.

[0208] The reduction gear 600 may include a gearbox. The gearbox may be configured to receive power from the motor unit and transmit it to the drum while increasing the torque value by converting the RPM of the motor unit to a smaller RPM. The gearbox is mainly housed inside the second housing 620, and the first housing 610 is configured to shield the inside of the reduction gear 600. This allows for a reduction in the overall thickness of the reduction gear 600. The detailed configuration of the gearbox will be described later.

[0209] The first housing 610 may include a first housing shielding body 611 configured to shield the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 extending away from the first housing shielding body 611 towards the second housing 620. The first housing bearing portion 612 can house and rotatably support a drum rotating shaft 6341.

[0210] The first housing 610 may include a stator coupling portion 613 that supports the motor section. The stator coupling portion 613 may be provided extending from the peripheral surface of the first housing isolation body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing portion 612.

[0211] The stator coupling portion 613 may include a stator fastening hole 615 into which the motor portion can be fastened. The stator fastening hole 615 may be formed by recessing in the stator coupling portion 613. Another fastening member can be inserted into the stator fastening hole 615. The stator coupling portion 613 and the motor portion can be connected using the fastening member.

[0212] The first housing 610 may further include a coupling guide 614 that guides the coupling of the motor section. The coupling guide 614 may be provided extending from the peripheral surface of the first housing isolation body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing section 612. The coupling guide 614 may extend from the first housing isolation body 611 so as to be connected to the stator coupling section 613. The coupling guide 614 can guide the position of the stator 510 when coupling the stator 510 to the stator coupling section 613. This can improve ease of assembly.

[0213] Referring to Figure 4, the second housing 620 can house a gear coupling inside. Generally, a gearbox coupled to the reduction gear 600 may include a sun gear, planetary gears orbiting the sun gear, and a ring gear that houses the planetary gears and guides them to rotate. The second housing 620 may include a second housing coupling body 621 coupled to the first housing 610, a second housing isolation body 622 extending from the second housing coupling body 621 away from the first housing 610 to form a space for housing the gearbox, and a second housing bearing portion extending from the inner surface of the second housing isolation body 622 away from the first housing 610 to support the drive shaft 530.

[0214] The centers of the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be designed to be coaxially positioned. Coaxial positioning of the drive shaft 540 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 is advantageous for power transmission. Therefore, it is desirable that the first housing bearing portion 612, which rotatably supports the drum rotation shaft 6341, and the second housing bearing portion, which rotatably supports the drive shaft 540, be coupled coaxially.

[0215] The drive shaft 530 can be inserted into the second housing 620 and rotatably supported within the second housing 620. A washer portion 540 can be coupled to the drive shaft 530 to rotatably support the rotor 520. The washer portion 540 may include a housing body 542 having a shaft support hole 543 in its center that accommodates the drive shaft 530, and a washer coupling body 541 that extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the housing body and forms a surface to which the rotor is coupled. The shaft support hole 543 may be provided in the shape of a groove corresponding to a projection formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 530 so that the projection is coupled to it.

[0216] The washer portion 540 may include one or more washer coupling protrusions 5411 that project from the washer coupling body 541 in a direction away from the reduction gear. The washer portion 540 may also include one or more washer coupling holes 5412 that penetrate the washer coupling body 541.

[0217] The washer coupling projection 5411 can be coupled to a receiving groove formed in the rotor. The washer coupling hole 5412 can be used to connect the rotor and the washer portion 540 by inserting a fastening member that penetrates the rotor.

[0218] The washer coupling projections 5411 and the washer coupling holes 5412 can be arranged alternately with respect to each other along the circumferential direction on the surface of the washer coupling body 541, and multiple such projections can be provided.

[0219] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit.

[0220] The drive unit may include a motor unit 500 that generates rotational power and a reduction gear that reduces the rotational speed of the motor unit 500 and transmits it to the drum. The reduction gear 600 may include a drum rotation shaft 6341 that rotates the drum.

[0221] The motor unit 500 may include a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field when supplied with an external power source, and a rotor 520 that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the stator 510. Permanent magnets may be arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520.

[0222] The rotational magnetic field generated by the stator 510 allows the permanent magnets located on the inner surface of the rotor 520 to move in a specific direction, and the permanent magnets can be fixed to the inner surface of the rotor 520. Therefore, the rotor 520 is rotatable by the rotational magnetic field of the stator 510.

[0223] A drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotation center of the rotor 520, which rotates together with the rotor 520 and transmits the rotational power of the rotor 520. The drive shaft 530 can be configured to rotate together with the rotor 540. The drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotor 540 via a washer portion 540.

[0224] The drive shaft 530 can be directly connected to the rotor 520, but when connected via the washer portion 540, it can be more firmly connected to the rotor 520, thereby more effectively transmitting the rotational force of the rotor 520. In addition, it prevents the load from concentrating on the drive shaft 530, which has the effect of improving the durability of the drive shaft 530.

[0225] The drive shaft 530 can be directly connected to the drum, but since the drive shaft 530 rotates at the same speed as the rotor 520, reduction may be necessary. Therefore, the drive shaft 530 is connected to a reduction gear, and the reduction gear is connected to the drum. In other words, the reduction gear can reduce the rotation of the drive shaft 530 to rotate the drum.

[0226] The reduction gear 600 may include a first housing 610 and a second housing 620 that form the exterior, and a gearbox 630 that reduces the power of the drive shaft 530. The second housing 620 provides space for housing the gearbox 630, and the first housing 610 can shield the housing space provided by the second housing 620.

[0227] The second housing 620 can consist of a second housing coupling body 621 that is coupled to the first housing 610, a second housing isolation body 622 that extends rearward from the inner circumferential surface of the second housing coupling body 621 to form a housing space and house the gearbox 630, and a second housing bearing portion 623 that extends rearward from the second housing isolation body 622 and is provided to house the drive shaft 530.

[0228] The gearbox 630 may include a ring gear 633 installed along the inner circumferential surface of the second housing isolation body 622. The inner circumferential surface of the ring gear 633 may be provided with one or more planetary gears 632 that are gear-coupled with the ring gear 633, and a sun gear 631 that is gear-coupled with the planetary gears 632 and rotates together with the drive shaft 530 may be provided inside the ring gear 633.

[0229] The sun gear 631 can be coupled to the drive shaft 530 and rotatably mounted. The sun gear 631 can be configured as a separate component from the drive shaft 530, but is not limited to this, and the sun gear 631 can also be formed integrally with the drive shaft 530.

[0230] The sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 can be configured as helical gears. When each gear is a helical gear, noise is reduced and power transmission efficiency is improved. However, the system is not limited to this, and the sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 can also be configured as spur gears.

[0231] As an example of the operation of the gearbox 630, as the rotor rotates, the drive shaft 530 and the sun gear 631 connected to the drive shaft 530 rotate, and the planetary gears 632, which are gear-coupled on the outer surface of the sun gear 631, are gear-coupled between the ring gear 633 and the sun gear 631 and can rotate.

[0232] The planetary gear 632 may include a planetary gear shaft 6323 inserted into the center of rotation. The planetary gear shaft 6323 can rotatably support the planetary gear 632.

[0233] The reduction gear may further include a first carrier 6342 and a second carrier 6343 that support the planetary gear shaft 6323. The planetary gear shaft 6323 may be supported at the front by the second carrier 6343 and at the rear by the first carrier 6342.

[0234] The drum rotation shaft 6341 can be provided as an extension of the second carrier 6343 in a direction away from the motor section from the center of rotation. The drum rotation shaft 6341 can be provided as a separate configuration from the second carrier 6343 and can be rotatably coupled together. On the other hand, the drum rotation shaft 6341 can also be an extension of the second carrier 6343 and formed integrally with the second carrier 6343.

[0235] The drum rotation shaft 6341 is coupled to the drum and can rotate the drum. As mentioned above, the drum rotation shaft 6341 can be coupled to the drum via a connecting body such as a bushing, or it can be coupled directly to the drum without any other connecting body.

[0236] The drum rotating shaft 6341 can be supported by the first housing 610. The first housing 610 may include a first housing shielding body 611 that shields the housing space of the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 that extends from the first housing shielding body 611 away from the second housing 620 and houses the drum rotating 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, thereby rotatably supporting the drum rotating shaft 6341.

[0237] The first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be connected to each other via the reduction gear fastening member 681. The reduction gear fastening member 681 can also pass through the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 simultaneously, connecting both members. Furthermore, the reduction gear fastening member 681 can pass through the first housing 610, the second housing 620, and the rear plate 420 simultaneously, connecting the first housing 610 and the second housing 620, and fixing the reduction gear 600 to the rear plate 420.

[0238] The rear plate 420 can be made of a thin sheet of iron. Therefore, it may be difficult to ensure sufficient rigidity to support the reduction gear 600, the motor unit 500 coupled to the reduction gear 600, and the drum 200 connected to the reduction gear 600. For this reason, when coupling the reduction gear 600 to the rear plate 420, a bracket 700 may be 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 can be coupled to the front or rear surface of the rear plate 420.

[0239] The bracket 700 is coupled to the front surface of the rear plate 420, ensuring rigidity for the coupling of the reduction gear 600, and the reduction gear 600 can be coupled to the rear plate 420 and the bracket 700 simultaneously. Fastening members such as bolts can be used to connect the rear plate 420, the bracket 700 and the reduction gear.

[0240] Furthermore, the reduction gear fastening member 681, which was used to connect the first housing 610 and the second housing 620, can be used to fix the reduction gear 600 to the rear plate 420. That is, the reduction gear fastening member 681 can penetrate and connect the second housing 620, the first housing 610, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700 all at once. When connected in this way, the rear plate 420 is supported at the front by the bracket 700 and at the rear by the first housing 610, so rigidity can be ensured even when the reduction gear 600 is connected. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to first connect only the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 using the reduction gear fastening member 681, and then connect the reduction gear 600 to the rear plate 420 using another fastening member.

[0241] Furthermore, a stator coupling portion 613 can be formed on the radially outer side of the first housing 610 to which the motor portion 500 can be coupled. The stator coupling portion 613 may include a coupling groove formed by recession within the stator coupling portion 613.

[0242] The stator 510 may be directly coupled to the rear plate 420, or it may be coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The stator 510 may include fixing ribs 512 provided on its inner circumferential surface to support the stator. The fixing ribs 512 may be coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The fixing ribs 512 and the stator coupling portion 613 may be coupled to each other by stator coupling pins 617.

[0243] The motor unit 500 is coupled to the reduction gear 600 while separated from the rear plate 420, so that the motor unit 500 and the reduction gear 600 can form a single vibrating body. Therefore, even if vibration is applied from the outside, it is possible that the drive shaft 530 coupled to the rotor 520 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 connected to the reduction gear 600 will be more likely to maintain coaxiality.

[0244] The drum rotation shaft 6341 may shift axially due to vibrations of the drum 200. However, since 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 shifts, the axial direction of the drive shaft 530 will similarly shift due to the first housing 610. In other words, the motor unit 500 moves integrally with the reduction gear 600, and the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can maintain coaxial alignment even when an external force is applied.

[0245] The aforementioned coupling structure improves the efficiency and reliability of power transmission from the motor unit 500 to the drum 200, and prevents wear of the gearbox 630, reduced power transmission efficiency, and decreased durability and reliability caused by misalignment between the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530.

[0246] Figure 6 shows a base and rear plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0247] Referring to Figure 6, the rear plate 420 can be positioned behind the drum. The rear plate 420 can guide the hot air discharged from the circulation duct 820 to the drum. That is, the rear plate 420 can be positioned behind the drum to form a flow path so that the hot air is supplied uniformly throughout the drum.

[0248] The rear plate 420 may include a rear panel 421 facing the back of the drum, and a duct portion 423 recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path. The duct portion 423 may be provided under pressure from the rear panel 421. The duct portion 423 may be provided to accommodate a part of the back of the drum.

[0249] The duct section 423 may include an inlet section 4233 located behind the circulation channel section and a flow section 4231 located behind the drum. The flow section 4231 may be configured to accommodate a portion of the drum. The flow section 4231 can accommodate a portion of the drum and form a flow channel located behind the drum.

[0250] The fluidized section 4231 can be provided in an annular shape so as to face the intake hole formed on the back of the drum. The fluidized section 4231 can be provided recessed from the rear panel 421. That is, the fluidized section 4231 can be provided so as to be open at the front and can form a flow path together with the back of the drum.

[0251] When the front of the fluidized section 4231 is open, the hot air moved to the fluidized section 4231 can be moved directly to the drum without passing through another component. Therefore, heat loss that would occur when the hot air passes through another component can be prevented. In other words, this reduces the heat loss of the hot air and improves drying efficiency.

[0252] The rear plate 420 may include a mounting portion 425 provided on the radially inward side of the fluid section 4231. The mounting portion 425 can provide a space to which a reduction gear 600 or motor section 500 is coupled. That is, the rear plate 420 may include an inward mounting portion 425 and a fluid section 4231 provided in an annular shape on the radially outward side of the mounting portion 425.

[0253] Specifically, the fluidized section 4231 may include a fluidized outer periphery 4231a that surrounds the internal space through which the hot air flows from the outside. Furthermore, the fluidized section 4231 may include a fluidized inner periphery 4231b that surrounds the internal space through which the hot air flows from the inside. That is, the fluidized outer periphery 4231a can form the outer periphery of the fluidized section 4231, and the fluidized inner periphery 4231b can form the inner periphery of the fluidized section 4231.

[0254] Furthermore, the flow section 4231 may include a flow depression surface 4232 that forms the rear surface of the flow path through which the hot air moves. The flow depression surface 4232 may be provided so as to connect the flow outer periphery 4231a and the flow inner periphery 4231b. That is, the flow inner periphery 4231b, the flow outer periphery 4231a, and the flow depression surface 4232 can form a space through which the hot air discharged from the circulation duct 820 flows.

[0255] Furthermore, the flow recessed surface 4232 prevents hot air from leaking backward and guides the hot air toward the drum. In other words, the flow recessed surface 4232 can refer to the recessed surface of the flow section 4231.

[0256] The inlet 4233 can be positioned opposite the circulation duct 820. The inlet can be positioned opposite the air supply duct 8231. The inlet 4233 can be recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 so as not to interfere with the air supply duct 8231. The upper side of the inlet 4233 can be connected to the flow section 4231.

[0257] A garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connector 850 connected to an air duct 8231. The connector 850 can guide the hot air discharged from the air duct 8231 to the fluid section 4231. The connector 850 has a flow path formed inside it, which can guide the hot air discharged from the air duct 8231 to the fluid section 4231. In other words, the connector 850 can form a flow path connecting the air duct 8231 and the fluid section 4231. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path provided inside the connector 850 can be configured to increase as it moves away from the air duct 8231.

[0258] The connector 850 can be positioned to face the inlet 4233. The inlet 4233 can be formed to be recessed to the rear so as not to interfere with the connector 850. Furthermore, the upper end of the connector 850 can be provided to separate the flow section 4231 and the inlet 4233. That is, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 can flow into the flow section 4231, but can be prevented from flowing into the inlet 4233.

[0259] The connector 850 may be provided to uniformly supply hot air to the fluid section 4231. The connector 850 may be provided such that its width increases as it moves away from the air duct 8231. The upper end of the connector 850 may be positioned along the circumferential extension line of the fluid outer periphery 4231a.

[0260] Therefore, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 can be supplied evenly to the fluid section 4231 without moving to the inlet section 4233. The connector 850 prevents the hot air from concentrating on one side of the fluid section 4231, allowing for a uniform supply of hot air inside the drum. This has the effect of improving the drying efficiency of clothes.

