Clothing treatment apparatus and control method for the clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus and a control method for the clothing treatment apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus that injects steam into clothing to perform deodorization, drying, and wrinkle removal of clothing, and a control method for the clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a clothing treatment apparatus includes a washing machine that wets clothing with water to make it damp and then removes foreign substances by the chemical action of a detergent and physical actions such as drum rotation, and a dryer that dries the damp clothing using hot air and steam.

[0003] However, recently, a clothing management machine has emerged that maintains clothing in a comfortable and clean state without wetting the dry clothing with water. Such a clothing management machine supplies steam or hot air with the clothing hung, performs a refresh process of deodorizing the smell of the clothing, drying or sterilizing the clothing.

[0004] This clothing management machine can also selectively add fragrance to clothing and has recently occupied an important proportion in clothing treatment apparatuses together with washing machines and dryers.

[0005] A clothing management machine that performs a refresh process of clothing requires a steam supply unit that supplies steam to the clothing in order to accommodate the dry clothing.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a conventional clothing treatment apparatus provided with a steam supply unit.

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

[0008] The clothing treatment apparatus includes a circulation duct 13 that circulates the air in the inner case 2, a heat exchanger 15 provided in the circulation duct 13 that exchanges heat with the air, and a compressor 14 that supplies high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger 15. When the compressor 14 is driven, hot air is supplied to the inner case 2, the internal temperature of the inner case 2 is raised, and the clothing is dried or sterilized.

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

[0010] On the other hand, the clothing housed inside the inner case 2 is hung in a dry cloth state. Therefore, in order to efficiently refresh the clothing, it is necessary to supply a sufficient amount of moisture into the inner case 2 for refreshing the clothing.

[0011] Therefore, the heater 17 is provided with a relatively large capacity so that the clothing hung in the inner case 2 contains a sufficient amount of moisture. For example, the heater 17 is provided with a rated capacity that is even larger than that of heaters applied to washing machines and dryers that supply steam to wet clothing.

[0012] As a result, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus had a fundamental limitation that the heater 17 and the compressor 14 could not be driven simultaneously in order not to exceed the allowable rated capacity.

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

[0014] As a result, when the steam 2 was supplied to the inside of the inner case 2, there was a limit that the performance of deodorizing and sterilizing the clothing could not be guaranteed.

[0015] Furthermore, in the conventional clothing treatment apparatus, for refreshing the clothing, a sufficient amount of moisture supply is required compared to hot air, and since all the supplied moisture must be dried, the compressor 17 is driven after the driving of the heater 17 is completed.

[0016] As a result, in the conventional clothing treatment apparatus, before the compressor 17 is driven, the internal temperature of the inner case 2 cannot be maintained at the minimum temperature, so there was a problem that the effect of the refresh process was not achieved.

[0017] Therefore, since the internal temperature of the inner case 2 can be raised and maintained at the minimum temperature only at a subsequent time point when the compressor 17 is driven in the refresh process, there was a fundamental limit that the refresh process of the clothing itself was very delayed.

[0018] Also, at the initial time point when the compressor 17 is driven, steam cannot be supplied to the inside of the inner case 2. As a result, the air in contact with the heat exchanger 15 is relatively low in temperature. As a result, the air discharged from the inner case 2 cannot secure a sufficient amount of heat for sufficient heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 15, so there was also a problem that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump system could not be secured.

[0019] Also, as described above, since the heater 6 is provided in a large capacity to increase the moisture content of the clothing inside the inner case 2, when the heater 6 operates, the internal humidity of the inner case 2 rapidly increases.

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

[0021] On the other hand, among the washing machine or the dryer, a clothing treatment device provided with a steam supply unit for supplying steam to a drum in which clothing is accommodated has also appeared.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a conventional clothing treatment device provided with a steam supply unit for performing drying.

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

[0024] The steam supply unit 4 includes a heater 6 that heats water inside to generate steam. Thereby, in a washing process or a drying process, a conventional clothing treatment device injects the steam into the inside of the clothing storage unit 2 through the steam supply unit 4 to increase the internal temperature of the clothing storage unit 2, increase the washing efficiency or the drying efficiency, or remove wrinkles or sterilize the clothing.

[0025] However, since a conventional clothing treatment device such as the washing machine or the dryer is premised on treating wet clothing, it is not necessary to generate a large amount of steam to increase the moisture content of dry clothing like a clothing management machine inside the clothing storage unit 2.

[0026] Therefore, the conventional clothing treatment device shown in FIG. 2 does not need to be provided with a large-capacity heater 6 like a clothing management machine.

[0027] Of course, in the conventional clothing treatment apparatus, the heater 6 includes a first heater 61 and a second heater 62 that can be driven independently of the first heater 61, and is provided to adjust the steam supply amount.

[0028] However, conventional clothing treatment apparatuses such as washing machines and dryers perform a dehydration process or a drying process for removing moisture from wet clothing. Therefore, when the clothing storage unit 2 rotates or when performing the drying process, there is a fundamental limitation that the heater 6 cannot operate when the heat pump system including the compressor or the heating system including the air heater (hereinafter, the heat supply unit) is driven.

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

[0030] Furthermore, when performing the drying process in a clothing treatment apparatus such as a washing machine and a dryer, since the final drying of wet clothing is the purpose, even if the heater 6 is heated to supply steam during the drying process, once the heat supply unit starts driving, it will not stop until it is completed. In this case, not only does the drying performance decrease rapidly, but also the drying process is very delayed.

[0031] Therefore, the washing machine and the dryer have no possibility or hint regarding the technology of stopping the drive of the compressor for driving the heater that generates steam after starting the drive of the compressor, not only the technology of driving the heater that generates steam and the compressor simultaneously.

[0032] As a result, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus has a limitation in that it cannot provide the technical content regarding how to control and apply the technology of driving the heater that generates steam and the compressor that generates hot air simultaneously to the clothing management machine, or how to control and apply it when the heater is provided as a dual heater in the clothing management machine for processing dry clothing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0033] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of improving drying performance and reducing drying process time by arranging a section for simultaneously driving a heater for generating steam and a compressor for heating a refrigerant.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of ensuring an increase in the initial temperature by arranging a section for simultaneously driving the heater and the compressor before a section for drying the clothing.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of adjusting the amount of steam and the amount of power consumed by arranging a plurality of heaters for generating steam separately.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of performing a refresh process such as deodorization, wrinkle removal, and drying even on clothing made of silk or cashmere that is vulnerable to moisture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0037] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a clothing treatment apparatus including a plurality of heater units for generating steam and capable of being independently controlled.

[0038] The plurality of heaters are provided to distribute and drive the maximum heater power amount assigned to the heater unit.

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

[0040] The allowable power of the clothing treatment apparatus is set to be smaller than the power required when driving the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor simultaneously, and larger than the power required when driving any one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor simultaneously.

[0041] The preheating stage includes (comprises; constitutes; constructs; sets; encloses; includes; contains) a section in which any one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously.

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

[0043] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, and the preheating stage is provided to drive the second heater and stop driving the first heater.

[0044] In the preheating stage, the second heater is controlled to repeat driving and stopping.

[0045] The time for driving the second heater in the preheating stage is set to be longer than the time for stopping.

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

[0047] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, and the preheating stage is provided to drive the first heater and stop driving the second heater.

[0048] The time for driving the first heater in the preheating stage is set to be longer than the time for turning off the first heater.

[0049] The first heater and the second heater for generating steam are simultaneously driven to supply the steam to the inner case.

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

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

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

[0053] When driving the compressor to supply hot air to the clothing, the driving of the first heater and the second heater stops.

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

[0055] It further includes a clothing setting unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing accommodated in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature. When the vulnerability information is input, the section where the heater and the compressor are simultaneously driven is omitted.

[0056] When the vulnerability information is input, in the injection stage, only one of the first heater and the second heater is driven.

[0057] It includes a blower fan that supplies air passing through the heat exchanger inside the inner case. When the vulnerable information is input, after drying the clothes, the blower fan is driven and the drive of the compressor is stopped.

[0058] The vulnerable information includes cashmere information indicating that the clothes contain at least a part of cashmere material. When the cashmere information is input, when supplying steam, the second heater is driven.

[0059] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothes contain at least a part of silk material. When the silk information is input, the first heater is driven.

[0060] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothes contain at least a part of silk material. When the silk information is input, steam is injected.

[0061] The present invention drives the first heater and the compressor to perform sterilization.

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

[0063] When performing sterilization, the first heater is controlled to repeat driving and stopping.

[0064] When performing sterilization, when the internal temperature of the inner case rises above the target temperature, the drive of the first heater is stopped. When the internal temperature of the inner case drops below the sterilization temperature, the first heater is driven.

Effect of the Invention

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

[0066] The present invention has the effect that the time for clothing to be affected by heat and moisture is also reduced, and the durability of the clothing can be further ensured.

[0067] The present invention arranges a section for simultaneously driving a heater that generates steam and a compressor that heats a refrigerant, and has the effect that it is possible to improve the drying performance and reduce the drying process time.

[0068] The present invention arranges the section for simultaneously driving the heater and the compressor before the section for drying the clothing, and has the effect that it is possible to ensure an increase in the initial temperature.

[0069] The present invention has the effect that the amount of steam and the amount of power consumed can be adjusted by arranging a plurality of heaters that generate steam separately.

[0070] The present invention has the effect that it is possible to perform a refreshing process such as deodorization, wrinkle removal, and drying even on clothing such as silk and cashmere that are vulnerable to moisture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0072] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations in different embodiments, and the description thereof replaces the first description. The singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Further, when it is determined that a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification in explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, note that the attached drawings are only for easily understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and it should not be construed that the technical idea disclosed in this specification is limited by the attached drawings.

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

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

[0075] The door 400 includes a main body body 410 that forms the front surface of the cabinet 100, and an installation body 420 that extends from one side of the main body body 410 and is provided with a display for displaying information on the clothing treatment apparatus.

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

[0077] On the one hand, at least a part of the installation body 420 is arranged to overlap in the front-rear direction from behind the main body 410. Thereby, the step 430 serves as a handle.

[0078] The installation body 420 is provided with a different material or a different hue from the main body 410. Further, the installation body 420 is provided with a translucent material through which the light emitted from the display passes.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3(b), an inner case 200 having a storage space 220 for storing clothes is provided inside the cabinet 100. The inner case 200 is provided with an opening 210 through which clothes enter and exit in the front, and the opening 210 is shielded by the door 400.

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

[0081] The inner case 200 is provided with a height longer than the width. Thereby, the clothes are stored in the storage space 220 in a state where they are not folded or wrinkled.

[0082] The clothing treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a hanging portion 500 for hanging clothes in the storage space 220 of the inner case 200.

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

[0084] When the clothes are hung on the hanger portion 510, the clothes are arranged in a floating state in the air inside the storage space 220.

[0085] On the other hand, the hanging portion 500 is coupled to the inner surface of the door 400 and further includes a pressing portion 520 for fixing the clothes.

[0086] The hanger portion 510 is provided in a rod shape along the width direction of the inner case 200 and is provided to support a hanger on which clothing is hung. Further, as shown in the drawing, the hanger portion 510 is provided in a hanger shape and is provided so that clothing can be directly hung.

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

[0088] The hanging portion 500 is provided on the door 400 and includes a pressing portion 520 that presses and fixes the clothing. The pressing portion 520 includes a support portion 522 fixed to the inner surface of the door 400 and supporting one surface of the clothing, and a pressing portion 521 that presses the clothing supported by the support portion 522.

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

[0090] Thereby, the pressing portion 521 and the support portion 522 can press both surfaces of the clothing to remove wrinkles in the clothing and generate an intended crease.

[0091] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a mechanical chamber 300 in which one or more of hot air or steam is supplied to the storage space 220, or various devices for purifying or dehumidifying the external air of the cabinet 100 are provided.

[0092] The mechanical chamber 300 is arranged separately or partitioned from the inner case 200, but is provided so as to communicate with the inner case 200.

[0093] The machine room 300 is disposed below the inner case 200. Thereby, hot air and steam with low specific gravity are supplied to the inner case 200, and the hot air and steam are naturally supplied to the clothes.

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

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

[0096] The machine room 300 includes a steam supply unit 800 that supplies steam to the inside of the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 is provided to directly supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200. The detailed structure will be described later.

[0097] For this purpose, the inner case 200 includes a plurality of through holes 230 that penetrate one surface and communicate with the machine room 300.

[0098] Air in the accommodation space 220 is supplied to the machine room 300 through the through hole 230, and one or more of hot air or steam generated from the machine room 300 are supplied to the accommodation space 200.

[0099] The through hole 230 is an inflow hole 231 through which the air inside the inner case 200 is discharged or inhaled through the lower surface of the inner case 200, and an exhaust hole 232 through which hot air generated from the machine room 300 is discharged through the lower surface of the inner case 200.

[0100] The discharge hole 232 is disposed to be offset toward the back surface among the lower surfaces of the inner case 200. For example, the discharge hole 232 is disposed to be inclined toward the ground between the lower surface or the back surface of the inner case 200 and is disposed to face the hanger part 510.

[0101] Also, the inflow hole 231 is disposed to be offset toward the front among the lower surfaces of the inner case 200. Accordingly, the inflow hole 231 is disposed at a distance from the discharge hole 232.

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

[0103] On the other hand, in front of the machine room 300, there are provided a water supply bucket 30 that supplies water to the steam supply unit 800 and a drainage bucket 40 that collects the condensed water condensed by the heat supply unit 340.

[0104] The water supply bucket 30 and the drainage bucket 40 are detachably provided in front of the machine room 300. Accordingly, the clothing treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to a water supply source or a drainage source and can be freely provided.

[0105] On the other hand, in front of the machine room 300, there is further provided a drawer 50 that enters and exits forward and has another storage space. A steam generator or an iron may be placed in the drawer 50.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the machine room of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

[0108] Inside the machine room 300, a configuration for supplying hot air to the clothing processing space, circulating the air inside the clothing processing space, supplying steam to the clothing processing space, or cleaning the air outside the cabinet is arranged.

[0109] The machine room 300 includes a base portion 310 for arranging a space for supporting or installing various devices. The base portion 310 provides an area where various devices are provided.

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

[0111] The circulation duct 320 is provided in a case shape with an open upper surface, and a part of the configuration of the heat supply unit 340 is provided inside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0118] The machine room 300 includes a base cover 360 provided to communicate the circulation duct 320 with the inflow hole 231.

[0119] The base cover 360 is coupled to the upper part of the circulation duct 320 and is provided to guide the air inhaled from the inflow hole 231 into the circulation duct 320.