[0261] The connector 850 can be configured such that its width increases towards the upstream side, and the velocity of the hot air moving along the connector 850 decreases in accordance with the flow direction. In other words, the connector 850 can function as a diffuser that regulates the velocity of the hot air. The connector 850 can reduce the velocity of the hot air and prevent the hot air from being concentrated and supplied only to specific parts of the drum.

[0262] Due to the shape of the connector 850 described above, the inlet 4233, which is provided opposite the connector 850 and is provided so as not to interfere with the connector 850, can also be configured so that its width increases as it moves away from the air duct 8231. Due to the shape of the inlet 4233, the duct section 423 as a whole takes on a shape resembling the letter "9" when viewed from the front.

[0263] Since the drum is configured to rotate during the drying process, it can be provided at a predetermined distance from the fluid section 4231. Hot air may leak through the space between them.

[0264] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus may further include a sealing portion 450 to prevent hot air from leaking from the space between the drum and the fluidized portion 4231. The sealing portion 450 may be located along the periphery of the fluidized portion 4231.

[0265] The sealing section 450 may include a first sealing section 451 provided along the outer circumference of the fluid section 4231. The first sealing section 451 may be provided between the drum and the outer circumference of the fluid section 4231. The first sealing section 451 may also be provided to contact both the drum back surface 220 and the rear plate 420 to more effectively prevent leakage.

[0266] On the other hand, the first sealing 451 can be provided so as to contact the front surface of the connector 850. Alternatively, the first sealing 451 can be provided so as to contact the upper end of the connector 850. The connector 850 can form a flow path for hot air together with the fluid section 4231. Therefore, the first sealing 451 can be provided so as to contact the connector 850, preventing hot air from leaking between the drum and the connector 850.

[0267] The sealing section 450 may include a second sealing section 452 provided along the inner circumference of the fluid section 4231. The second sealing section 452 may be provided between the drum and the inner circumference of the fluid section 4231. The second sealing section 452 may also be provided to contact both the drum back surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The second sealing section 452 can prevent hot air moving along the fluid section 4231 from leaking towards the mounting section 425.

[0268] Since the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the garment processing device, the sealing portion 450 is subjected to continuous friction from the drum back surface 220. Therefore, it is desirable that the sealing portion 450 be made of a material that does not experience a decrease in performance due to the frictional force and frictional heat generated by the rotation, and that can seal the space between the drum back surface 220 and the fluid portion 4231.

[0269] Figure 7 shows a coupling structure of a rear plate, a reduction gear, and a motor section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] Referring to Figure 7, the reduction gear 600 is supported by the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 is coupled to the reduction gear 600. That is, the rear plate 420 can be configured to support both the reduction gear 600 and the motor unit 500.

[0271] A motor unit 500 that provides rotational power and a reduction gear 600 that reduces the power of the motor unit and transmits it to the drum can be located behind the rear plate 420.

[0272] The speed reducer 600 can be installed on the rear plate 420 so as to be located inside the duct portion 423. The speed reducer 600 can be located radially inside the flowing portion 4231 so as not to interfere with the flowing portion 4231.

[0273] Due to the heat of the hot air moving along the flowing portion 4231, the gear device inside the speed reducer 600 may be damaged. Therefore, the flowing portion 4231 and the speed reducer 600 can be provided so as to be separated by a predetermined distance.

[0274] The speed reducer 600 can be coupled through the rear plate 420. Thus, the speed reducer 600 can be connected to a drum located in front of the rear plate 420.

[0275] The stator 510 can be coupled to the speed reducer 600. The stator 510 is coupled to the speed reducer 600 and can be installed spaced apart from the rear plate 420. At this time, the speed reducer 600 is located between the drum and the motor unit and can support the drum and the motor unit spaced apart from the rear plate 420. That is, the speed reducer 600 can be the center for supporting the drum and the motor unit.

[0276] On the other hand, the stator 510 includes a main body 511 configured in a ring shape, a fixing rib 512 extending from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 511 and coupled to the stator coupling portion 613 of the speed reducer, teeth 514 extending from the outer peripheral surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and provided so that a coil is wound, and a pole shoe 515 provided at the free end of the teeth 514 to prevent detachment of the coil.

[0277] The rotor 520 can include a rotor body 521 provided in a cylindrical hollow shape. Further, the rotor 520 can include an installation body 522 recessed forward from the back surface of the rotor body 521. Permanent magnets can be arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the rotor body 521 of the rotor 520.

[0278] The rotor 520 is coupled to a drive shaft 530, and the rotational power of the rotor 520 can be transmitted to the outside through the drive shaft 530. The drive shaft 530 can be connected to the rotor 520 through a washer portion 540.

[0279] Further, the motor unit 500 can include a washer portion 540 that supports the drive shaft 530. The washer portion 540 can include a washer coupling body 541 coupled to the rotor. The washer coupling body 541 can be provided in a disc shape.

[0280] The washer portion 540 can include a housing body 542 housed in the rotor. The housing body 542 can protrude rearward from the washer coupling body 541. The washer portion 540 can include a shaft support hole 543 provided to penetrate the center of the housing body 542. The drive shaft 530 can be inserted into the shaft support hole 543 and supported by the washer portion 540.

[0281] Further, the washer portion 540 can include a washer coupling hole 5412 provided to penetrate the washer coupling body 541. Furthermore, the installation body 522 can include a rotor coupling hole 526 provided at a position corresponding to the washer coupling hole 5412. That is, the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520 can be coupled to each other by a coupling member that simultaneously penetrates the washer coupling hole 5412 and the rotor coupling hole 526. That is, the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520 can be coupled to rotate together.

[0282] Furthermore, the washer portion 540 may include a washer coupling projection 5411 that protrudes rearward from the washer coupling body 541. In addition, the mounting body 522 may include a washer projection housing hole 525 provided in correspondence with the washer coupling projection 5411. The washer coupling projection 5411 can be inserted into the washer projection housing hole 525 and support the coupling between the washer portion 540 and the rotor 520.

[0283] Furthermore, the rotor 520 may include a rotor mounting hole 524 that penetrates the center of the mounting body 522. The rotor mounting hole 524 can accommodate a housing body 542. This allows the washer portion 540 to rotate together with the drive shaft 530 by the rotor 520, thereby firmly supporting the connection between the drive shaft 530 and the rotor 520. This thus has the effect of ensuring the overall durability and reliability of the motor portion 500.

[0284] Figure 8 is a rear view of the coupling structure of a speed reducer and a stator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0285] The stator 510 may include a main body 511 fixed to the reduction gear 600 and provided in a ring shape; a fixing rib 512 extending from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 511 and coupled to the stator fastening hole 615 of the reduction gear; teeth 514 extending from the outer circumferential surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and provided for winding a coil; pole skes 515 provided at the free end of the teeth 514 to prevent the coil from coming off; and terminals (not shown) controlled to supply current to the coil.

[0286] The stator 510 may include a housing space 513 that penetrates the main body 511 and is provided inside the main body 511. Multiple fixing ribs 512 are provided inside the main body 511 at a predetermined angle from the housing space 513, and fixing rib holes 5121 are provided on the inside of the fixing ribs 512 for installing fixing members, and the fixing rib holes 5121 and the stator fastening holes 615 of the reduction gear can be connected using fixing members such as pins.

[0287] When the stator 510 is directly coupled to the reduction gear 600, a portion of the reduction gear 600 may be provided to be housed within the stator 510. In particular, when the reduction gear 600 is housed within the stator 510, the overall thickness of the drive unit, including both the reduction gear and the motor section, is reduced, and the volume of the drum can be further expanded.

[0288] To this end, the reduction gear 600 can be provided with a diameter smaller than that of the main body 511. That is, the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be provided with a maximum diameter smaller than that of the main body 511. This allows the reduction gear 600 to be housed and positioned within the main body 511, at least in part. However, the stator coupling portion 613 can be extended from the reduction gear housing so as to overlap the fixing rib 512. This allows the stator coupling portion 613 to be coupled to the fixing rib 512, and parts of the first housing and the second housing 620 to be located inside the main body 511.

[0289] Figure 9 shows the coupling of a speed reducer and a motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] The stator 510 can be coupled to the reduction gear 600. It is coupled to a stator coupling portion 613 that protrudes outward from the housing of the reduction gear 600, and at least a portion of the reduction gear 600 can be housed inside the main body 511. This ensures that the center of the main body 511 and the centers of the drive shaft 530 and the reduction gear 600 are always coaxial.

[0291] On the other hand, the rotor 520 can be positioned to house the stator 510 while being separated from the poles 515 by a predetermined distance. Since the rotor 520 is fixed to the reduction gear 600, in which the drive shaft 530 is housed in the main body 511, the distance G1 between the rotor 520 and the stator 510 can always be maintained.

[0292] Therefore, collisions between the rotor 520 and the stator 510, and temporary twisting and rotation of the stator 510 are prevented, thereby blocking the generation of noise and unwanted vibrations.

[0293] On the other hand, a virtual first diameter line K1 passing through the center of the reduction gear 600 and the center of the drive shaft 530, a virtual second diameter line K2 passing through the center of the main body 511, and a virtual third diameter line K3 passing through the center of the rotor 520 can all be positioned at the rotation center of the reduction gear 600.

[0294] As a result, the reduction gear 600 itself becomes the rotation center of the drive shaft 530, and the stator 510 is directly fixed to the reduction gear 600, thus preventing the drive shaft 530 from twisting relative to the reduction gear 600. Consequently, the reliability of the reduction gear 600 can be guaranteed.

[0295] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the base 800 of a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0296] The base 800 may include a circulation duct 820 on one side for circulating air from the drum. The base 800 may also be provided with an equipment installation section 810 on the other side, which provides space for installing electrical components necessary for the operation of the dryer. The equipment installation section 810 may be located outside the circulation duct 820.

[0297] In a conventional dryer, a circulation duct 820 was provided on a base 800, and a drive unit for rotating a drum 200 was also installed on the base 800. In this case, since the drive unit occupied a large part of the installation space of the base 800, the space of the device installation unit 810 was narrow, and it was not easy to install the configurations of other clothing treatment devices.

[0298] However, in a clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since a motor unit 500 for rotating the drum 200 is disposed behind the drum 200 at a distance from the base 800, it is possible to utilize the space of the base 800 where the motor unit 500 was conventionally installed in various ways.

[0299] A compressor 930 for compressing refrigerant necessary for heat exchange can be installed in the device installation unit 810.

[0300] Further, the base 800 is provided at a distance from the compressor 930 and can include a water collecting unit 860 in which condensed water generated in the circulation duct 820 is collected.

[0301] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 are seated inside the circulation duct 820. The evaporator 910 can cool the air discharged from the drum 200 and passing through the circulation duct 820, and condense the moisture contained in the air.

[0302] The greater the amount of moisture dried from the clothing accommodated in the drum 200, the greater the amount of water condensed by the evaporator 910 can be.

[0303] The water condensed by the evaporator 910 can be collected on the bottom surface of the circulation duct 820.

[0304] The condenser 920 heats the air passing through the circulation duct 820 to generate hot air. In this case, if the condenser 920 is disposed in a state where water is collected on the bottom surface of the circulation duct 82, the water may be vaporized by the heat generated from the condenser 920 and flow back into the drum 200 again.

[0305] Therefore, the base 800 may further include a water collection section 860 capable of collecting the water condensed in the circulation duct 820 outside the circulation duct 820.

[0306] The water collection unit 860 is provided to communicate with the bottom surface of the circulation duct 820 and can be located in the equipment installation area 810, which is outside the circulation duct 820. The water collection unit 860 can be provided to collect not only the water condensed in the evaporator 910, but also all the water that flows into the circulation duct 820.

[0307] The water collection section 860 can form a space for collecting and temporarily storing the water.

[0308] The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a drain pump 861 capable of discharging the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the outside of the water collection section 860.

[0309] The drain pump 861 is seated in the water collection section 860 and can generate power to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the outside of the water collection section 860.

[0310] The drain pump 861 can be configured to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120. This allows the water collection section 860 to become empty even when it is full, enabling the continuous collection of new condensed water. As a result, the amount of water remaining inside the circulation duct 820 can be minimized.

[0311] On the other hand, a control panel 190 for controlling the compressor 930, motor unit, and other components can be installed on the device installation section 810.

[0312] The water collection section 860 is advantageous in preventing water leakage because it is positioned close to the circulation duct 820.

[0313] The water collection unit 860 may also be positioned between the compressor 930 and the circulation duct 820.

[0314] However, as shown in the figure, the water collection section 860 can be positioned so as to overlap the compressor 930 in the front-to-back direction. This further expands the volume of the water collection section 860, making it possible to collect more water.

[0315] In this way, as the volume of the water collection section 860 is expanded, the frequency of emptying the condensed water collected in the water collection section 860 decreases, and even if new water such as fresh water is supplied to the circulation duct 820 in addition to condensed water, all of it can be collected without leakage.

[0316] On the other hand, the control panel 190 can be mounted on a base and firmly supported.

[0317] This allows the connecting wires that link the electrical components controlled by the control panel 190 and control box to also be installed on the base 800, and their length can be shortened.

[0318] Side panels forming the sides of the cabinet can be attached to the sides of the base 800. The side panels may include a left panel 141 and a right panel 142. The control panel 190 is installed on the device mounting section 810, but can be installed in close proximity to either of the side panels.

[0319] The control panel 190 is provided to control all the electrical components of the garment processing device and may include a control unit that provides commands to execute any course that the garment processing device can perform.

[0320] If the control panel 190 is provided adjacent to the side panel 141, the user can access the control panel 190 by removing only the side panel 141. Therefore, this has the effect of improving the ease of maintenance.

[0321] When the side panel 141 is removed, various components such as the compressor 930 and the control panel 190 can be easily accessed, so the side panel 141 can be called a service panel.

[0322] The device installation section 810 is located on the left side of the base 800, and the control panel 190 can be accessed by removing either of the side panels. However, it is not limited to this; if the circulation duct 820 is formed on the left side and the device installation section 810 is formed on the right side, the control box, compressor, etc., can be repaired or inspected by removing the right-side panel (not shown).

[0323] On the other hand, the circulation duct 820 can be provided in a duct-like shape that provides a space through which air flows and in which the heat exchange unit 900 is installed. However, in order to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the heat exchange unit 900, the upper surface of the circulation duct 820 can be provided as open.

[0324] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a duct cover portion 830 which is coupled to the upper part of the circulation duct 820, prevents leakage of air that has flowed into the circulation duct 820, and forms a flow path through which the air moves.

[0325] The duct cover portion 830 can be provided in the form of a plate that is connected to the open upper surface of the circulation duct 820.

[0326] For example, the top and back surfaces of the inlet duct 821 and the top surface of the movable duct 822 can be provided as open surfaces.

[0327] The duct cover portion 830 can shield the open upper surface of the movable duct 822 and form the back surface of the inlet duct 821.

[0328] Of course, the inlet duct 821 may form a complete closed curve by being rectangular or ring-shaped, and the duct cover portion 830 may be provided so as to shield the upper surface of the movable duct 822.

[0329] As a result, the duct cover portion 830 can prevent the air that has flowed in through the inlet duct 821 from leaking out through the open upper surface of the moving duct 822. The duct cover portion 830 can be considered to form the upper surface of a flow path that guides the air that has flowed in through the inlet duct 821 to the discharge duct 823.

[0330] The discharge duct 823 may include a blower duct 8231 that discharges air to the outside of the circulation duct 820. The blower duct 8231 can provide space for a circulation flow fan 950 that draws air from inside the drum into the circulation duct 820 and circulates it back to the drum 200.

[0331] The circulation fan 950 may be installed inside the air supply duct 8231 and may be configured to adjust the circulation speed of the air flowing into the circulation duct 200.

[0332] When the circulation fan 950 rotates, air is discharged through an opening formed on the upper side of the air duct 8231, and the air discharged from the air duct 8231 flows back into the drum, allowing the clothes to be dried.

[0333] Various types of fans can be applied to the aforementioned circulation channel fan 950. For example, a sirocco fan can be used so that air flows in in the direction of the rotation axis and is discharged in the radial direction. However, it is not limited to this, and various fans can be used to generate airflow depending on the design purpose.

[0334] The duct cover portion 830 is connected to the upper part of the circulation duct 820, and can form a shielding cover body 8311 that forms the upper part of the inlet duct 821 and the circulation duct 820.

[0335] Specifically, the duct cover portion 830 may include a communication cover body 8312 that is connected to the front surface of the circulation duct 820 and forms the inflow duct 821, and a shielding cover body 8311 that is provided in a plate shape and connected to the upper side of the movable duct 822.

[0336] The shielding cover body 8311 can be an extension of the communication cover body 8312, and the shielding cover body 8311 can be provided integrally with the communication cover body 8312.

[0337] The aforementioned communication cover body 8312 can have an inlet communication hole 8314 formed inside that connects the drum 200 and the inlet duct 821.

[0338] If the upstream region of the circulation duct 820 is defined as the inlet duct 821, the communication cover body 8312 is connected to the inlet duct 821, which is the upstream region of the circulation duct 820, and can guide the air discharged from the drum through the inlet communication hole 8314 into the inlet duct 821.

[0339] Since the shielding cover body 8311 can shield the upper surface of the moving duct 822, the air that flows into the inlet duct 821 can be guided to the discharge duct 823 without leaking to the outside of the circulation duct 820.

[0340] On the other hand, the air discharged from the drum 200 and circulating through the circulation duct 820 contains foreign matter such as lint from clothing. The evaporator 910 is configured to come into contact with the air discharged from the drum 200 before the condenser 920, and thin plates are stacked in close proximity to exchange heat with the air, so foreign matter such as lint tends to accumulate in the evaporator 910.

[0341] Furthermore, the circulation duct 820 may also include a duct filter (not shown) located in front of the evaporator, which filters out foreign matter from the air that has passed through the inlet duct 821.

[0342] If foreign matter accumulates in the evaporator 910 or duct filter, it not only obstructs the airflow in the circulation duct 820, but the foreign matter may also absorb moisture, reducing the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat exchange unit 900, and in some cases, the foreign matter may even decompose. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically remove the foreign matter accumulated in the evaporator 910 or duct filter. However, if the system is designed for the user or administrator to manually remove the foreign matter, it may not be possible to guarantee that the foreign matter will be removed in a timely manner.

[0343] To this end, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a circulating cleaning unit 80 that can remove the foreign matter from the evaporator 910 or duct filter with the water collected in the water collection unit 820.

[0344] Cleaning the evaporator 910 and the duct filter, and removing foreign matter from inside the circulation duct 820, can be defined as cleaning the heat exchange section 900.

[0345] The circulation cleaning unit 80 may be configured to discharge the water collected in the water collection unit 820 into the circulation duct 820 to wash away any foreign matter accumulated in the evaporator 910 or the duct filter, and then collect the water back into the water collection unit 820.

[0346] The circulation cleaning unit 80 may include a cleaning channel section 833 in which the water can be guided toward the evaporator 910 or the duct filter.

[0347] The cleaning channel section 833 may be provided with a hose or the like through which the water can be moved.

[0348] However, in order to prevent interference with the drum 200 and to facilitate installation, the cleaning channel section 833 may be provided integrally with the duct cover section 830.

[0349] For example, the cleaning channel section 833 can be provided on the upper surface of the shielding cover body 8311.

[0350] The cleaning channel section 833 may be configured to receive water and move it toward the evaporator 910 located beneath the duct cover section 830.

[0351] A circulation outlet 837 can be provided downstream of the cleaning channel section 833, penetrating vertically through the shielding cover body 8311. This allows water moving along the cleaning channel section 833 to be discharged into the circulation duct 820 through the circulation outlet 837.

[0352] The circulation outlet 837 may be located above the evaporator 910 that dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum, or it may be located upstream or in front of the evaporator 910.

[0353] The water that passes through the circulation outlet 837 and is discharged into the circulation duct 820 falls towards the evaporator 910, allowing it to be cleaned.

[0354] If a duct filter is located in front of the evaporator 910, the circulation outlet 837 can be located above the duct filter.

[0355] On the other hand, if the circulation cleaning unit 80 is provided, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 may move to the water storage tank 120, or it may move to the cleaning channel unit 833.

[0356] The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention may include a flow path switching valve 870 that can determine whether to discharge the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or to supply it to the washing flow path section 833.

[0357] The flow path switching valve 870 is provided to communicate with a drain pump 861 located in the water collection section 860, and can be provided to communicate with both the water storage tank 120 and the cleaning flow path section 833. The flow path switching valve 870 is provided to selectively open and close the flow paths connected to the water storage tank 120 and the cleaning flow path section 833, and can selectively send the water collected in the water collection section 860. For this purpose, the flow path switching valve 870 can be provided as a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or a valve with more than one configuration.

[0358] The cleaning channel section 833 can be divided into multiple sections along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. That is, the cleaning channel section 833 can be provided with multiple channels to separate and move the water supplied from the channel switching valve 870 into each channel.

[0359] As a result, even if only a small amount of water is collected in the water collection section 860, a sufficient volume or pressure of water to remove foreign matter can be secured in any one of the channels of the cleaning channel section 833. Consequently, the water discharged from the cleaning channel section 833 can wash away foreign matter accumulated in at least a specific area of ​​the heat exchange section 900.

[0360] The flow path switching valve 870 can be controlled to supply water to only one of the multiple cleaning flow path sections 833, or it can be controlled to sequentially open the multiple cleaning flow path sections 833 to supply water.

[0361] For example, the cleaning channel section 833 can be divided into three regions along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. The cleaning channel section 833 can be provided in a diffuser shape, with its end widening from the tip, so that water can be supplied to the entire area of ​​the heat exchange section 900 to clean foreign matter.

[0362] As a result, the circulation outlet 837 can be provided to be equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchange section 900, and the sum of the end widths of the cleaning flow path section 833 can also be equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchange section 900.

[0363] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the duct cover and water collection cover separated from the base.

[0364] The evaporator 910 and the condenser 920 can be installed inside the circulation duct 820, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0365] The air inside the drum 200 that flows into the inlet duct 821 undergoes heat exchange in the evaporator 910 to remove moisture, and the dehumidified air can be heated through heat exchange in the condenser 920. The heated air can then be supplied back into the drum 200 through the discharge duct 823.

[0366] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a water cover 826 provided between the evaporator 910 and the bottom surface of the movable duct 822. The water cover 826 can be seated on the bottom surface of the movable duct 822.

[0367] The water cover 826 may be located below the evaporator 910 and may be provided to support the lower surface of the evaporator 910. The water cover 826 may be provided to separate the evaporator 910 from the bottom surface of the moving duct 822. This prevents the evaporator 910 from being submerged in the water condensed in the evaporator 910, at least partially.

[0368] On the other hand, the water cover 826 can be spaced apart from the condenser 920. That is, the water cover 826 can be positioned upstream of the condenser 920. As a result, no condensed water is placed below the condenser 920, and the vaporization of the condensed water by the condenser 920 can be minimized.

[0369] The water collection section 860 may include a water collection body 862 that forms a space for collecting condensed water, and a water collection cover 863 that shields the open upper surface of the water collection body 862.

[0370] The water collection cover 863 is coupled to the water collection body 862 to prevent condensed water from leaking onto the upper surface of the water collection body 862 and to maintain the negative pressure required for the pump 861 to discharge water.

[0371] The water collection cover 863 may include a water collection cover body 8631 that forms a shielding surface for the water collection body 862. The water collection cover 863 may also include at least one of a support body 8635 provided to support the water collection cover body 8631 and a fastening hook 8636 provided to connect the water collection cover body 8631 to the water collection body 862.

[0372] The water collection cover body 8631 extends from the pump installation portion and can be detachably attached to the base or the water collection body 862 so as to shield or seal the space between the periphery of the drainage pump 861 and the inner circumferential surface of the water collection body 862.

[0373] The support body 8635 protrudes from the periphery of the water collection cover body 8631 and can be seated on the base. The fastening hook 8636 can be formed to protrude from the water collection cover body 8631. The fastening hook 8636 can firmly fix the water collection cover body 8631 to the water collection body 862. The fastening hook 8636 can be inserted into and fixed to a hook hole located on the outer circumferential surface of the water collection body 862.

[0374] Furthermore, the water collection cover 863 may include a pump mounting section 8634 provided in the water collection cover body 8631, to which a drainage pump 861 is attached. The pump mounting section 8634 may be provided as a groove that recesses from the water collection cover body 8631 and accommodates a part of the drainage pump 861, or as a hole that penetrates the water collection cover body 8631 and fixes the outer circumferential surface of the drainage pump 861.

[0375] On the other hand, the drain pump 861 can be connected to the flow path switching valve 870 through the drain channel 891. The drain channel 891 can be provided as a single hose.

[0376] The drainage channel 891 may be connected to the drainage pump 861, or it may be connected to the water collection cover 863.

[0377] For example, the water collection cover 863 may include a drain channel 8637 that protrudes upward from the water collection cover body 8631 and is configured as a pipe that connects the inside and outside of the water collection body 862.

[0378] A pump can be installed in the pump installation section 8634 to move the condensed water collected inside the water collection body 862 to the outside of the water collection body 862. When the pump is operated, the condensed water stored inside the water collection body 862 can be discharged through the drain channel 8637.

[0379] The drain channel 8637 is connected to the drain hose 891, which can guide the discharged condensed water to the outside of the water collection body 862. One end of the drain hose 891 is connected to the drain channel 8637, and the other end can be connected to the flow path switching valve 870.

[0380] The water collection cover 863 may further include a return channel 8638 that is spaced apart from the drain channel 8637 and connects the inside and outside of the water collection body 862. The return channel 8638 may be provided to connect the water collection body 862 and the water storage tank. The return channel 8638 can guide the water in the water storage tank back to the water collection body 862 when the water storage tank is full.

[0381] The drain pump 861 can move the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the flow path switching valve 870 via the drain hose 891.

[0382] Furthermore, the flow path switching valve 870 is connected to the water storage tank 120 by a discharge hose 892, allowing the condensed water moved from the water collection body 862 to be guided to the water storage tank 120. The user can pull out the water storage tank containing the condensed water and drain it directly.

[0383] The flow path switching valve 870 can be controlled by the control panel 190, and can be configured to open and close different parts depending on the operating time of the garment processing device.

[0384] For example, when the operation of the evaporator 910 is completed in the drying cycle, the control panel 190 can control the flow path switching valve 870 to guide the condensed water to the cleaning flow path section 833. Also, when the cleaning of the evaporator 910 is completed, the control panel 190 can control the flow path switching valve 870 to guide the condensed water to the water storage tank 120.

[0385] On the other hand, as mentioned above, in order for the drain pump 861 to operate normally, it is desirable to seal the inside of the space through which the pump discharges water. Since the water collection cover 863 can be firmly connected to the water collection body 862 using the support body 8635 and the fastening hook 8636, the space in which condensed water is stored can be easily sealed. This improves the operational reliability of the drain pump 861. Sealing may be added to the area where the water collection cover 863 and the water collection body 862 are connected in order to improve the airtightness of the space.

[0386] The water collection cover 863 can be provided so as to be able to seal the inside of the water collection body 862, but it can also be provided so as to be able to be attached to and detached from the water collection body 862. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the condensate generated from the evaporator 910 may flow into the inside of the water collection body 862. If large foreign particles flow in, it may cause problems that interfere with the operation of the pump.

[0387] Therefore, if necessary, the water collection cover 863 may need to be removed to remove any foreign matter that has entered the water collection body 862. Thus, the water collection cover 863 can be detachably provided from the water collection body 862. In this case, using the fastening hook 8636 has the effect of allowing the water collection cover 863 to be easily removed from the water collection body 862.

[0388] In other words, under normal operating conditions, the support body 8635 and the fastening hook 8636 firmly shield the open upper surface of the water collection body 862, preventing condensed water from splashing out.

[0389] On the other hand, if it is necessary to remove the water collection cover 863 in order to remove foreign matter accumulated on the water collection body 862, the water collection cover can be easily removed using the fastening hook 8636.

[0390] On the other hand, the duct cover portion 830 may include cover mounting hooks 8391 formed along its periphery, and the circulation duct 820 may include duct projections 824 that protrude along its periphery and are provided to be fastened to the cover mounting hooks 8391.

[0391] The cover mounting hook 8391 is coupled to the duct projection 824, allowing the duct cover portion 830 to be coupled to the circulation duct 820. That is, the duct cover portion 830 can be firmly fastened to the duct projection 824 using the cover mounting hook 8391 while seated on the periphery of the inlet duct 821 and the moving duct 822.

[0392] A sealant is added to the contact surface between the duct cover portion 830 and the circulation duct 820, thereby preventing air leakage from the inside of the circulation duct 820 to the outside.

[0393] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a duct cover portion to which a nozzle cover portion is connected in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0394] The cleaning channel section 833 forms a plurality of channels that guide water supplied from the channel switching valve 870 to the outlet 837. The cleaning channel section 833 may be provided by a separate hose or pipe, or it may be provided in the form of a duct protruding from the upper surface of the duct cover section 830.

[0395] When the cleaning channel section 833 is provided integrally with the duct cover section 830, it may be provided as a duct-like structure with an open top to facilitate manufacturing. In this case, the circulation duct 820 may further include a nozzle cover section 840 that shields the upper surface of the cleaning channel section 833 to prevent water flowing through the cleaning channel section 833 from leaking to the outside of the cleaning channel section 833. The nozzle cover section 840 may be provided so as to completely shield the upper part of the cleaning channel section 833.

[0396] The nozzle cover portion 840 also prevents air from leaking out through the circulation outlet 837 along the movable duct 822.

[0397] The nozzle cover portion 840 can be connected from the upper part of the shielding cover body 8311 to the upper end of the cleaning channel portion 833. When the shielding cover body 8311 is viewed from above the nozzle cover portion 840, the nozzle cover portion 840 can accommodate both sides of the cleaning channel portion 833 and shield the upper end of the cleaning channel portion 833.

[0398] The nozzle cover portion 840 can be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cleaning flow path portion 833. That is, the nozzle cover portion 840 can be extended from the side of the circulation duct 820 where the flow path switching valve 870 is located to the front of the circulation duct 820 where the circulation outlet 837 is located.

[0399] Furthermore, the length to which the nozzle cover portion 840 extends in the front-rear direction can be made to be less than or equal to the total length L of the shielding cover body 8311.

[0400] The length to which the nozzle cover portion 840 extends in the front-rear direction can be made equal to or longer than the length to which the cleaning channel portion 833 extends.

[0401] When the cleaning channel section 833 is arranged spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchange section 900 as the first cleaning channel 833a, the second cleaning channel 833b, and the third cleaning channel 833c, the nozzle cover section 840 can be provided in a shape that can shield each of the first cleaning channel 833a, the second cleaning channel 833b, and the third cleaning channel 833c.

[0402] On the other hand, the shielding cover body 8311 may further include a first inclined surface 8316a having a first inclination such that its height decreases in the region corresponding to the upper part of the evaporator 910, and a second inclined surface 8316b having a second inclination with a smaller angle of inclination than the first inclination on the first inclined surface 8315. This allows the water moving through the cleaning channel section 833 to move toward the circulation outlet 837 without additional power. Furthermore, even if the cleaning channel section 833 is provided such that its cross-sectional area increases toward the circulation outlet 837, the velocity of the water flowing through the cleaning channel section 833 may not decrease.