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

[0121] The base cover 360 includes an inflow portion 362 that connects the inflow hole 231 and the circulation duct 320. The inflow portion 362 is provided in a duct shape and serves as an intake duct that transmits the internal air of the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0122] The machine room 300 is provided with a steam supply unit 800 that is connected to the water supply bucket 30 to supply water, generate steam, and supply the steam to the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 is seated and disposed on the upper part of the base cover 360.

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

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

[0125] The fan installation part 350 is provided with an exhaust duct 352 provided to communicate the circulation duct 320 with the discharge hole 232.

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

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

[0128] On the other hand, the base part 310 is provided with a compressor installation part 313 where the compressor 342 that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchangers 341 and 343 is provided. The compressor installation part 313 is disposed outside the circulation duct 320.

[0129] Also, the base part 310 is provided with a control part or a control panel 700 that controls the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0130] The base part 310 is provided with a control part installation part 312 that forms a space into which the control part 700 is inserted at the lower part of the circulation duct 320.

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

[0132] Since the control unit 700 is inserted into and supported by the base unit 310, vibrations and impacts applied to the control unit 700 can be buffered. Also, since the control unit 700 is arranged close to all the electronic components, the occurrence of control errors such as noise can be minimized.

[0133] Also, a steam supply unit is arranged above the circulation duct 320, and the control unit 700 is arranged below the circulation duct 320. Thus, the circulation duct 320 is provided in a straight duct shape between the steam supply unit 800 and the control unit 700. Therefore, the flow path resistance of the air passing through the circulation duct 320 can be minimized.

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

[0135] As a result, the base unit 310 can enter and exit the machinery room 300 from the front or the rear, and can be easily installed and maintained.

[0136] FIG. 5 shows the structure of the machinery room base of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

[0138] The base unit 310 is provided on a base plate that forms the lower surface of the clothing treatment apparatus. The base unit 310 itself forms the lower surface of the clothing treatment apparatus.

[0139] The base unit 310 includes a base bottom 311 that forms a support surface. The base bottom 311 forms the lower surface of the clothing treatment apparatus. Also, the base bottom 311 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 that forms the lower surface of the clothing treatment apparatus.

[0140] The base portion 310 integrally includes the circulation duct 320 that forms at least a part of the flow path through which air moves. The circulation duct 320 is formed to extend upward from the base bottom portion 311.

[0141] The circulation duct 320 includes a duct body 321 that extends from the base bottom portion 311 to form a flow path, a heat exchanger installation portion 3212 that provides a space inside the duct body 321 where the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 is provided, and an air discharge portion 323 that is provided behind the duct body 321 and through which the air in the duct body 321 is discharged.

[0142] The air discharge portion 323 is provided in a pipe shape that extends rearward from the duct body 321. The diameter of the air discharge portion 323 is provided to be smaller than the width of the duct body 321.

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

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

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

[0146] The circulation duct 320 is provided with a damper that opens and closes the outside air intake portion 322. By opening and closing the damper, the inflow of outside air into the circulation duct 320 is allowed or blocked.

[0147] The base portion 310 includes a compressor installation portion 312 that provides a space where the compressor 342 is provided. The compressor installation portion 312 is formed on one side of the base bottom portion 311 and is formed integrally with the base bottom portion 311.

[0148] The compressor installation part 312 is formed with protrusions for supporting the compressor 342. The compressor installation part 312 is disposed offset rearward of the base part 310. The compressor installation part 312 is disposed such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the air discharge part 323 in the width direction.

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

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

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

[0152] FIG. 6 shows the structure of the circulation duct of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

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

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

[0156] The front surface of the duct body 321 is disposed at a distance rearward from the front end of the base bottom 311.

[0157] Thereby, the base bottom 311 secures a support surface 3111 on which one or more of the above-described water supply bucket 30 or drainage bucket 40 and the outside air duct 370 are provided and supported.

[0158] On the other hand, the heat supply unit 340 is provided inside the circulation duct 320, and includes an evaporator 341 provided as a heat exchanger that cools and dehumidifies the air flowing into the circulation duct 320, and a condenser 343 provided as a heat exchanger that heats the air that has passed through the evaporator 341 to form hot air, a compressor 342 that supplies a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the air to the condenser 343 and is disposed outside the circulation duct 320, and an expansion valve 344 that expands and cools the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 343.

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

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

[0161] On the other hand, the sum of the length of the evaporator 341 and the length of the condenser 343 is provided to be smaller than the length of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212. Thereby, the length in the front-rear direction of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 is provided to be equal to or smaller than half of the length of the duct body 321.

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

[0163] On the one hand, the interior of the duct body 321 includes an installation partition wall 3211 that divides the inside of the heat exchanger installation part 3212 and the outside of the heat exchanger installation part 3212. The installation partition wall 3211 protrudes from the side surface of the duct body 321 and is provided to support the front of the evaporator 341.

[0164] Also, the duct body 321 is extended rearward with its width expanded with reference to the installation partition wall 3211.

[0165] As a result, the width of the heat exchanger installation part 3212 is provided to be larger than half of the width of the base part 310. Also, the width of the circulation duct 320 is provided to be larger than half of the width of the base part 310.

[0166] The width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 are also provided to be larger than half of the overall width of the base part 310.

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

[0168] Also, the fan housing 350 is arranged to overlap with the condenser 343 or the evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the air that has passed through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 flows into the fan housing 350 without the flow path bending. That is, there is an effect that the flow loss can be minimized without the flow path bending in the process of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 moving to the fan housing.

[0169] FIG. 7 shows the shape of the circulation duct of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0170] The base part 310 is integrally formed with the base bottom 310 and the circulation flow path 320 by die casting.

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

[0172] The width of the lower surface 321a of the duct body 321 is provided to be longer than the width of the upper surface 321b of the duct body 321.

[0173] Specifically, the distance between the wall surfaces of the opposing duct bodies 321 is formed to increase as it is farther from the base bottom 311. The distance between the left side surface and the right side surface of the opposing circulation channels increases along the pulling-out direction of the mold. This makes it easier to remove the mold.

[0174] On the other hand, the air discharge part 323 includes an air extension pipe 3231 that extends from the rear of the duct body 321 with a decreasing diameter or width, and an air discharge pipe 3232 that extends in a uniform pipe shape from the air extension pipe 3231 and forms a hollow 3233 inside. The air extension pipe 3231 functions as a nozzle and increases the speed of the discharged air.

[0175] Also, the mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is removed as shown in the figure. After being pulled forward from the inside of the air discharge part 323 toward the inside of the circulation channel 320, it is removed toward the open surface above the circulation channel 320. In such a process, a structure is formed that facilitates the pulling out of the mold.

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

[0177] The installation partition wall 3211 protrudes inward from the inner wall of the duct body 321, or the outer wall of the circulation duct is recessed inward.

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

[0179] The mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is pulled out forward of the air discharge part 323 and then pulled out upward and removed. When the mold for forming the air discharge part 323 is pulled out forward from the inside of the air discharge part 323, it is necessary to prevent interference with the heat exchanger installation partition wall. For this purpose, the design values of the air discharge part 323 are adjusted.

[0180] Specifically, when forming the air discharge part 323, based on the parting line 3233 of the illustrated air discharge part 323, a mold for forming the front side and a mold for forming the rear side are provided separately. As a result, the removal directions of the molds are also different from each other. The mold for forming the portion located forward with reference to the parting line of the air discharge part 323 is pulled out forward, and the mold for forming the portion located rearward with reference to the parting line of the air discharge part 323 is pulled out rearward.