[0403] The cleaning channel section 833 begins to widen from the first inclined surface 8316a and can reach its widest point at the second inclined surface 8316b. The total width of the circulation outlet 837 corresponds to the width of the heat exchanger 910, and even if the diameter of the switching valve 870 is smaller than the width of the heat exchanger 910, the water supplied from the switching valve 870 can be supplied uniformly to the circulation outlet 837.

[0404] The shielding cover body 8311 may further include on both sides coupling hooks 8391 that are coupled to both sides of the circulation duct 820, and fastening holes 8392 through which fastening members that are coupled to the circulation duct 820 pass.

[0405] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle cover portion of a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0406] The nozzle cover portion 840 can form the upper surface of the cleaning channel portion 833.

[0407] If an inclined surface is formed on the shielding cover body 8311, the nozzle cover portion 840 may also include a corresponding inclined surface.

[0408] The nozzle cover portion 840 may include a first surface 841 arranged parallel to the shielding cover body 8311, a second surface 842 extending from the first surface 841 with a first inclination corresponding to the first inclined surface 8315, a third surface 843 extending from the second surface 842 with a second inclination corresponding to the second inclined surface 8316, and an end surface 844 extending again from the third surface 843 to the upper surface of the shielding cover body 8311 to shield the circulation outlet 837 and form the end of the flow path of the cleaning flow path 833.

[0409] The water flowing through the cleaning channel 833 can collide with the end surface 844 and move towards the circulation outlet 837.

[0410] Because foreign matter tends to accumulate in a concentrated area in front of the heat exchange section 900, the circulation outlet 837 is positioned in front of the heat exchange section 900 to guide the water discharged from the drain pump 861 to be supplied to the front of the heat exchange section 900.

[0411] However, due to the pressure of the water discharged from the drain pump 861 and the incline formed in the cleaning channel section 833, the water has an inertial force that causes it to move, and as it passes through the circulation outlet 837, it is discharged further forward than the heat exchange section 900.

[0412] In this case, the water discharged from the circulation outlet 837 may not come into contact with the heat exchange unit 900, or it may not be supplied to the lower part of the heat exchange unit 900, making it impossible to clean the entire front surface of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0413] Therefore, the nozzle cover portion 840 may further include a switching portion 846 that can switch the direction of movement of the water flowing through the cleaning channel portion 833.

[0414] The switching unit 846 collides with the water discharged from the cleaning channel 833, and guides the water to fall directly into the circulation outlet 837.

[0415] The switching section 846 can be extended so as to be inserted at least partially into the circulation outlet 837 inside the end surface 844. The switching section 846 can also extend downward inclined from the inner surface of the end surface 844 toward the heat exchange section 900.

[0416] As a result, the water that collides with the switching section 846 can be discharged while moving toward the heat exchange section 900 according to the inclination of the switching section 846. This allows the entire front surface of the heat exchange section 900, from the top to the bottom, to be cleaned.

[0417] Cleaning the heat exchange section 900 may include cleaning the evaporator 910, and may also include cleaning the duct filter located upstream of the evaporator 910.

[0418] The circulation cleaning unit 80 can be considered to include one or more of the following: the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning flow path 833, and the circulation outlet 837, in order to clean the heat exchange unit 900 with the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0419] The circulation cleaning unit 80 can clean the heat exchange unit 900 by discharging the water moving through the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning channel 833, and the circulation outlet 837 into the circulation duct 820. The water used to clean the heat exchange unit 900 is collected again in the water collection unit 860 and can be discharged again into the circulation duct 820 via the circulation cleaning unit 80.

[0420] Therefore, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can repeatedly clean by circulating the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0421] The control unit controls the flow path switching valve 870 to sequentially open the multiple cleaning flow path sections 833, thereby sequentially cleaning the front surface of the heat exchange section 900.

[0422] Furthermore, once cleaning is complete, the control unit controls the flow path switching valve 870 to discharge the water collected in the water collection unit 860 to the water storage tank 120. As a result, it is possible to prevent any cleaned foreign matter from remaining inside the water collection unit 860, the heat exchange unit 900, and the circulation duct 820.

[0423] Figure 14 shows an additional embodiment in which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention cleans the heat exchange section.

[0424] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a direct water washing unit 1000 that supplies water from an external water source and supplies it into the circulation duct to wash the heat exchange unit 900.

[0425] The external water source is located outside the cabinet 100 and can supply water to the inside of the cabinet 100, for example, a faucet located outside the cabinet 100.

[0426] Since the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is supplied with clean water free from foreign matter such as lint and lint discharged from the drum 200, the heat exchange unit 900 can always be cleaned with clean water. As a result, it is possible to fundamentally prevent water discharged from inside the circulation duct 820 and collected in the water collection unit 860 from being reintroduced into the circulation duct 820 and re-contaminating the heat exchange unit 900.

[0427] The water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and used to clean the heat exchange unit 900 can be discharged from the circulation duct 820 and collected in the water collection unit 860. The water collected in the water collection unit 860 can be discharged to the water storage tank 120 by the switching valve 870 and the drain pump 861 for disposal, or it can be transmitted back to the heat exchange unit 900 to clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0428] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include both the direct water washing unit 1000 and the circulating washing unit 80. When the heat exchange unit 900 is repeatedly washed by the direct water washing unit 1000, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 after the direct water washing unit 1000 has washed the heat exchange unit 900 may contain only a small amount of foreign matter or none at all.

[0429] For example, after the water used to clean the heat exchange section 900 through the direct water cleaning section 1000 is discharged to the water storage tank 820, the water used to clean the heat exchange section 900 again through the direct water cleaning section 1000 may be cleaner than the water that is condensed and collected in the heat exchanger 900.

[0430] Therefore, if the water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit 1000 to clean the heat exchange unit 900 is collected again in the water collection unit 860 and used to clean the heat exchange unit 900 through the circulation cleaning unit 80, the cleaning efficiency may be higher than if the heat exchange unit 900 were cleaned through the circulation cleaning unit 80 from the beginning.

[0431] In other words, if the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 are provided simultaneously, the circulating cleaning unit 80 can clean the heat exchange unit 900 with cleaner water than when the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is not provided.

[0432] Of course, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may comprise either the direct water washing unit 1000 or the circulating washing unit 80, or it may comprise only the direct water washing unit 1000.

[0433] The following description will be based on the assumption that the garment processing apparatus of the present invention simultaneously includes a direct water washing unit 1000 and a circulating washing unit 80.

[0434] Since the circulating cleaning unit 80 uses the water collected in the water collection unit 860, there is a high possibility that the heat exchange unit 900 will be cleaned with water containing foreign matter such as lint, lint, and bacteria.

[0435] Therefore, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be provided independently of the circulating cleaning unit 80. The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be arranged to be flow-flow separated or spaced apart from the water collection unit 860.

[0436] The direct water washing unit 1000 can not use the water collected in the water collection unit 860, and can also be prevented from coming into contact with or being exposed to the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0437] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can clean the heat exchange unit 900 using only water supplied from an external water source. The direct water cleaning unit 1000 may be configured to prevent contact with or mixing of water and foreign matter flowing along the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0438] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 can be provided with independent water supply start positions. Furthermore, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80 can also be provided with independent water discharge positions.

[0439] For example, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may be configured to be supplied with water only from an external water source, and the circulating cleaning unit 80 may be configured to be supplied with water only from the water collection unit 860.

[0440] The water supplied from the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be collected in the water collection unit 860. However, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 may be supplied only to the circulating cleaning unit 80 and not supplied again to the direct water cleaning unit 1000.

[0441] The circulation cleaning unit 80 includes the drain pump 861, the switching valve 870, the cleaning channel section 833, and the circulation outlet 837, and may further include a water collection unit 860 which is a water source.

[0442] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be provided independently of all the components of the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0443] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 may include a direct water outlet that receives water from an external water source and discharges the water into the circulation duct 820. The direct water outlet may be provided independently of the circulation outlet 837.

[0444] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 does not need to share a flow path with the circulating cleaning unit 80 from the beginning to the end of the flow path. As a result, the water moving from the external water source to the direct water outlet can be prevented from being contaminated by the water flowing through the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0445] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be positioned above the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0446] For example, the direct water flushing unit 1000 may include a direct water valve 1100 that receives water from the external water source, a direct water pipe 1200 connected to the direct water valve 1100 to transmit water, and a direct water outlet 1330 that discharges the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 into the circulation duct 820.

[0447] The direct water valve 1100 can be coupled to and fixed to the back of the cabinet. Furthermore, at least a portion of the direct water valve 1100 can be located inside the cabinet 100.

[0448] The direct water outlet 1330 may be provided at the end of the direct water pipe 1200. The direct water pipe 1200 may extend from the direct water valve 1100 to the heat exchanger 910 and be provided to supply water directly to the heat exchange section 900. To this end, the direct water pipe 1200 may extend through the upper surface of the circulation duct 820 or the shielding cover body 8311 to the upper part of the heat exchange section 900.

[0449] Alternatively, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 may further include a direct water nozzle 1300 connected to the end of the direct water pipe 1200 and equipped with the direct water outlet 1330.

[0450] If the circulating cleaning unit 80 is provided, a circulating water outlet 837 is provided in the area for cleaning the heat exchange unit 900, so the direct water nozzle 1300 can be configured to discharge water toward the circulating water outlet 837.

[0451] The direct water nozzle 1300 is positioned opposite the circulating water outlet 837, and the direct water outlet 1330 can be positioned on one side of the direct water nozzle 1300 that faces the circulating water outlet 837.

[0452] This prevents the shielding cover body from having to penetrate further in order to connect the direct water outlet 1330 with the inside of the circulation duct 820. As a result, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the air moving inside the circulation duct 820 from leaking to the outside.

[0453] If a nozzle cover portion 840 that shields the circulation outlet 837 is provided, the direct water nozzle 1300 may be mounted on the nozzle cover portion 840, and the direct water outlet 1330 may be provided below the direct water nozzle 1300.

[0454] The direct water nozzle 1300 may be configured to discharge water into the nozzle cover portion 840, and the water discharged into the nozzle cover portion 840 may be discharged to the circulation outlet 837.

[0455] As a result, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is configured to discharge water into the circulating cleaning unit 80 or to discharge water toward the circulating water outlet 837, and can be blocked from receiving water from the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0456] The direct water nozzle 1300 may be positioned above the cleaning channel 833, and the direct water outlet 1330 may be configured to supply water into the cleaning channel 833.

[0457] However, the direct water nozzle 1300 may be positioned to discharge water toward the circulation outlet 837 so that the water supplied from the direct water outlet 1330 is transmitted into the circulation duct 820 without passing through the circulation cleaning section 80 as much as possible.

[0458] The direct water outlet 1330 may be positioned above the circulating water outlet 837. The circulating water outlet 837 may be configured to penetrate the circulating duct, and the direct water outlet 1330 may be configured to discharge water toward the circulating water outlet 837.

[0459] On the other hand, if the circulation cleaning unit 80 is not provided, a through-hole such as the circulation outlet 837 may be provided in the area corresponding to the heat exchange unit 900, either on the upper surface of the circulation duct 820 or in the shielding cover body 8311, and the direct water outlet 1330 may be positioned to discharge water into the through-hole.

[0460] Of course, even if the circulation cleaning unit 80 is provided, a hole may be provided in the upper surface of the circulation duct 820 or the shielding cover body 8311 that penetrates a region different from the circulation outlet 837, and the direct water outlet 1330 may be configured to supply water to the hole.

[0461] On the other hand, the direct water valve 1100 can be coupled to the rear panel of the cabinet 100. If the cabinet 100 is coupled to a side panel or the like, the water supply pipes connecting the external water source and the direct water valve 1000 may be exposed to the outside, impairing the aesthetics, and it may become impossible to place other products on the side of the cabinet 100 or to install the cabinet 100 next to a wall.

[0462] Furthermore, since the direct water nozzle 1300 must supply water from an external water source to the heat exchange unit 900 without exposing it to the circulation cleaning unit 80, it is desirable that it be positioned upstream or in front of the circulation duct 820.

[0463] Therefore, the straight water pipe 1200 can be extended from the straight water valve 1100 to one side of the straight water nozzle 1300.

[0464] Figure 15 shows the positional relationship between the direct water cleaning section and the circulating cleaning section.

[0465] Since the nozzle cover portion 840 is provided to shield the cleaning channel 833 and the circulation outlet 837, the direct water nozzle 1300 can be securely attached to the nozzle cover portion 840.

[0466] The direct water nozzle 1300 may be positioned above the circulation outlet 837. Therefore, the direct water nozzle 1300 can ensure a larger head difference than the circulation cleaning unit 80. As a result, even when the water pressure of the external water source is low, the pressure of the water discharged from the direct water nozzle 1300 can be increased. Consequently, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can enhance its ability to clean foreign matter from the heat exchange unit 900.

[0467] The direct water nozzle 1300 can be configured to discharge water toward the circulation outlet 837. This eliminates the need to provide a separate through-hole in the circulation duct 820 for the water discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 to pass through. As a result, it is possible to prevent air flowing through the circulation duct 820 from leaking unintentionally.

[0468] The direct water nozzle 1300 may be mounted on the nozzle cover portion 840 so as to be positioned in a region facing the circulation outlet 837. The nozzle box 1310 may be positioned apart from the circulation cleaning portion 80 by the nozzle cover portion 840.

[0469] The direct water nozzle 1300 may include a connecting pipe 1320 connected to the direct water pipe 1200 and a nozzle box 1310 capable of receiving and discharging water supplied from the connecting pipe 1320.

[0470] The nozzle cover portion 840 may include a communication hole 847 that connects the direct water nozzle 1300 and the circulating water outlet 837. The communication hole 847 may be provided so as to face the direct water outlet 1330.

[0471] The direct water outlet 1330 and the communication hole 847 may be provided as a single unit.

[0472] The nozzle box 1310 may be positioned to shield the communication hole 847.

[0473] The direct water outlet 1330 may be provided at the lower part of the nozzle box 1310 so as to face the circulating water outlet 837.

[0474] Since the nozzle box 1310 is positioned on top of the nozzle cover portion 840, the water flowing through the circulation cleaning portion 80 cannot flow into the nozzle box 1310.

[0475] Furthermore, the water supplied to the nozzle box 1310 can be introduced into the circulation cleaning unit 80.

[0476] The water discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 may be introduced into the circulating cleaning unit 80, but the water flowing through the circulating cleaning unit 80 cannot flow into the nozzle box 1310. As a result, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can be separated from the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0477] The direct water outlet 1330 may be configured such that at least one of the following differs from that of the circulating water outlet 837: the direction of the discharged water, the amount of discharged water sprayed, and the spray range of the discharged water. This may result in different cleaning effects on the heat exchanger by the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0478] For example, the circulation outlet 837 is configured such that, due to the extension direction and inclination of the cleaning channel 833, at least a portion of the water collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged in direction B, which is aligned with the extension direction of the circulation duct. Direction B may form an acute angle C with respect to the vertical. Direction B is currently indicated as the direction away from the heat exchange section 910, but since the flow direction of another portion of the water collected in the water collection section 860 is changed by the conversion section 846, direction B may also include the direction toward the interior of the heat exchange section 900. Therefore, the circulation cleaning section 80 can clean a wider area of ​​the heat exchange section 900.

[0479] When the circulation cleaning unit 80 operates to draw water discharged in direction B away from the heat exchange unit 910 towards direction A, the circulation flow path fan 950 may be driven in conjunction with it.

[0480] The direct water outlet 1330 can be configured such that water supplied from an external water source falls directly down the height direction of the circulation duct 820 and passes through the circulation outlet 837. As a result, the water discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 falls directly down in direction A, allowing for concentrated cleaning of the front surface of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0481] Even when water is supplied at high pressure from the straight water pipe 1320, it will be discharged from the straight water outlet 1330 while moving in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900 along the extension direction of the straight water pipe 1320 or the connecting pipe 1320, or along the length direction of the nozzle box 1310. When viewed with reference to the side of the heat exchange section 900, this still corresponds to direction A.

[0482] Furthermore, when the high-pressure water fills the inside of the nozzle box 1310 and is discharged toward the direct water outlet 1330, the movement force inside the nozzle box 1310 is canceled out, so the water can be discharged while falling vertically in direction A.

[0483] As a result, all the water discharged from the direct water nozzle 1300 can be concentrated in direction A, which is parallel to the front surface of the heat exchange unit 900. The circulation flow channel fan 950 can be controlled to stop operating when water is discharged from the direct water outlet.

[0484] Figure 16 shows an example of a location where a direct water cleaning unit can be installed.

[0485] The heat exchange section 900 is located inside the circulation duct 820, and the circulation duct 820 is positioned below the drum 200.

[0486] Therefore, the direct water nozzle 1300 is seated and provided in the circulation duct 820 located above the heat exchange section 900.

[0487] Furthermore, since the evaporator 910 of the heat exchange section 900 is located upstream of the circulation duct 820, it is positioned closer to the front of the circulation duct 820.

[0488] In this state, if the direct water valve 1100 is positioned above the drum 200, as in a typical washing machine, then when the direct water pipe 1200 connects the direct water valve 1100 and the direct water nozzle 1300 at the shortest distance, the direct water pipe 1200 will inevitably be interfered with by the drum 200, which may cause the direct water pipe 1200 to be damaged or hinder the rotation of the drum 200.

[0489] Therefore, the straight water pipe 1200 connecting the straight water valve 1100 and the straight water nozzle 1300 needs to extend from the upper rear of the drum 200 to the lower rear of the drum 200, and then change direction and extend further from the rear of the drum 200 toward the front of the drum 200.

[0490] In this case, since the straight water pipe 1200 becomes longer, it may become difficult to supply water at sufficient pressure if there is a large amount of water remaining in the straight water pipe 1200 or if the water pressure is low.

[0491] Furthermore, if the straight water pipe 1200 is made of an elastic hose or the like, not only will it become difficult to fix the straight water pipe 1200 in place, but the possibility of it interfering with the drum 200 will also become very high.

[0492] For example, if the total height of the cabinet 100 is defined as the first height H1, and the height to the rotation center of the drum 200 is defined as the second height H2, then the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can arrange the entire configuration of the direct water washing unit 1000 at a height lower than the second height H2.

[0493] Therefore, the direct water valve 1100 can be positioned close to the circulation duct 820, and the length of the direct water pipe 1200 can be shortened.

[0494] In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the entire configuration of the direct water washing unit 1000 can be arranged below the drum 200.

[0495] The direct water valve 1100 can be positioned outside the drum 200 at a position lower than the center of rotation of the drum, and as a result, part of the direct water pipe 1200 does not face the back of the drum 200, and the entire pipe can be positioned below the drum 200.

[0496] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the straight water pipe 1200 from interfering with the drum 200 or the drive unit 500, etc.

[0497] Furthermore, the water valve 1100 and the water pipe 1200 can be positioned at a distance from the base 800. This prevents the water valve 1100 and the water pipe 1200 from being damaged or separated due to vibration or the like.

[0498] Furthermore, the direct water nozzle 1300 can be positioned above the circulation duct 820.

[0499] On the other hand, the direct water valve 1100 can be positioned at a height equal to or greater than the third height H3, which is the height of the circulation duct 820. As a result, a height difference is formed between the direct water valve 1100 and the direct water nozzle 1300, and the strength of the water pressure supplied to the direct water nozzle 1300 can be higher than the water pressure of the external water source. This makes it possible for the water pressure discharged from the direct water nozzle 1300 to be high enough to wash away foreign matter, even when the water pressure of the external water source is low.

[0500] The straight water pipe 1200 can be installed at a height higher than the third height H3, but at least a portion of it can be positioned above the device installation section 810 and on one side of the circulation duct 820, at a position lower than the third height H3.

[0501] This further prevents the straight water pipe 1200 from interfering with the drum 200.

[0502] The straight water pipe 1200 can be positioned above the flow path switching valve 870, or it can be extended from below the flow path switching valve 870. This prevents the straight water pipe 1200 from momentarily coming into contact with the drum 200 even if vibrations are transmitted to the base 800.

[0503] In summary, the direct water valve 1100 can be positioned lower than the drum 200 and higher than the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation duct 820.

[0504] The direct water nozzle 1300 can be positioned lower than the drum 200 and higher than the heat exchange section 900 or the circulation duct 820.

[0505] The straight water pipe 1200 can be extended from the straight water valve 1100 at a position lower than the drum 200 and higher than the bottom surface of the circulation duct 820 to the straight water nozzle 1300.

[0506] Figure 17 shows the cleaning process for the circulation cleaning section and the direct water cleaning section.

[0507] Referring to Figure 17(a), when the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is activated, water supplied to the evaporator 910 from an external water source can be supplied without contacting the circulating cleaning unit 80. Specifically, the water opened by the direct water valve 1100 can be supplied to the direct water nozzle 1300 along the direct water pipe 1200.

[0508] The direct water nozzle 1300 can be positioned above the circulation cleaning unit 80. Specifically, the direct water nozzle 1300 can be positioned opposite the circulation cleaning unit 837, and the direct water outlet 1330 can be positioned below the direct water nozzle 1300.

[0509] The water supplied to the direct water nozzle 1300 is discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 and supplied to the circulation outlet 837, where it cleans the evaporator 910, is collected at the bottom of the circulation duct 820, discharged through a communication hole located on one side of the circulation duct 820, and can be collected in the water collection section 860.

[0510] In this process, one or more foreign matter adhering to the heat exchanger 900 and foreign matter remaining inside the circulation duct 820 can be washed away by the direct water cleaning unit 1000 and discharged to the outside of the circulation duct 820.

[0511] When the direct water nozzle 1300 is arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900, and the direct water outlet 1330 is provided with a width corresponding to the width of the heat exchange section 900, water supplied from an external water source can be supplied to the entire width of the heat exchange section 900.

[0512] As a result, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can clean the entire width of the heat exchange unit 900 at once.

[0513] The water and foreign matter discharged to the outside of the circulation duct 820 and collected in the water collection section 860 can be discharged to the water storage tank 120 by driving the drainage pump 861.

[0514] Furthermore, the direct water valve 1100 can be controlled to remain open until the water in the water collection section 860 reaches the full water level, and then close once the water in the water collection section 860 reaches the full water level.

[0515] Subsequently, the direct water valve 1100 is opened again, allowing water supplied from an external water source to clean the heat exchange unit 900 and the circulation duct 820, and then be collected again in the water collection unit 860.

[0516] Referring to Figure 17(b), when water is collected in the water collection unit 860, the circulation cleaning unit 80 can be activated.

[0517] When the circulation cleaning unit 80 is activated, the drain pump 861 is activated, and the switching valve 870 can guide the water supplied from the water collection unit 860 to the circulation outlet 837.

[0518] The water supplied through the switching valve 870 is partitioned along the cleaning channel and can be discharged from the circulation outlet 837.

[0519] On the other hand, since the volume of water collected in the water collection section 860 may be small, the switching valve 870 can sequentially open multiple cleaning passages. Therefore, a portion of the heat exchange section can be sequentially cleaned in the width direction.

[0520] As a result, even if only a small amount of water is stored in the water collection section 860, the entire width of the heat exchange section 900 can be cleaned without the need for a separate water supply.

[0521] Figure 18 shows the structure of a direct water nozzle.

[0522] The direct water nozzle 1330 can be connected to the end of the direct water pipe 1200 and configured to discharge the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 directly into the circulation duct 820 without changing its direction of movement.

[0523] However, the direct water nozzle 1300 can be configured to uniformly distribute and discharge the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 onto the front surface of the heat exchange section 900. This allows the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 to wash over the entire front surface of the heat exchange section 900.

[0524] The direct water nozzle 1300 may include a nozzle box 1310 that extends in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900, and a connecting pipe 1320 that is located at one end of the nozzle box 1310 and connected to the direct water pipe 1200.

[0525] The nozzle box 1310 can be provided in a duct-like manner to provide a flow path that moves in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. The nozzle box 1310 can be provided in a case-like manner that sits on the upper part of the circulation duct 820 or on the shielding cover body 8311. The direct water outlet 1330 can be arranged along the length direction of the nozzle box 1310.

[0526] The nozzle box 1310 may be provided with a length corresponding to the width direction of the heat exchange section 900 that is longer than the width corresponding to the extension direction of the circulation duct 820.

[0527] The nozzle box 1310 can be positioned above the cleaning channel section 833 and above the nozzle cover section 840. The nozzle box 1310 can be seated on top of the nozzle cover section 840.

[0528] The length of the nozzle box 1310 can be equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchange section 900. The direct water outlet 1330 can be located at the bottom of the nozzle box 1310, aligned with the width direction of the heat exchange section 900.

[0529] When the direct water outlet 1330 is positioned in a location corresponding to the width direction of the heat exchange section 900, it may be provided as a single slit, as multiple slits, or as multiple through holes.

[0530] When multiple direct water outlets 1330 are provided, they can be arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900 at the lower part of the nozzle box 1310. Furthermore, the area in which the direct water outlets 1330 are arranged can correspond to the width of the heat exchange section 900. As a result, the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 to the nozzle box 1310 can be discharged through the direct water outlets 1330 across the entire width of the heat exchange section 900.

[0531] The nozzle box 1310 may be configured to temporarily collect and discharge water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200. For example, the nozzle box 1310 may be configured so that water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200 fills the entire area of ​​the nozzle box 1310 before being discharged from the straight water outlet 1330.

[0532] As a result, the direct water nozzle 1300 can discharge water not only to the portion close to the direct water pipe 1200, or only to the direct water outlet 1330 in a specific area, but rather to discharge water through the entire direct water outlet 1330.

[0533] The connecting pipe 1320 can be positioned in the central part of the nozzle box 1310. In this case, the water supplied from the connecting pipe 1320 is easily distributed to both ends of the nozzle box 1310.

[0534] However, if the connecting pipe 1320 is positioned in the central part of the nozzle box 1310, at least a portion of the straight water pipe 1200 must extend above the circulation duct 820, in which case the drum 200 and the straight water pipe 1200 may be excessively close together.

[0535] Therefore, the connecting pipe 1320 can be positioned at one end of the nozzle box 1310. Specifically, the connecting pipe 1320 can be positioned at the end of the nozzle box 1310 that is closer to the direct water valve 1100. The direct water valve 1100 is positioned in the upper region of the device installation section 810 on one side of the circulation duct 820, and the direct water pipe 1200 can also be extended from one side of the circulation duct 820. Therefore, the connecting pipe 1320 can also be provided at the end of the nozzle box 1310 that is closer to the water collection section 860 or the device installation section 810.

[0536] The connecting pipe 1320 may pass through the upper side of the circulation duct 820 or one side of the shielding cover body 8311, or the straight water pipe 1200 may be supported by passing through the upper side of the circulation duct 820 or one side of the shielding cover body 8311.

[0537] The direct water outlet 1330 is located at the bottom of the nozzle box 1310, and the connecting pipe 1320 can be located on either the left or right side of the nozzle box 1310.

[0538] The direction of water supplied from the connecting pipe 1320 and the direction of water discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 can be different. As a result, the water supplied from the connecting pipe 1320 can move towards the other end of the nozzle box 1310 before it exits the direct water outlet 1330. Therefore, the water can be guided to be discharged over the entire widthwise region of the heat exchange section 900.

[0539] The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe 1320 can be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle box 1310.

[0540] The overall cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water outlet 1330 can also be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe 1320. This allows the direct water nozzle 1300 to uniformly supply water across the entire width of the heat exchange section 900 while at least temporarily accommodating the water supplied from the direct water pipe in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900.

[0541] The direct water outlet 1330 can be configured to penetrate the nozzle box 1310 and discharge the water supplied from the direct water pipe 1200 into the circulation duct 820.

[0542] The direct water outlet 1330 is provided so as to penetrate the lower part of the nozzle box 1310, and can guide all the water supplied to the nozzle box 1310 to be discharged from the direct water outlet 1330. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from remaining inside the nozzle box 1310.

[0543] Therefore, the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water outlet 1330 can be set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water pipe 1200.

[0544] As a result, even if the water pressure and flow velocity of the water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200 are low, the water can fill the entire nozzle box 1310 and reach and be discharged from other straight water outlets 1330 before being discharged from a specific straight water outlet 1330.

[0545] Furthermore, the direct water nozzle 1300 can discharge water supplied from an external water source to the entire front surface area of ​​the heat exchange unit 900 at once, allowing the heat exchange unit 900 to be cleaned in its entirety at once.

[0546] As a result, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can omit the configuration of a flow path switching valve for dividing and spraying water into specific areas of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0547] In other words, since the circulating cleaning unit 80 is configured to sequentially supply water to a plurality of cleaning channels 833, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can clean the heat exchange unit 900 more quickly than the circulating cleaning unit 80.

[0548] In other words, the circulating outlet 837 is partitioned and arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section, and water is sequentially discharged in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900, while the direct water outlet 1330 is in complete communication with the heat exchange section in the width direction, and water can be discharged simultaneously in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900.

[0549] Furthermore, since the direct water cleaning unit 1000 is equipped to clean the entire width of the heat exchange unit 900, including the front surface, at once, the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the direct water outlet 1330 can be set to be greater than the amount of water sprayed from the circulating outlet 837.

[0550] Even when the external water supply source is at low water pressure, the amount of water sprayed from the direct water outlet 1330 can be kept constant because the water is collected and discharged in the nozzle box 1310.

[0551] On the other hand, the direction in which water flows into the direct water nozzle 1300 and the direction in which water flows from the cleaning channel 833 to the circulation outlet 837 can be different. However, the direction in which water is discharged from the circulation outlet 837 and the direction in which water is discharged from the direct water outlet 1330 can be approximately the same.

[0552] Figure 19 shows an example of the structure of the direct water nozzle 1300.

[0553] The nozzle cover portion 840 may be provided with a communication hole 847 in the portion where the direct water nozzle 1300 is seated. The communication hole 847 may be located in a region perpendicular to the circulating water outlet portion 837.

[0554] The communication hole 847 can be divided into multiple areas and arranged to prevent the insertion of the direct water nozzle 1300.

[0555] On the other hand, if the nozzle cover portion 840 is omitted, the communication hole 847 can be provided through the upper surface of the circulation duct 820 or the shielding cover body 8311, and can be provided integrally with the circulation outlet 837.

[0556] The nozzle box 1310 may include a first body 1311 that provides a space for forming a flow path inside and extends in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900 to be equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchange section 900, and a second body 1312 that is coupled to the lower part of the first body 1311 and can collect water in the first body 1311. This makes it easier to manufacture the nozzle box 1310 even if the inside has a complex shape.

[0557] The first body 1311 can be provided in the shape of a duct or pipe, and the second body 1312 can be provided in the shape of a plate or rib.

[0558] The connecting pipe 1320 extends outward from one side of the first body 1311 and can be connected to the end of the straight water pipe 1200.

[0559] The direct water outlet 1330 is provided penetrating the second body 1312 in the height direction, and multiple outlets may be provided, and they may be arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section 900. In addition, the direct water outlet 1330 may also be arranged in the length direction of the heat exchange section 900.

[0560] The total area of ​​the direct water outlet 1330 can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe 1320. This allows the water to be uniformly discharged through the direct water outlet 1330 after the nozzle box 1310 has been filled with water.

[0561] The direct water nozzle 1300 may further include a connecting portion 1340 to which a separate fastening member can be attached to the first body 1311 and the second body 1312. This allows the nozzle box 1310 to be fixed to the upper part of the circulation duct 820 or the upper part of the nozzle cover portion 840.