[0181] That is, in order to prevent the mold pulled out forward from interfering with the heat exchanger installation partition wall during the pulling-out process, in the illustration, the distance 1 (323a) is provided to be smaller than the distance 2 (321c). The distance 1 (323a) means the distance between the parting line of the air discharge part 323 and the front end of the air discharge part 323. Also, the distance 1 (323a) means the distance between the parting line of the air discharge part 323 and the rear opening of the circulation duct. The distance 2 (321c) means the distance between the front end of the air discharge part 323 and the heat exchanger installation partition wall. Also, the distance 2 (323a) means the distance between the rear opening of the circulation duct and the heat exchanger installation partition wall 3211.

[0182] FIG. 9 shows in detail the structure of the water storage part of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

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

[0185] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a water storage portion 326 in which a part of the bottom surface of the duct body 321 is recessed to collect the condensed water condensed by the evaporator 341.

[0186] The water storage portion 326 is a space provided with a part of the bottom surface of the duct body 321 being recessed, and forms one side surface of the control unit installation portion 313.

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

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

[0189] At least a part of the upper surface of the water storage portion 326 is arranged side by side with the heat exchanger installation portion 313.

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

[0191] The drain pipe 3263 projects from the lower part of the water storage portion 362 to the outside of the circulation duct 320. The drain pipe 32634 discharges the water stored in the water storage portion to the outside of the base portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water collected in the water storage portion 326 from rotting or flowing back to the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 again.

[0192] The circulation duct 320 includes the partition wall 3211 that extends from the inner surface of the duct body 321. The partition wall 3211 protrudes inward from the inner wall of the circulation duct 320, or the outer wall of the circulation duct 320 is recessed inward to protrude inward. The partition wall 3211 guides the positions where the heat exchangers 341 and 343 are provided, and can prevent the air entering the heat exchanger from bypassing the heat exchanger and passing through.

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

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

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

[0196] FIG. 11 shows an inclined structure related to the water storage part.

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

[0198] The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and the bottom surface of the water storage part 326 are provided with a predetermined inclination.

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

[0200] The bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is arranged to be inclined by an angle 1(a) toward the water storage part 326 with reference to the ground or the bottom surface of the base part 310.

[0201] Also, the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is provided to be inclined downward from the rear to the front toward the drain pipe 3263. The bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct is arranged to be inclined by an angle 2(b) from the rear to the front with reference to the bottom surface of the base part 310.

[0202] As a result, the water condensed on the bottom surface of the circulation duct moves forward and moves toward the water storage part 326.

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

[0204] The drain pipe 3263 is arranged to be biased toward the inner surface rather than the outer surface of the water storage part 326.

[0205] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage part is provided with an inclination that becomes lower toward the inside of the circulation duct 320 with reference to the bottom surface of the base part 310.

[0206] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage part is provided to be inclined by an angle 3(c) with reference to the bottom surface of the base part 310, and the inclination direction of the bottom surface 3261 of the water storage part is opposite to the inclination of the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct.

[0207] The angle 3(c) is an angle that inclines downward in the direction away from the partition wall 3211.

[0208] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage part is provided to have an inclination that becomes lower toward the drain pipe 3263.

[0209] The bottom surface 3261 of the water storage part is provided to be inclined by an inclination 4(d) that becomes lower from the rear to the front with reference to the base part 310.

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

[0211] The mold for molding the water storage portion 326 is pulled out from the upper part and removed. At this time, in order to facilitate the removal of the mold, the side wall of the water storage portion 326 is provided in a tapered shape. Specifically, it is provided such that the cross-sectional area increases along the pulling-out direction of the mold. In other words, the periphery of the upper surface of the water storage portion 326 is provided to be larger than the periphery of the bottom surface of the water storage portion 326.

[0212] The front surface of the water storage portion 326 is inclined forward as it goes upward. The rear surface of the water storage portion 326 is inclined backward as it goes upward. Each of the left and right side surfaces of the water storage portion 326 is inclined to the left and right as it goes upward.

[0213] FIG. 12 shows the structures of the water storage portion and the residual water treatment portion.

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

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

[0216] The filter 3264 is provided in the recessed portion 3262, and it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being discharged to the outside of the drain pipe 3263.

[0217] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a residual water treatment portion 330 that collects the water collected in the water storage portion 326 into the drain bucket 40.

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

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

[0220] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the residual water treatment unit of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0221] Since the condensed water collected in the water storage unit 326 needs to be collected in the drainage bucket 40, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a residual water treatment unit 330 that collects the condensed water in the drainage bucket 40.

[0222] On the other hand, since the drainage bucket 40 is provided in front of the duct body 321, it is advantageous that the residual water treatment unit 330 is also provided in front of the duct body 321.

[0223] On the other hand, the residual water treatment unit 330 provides a part of the structure connecting the drainage pump 331 and the drainage bucket 40 to the base unit 310. Thus, when the drainage bucket 40 is at full water level or condensed water flows back from the drainage bucket 40, the condensed water is transmitted back inside the base unit 310 and circulated to the water storage unit 326. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from flowing out to the outside of the base unit 310.

[0224] The water storage unit 326 includes a drain pipe 3263 that discharges the condensed water to the outside of the water storage unit 326. The drain pipe 3263 extends forward from the base unit 310.

[0225] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes a drainage pump 331 that provides power to transmit the water discharged to the drain pipe 3263 to the drainage bucket 40.

[0226] The residual water treatment unit 330 extends from one side of the circulation duct and includes an inflow pipe 332 that communicates with the drain pump 331.

[0227] The residual water treatment unit 330 includes a discharge pipe 334 that communicates with the inflow pipe 332 and transmits the condensed water to the drain bucket 40. The discharge pipe 334 is integrally provided on the base portion 310.

[0228] The residual water treatment unit 330 further includes a guide pipe 333 provided below the discharge pipe. The guide pipe 333 is provided to communicate the drain bucket 40 and the circulation duct 320. When the water level of the drain bucket 40 is above the set water level, the guide pipe 333 guides the water inside the drain bucket back into the circulation duct 320.

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

[0230] As a result, even when the drain bucket 40 is at the full water level, the condensed water flows into the circulation duct 320 via the guide pipe 333, so that it is possible to prevent the water in the drain bucket 40 from overflowing.

[0231] Deletion of the drawing of the water flow path configuration

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

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

[0234] The water cover can prevent the bottom surface of the circulation duct from being exposed to the outside. Also, the water cover forms a support surface on which the evaporator and the condenser are supported. The water cover supports the evaporator and the condenser at a distance from the bottom surface of the circulation duct. The water cover is provided so as to shield the upper surface of the water storage part. That is, the water cover functions as a cover for the water storage part.

[0235] The water cover 327 is provided so as to also shield the upper part of the water storage part 326. Thereby, it is possible to block the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 from receiving resistance due to the step between the water storage part 326 and the circulation duct 320.

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

[0237] Any one of the support ribs 3276 is supported by the recessed part 3262 or the filter 3264. Thereby, the support rib 3276 directly guides the water flowing along the water body 3271 to the drain pipe 3263.

[0238] FIG. 15 shows a state in which the water cover is attached to the circulation duct.

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

[0240] The water cover 327 can block the exposure of the water storage part 326 in a region facing the inflow part 362 or a region where outside air flows in.

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

[0242] Also, the water cover 327 can prevent the positions of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 from changing.

[0243] The water body 3271 of the water cover 327 is provided with an inclination parallel to the base portion 310. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the air flowing into the evaporator 341 from receiving unnecessary inclination resistance.

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

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

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

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

[0248] The water cover 327 further includes a water outlet 3275 that penetrates the water body 3271 and is disposed at a distance from the through hole 3272. The water outlet 3275 is disposed in a region facing the water storage part 326.

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

[0250] In addition, the water outlet 3275 guides the water that has overflowed from the drain bucket 40 to the water storage part 326.

[0251] The water cover 327 includes a separation rib 3273 supported by the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 in the water body 3271. The separation rib 3273 is provided to correspond to the inclination of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and is provided to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320, and can block the movement of the air between the water body 3271 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

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

[0253] On the other hand, the water cover 327 further includes an avoidance part 3277 that prevents interference with the partition wall 3211 of the circulation duct. The avoidance part 3277 is formed by being recessed from the side surface of the water body 3271. The avoidance part 3277 is provided to correspond to the shape of the partition wall.

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

[0255] FIG. 17 shows the structure of a control unit installation part provided in the base of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

[0257] The control unit 700 is provided so as to be able to control all the devices necessary for the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention to execute any course for performing a clothing refresh process. The control unit 700 is provided with a PCB board, but is not limited thereto, and is provided with various devices for control.

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

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

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

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

[0262] The control unit 700 is drawn in by a sliding method from the rear to the front of the control unit installation part 313.

[0263] On the surface of the control unit 700, a bracket 3131 provided so as to surround the control unit is further provided. The bracket 3131 is disposed above and below the control unit and can prevent foreign matter from flowing into the control unit.

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

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

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

[0267] For example, the control unit 700 is disposed to incline toward the water storage unit 326. Thereby, when water flows out to the upper part of the control unit 700, the water can quickly leave the control unit 700, and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 is formed to incline toward the water storage unit 326.

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

[0269] The control unit installation part 313 includes ribs 3134 protruding from both side surfaces of the installation part. The supporter 3132 of the control unit is hung on the upper side of the rib 3134.

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

[0271] The rib 3134 is formed integrally with the base part 310. The rib 3134 is formed together when the base part 310 is injection-molded and is provided integrally with components such as the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320.

[0272] On the front surface of the control unit 700, a protruding projection 3133 is provided. Also, on the inner side surface of the control unit installation part 313, a guide protruding rearward is provided. The projection is coupled to the guide. The projection is inserted into the guide. When the control unit is drawn into the control unit installation part, the control unit is aligned to the correct position by a method of coupling the projection to the guide.

[0273] Also, both side surfaces of the control unit are positioned by a method in which the supporter seats on the rib as described above. Using such a coupling process, the control unit can be coupled to the correct position of the control unit installation part without another fastening member.

[0274] FIG. 18 shows the structure of the air discharge part 323 of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0275] The base part 310 includes an air discharge part 323 that discharges the processed air toward the fan housing.

[0276] The air discharge part 323 is provided inside the circulation duct 320 or so as to communicate the duct body 321 with the fan housing 350. The air discharge part 323 is provided in a bellmouth shape. Being provided in a bellmouth shape can reduce the flow loss of air and improve the efficiency of air circulation.

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

[0278] The fan installation part 350 is coupled to and supported by the air discharge pipe 3232. The fan housing 351 is provided with a coupling hole coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the air discharge pipe 3232, and the blower fan 353 is arranged in the coupling hole.

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

[0280] The fan housing 351 and the discharge duct 352 accommodate the blower fan 353 inside and form a flow path through which air moves.

[0281] The motor that rotates the blower fan 353 is coupled to and supported outside the fan housing 351.

[0282] FIG. 19 shows the structure of the base cover of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

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

[0284] The base cover 360 is coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 and includes an inflow body 361 that communicates the inner case 200 with the circulation duct 320, and a shielding body 363 that extends from the inflow body 361 and shields the circulation duct 320.

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

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

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

[0288] The inflow body 361 is provided with an inflow portion 362 through which the air in the inner case 200 passes.

[0289] Specifically, the base cover 360 includes a first rib 362a that extends along the width direction of the inflow body 361, and a second rib 362b that is spaced apart rearward from the first rib 362a and extends along the width direction of the inflow body 361.

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

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

[0292] The first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623 are provided with the same area, and the second inlet 36222 is provided with an area smaller than that of the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3622.

[0293] The base cover 360 includes a damper part 364 provided to open and close the inflow part 362, and a drive part 365 coupled to the damper part 364 to control the opening and closing of the damper part 364.

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

[0295] The first damper part 3641 is provided in a plate shape with an area corresponding to the first inlet 3621, and is rotatably coupled to both side surfaces of the inflow body 361 inside the first inlet 3621.

[0296] The second damper part 3642 is provided in a plate shape with an area corresponding to the third inlet 3622, and is rotatably coupled to both side surfaces of the inflow body 361 inside the third inlet 3622.

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

[0298] The cutoff filter 366 is inserted into the second inlet 3622 and is provided to partition the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623. The cutoff filter 366 is arranged to extend from the second inlet 3622 to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

[0299] The cutoff filter 366 is provided as a filter capable of filtering up to the moisture. For example, the cutoff filter 366 is provided with a HEPA filter or the like.

[0300] On the other hand, when the cutoff filter 366 is inserted, a shielding member for shielding the second inlet 3622 is further coupled to the second inlet 3622.

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

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

[0303] The air accommodated inside the inner case 200 may flow into the circulation duct 320 along the first inlet 3621 by the drive unit 365, or may flow into the circulation duct 320 along the third inlet 3623.

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

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

[0306] The base cover 360 includes a shielding body 363 that extends from the inflow body 361 and shields the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The shielding body 363 is provided in a plate shape.

[0307] The base cover 360 is detachably coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 by an inflow hook 3612 that extends from the lower surface of the inflow body 361.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0315] The outside air duct 370 includes an extending duct 372 that extends forward from the outside air intake portion 322, and an intake duct 371 that extends forward from the extending duct 372 and into which outside air flows.

[0316] The intake duct 371 extends from the lower portion of the extending duct 372, and the water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are disposed above it. The water supply bucket 30 and the drain bucket 40 are coupled to or seated on the intake duct 371.

[0317] The intake duct 371 includes an outside air port 3711 into which outside air is inhaled at one end or the free end, and a partitioning rib 3712 provided so as to partition the outside air port 3711.

[0318] The outside air port 3711 is disposed below the door 400 and is provided so as not to be shielded by the door 400.

[0319] The partitioning rib 3712 is provided so as to partition the inside of the outside air port 3711 and is provided so as to block foreign objects and the user's body from being inserted.

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

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

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

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

[0324] Also, the outside air is filtered while passing through the blocking filter 366 and is discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 again.

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

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

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

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

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

[0330] This state is a state where no steam is supplied to the inner case 200. This is because when steam is supplied to the inner case 200, the moisture wets the filter 600 and the performance of the filter 366 cannot be guaranteed.

[0331] As a result, whether the inner case 200 is in a state where steam is not supplied, before steam is supplied into the inner case 200, or even after steam is supplied into the inner case 200 and the humidity becomes low, the air inside the inner case 200 passes through the first inlet 3641 and then through the filter 366 to filter lint such as foreign matter.

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

[0333] When the blower fan 352 is driven, the air inside the inner case 200 flows into the third inlet 3623. Since the third inlet 3623 is provided downstream of the cutoff filter 366, the air flowing into the third inlet 3623 may not pass through the cutoff filter 366.