[0562] The direct water nozzle 1300 may further include guide ribs 1314 that guide the water supplied from the connecting pipe 1320 to the opposite side of the nozzle box 1310.

[0563] The guide rib 1314 extends along the length of the nozzle box 1310, and can be positioned such that one end faces the connecting pipe 1320 and the other end faces the other side of the nozzle box 1310.

[0564] One end of the guide rib 1314 is in contact with the connecting pipe 1320 or positioned very close to the connecting pipe 1320, and the other end of the guide rib 1314 can be further spaced away from the other side of the nozzle box 1310.

[0565] The distance between the other end of the guide rib 1314 and the other side of the nozzle box 1310 can be greater than the distance between one end of the guide rib 1314 and the connecting pipe 1320 or one side of the nozzle box 1310.

[0566] The height of the guide rib 1314 can be made to correspond to the internal height of the first body 1311. The guide rib 1314 can partition the interior of the first body 1311 in the front-to-back direction with respect to the width direction of the evaporator 910.

[0567] The guide rib 1314 serves to guide the water flowing in through the connecting pipe 1320 from one end to the other. Water flowing into one side of the nozzle box 1310 can move along the guide rib 1314 to the other side of the nozzle box 1310. Therefore, water can be uniformly supplied to the entire straight water outlet 1330 arranged along the length of the nozzle box 1310.

[0568] Figure 20 shows the inside of the direct water nozzle.

[0569] The guide rib 1341 can extend from the connecting pipe 1320 toward the interior of the nozzle box 1310, and one end can be positioned in contact with the end of the connecting pipe 1320.

[0570] Furthermore, the guide rib 1341 can divide the connecting pipe 1320 in the front-to-back direction. For example, one end of the guide rib 1341 can be positioned in a region corresponding to the center of the connecting pipe 1320.

[0571] The direct water outlet 1330 can be provided in only one of the areas partitioned by the guide rib 1341. For example, the direct water outlet 1330 can be located either in front of or behind the guide rib 1341 within the nozzle box 1310. The front and rear can be defined relative to the front inlet of the cabinet 100 or the drum 200.

[0572] Of the water that flows into the connecting pipe 1320, some can flow to the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is located, and the remaining portion can flow to the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is not located.

[0573] The water flowing on the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is located is discharged in order from the part closest to the connecting pipe 1320 to the part furthest from the connecting pipe 1320.

[0574] Water flowing on the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is not located passes through the end of the guide rib 1341 and returns to the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is located. Water flowing on the side where the direct water outlet 1330 is not located is discharged in order from the part furthest from the connecting pipe 1320 to the part closer to the connecting pipe 1320.

[0575] As a result, the guide rib 1341 can supply some water to the direct water outlet 1330, which is located far from the connecting pipe 1320, in advance, and guide the water to be supplied to the entire direct water outlet 1330.

[0576] Furthermore, since the direct water outlet 1330 is positioned on only one side with respect to the guide rib 1341, water can be filled into the area where the direct water outlet 1330 is not located, guiding the water to be supplied to the entire direct water outlet 1330, and ensuring sufficient water volume and pressure for the water discharged from the direct water outlet 1330.

[0577] The direct water outlet 1330 may include a first outlet 1331 closer to the front of the heat exchanger 900 and a second outlet 1332 closer to the direct water valve 1100.

[0578] The first outlet 1331 and the second outlet 1332 can be positioned at the bottom of the nozzle box 1310 along the width direction of the evaporator 910, and multiple outlets may be provided.

[0579] The direct water cleaning unit 1000 can supply water at a constant thickness with respect to the front-to-back direction of the evaporator 910 through the direct water outlet 1330. Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the evaporator 910 can be washed away more effectively.

[0580] Figure 21 shows an example in which the direct water cleaning unit cleans the heat exchanger.

[0581] The water flowing into the connecting pipe 1320 can move along the guide rib 1314 to the opposite side of the nozzle box 1310. The water moving to the opposite side of the nozzle box 1310 and the water supplied around the opposite side of the nozzle box 1310 are discharged into the circulation duct 820 via the direct water outlet 1330, allowing the heat exchanger 910 to be washed away.

[0582] The water flowing in from the connecting pipe 1320 flows in the width direction, and all the water discharged from the straight water outlets 1330 can be discharged in the vertical direction.

[0583] Figure 22 shows the control method for the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0584] When the garment processing device performs any drying course to dry the moisture from the garments, it will go through a heating stage, a constant rate stage, a rate reduction stage, and a cooling stage, depending on the temperature of the garments or the temperature inside the drum.

[0585] The heating stage is the stage in which the compressor 930 and the circulation flow fan motor 951 are driven and hot air is supplied into the drum 200. At this time, the drum 200 can be rotated by the drive unit.

[0586] During the heating stage, the temperature inside the drum 200 may rise.

[0587] During the heating stage, when hot air at a sufficient temperature is supplied to the inside of the drum 200, the amount of moisture dried from the clothes increases.

[0588] The moisture absorbs the energy of the hot air through the heat of vaporization, and the temperature inside the drum 200 is maintained to a near-constant rate, but the temperature rise continues to be gradual.

[0589] As the constant rate stage progresses, and the moisture in the clothing is sufficiently dried, the amount of moisture vaporized from the clothing decreases, and the heat of vaporization absorbed from the hot air also decreases.

[0590] Therefore, the drum 200 enters a reduction phase in which the temperature inside the drum 200 rises due to the hot air supplied to the drum 200.

[0591] During the reduction stage, the temperature inside the drum 200 gradually rises, and the drying of the clothes is completed.

[0592] Once the drying of the clothes is complete, the operation of the compressor 930 can be stopped.

[0593] Furthermore, once the drying of the clothes is complete, a cooling step is performed to lower the temperature inside the drum 200.

[0594] During the cooling stage, the drum 200 can continue to rotate, and the circulation fan 950 may be driven or deactivated.

[0595] As a result, once the reduction step is completed, the drying of the clothes can be considered complete.

[0596] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured to automatically clean the heat exchange unit 900 during the execution of the drying course. As a result, the heat exchange unit 900 can be cleaned without the user having to separately input a cleaning command for the heat exchange unit 900.

[0597] Figure 23 shows a diagram illustrating the methods for utilizing the direct water washing section and the circulating washing section of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0598] The following explanation assumes that the control method is applied during the execution of the drying course.

[0599] However, if the garment processing apparatus of the present invention includes a washing course for washing the heat exchange unit 900 independently, the control method can be similarly applied when a command to execute the washing course is input.

[0600] When the garment processing apparatus of the present invention cleans the heat exchange section 900, it can perform a residual water drainage stage A2 in which the water collected in the water collection section 860 is stored in the water storage tank 120.

[0601] For example, the residual water drainage step A2 can be performed when the reduction step is completed during the drying process and the compressor 930 is no longer driven.

[0602] The residual water drainage stage A2 may include the operation of the drain pump 861 with the switching valve 870 open only the drain pipe 892. Therefore, in the residual water drainage stage A2, all the water collected in the water collection section 860 can be discharged into the water storage tank 120 without flowing out into the circulation duct 820.

[0603] In the residual water drainage stage A2, the drainage pump 861 can be driven until as much of the water collected in the water collection section 860 as possible is discharged into the water storage tank 120.

[0604] As a result, the water condensed in the evaporator 910 during the drying process can be collected in the storage tank 120 and does not need to be used to clean the heat exchange unit 900. Consequently, the heat exchange unit 900 is prevented from being re-contaminated by foreign matter generated during the drying process.

[0605] When the water in the water collection section 860 is discharged in the residual water drainage stage A2, a direct water cleaning stage A4 can be performed, in which the heat exchange section 900 is directly cleaned by the direct water cleaning section 1000.

[0606] However, if foreign matter remains inside the water collection section 860 and the circulation duct 820, there is a risk that the foreign matter may be resupplied to the heat exchange section 900.

[0607] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a washing preparation step A3, or pre-washing, which prepares the heat exchange unit 900 for washing by the direct water washing unit 1000, before directly washing the heat exchange unit 900 with the direct water washing unit 1000.

[0608] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the drain pump 861 at the same time as opening the direct water valve 1100 during the washing preparation stage A3. During the washing preparation stage A3, the switching valve 870 may be in a state where the drain pipe 892 is open.

[0609] As a result, in the cleaning preparation stage A3, the water supplied from the straight water pipe 1200 can be used to clean the heat exchange section 900, and at the same time, to clean the inside of the circulation duct 820 and the water collection section 860, before being collected in the water storage tank 120.

[0610] As a result, foreign matter remaining in the circulating cleaning unit 80 can be removed more reliably.

[0611] Subsequently, the washing preparation stage A3 can be performed during the preparation time t3. The preparation time t3 may be the time it takes for a preparation amount of water to be collected in the water storage tank 120. For example, the preparation amount is the amount that fills the water collection section 862 to its maximum water level.

[0612] Furthermore, the preparation time t3 may be sufficient time to ensure that any foreign matter adhering to the circulating cleaning unit 80 can be washed away with water directly. For example, the preparation time t3 corresponds to approximately 3 minutes.

[0613] Once the cleaning preparation stage A3 is completed, a direct water cleaning stage can be performed, in which the direct water valve 1100 is opened and the operation of the drain pump 861 is stopped.

[0614] The cleaning preparation stage A3 can be completed by closing the direct water valve 1100 and draining all the water collected in the water collection section 860 before the direct water cleaning stage A4 is performed.

[0615] In other words, the washing preparation stage A3 can be considered to be completed by discharging the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0616] When the water collected in the water collection section 860 is collected in the water storage tank 120 or discharged to a drain or the like, a direct water cleaning stage A4 can be performed, in which the heat exchange section 900 is cleaned with water supplied from an external water source.

[0617] The direct water flushing step A4 may be the step of opening the direct water valve 1100.

[0618] In the direct water flushing stage A4, the drain pump 861 does not need to be driven. This prevents excess water from being supplied from the direct water valve 1100 to the heat exchange section 900 and the water collection section 860.

[0619] In the direct water flushing stage A4, when the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the standard water level, the direct water valve 1100 can be closed.

[0620] The aforementioned reference water level may correspond to a water level that ensures the heat exchange section 900 has been sufficiently cleaned by the water supplied from the direct water valve 1100.

[0621] For example, the reference water level corresponds to the full water level of the water collection section 860.

[0622] In the direct water washing stage A4, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can open the direct water valve 1100 until the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level H, and directly wash the heat exchange section 900 with the water through the direct water nozzle 1300.

[0623] In the direct water washing stage A4, when the water collection unit 860 reaches the standard water level, the drain pump 861 can be driven.

[0624] When the drain pump 861 is driven, the switching valve 870 can open the drain pipe 892. In this case, the drain pump 861 can discharge all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or to the outside of the cabinet. In this case, the clothing processing device of the present invention can repeat the direct water washing stage A4. Specifically, with the drain pump 861 stopped, the direct water valve 1100 can be opened until the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the reference water level H.

[0625] The direct water washing step A4 can be repeated a standard number of times. This allows the heat exchange unit 900 to be washed a standard number of times with clean water supplied from an external water source.

[0626] The direct water washing stage A4 can be terminated when an amount of water equivalent to the standard water level H is stored in the water collection section 860.

[0627] In other words, the direct water flushing stage A4 can be terminated after the direct water valve 1100 is opened and the operation of the drain pump 861 is stopped.

[0628] Subsequently, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a circulating washing step A5 in which the heat exchange unit 900 is washed with the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0629] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange section 900 by circulating plain water that contains no or very little foreign matter. Furthermore, since the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange section 900 by circulating plain water multiple times during the circulation cleaning stage A5, water can be saved and the efficiency of the circulation cleaning can be maximized.

[0630] The circulation cleaning stage A5 may include driving the drain pump 861 with the switching valve 870 closed and the cleaning passage 833 open.

[0631] The aforementioned circulation cleaning step A5 may be the same as conventional residual water cleaning methods when there is no direct water supply.

[0632] Since the circulation cleaning stage A5 cleans the heat exchange section 900 through the cleaning channel 833, if the cleaning channel 833 is divided into multiple sections, the switching valve 870 can sequentially open the multiple cleaning channels 833.

[0633] For example, when the circulation cleaning stage A5 is performed, the switching valve 870 can open only one of the multiple cleaning channels and drive the drain pump 861.

[0634] The drain pump 861 is driven until all the water collected in the water collection section 860 is discharged, and once all the water in the water collection section 860 has been discharged, the drive can be temporarily stopped.

[0635] The switching valve 870 can sequentially open the multiple cleaning channels 833 while the drain pump 861 is running. This allows all of the multiple cleaning channels 833 to be cleaned by the water collected in the water collection section 860.

[0636] Alternatively, the switching valve 870 can open only some or any one of the multiple cleaning channels 833 until the drain pump 861 is driven once and then stopped, and then open another cleaning channel when the drain pump 861 is driven again. This allows all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to be used to concentrate on cleaning some or any one of the cleaning channels, and then all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to concentrate on cleaning the other cleaning channels. This process can be repeated until all the water collected in the water collection section 860 has passed through all the cleaning channels 833.

[0637] As a result, the heat exchange section 900 is first washed with water to effectively remove foreign matter, and any remaining foreign matter can be further removed by circulating water for further washing.

[0638] Furthermore, the circulation duct 820 and the water collection section 860 can also be repeatedly washed with water. As a result, all foreign matter present in the base can be removed.

[0639] The circulation cleaning stage A5 can be terminated by discharging all of the water collected in the water collection unit 860 to the water storage tank 120 or to the outside of the cabinet.

[0640] In other words, after the heat exchange section 900 has been cleaned through all the cleaning channels 833 in the circulation cleaning stage A5, the switching valve 870 can open the drain pipe 892 and close all the cleaning channels 833. After that, the drain pump 861 can discharge all the water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet.

[0641] The sequential execution of residual water drainage stage A2, washing preparation stage A3, direct water washing stage A4, and circulation washing stage A5 is only one embodiment; the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can execute direct water washing stage A4 immediately after the compressor has finished running, and can also execute circulation washing stage A5 immediately.

[0642] Furthermore, after the compressor has finished running, only the residual water drainage stage A2 and the direct water cleaning stage A4 may be performed, and the circulation cleaning stage A5 may be omitted.

[0643] However, if the garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs both the direct water washing stage A4 and the circulating washing stage A5, the direct water washing stage A4 can be performed before the circulating washing stage A5. This allows the circulating washing stage A5 to be performed using direct water supplied from an external water source instead of condensed water.

[0644] On the other hand, the aforementioned residual water drainage stage A2, cleaning preparation stage A3, direct water cleaning stage A4, and circulation cleaning stage A5 can be performed on the premise that water is supplied from an external water source. If the external water source and the direct water cleaning unit 1000 are not connected, the above steps may not be performed.

[0645] In other words, the direct water cleaning unit 1000 can only operate when water can be supplied from an external water source. Therefore, the control unit needs to detect whether or not the direct water cleaning unit is connected to an external water source.

[0646] When the direct water valve 1100 is opened and water is supplied to the direct water nozzle 1300, the water is discharged into the circulation duct 820 to clean the heat exchange section 900, and then collected in the water collection section 860, causing the water level in the water collection section 860 to rise.

[0647] However, if water is not supplied to the water nozzle 1300 even when the water valve 1100 is opened, water will not be collected in the water collection section 860.

[0648] Therefore, if the control unit opens the direct water valve 1100 but the water level in the water collection section does not rise for a certain period of time or does not reach the standard water level, it can exclude the use of the direct water flushing section 1000.

[0649] For example, the aforementioned fixed time can be set to within 30 seconds, and the reference water level can correspond to the full water level.

[0650] In this case, the control unit can either close the direct water valve 1100 or discontinue control of the direct water valve.

[0651] The control unit can detect the water level in the water collection section by driving the drain pump 861. That is, by temporarily driving the drain pump 861 and detecting the load on the drain pump 861 or the load output from the drain pump 861, the control unit can calculate the water level in the water collection section 860.

[0652] This makes it possible to detect whether or not water is being supplied from the direct water valve 1100.

[0653] Furthermore, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a water level sensor attached to the water collection section that detects the water level in the water collection section and transmits the result to the control unit. In this case, it is possible to immediately detect the water level in the water collection section 860 and recognize whether or not water is being supplied from the direct water valve 1100.

[0654] When the control unit closes the direct water valve 1100 or stops controlling the direct water valve 1100, the heat exchange unit can be cleaned by controlling the drain pump. That is, the heat exchange unit 900 can be cleaned via the circulation cleaning unit 80 using the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0655] Specifically, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can further perform a detection step A1, which detects whether or not water is being supplied to the direct water valve 1100 from the external water source.

[0656] The detection step A1 can be performed after the compressor 930 has finished running in the drying course. Alternatively, the detection step A1 may be performed when power is supplied to the garment processing device of the present invention, or it may be performed while the compressor 930 is running.

[0657] The timing of the detection stage A1 is irrelevant, as long as it is performed before the residual water drainage stage A2 is executed.

[0658] The detection step A1 may be performed by mechanically detecting whether the direct water valve 1100 is connected to the external water supply source.

[0659] Furthermore, the water valve 1100 may be equipped to detect the passage of water, and the water pipe 1200 or the like may be equipped with a flow sensor or the like to detect the passage of water.

[0660] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform detection step A1 using the configuration of the direct water washing unit 1000 and the circulating washing unit 80, without requiring a separate detection device.

[0661] If, in detection stage A1, it is detected that water can be supplied to the direct water valve 1100 from an external water source, then one or more of the aforementioned residual water drainage stage A2, cleaning preparation stage A3, direct water cleaning stage A4, and circulation cleaning stage A5 can be executed.

[0662] However, if, in detection step A1, it is detected that water cannot be supplied to the direct water valve 1100 from an external water source, the clothing processing device of the present invention can immediately execute the circulation washing step A5.

[0663] In the present invention, when water cannot be supplied from an external water source, the garment processing apparatus immediately performs the circulation washing stage A5 and utilizes the water condensed in the evaporator 910 for cleaning the heat exchange section 900 instead of discarding it to the water storage tank 120 or drain.

[0664] On the other hand, even when the direct water washing unit 1000 of the present invention is receiving water from an external water source, if water is supplied at a higher water pressure or flow rate than normal (hereinafter referred to as the high-pressure state), or if the water pressure or flow rate is low (hereinafter referred to as the low-pressure state), the method of executing the direct water washing stage A4 needs to be changed.

[0665] Therefore, detection step A1 also needs to detect whether the water supplied from the external water source to the direct water valve 1100 is in a normal state, a low water pressure state, or a high water pressure state.

[0666] Figure 24 shows an example in which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs the detection step using a direct water washing unit and a circulating washing unit.

[0667] When the detection step A1 is performed, the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform the opening step A11, which opens the direct water valve 1100.

[0668] Once the opening stage A11 is performed, the failure detection stage A12 can be performed to detect whether the water collection unit 860 has reached the reference water level or the full water level within the time limit.

[0669] The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can detect the water level through a water level sensor coupled to the water collection unit 860. Furthermore, even if a water level sensor is not provided, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can intermittently drive the drain pump 861 and detect the water level through the load on the pump.

[0670] In the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention, if the water level in the water collection unit 860 does not reach the standard water level or the full water level in the failure detection stage A12, the direct water valve 1100 determines that it is not receiving enough water from the external water supply source to perform washing, and the failure stage A154 can be executed.

[0671] When the aforementioned failure step A154 is performed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange section 900 using only the circulation washing step A5.

[0672] The aforementioned time limit can be set to a duration that does not cause delays in drying or excessive power consumption. This time limit may be equivalent to 5 minutes.

[0673] The aforementioned reference water level can be set based on the amount of water collected in the water collection section 860 that is sufficient to thoroughly wash the heat exchange section 900. For example, it corresponds to a water level higher than half the volume of the water collection section 860.

[0674] Once the opening step A11 is performed, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a feasibility determination step A13 to detect whether the water level in the water collection unit 860 has reached the reference water level or the full water level within the expected time.

[0675] The aforementioned feasibility determination stage A13 may be a stage for determining whether the direct water washing stage A4 is possible.

[0676] The aforementioned estimated time can be set as a sufficient amount of time for the water collection section 860 to fill with water up to the reference water level, provided that the water pressure and volume of the external water source are abundant.

[0677] Therefore, the estimated time can be set to be shorter than the time limit. For example, the estimated time may be equivalent to 2 minutes.

[0678] In the feasibility determination stage A13, if the water level in the water collection section 860 does not reach the standard water level or the full water level within the expected time, the clothing processing device of the present invention can execute the low water pressure determination stage A153, which determines that the water pressure is too low or the water volume is too low to perform the direct water washing stage A4 at the external water source.

[0679] Once the opening step A11 is performed, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a rapid determination step A14 to detect whether the water level in the water collection unit 860 has reached the reference water level or the full water level within the required time.

[0680] The required time can be set as the minimum time for a sufficient amount of water to be supplied to clean the heat exchange unit 900.

[0681] In other words, the required time may be the minimum time necessary to clean the heat exchange section 900.

[0682] Therefore, the required time can be set to be shorter than the estimated time. For example, the required time may be equivalent to 1 minute.

[0683] In the rapid determination stage A14, if the water level in the water collection unit 860 reaches the standard water level or the full water level within the expected time, and the water level in the water collection unit 860 does not reach the standard water level or the full water level within the required time, the clothing processing device of the present invention can execute the normal confirmation stage A152, which determines that the external water source can supply an appropriate amount of water.

[0684] However, in the rapid determination stage A14, if the water level in the water collection unit 860 reaches the standard water level or the full water level within the expected time, and the water level in the water collection unit 860 reaches the standard water level or the full water level within the required time, the clothing processing device of the present invention can execute the high water pressure determination stage A151, which determines that the external water supply is supplying an excessive amount of water for the direct water washing stage A4 to be performed.

[0685] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can either not perform the direct water washing stage A4, or perform the direct water washing stage A4 in a different manner, depending on whether or not the external water source is connected to the direct water valve 1100, and depending on the amount of water and water pressure supplied from the external water source.

[0686] Figure 25 shows a method for performing the direct water flushing step when the water pressure of the external water source is normal or high pressure.

[0687] Once the direct water washing step A4 is performed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform the opening step A41, which opens the direct water valve 1110.

[0688] The opening stage A41 includes opening the direct water valve 1100 and directing water from the external water source to the direct water pipe 1200 and the direct water nozzle 1300. In the opening stage A41, the drain pump 861 can be stopped from operating.

[0689] The opening step A41 is a step in which the heat exchange section 900 is directly washed with water, and the water used to wash the heat exchange section 900 can be collected directly into the water collection section 860.

[0690] The water collection section 860 may contain water used to clean the heat exchange section 900, as well as foreign matter collected from the heat exchange section 900 and the circulation duct 820.

[0691] When the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the standard water level or the full water level, the cancellation step A42 can be executed, which involves closing the direct water valve 1100.

[0692] When the cancellation step A42 of the present invention is performed, the garment processing apparatus can perform a count determination step A43, which determines whether or not the heat exchange unit 900 has been washed a standard number of times with the direct water.

[0693] The aforementioned standard number of cycles corresponds to the number of cycles required to ensure that foreign matter adhering to the heat exchange section 900 can be sufficiently removed by direct water supply.

[0694] If the standard number of washes has not been performed in the wash count determination step A43, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a direct water drainage step A44, which discharges the water collected in the water collection unit 860.

[0695] The direct water drainage stage A44 may include driving the drain pump 861 with the switching valve 870 opening only the drain pipe 892 and closing the cleaning channel 833.

[0696] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform the opening step A41 and the stopping step A42 again, and additionally wash the heat exchange section 900.

[0697] If the opening stage A41 and the cancellation stage A42 are executed a standard number of times, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can skip the direct water drainage stage A44 and terminate the direct water washing stage A4.

[0698] As a result, the water collection unit 860 may end up storing water supplied from an external water source that has ultimately cleaned the heat exchange unit 900. This water may have a low foreign matter content and be in a state almost equivalent to that of water supplied from an external water source. Therefore, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange unit 900 with the clean water collected in the water collection unit 860 via the circulation washing stage A5.

[0699] On the other hand, due to the opening stage A41 and the stopping stage A42, the direct water flushing stage A4 is stopped when water is supplied to the water collection section 860 that reaches the standard water level or the full water level.

[0700] If the external water source is under higher water pressure than normal, the water collection unit 860 will reach the standard water level or full water level more quickly, thus shortening the cleaning time of the heat exchange unit 900.

[0701] Therefore, if the external water source is under high water pressure, high-pressure water will be supplied to the heat exchange unit 900, but because the necessary time cannot be secured, there is a risk that the heat exchange unit 900 will not be cleaned as thoroughly as it would under normal conditions.

[0702] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can increase the number of cycles under high water pressure conditions compared to normal conditions. In other words, under high water pressure conditions, the heat exchange section 900 can be washed more times than under normal conditions.

[0703] For example, the standard number of cycles under normal conditions corresponds to one or two cycles, while the standard number of cycles under high water pressure conditions corresponds to three or more cycles.

[0704] Figure 26 shows a method for performing direct water washing stage A4 when the water pressure of the external water supply is low.

[0705] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform an opening stage a41, which opens the direct water valve 1100, after the direct water washing stage A4 has been performed. The opening stage a41 in a low water pressure state may be the same as the opening stage A41 in a normal state.

[0706] Furthermore, if the water level in the water collection section 860 reaches the standard water level or the full water level, the cancellation step a42 can be executed, which involves closing the direct water valve 1100.

[0707] The termination stage a42 under low water pressure conditions may be the same as the termination stage A42 under normal conditions.

[0708] However, if the external water supply source is at low water pressure, even if the direct water valve 1100 is left open for a long time, it may not be possible to secure the water pressure necessary to clean the heat exchange section 900.

[0709] Therefore, when the cancellation step a42 is performed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a circulation washing switching step a43, which washes the heat exchange unit 900 through the circulation washing unit 80.

[0710] The aforementioned circulation cleaning switching step a43 may be the same as the circulation cleaning step A5.

[0711] This allows the water collected in the water collection section 860 to be used to clean the heat exchange section 900 by the pressure provided by the drain pump 861.

[0712] Since the direct water washing stage A4 is performed after the drying process and after the residual water drainage stage A2, the circulation washing switching stage a43 can wash the heat exchange section 900 with cleaner water than the circulation washing stage A5 in which the direct water washing stage A4 is omitted.

[0713] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can clean the heat exchange section 900 using the power of the drain pump 861, even when water with sufficient water pressure is not supplied from an external water source.

[0714] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a count determination step a44 in the circulation washing switching step a43 to determine whether or not the heat exchange unit 900 has been washed a standard number of times.

[0715] The aforementioned reference number of times corresponds to the number of times it can be guaranteed that foreign matter adhering to the heat exchange section 900 can be sufficiently removed through the drain pump 861.

[0716] If the standard number of washes has not been completed in the wash count determination step a44, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may discharge the water collected in the water collection unit 620 and perform the open step a41 and the stop step a42 again.

[0717] Furthermore, if the standard number of washes has not been completed in the wash count determination step a44, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can sequentially reopen the wash flow path 833 using the switching valve 870 and drive the drain pump 861 to wash the heat exchange section 900.

[0718] Furthermore, if the direct water cleaning stage A4 is performed under low water pressure conditions, the circulation cleaning stage A5 may be omitted.

[0719] If the standard number of washes has been completed in the aforementioned wash count determination step a44, a drainage step can be performed in which all the water in the water collection section 860 is drained to the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet.

[0720] Figure 27 shows the control method for the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention when direct water supply is not possible.

[0721] In the present invention, if direct water supply is not possible in detection step A41, the clothing processing apparatus can immediately perform the circulation washing step A5.

[0722] The circulating cleaning step A5 may include a residual water cleaning step A51 in which the heat exchange section 900 is cleaned with condensed water collected in the drying step.

[0723] The residual water cleaning step A51 may include driving the drain pump 861 with the switching valve 840 open in one of the multiple cleaning channels.

[0724] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a washing determination step A52 that determines whether a specific washing channel has been washed a predetermined number of times.

[0725] If a specific flow path is cleaned within a specified number of cycles or less in the cleaning determination step A52, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can repeatedly supply condensed water to the cleaning flow path.

[0726] If a specific flow path has been washed a specified number of times in the washing determination stage A52, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a completion determination stage A53 to determine whether all flow paths have been washed.

[0727] If condensed water is supplied to all cleaning channels in the completion determination stage A53, removal stage A55 can be performed to discharge the condensed water collected in the water collection section 860 to the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet.

[0728] After the removal step A55, the power to the garment processing device can be shut off.

[0729] On the other hand, if not all flow paths have been cleaned in the completion determination stage A53, a flow path switching stage A54 can be executed by opening other cleaning flow paths using the switching valve 870.

[0730] Subsequently, the residual water washing stage A51 and the washing judgment stage A52 can be performed. If a specific flow path has been washed a standard number of times in the washing judgment stage A52, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a completion judgment stage A53 to determine whether all flow paths have been washed.

[0731] Figures 28 to 31 show the process by which the direct water washing stage and the circulating washing stage of the present invention are performed.

[0732] Referring to Figure 28, once the compressor 930 has finished running or the cooling stage has been completed, a residual water drainage stage A2 can be performed, in which the condensed water collected in the water collection body 861 is supplied to the drain pipe 892.

[0733] The switching valve 870 can open the drain pipe 892 and completely close the washing channel 833, and the drain pump 861 can be driven until all of the condensed water is discharged from the water collection body 861.

[0734] Here, "discharging all condensed water or water" is a concept that includes discharging as much water from the water collection section 860 as possible using the performance of the drainage pump 861, and a certain amount of condensed water or water may remain.

[0735] Referring to Figure 29, the washing preparation stage can be carried out.

[0736] The direct water valve 1100 is opened, allowing water to be supplied to the direct water pipe 1200. The water that flows into the circulation duct 820 via the direct water nozzle 1300 can then be used to clean the heat exchange section 900 and then collected in the water collection section 860.

[0737] At this time, the drain pump 861 can be driven so as to overlap at least partially with the time when the direct water valve 1100 is opened. In addition, the switching valve 870 can maintain the state in which the drain pipe 892 is open.

[0738] Therefore, the water collected in the water collection body 862 is immediately discarded to the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet and does not need to be used for circulation cleaning.

[0739] Referring to Figure 30, a direct water washing step can be performed.

[0740] The direct water valve 1100 is opened, allowing the heat exchange section 900 to be cleaned and the water to be collected in the water collection section 860.

[0741] However, the drain pump 861 may not be driven until the direct water valve 1100 is closed.

[0742] The direct water valve 1100 can remain open until the water in the water collection body 862 reaches the standard water level or the full water level. The drain pump 861 can stop operating until the water in the water collection body 862 reaches the standard water level or the full water level.

[0743] Therefore, the water used for direct flushing A4 is not immediately used for circulating flushing, but can be discarded into the water storage tank 120 and the drain.

[0744] Once the final direct water flushing stage A4 is performed, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 is not discarded into the water storage tank 120 and the drain outlet, but can be used for circulating flushing.

[0745] Referring to Figure 31, a circulating cleaning step can be performed.

[0746] The direct water valve 1100 is closed, and the switching valve 870 can close the drain pipe 892.