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

[0335] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger passes through the fan installation portion 350 and is supplied into the inner case 200.

[0336] As a result, when the inner case 200 is in a state where steam is supplied or when the humidity inside the inner case 200 is very high, the air in the inner case 200 is made to flow into the third inlet 3623, the inflow into the first inlet 3621 is blocked, and the cutoff filter 366 is blocked from being exposed to moisture.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 21(c), the outside air damper 373 is controlled in a state where it opens the outside air intake portion 322, the first damper 3641 shields the first inlet 3621, and the second damper 3642 shields the third inlet 3623.

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

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

[0340] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger passes through the fan installation portion 350 and is supplied into the inner case 200 to supply fresh hot air to the clothes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0347] The installation bracket 870 is coupled to the base cover 360 and fixes the steam case 810.

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

[0349] The installation bracket 870 further includes one or more fixing clips 873 that extend from the side panel 872 and prevent the detachment of the steam case 810.

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

[0351] The compressor 342 is disposed below the steam supply unit 800.

[0352] The installation bracket 870 is provided to block the transmission of heat generated from the compressor or heat generated from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the steam supply unit 800.

[0353] The installation bracket 870 can also block the transfer of a fire to the steam supply unit 800 if a fire occurs in the compressor 342.

[0354] On one hand, the base cover 360 includes a fastening portion 3631 provided on the shielding body 363 and detachably coupled to the steam supply unit 800. The fastening portion 3631 is configured to be detachably coupled to a protruding portion protruding from the lower part of the steam case 810.

[0355] Accordingly, even if a large amount of water is stored inside the steam case 810, the steam case 810 can stably seat on the base cover 360.

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

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

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

[0359] The steam case 810 is provided in a case shape with an open upper part and is configured to accommodate the heater unit 840.

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

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

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

[0363] The case body 811 is provided in a shape with an open top, and various components can be easily provided inside the case body 811.

[0364] The case body 811 includes a heater insertion hole 8111 through which one side is penetrated and the heater 840 is inserted or pulled out.

[0365] The case body 811 is provided with a return water pipe 814 for discharging the water stored inside to the outside.

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

[0367] Thereby, when repairing the steam case 800 or preventing freezing breakage of the steam case 800, the water inside the steam case 800 is discharged through the return water pipe 814.

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

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

[0370] On one hand, the steam supply unit 800 is provided with a water supply pipe 815 through which water is supplied. The water supply pipe 815 communicates with the water supply tank 30 and is provided to supply water.

[0371] The water supply pipe 815 is provided in the case cover 820 or disposed on the upper part of the steam case 810. Thereby, water is prevented from flowing back again through the water supply pipe 815.

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

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

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

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

[0376] On the other hand, the case cover 820 is provided with an insertion hole 864 for the steam sensor 860. The steam sensor 860 includes a detection device 861 inserted into the insertion hole 864 to detect whether steam is generated inside the steam case 810, a support base 863 for fixing the detection device 861 to the case cover 820, and a coupling member 862 for coupling the support base 863 to the case cover 820.

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

[0378] On the other hand, the case cover 820 is provided with a cover hook 821 that extends forward and is coupled to the base cover 860.

[0379] Also, behind the case cover 820, a fixing protrusion 822 for fixing the lower part of the inner case 200 or another steam discharge part 900 is also provided.

[0380] The heater unit 840 is inserted into the heater insertion hole 8111, housed in the steam case 810, and is provided to heat water when power is supplied.

[0381] The heater unit 840 is provided with a sheath heater or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 700 to repeat driving and stopping.

[0382] The heater unit 840 includes a first heater 841 that is supplied with a first power to heat water, and a second heater 842 that is supplied with a power greater than the first power to heat water.

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

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

[0385] For example, when the general maximum heater power allowed for the heater unit 840 is 1500 w, the first heater 841 is provided to consume 600 w, and the second heater 842 is provided to consume 880 w. The 20 w may be distributed in a small amount considering errors and the like.

[0386] Of course, the heater unit 840 may include three or more heaters. For example, it includes the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the third heater 843, and the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the third heater 843 are provided to consume the maximum heater power separately.

[0387] Hereinafter, an explanation will be given based on the assumption that the heater unit 340 is provided as the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

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

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

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

[0391] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are arranged at the same height. Therefore, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are provided to heat water at the same water level to generate steam.

[0392] As a result, the control unit 700 uses both or selectively uses the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to adjust the amount of generated steam and the amount of consumed power.

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

[0394] The steam case 810 has a heating space 817 that stores water inside and houses the heater unit 840.

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

[0396] On the other hand, the steam generated when the heater unit 840 is driven in the steam case 810 is discharged to the outside of the steam supply unit 800 along the steam hose 8131 through the steam discharge pipe 813.

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

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

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

[0400] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the vibration of water generated when the water boils from being transmitted to the water level sensor 850, and to prevent the heat generated from the heater unit 840 from being directly transmitted to the water level sensor 850.

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

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

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

[0404] Also, the upper part is surrounded by the fixing clip 831 to prevent the water level at which the heater unit 840 is disposed from varying.

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

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

[0407] Even if the diameters of the first support hole 8441 and the second support hole 8442 are different from each other, the provided heights are the same.

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

[0409] FIG. 26 shows the process in which a conventional clothing treatment apparatus and the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention perform a standard course.

[0410] The power consumption limit of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is set. For example, the power consumption limit is smaller than the power consumption when the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0411] Also, the power consumption limit is larger than the power consumption when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously.

[0412] Also, the power consumption limit is larger than the power consumption when the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0413] Also, the power consumption limit is larger than the power consumption when the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

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

[0415] Also, in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, either one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously. Thereby, the steam can be supplied into the inner case 200, and hot air can be supplied into the inner case 200.

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

[0417] Also, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention drives only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to adjust the steam supply amount. Therefore, a sufficient refresh process can be performed even on materials that are vulnerable to moisture and temperature, such as silk or cashmere.

[0418] In addition, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can drive the compressor 342 together when supplying steam, reducing the power consumption required for steam supply by using only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0419] FIG. 26(a) shows a control method of a conventional clothing treatment apparatus.

[0420] When a course for refreshing clothing is performed, a conventional clothing treatment apparatus performs a steam preparation stage (A1) in which a heater is driven to heat water, and a steam injection stage (A2) in which the steam is supplied to the clothing when the water is heated to generate steam.

[0421] At this time, since the purpose of the conventional clothing treatment apparatus is to supply moisture to dry cloth-like clothing, the amount of steam injection is large, and the power consumption of the heater is also very large. Therefore, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus has a limitation that it cannot drive the heater and the compressor simultaneously.

[0422] Therefore, in the steam injection stage (A2), the conventional clothing treatment apparatus drives only the heater.

[0423] After that, a standby stage (A3) is performed to provide a time for the clothing to be moistened by the supplied steam. After that, a cooling stage (A4) is performed in which only the blower fan operates to prevent thermal damage to the clothing before driving the compressor. When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 decreases and the moisture content of the clothing is sufficient, a drying stage (A5) is performed to drive the compressor.

[0424] In the drying stage (A5), the moisture contained in the clothing is dried, and a refreshing process such as deodorization and wrinkle removal of the clothing is performed. The drying stage (A5) is set to have the longest duration among all the stages performed previously.

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

[0426] Therefore, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus can ensure the refresh performance including any one of complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of the clothing only after the drying stage (A5) continues relatively long.

[0427] However, as described above, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can drive the heater and the compressor simultaneously. In other words, even if the maximum allowable power amount of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is the same as that of the conventional clothing treatment apparatus and the power consumption amount of the entire heater is the same or similar, since the heater is divided into a plurality of parts, a part of the heater and the compressor can be driven simultaneously.

[0428] Therefore, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can quickly increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200 before the drying stage by driving the heater and the compressor simultaneously before the drying stage, and can ensure the absolute time required for complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of the clothing. As a result, the duration of the drying stage can be reduced. At this time, since the duration of the drying stage is set to be the longest, by reducing the duration of the drying stage, the entire duration of the refresh process can be significantly reduced. Also, by reducing the driving time of the compressor, the energy efficiency can be significantly increased.

[0429] FIG. 26(B) shows an embodiment of the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0430] When any course for refreshing or managing the clothing is performed in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, a steam preparation stage (B1) for driving the heater unit 340 is performed to supply steam to the clothing.

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

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

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

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

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

[0436] Therefore, after the preheating stage (B2), steam is supplied to the inner case 200 using only one of the first heater 341 and the second heater 342 to increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and increase the moisture content of the clothing, and an extra amount of available power is also ensured.

[0437] In the preheating stage (B2), the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can drive the compressor 342 simultaneously to supply hot air to the inner case 200.

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

[0439] Further, when the clothing reaches the optimal temperature or the minimum temperature required for refreshing from the preheating stage (B2), the time of the subsequent drying stage can be significantly reduced.

[0440] In the preheating stage (B2), it includes a section in which either one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously and a section in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

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

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

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

[0444] The first section can supply hot air and steam to the inner case 200, and raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the amount of heat of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320.

[0445] The second section can supply hot air to the inside of the inner case 200 in earnest, and satisfy the minimum temperature condition capable of performing refreshment such as deodorization, wrinkle removal, and sterilization of clothes.

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

[0447] Of course, in the preheating section (B2), the first heater 841 may be driven and the second heater 842 may not be driven. Thereby, the width of the temperature rise of the inner case 200 is not large in the preheating section (B2), but a small amount of steam can be injected to prevent the clothes from being damaged by moisture. Also, even when steam is injected for a longer time, since the width of the temperature rise is not large, more time required for sterilization and the like can be secured.

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

[0449] Of course, when the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rapidly rises during the preheating section (B2) or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 exceeds the reference temperature, the driving of the heater unit 340 is stopped.

[0450] That is, in the preheating section (B2), either one of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 is set to repeat driving and stopping (ON / OFF). Since the purpose of the preheating section (B2) is to rapidly increase the internal temperature of the inner case 200, the driving time of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 is set longer than the stopping time of the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842.

[0451] When the preheating section (B2) is completed, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention performs a steam injection stage (B3) for supplying steam to the inside of the inner case 200 in earnest. In the steam injection stage (B3), the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously, and a large amount of steam can be supplied to the inner case 200. Therefore, the clothing hung on the inner case 200 is supplied with steam in earnest in a state of being heated to a predetermined level in the preheating stage (B2), and the moisture content rate throughout the area can be increased.

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

[0453] When the steam injection stage (B3) is performed, a drying stage (B6) for drying the clothing with hot air is immediately performed. However, in order to ensure the time for the steam injected in the steam injection stage (B3) to penetrate the entire clothing, a waiting stage (B4) for waiting for a predetermined time is performed first.

[0454] In the waiting stage (B4), the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 are not driven. By the waiting stage (B4), it is possible to prevent the clothing from being dried before being completely exposed to the steam, and it is possible to prevent the clothing from being thermally damaged by immediately supplying hot air while the surface temperature of the clothing has risen due to the steam.

[0455] On the other hand, the drying stage (B6) is a stage of driving the compressor 342 to supply hot air to the inner case 200 in earnest. Therefore, if hot air is supplied immediately when the internal temperature of the inner case 200 does not fall below the safe temperature, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises above the limit temperature and the clothing is damaged.

[0456] Therefore, a cooling stage (B5) of driving the blower fan 352 is performed before performing the drying stage (B6). In the cooling stage (B5), the blower fan 352 is driven, and the driving of the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340 is stopped.

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

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

[0459] The drying stage (B6) is performed until the moisture content rate of the clothing becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined level. For example, when there is a large amount of moisture in the clothing, the temperature flowing into the circulation duct 320 due to the heat of vaporization may be maintained or may not rise rapidly when performing the drying stage (B6).

[0460] However, when most of the clothing is dried, since the heat of vaporization is small, the temperature flowing into the circulation duct 320 rises rapidly. By such a method, the dryness of the clothing can be ensured, and when the minimum time required for refreshing has elapsed, the driving of the compressor 342 is stopped and the drying stage (B6) is terminated.

[0461] In addition, in the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention, when the time during which the clothing is disposed at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum temperature condition reaches a time equal to or longer than the minimum time, the drying stage (B6) is terminated.

[0462] The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention further arranges a preheating stage (B2) before the drying stage (B6), and by increasing the total time during which the internal temperature of the inner case 200 reaches a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum condition temperature, the duration of the drying stage (B6) can be significantly reduced.

[0463] On the other hand, in the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention, the compressor 342 is driven in the preheating section (B2), and the state of stopping the driving of the compressor 342 is maintained from after stopping it until before performing the drying stage (B6).

[0464] FIG. 27 shows the effects of the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0465] FIG. 27(a) shows the process of performing the most basic standard course for refreshing clothing by a conventional clothing processing apparatus.

[0466] Conventional clothing treatment apparatuses perform a steam preparation stage (A1) of heating a heater to generate steam for about 2 minutes, and a steam injection stage (A2) of injecting the generated steam into the inner case 200 for about 5 minutes. After that, a standby stage (A3) of not driving the heater unit 340 and the compressor 342 is performed for about 5 minutes, and a cooling stage (A4) of driving the blower fan 352 is performed for about 1 minute. After that, a drying stage (A5) of driving the compressor 342 intensively to refresh the clothing is performed for about 26 minutes.

[0467] As a result, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus performs a clothing refresh process in a total of 39 minutes.

[0468] Referring to FIG. 27(b), the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention also performs a steam preparation stage (B1) of driving the heater unit 340 to generate steam for about 2 minutes. Since the total rated capacity of the heater unit 340 of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is not different from the rated capacity assigned to the heater of the conventional clothing treatment apparatus, the time for boiling water to generate steam is the same.

[0469] However, when steam is generated in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, a preheating stage (B2) of driving only a part of the heaters of the heater unit 340 to supply steam into the inner case 200 is performed for about 5 minutes.

[0470] In the preheating stage (B2), a part of the heaters of the heater unit 340 and the compressor can be driven simultaneously. For example, when the heater unit 340 includes two heaters, the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0471] When the preheating stage (B2) is completed, a steam injection stage (B3) is performed for 3 minutes by driving the heater unit 340 to supply steam into the inner case 200. That is, since steam is supplied in the preheating stage (B2), the steam injection stage (B3) is allocated less time than the steam injection stage (A2) of a conventional clothing treatment apparatus. In the steam injection stage (A2), all heaters of the heater unit 340 are driven. As a result, a sufficient amount of steam is quickly supplied into the inner case 200. Of course, only some of the heaters of the heater unit 340 may be driven as necessary.

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

[0473] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention similarly performs a cooling stage (B5) for driving the blower fan 352 for 1 minute.