[0747] The drain pump 861 is driven and can move the water collected in the water collection section 820 to the switching valve 870. The switching valve 870 can sequentially open the multiple washing channels 833.

[0748] This allows specific areas of the heat exchange section 900 to be cleaned sequentially and intensively. The circulating cleaning step can be performed until the entire front surface of the evaporator 910 is cleaned.

[0749] Once the circulation cleaning stage is complete, the water collected in the water collection unit 860 can be disposed of in the water storage tank 120 or the drain outlet.

[0750] Although the present invention has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those ordinary in the art that the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as provided by the following claims.

[0751] [Claims when filing an international application] [Claim 1] A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A direct water cleaning unit that receives water from an external water source and supplies it to the inside of the circulation duct; A circulation cleaning unit that supplies water collected in the circulation duct or water supplied in the direct water cleaning unit back into the circulation duct; The direct water cleaning unit is arranged independently of the circulating cleaning unit. To prevent water passing through the circulation cleaning section from flowing in, A garment processing apparatus characterized by preventing exposure to water passing through the circulating washing section. [Claim 2] A heat exchange unit seated inside the circulation duct and performing heat exchange with the air; A water collection unit is located on one side of the circulation duct and collects water that is condensed in the heat exchange unit or supplied in the circulation cleaning unit and the direct water cleaning unit; The circulation cleaning unit is provided with a circulation outlet above the heat exchange unit that discharges the water into the circulation duct. The direct water cleaning section is equipped with a direct water outlet above the heat exchange section that discharges water supplied from the external water source into the circulation duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct water outlet is arranged independently of the circulating water outlet. [Claim 3] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned above the circulating water outlet. [Claim 4] The aforementioned circulation outlet is provided so as to penetrate the circulation duct, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided to discharge the water toward the circulating water outlet. [Claim 5] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the direct water outlet is set such that at least one of the direction of the discharged water, the amount of water sprayed, and the spray range of the discharged water is different from that of the circulating water outlet. [Claim 6] The aforementioned circulation outlet is provided such that at least a portion of the water collected in the water collection section is discharged in the direction of extension of the circulation duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided such that water supplied from the external water source falls in the height direction of the circulation duct. [Claim 7] A fan seated in the aforementioned circulation duct and providing power to move air; further comprising The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the fan is controlled to cease operation when water is discharged from the direct water outlet. [Claim 8] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the direct water outlet is set to be greater than the amount of water sprayed from the circulating water outlet. [Claim 9] The aforementioned circulation outlets are arranged in sections in the width direction of the heat exchange section, and the water is sequentially discharged in the width direction of the heat exchange section. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided in communication with the width direction of the heat exchange section, and the water is simultaneously discharged in the width direction of the heat exchange section. [Claim 10] The aforementioned circulation cleaning unit is A drainage pump attached to the water collection section for discharging water from the water collection section, A drainage channel is provided at the top of the circulation duct and guides the water discharged from the drainage pump to the front of the heat exchange section, At the end of the drainage channel, a circulation outlet is provided that penetrates the circulation duct and guides the water into the interior of the circulation duct, The circulating duct is connected to a nozzle cover portion that shields the drainage channel and the circulation outlet, The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve coupled to the cabinet, which is supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for transmitting the water, A water nozzle is connected to the end of the straight water pipe, seated on the nozzle cover portion, and through which the water is transmitted. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a direct water outlet provided at the lower part of the direct water nozzle so as to communicate with the nozzle cover portion and for discharging the water into the interior of the nozzle cover portion. [Claim 11] The circulation outlet is arranged along the width direction of the heat exchange section, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is arranged to overlap the circulating water outlet in the height direction. [Claim 12] The direct water nozzle further comprises a nozzle box that is equipped to collect the water along the direction of arrangement of the circulating water outlet, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned to penetrate the lower part of the nozzle box. [Claim 13] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the direct water nozzle further comprises a connecting pipe extending from one side of the nozzle box and connected to the direct water pipe. [Claim 14] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the direct water nozzle further comprises guide ribs that extend from the nozzle box along the width direction of the heat exchange section and guide the water discharged from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box. [Claim 15] A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit, located inside the circulation duct, that condenses and heats the air; A direct water cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with water supplied from an external water source; A water collection unit located outside the circulation duct, which collects water that is condensed in the circulation duct or supplied to the circulation duct; The system comprises a circulating cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with the water collected in the water collection unit; The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve is connected to the rear of the cabinet and supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for guiding the water, The system includes a direct water nozzle connected to the direct water pipe, which supplies water into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange section, A garment processing apparatus characterized in that the direct water valve is positioned lower than the drum but higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct. [Claim 16] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is positioned lower than the drum and higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct. [Claim 17] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is fixedly positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct corresponding to the upper part or front of the heat exchanger. [Claim 18] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the straight water pipe extends from a position lower than the drum but higher than the bottom surface of the circulation duct to the straight water nozzle at the straight water valve. [Claim 19] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the straight water pipe extends from the straight water valve to the side of the circulation duct and is connected to the side of the straight water nozzle. [Claim 20] A water collection unit that communicates with the aforementioned circulation duct and collects the water condensed in the heat exchange section; The system further comprises a circulation cleaning unit that supplies the water collected in the water collection unit into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange unit; The aforementioned circulation cleaning unit is A drainage pump attached to the water collection section for discharging water from the water collection section, A drainage channel is provided at the top of the circulation duct and guides the water discharged from the drainage pump to the front of the heat exchange section, The drainage channel includes a circulation outlet that penetrates the circulation duct at its end and guides the water into the circulation duct, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is positioned above the circulation outlet. [Claim 21] A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit, located inside the circulation duct, that condenses and heats the air; It comprises a direct water cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with water supplied from an external water source; The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve coupled to the cabinet, which is supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for guiding the water, The circulation duct is connected to the straight water pipe at the upper part of the circulation duct and includes a straight water nozzle that supplies water into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange section. The garment processing apparatus is characterized in that the direct water nozzle is provided to at least temporarily contain and discharge water supplied from the direct water pipe in the width direction of the heat exchange section. [Claim 22] The aforementioned direct water nozzle is A nozzle box is provided, which is connected to the straight water pipe at the upper part of the circulation duct and is configured to collect the water in the width direction of the heat exchange section, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a direct water outlet that penetrates the lower part of the nozzle box and discharges water supplied from the direct water pipe into the interior of the circulation duct. [Claim 23] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the direct water outlets are provided in multiple locations and are arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section at the lower part of the nozzle box. [Claim 24] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the total cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water outlet is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water pipe. [Claim 25] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is provided with a connecting pipe that extends to one side of the nozzle box and is connected to the direct water pipe. [Claim 26] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the direct water nozzle further comprises guide ribs that extend from the connecting pipe to the other side inside the nozzle box and supply water supplied from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box. [Claim 27] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned only in front of or behind the guide rib. [Claim 28] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that both ends of the guide rib are positioned spaced apart from the inner surface of the nozzle box. [Claim 29] A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit, located inside the circulation duct, that cools the air to condense moisture and heats the air; A direct water cleaning unit that uses water supplied from an external water source to clean the heat exchange unit; A water collection unit located outside the circulation duct, which collects water that is condensed inside the circulation duct or transmitted from the circulation duct; A circulating cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with the water collected in the water collection unit; The system comprises a control unit that controls the heat exchange unit, the circulation cleaning unit, and the direct water cleaning unit; The circulating cleaning unit is attached to the water collection unit and includes a drain pump for discharging water from the water collection unit. The direct water flushing unit is connected to the cabinet and includes a direct water valve that receives water from the external water source. A clothing processing apparatus characterized in that, if the control unit opens the direct water valve but the water level in the water collection section does not rise or reach a reference water level after a certain period of time, it closes the direct water valve or stops controlling the direct water valve. [Claim 30] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that when the control unit closes the direct water valve or stops controlling the direct water valve, it controls the drain pump to clean the heat exchange section. [Claim 31] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the control unit is provided to drive the drain pump to detect the water level in the water collection section. [Claim 32] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a water level sensor attached to the water collection section, which detects the water level in the water collection section and transmits the information to the control unit.

Claims

1. A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A direct water cleaning unit that receives water from an external water source and supplies it to the inside of the circulation duct; A circulation cleaning unit that supplies water collected in the circulation duct or water supplied in the direct water cleaning unit back into the circulation duct; The direct water cleaning unit is arranged independently of the circulating cleaning unit. To prevent water passing through the circulation cleaning section from flowing in, A garment processing apparatus characterized by preventing exposure to water passing through the circulating washing section.

2. A heat exchange unit seated inside the circulation duct and performing heat exchange with the air; A water collection unit is located on one side of the circulation duct and collects water that is condensed in the heat exchange unit or supplied in the circulation cleaning unit and the direct water cleaning unit; further comprising The circulation cleaning unit is provided with a circulation outlet above the heat exchange unit that discharges the water into the circulation duct. The direct water cleaning section is equipped with a direct water outlet above the heat exchange section that discharges water supplied from the external water source into the circulation duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct water outlet is arranged independently of the circulating water outlet.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned above the circulating water outlet.

4. The aforementioned circulation outlet is provided so as to penetrate the circulation duct, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided to discharge the water toward the circulating water outlet.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the direct water outlet is set such that at least one of the direction of the discharged water, the amount of water sprayed, and the spray range of the discharged water is different from that of the circulating water outlet.

6. The aforementioned circulation outlet is provided such that at least a portion of the water collected in the water collection section is discharged in the direction of extension of the circulation duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided such that water supplied from the external water source falls in the height direction of the circulation duct.

7. A fan seated in the aforementioned circulation duct and providing power to move air; further comprising The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the fan is controlled to cease operation when water is discharged from the direct water outlet.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the direct water outlet is set to be greater than the amount of water sprayed from the circulating water outlet.

9. The aforementioned circulation outlets are arranged in sections in the width direction of the heat exchange section, and the water is sequentially discharged in the width direction of the heat exchange section. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the direct water outlet is provided in communication with the width direction of the heat exchange section, and the water is simultaneously discharged in the width direction of the heat exchange section.

10. The aforementioned circulation cleaning unit is A drainage pump attached to the water collection section for discharging water from the water collection section, A drainage channel is provided at the top of the circulation duct and guides the water discharged from the drainage pump to the front of the heat exchange section, At the end of the drainage channel, a circulation outlet is provided that penetrates the circulation duct and guides the water into the interior of the circulation duct, The circulating duct is connected to a nozzle cover portion that shields the drainage channel and the circulation outlet, The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve coupled to the cabinet, which is supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for transmitting the water, A water nozzle is connected to the end of the straight water pipe, seated on the nozzle cover portion, and through which the water is transmitted. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a direct water outlet provided at the lower part of the direct water nozzle so as to communicate with the nozzle cover portion, and for discharging the water into the interior of the nozzle cover portion.

11. The circulation outlet is arranged along the width direction of the heat exchange section, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is arranged to overlap the circulating water outlet in the height direction.

12. The direct water nozzle further comprises a nozzle box that is equipped to collect the water along the direction of arrangement of the circulating water outlet, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned to penetrate the lower part of the nozzle box.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the direct water nozzle further comprises a connecting pipe extending from one side of the nozzle box and connected to the direct water pipe.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the direct water nozzle further comprises guide ribs that extend from the nozzle box along the width direction of the heat exchange section and guide the water discharged from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box.

15. A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit, located inside the circulation duct, which condenses and heats the air; A direct water cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with water supplied from an external water source; A water collection section located outside the circulation duct, where water condensed in the circulation duct or water supplied to the circulation duct is collected; The system comprises a circulating cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with the water collected in the water collection unit; The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve is connected to the rear of the cabinet and supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for guiding the water, The system includes a direct water nozzle connected to the direct water pipe, which supplies water into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange section, A garment processing apparatus characterized in that the direct water valve is positioned lower than the drum but higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is positioned lower than the drum and higher than the heat exchange section or the circulation duct.

17. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is fixedly positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct corresponding to the upper part or front of the heat exchanger.

18. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the straight water pipe extends from a position lower than the drum but higher than the bottom surface of the circulation duct to the straight water nozzle at the straight water valve.

19. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the straight water pipe extends from the straight water valve to the side of the circulation duct and is connected to the side of the straight water nozzle.

20. A water collection unit that communicates with the aforementioned circulation duct and collects the water condensed in the heat exchange section; The system further comprises a circulation cleaning unit that supplies the water collected in the water collection unit into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange unit, The aforementioned circulation cleaning unit is A drainage pump attached to the water collection section for discharging water from the water collection section, A drainage channel is provided at the top of the circulation duct and guides the water discharged from the drainage pump to the front of the heat exchange section, The drainage channel includes a circulation outlet that penetrates the circulation duct at its end and guides the water into the circulation duct, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is positioned above the circulation outlet.

21. A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit, located inside the circulation duct, which condenses and heats the air; It comprises a direct water cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with water supplied from an external water source; The aforementioned direct water washing unit is A direct water valve coupled to the cabinet, which is supplied with water from the external water source, A straight water pipe connected to the aforementioned straight water valve and for guiding the water, The circulation duct is connected to the straight water pipe at the upper part of the circulation duct and includes a straight water nozzle that supplies water into the circulation duct to clean the heat exchange section. The garment processing apparatus is characterized in that the direct water nozzle is provided to at least temporarily contain and discharge water supplied from the direct water pipe in the width direction of the heat exchange section.

22. The aforementioned direct water nozzle is A nozzle box is provided, which is connected to the straight water pipe at the upper part of the circulation duct and is configured to collect the water in the width direction of the heat exchange section, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a direct water outlet that penetrates the lower part of the nozzle box and discharges water supplied from the direct water pipe into the interior of the circulation duct.

23. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the direct water outlets are provided in multiple locations and are arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange section at the lower part of the nozzle box.

24. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the total cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water outlet is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the direct water pipe.

25. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the direct water nozzle is provided with a connecting pipe that extends to one side of the nozzle box and is connected to the direct water pipe.

26. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the direct water nozzle further comprises guide ribs that extend from the connecting pipe to the other side inside the nozzle box and supply water supplied from the connecting pipe to the other side of the nozzle box.

27. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the direct water outlet is positioned only in front of or behind the guide rib.

28. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that both ends of the guide rib are positioned spaced apart from the inner surface of the nozzle box.

29. A clothing processing device, cabinet; A drum for storing clothes, provided inside the aforementioned cabinet; A circulation duct provided to guide the air discharged from the drum back to the drum; A fan provided inside the circulation duct for moving the air; A heat exchange unit located inside the circulation duct, which cools the air to condense moisture and heats the air; A direct water cleaning unit that uses water supplied from an external water source to clean the heat exchange unit; A water collection unit located outside the circulation duct, which collects water that is condensed inside the circulation duct or transmitted from the circulation duct; A circulating cleaning unit that cleans the heat exchange unit with the water collected in the water collection unit; The system comprises a control unit that controls the heat exchange unit, the circulation cleaning unit, and the direct water cleaning unit; The circulating cleaning unit is attached to the water collection unit and includes a drain pump for discharging water from the water collection unit. The direct water flushing unit is connected to the cabinet and includes a direct water valve that receives water from the external water source. A clothing processing apparatus characterized in that, if the control unit opens the direct water valve but the water level in the water collection section does not rise or reach a reference water level after a certain period of time, it closes the direct water valve or stops controlling the direct water valve.

30. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that when the control unit closes the direct water valve or stops controlling the direct water valve, it controls the drain pump to clean the heat exchange section.

31. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the control unit is provided to drive the drain pump to detect the water level in the water collection section.

32. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a water level sensor attached to the water collection section, which detects the water level in the water collection section and transmits the information to the control unit.

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