[0474] As a result, since the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention further performs the preheating stage (B2), a drying stage (B6) for driving the compressor 342 is performed 2 minutes later than that of a conventional clothing treatment apparatus.

[0475] However, in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, since the time during which the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is maintained at or above the minimum condition temperature for achieving a refresh effect is ensured by the preheating stage (B2), the duration of the drying stage (B6) can be significantly reduced.

[0476] In addition, in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, since the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is maintained higher than before by the preheating stage (B2), the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump increases, and thereby the duration of the drying stage (B6) can be reduced.

[0477] For example, the drying stage (B6) is performed for about 20 minutes.

[0478] As a result, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention has an overall time of 35 minutes for the standard course, and the course time can be further shortened compared to conventional clothing treatment apparatuses. Therefore, the energy efficiency is high, the time during which the clothing is affected by heat and moisture is reduced, and the durability of the clothing can be further ensured.

[0479] FIG. 28 shows the processes of a conventional clothing treatment apparatus and the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention performing a sterilization course.

[0480] FIG. 28(a) shows that a conventional clothing treatment apparatus performs a sterilization course.

[0481] When a conventional clothing treatment apparatus performs a sterilization course, similar to the standard course, it performs a steam preparation stage (C1), a steam injection stage (C3), a standby stage (C4), a cooling stage (C4), and a drying stage (C5).

[0482] Microorganisms, bacteria, etc. can be exterminated only after maintaining a sterilization temperature (for example, 55° C. or higher) and a sterilization time (for example, 25 minutes or longer).

[0483] On the other hand, since hot air is supplied in the drying stage (c5), sterilization can be performed thereby. However, the purpose of the drying stage (c5) is not to maintain the surface temperature of the clothing above the sterilization temperature, but to dry the clothing, and the surface temperature of the clothing cannot be ensured to be above the sterilization temperature by the heat of vaporization of moisture.

[0484] Therefore, a conventional clothing treatment apparatus performs a sterilization stage (c2) for sterilizing bacteria before the steam injection stage (c3).

[0485] A conventional clothing treatment apparatus drives the compressor in the sterilization stage (c2) to keep the internal temperature of the inner case 200 above the sterilization temperature and above the sterilization time.

[0486] However, at the initial stage of the course, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 is low, sufficient heat exchange is not performed in the evaporator, and the coefficient of performance of the heat pump decreases. Further, since the inside of the inner case 200 is in a dry state, the temperature may change rapidly by the supply of hot air.

[0487] Therefore, in order for the conventional clothing treatment apparatus to reach the sterilization temperature in the sterilization stage (c2), it is necessary to drive the compressor for a longer time. When the compressor is driven, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises rapidly. Therefore, in order not to thermally damage the clothing, the driving of the compressor is stopped and repeated again at any time.

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

[0489] FIG. 28(b) shows a method in which the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention performs a sterilization course.

[0490] When the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention performs a sterilization course, a steam preparation stage (D1), a steam injection stage (D3), a standby stage (D4), a cooling stage (D5), and a drying stage (D6) are performed by the same operation methods of the compressor, the heater, and the blower fan as in the standard course.

[0491] In order for the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention to also maintain the surface of the clothing at a temperature above the sterilization temperature for the duration of the sterilization time, the sterilization stage (D2) is performed before the steam injection stage (D3).

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

[0493] Specifically, in the sterilization stage (D2) of the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, either one of the first heater unit 341 and the second heater unit 342 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously.

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

[0495] In addition, by increasing the specific heat inside the inner case 200 with the small amount of steam, the rate of increase and decrease of the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be decreased. Therefore, when the compressor 342 is driven, even if the overall average temperature rises, the rate of temperature increase is low, and even when the driving of the compressor 342 is stopped, the rate of temperature decrease is also low.

[0496] Therefore, since the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can very easily maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200 above the sterilization temperature, the time for stopping the driving of the compressor 342 and the number of times of stopping and then redriving the compressor itself can be significantly reduced.

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

[0498] Therefore, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can achieve the sterilization time maintained above the sterilization temperature in the sterilization stage (B2) even earlier, and can significantly reduce the duration of the sterilization stage (B2).

[0499] On the other hand, in the sterilization stage (B2), it is more advantageous to use the first heater unit 841, which has a lower power consumption than the second heater unit 842. This is because when the first heater unit 841 is driven, a smaller amount of steam is supplied to the inner case 200 than when the second heater unit 842 is driven, so the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be increased more gently, and it is easier to maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200.

[0500] Also, when driving the first heater unit 841, since a small amount of steam is supplied, the moisture content on the surface of the clothing cannot be significantly increased. Therefore, driving the first heater unit 841 can minimize the heat lost by the latent heat even when hot air is supplied to the surface of the clothing compared to driving the second heater unit 842, and it is easier to maintain the surface temperature of the clothing above the sterilization temperature.

[0501] In addition, since it is important for the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention to maintain the internal temperature of the inner case 200 at around the sterilization temperature for the sterilization time rather than increasing it, driving the first heater unit 841 with a small amount of steam generation is more advantageous under the sterilization conditions.

[0502] As a result, in the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention, the heater unit 340 can drive the heaters by dividing the maximum heater capacity, and can also adjust the amount of steam. Therefore, the duration of the sterilization stage (B2) can be significantly reduced.

[0503] For example, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can complete the sterilization stage (B2) in about 28 minutes. As a result, the duration of the entire sterilization course can be reduced, and energy can be further saved.

[0504] FIG. 29 shows an embodiment in which the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention treats clothing that is vulnerable to moisture or temperature.

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

[0506] Conventional clothing treatment apparatuses need to moisten the dry clothing with a moisture content above a predetermined level in order to refresh it. For this purpose, the rated capacity of the heater of the conventional clothing treatment apparatus is determined so that the heater unit 340 supplies a large amount of steam. As a result, the conventional clothing treatment apparatus has a limitation that it cannot refresh such fragile clothing at all.

[0507] However, since the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plurality of heaters that divide the maximum heater rating of the heater unit 340, it is possible to control the amount of steam supplied and the rate of increase in the internal temperature of the inner case 200 during steam injection.

[0508] Therefore, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is provided so that even such delicate clothing can be refreshed.

[0509] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention is provided with an input unit for inputting commands or information to the control unit 700 on a display panel or the like. The input unit is provided so that vulnerability information indicating that the clothing housed inside the inner case 200 is vulnerable to moisture or high temperatures can be input.

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

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

[0512] When the vulnerability information is input, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention may omit the preheating stage of driving the heater unit and the compressor simultaneously after the steam preparation stage.

[0513] Thereby, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can prevent the internal temperature of the inner case 200 from rising and damaging the clothing or the internal humidity of the inner case 200 from increasing and damaging the clothing by omitting the preheating stage.

[0514] In addition, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention can drive only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 in the steam injection stage after the preheating stage. Thereby, also in the steam injection stage, the amount of steam supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 can be minimized, and it is possible to prevent the clothing from being exposed to moisture.

[0515] After this, the standby stage, the cooling stage, and the drying stage are performed.

[0516] In addition, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention may further perform an additional cooling stage of additionally driving only the blower fan 352 after the drying stage. Thereby, by cooling the clothing exposed to the hot air and steam at least a little, it is possible to prevent the clothing from being damaged by the residual heat and residual humidity until it is pulled out from the inside of the inner case 200.

[0517] For example, the vulnerability information includes cashmere information in which the clothing includes at least a part of cashmere material.

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

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

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

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

[0522] Although the cashmere material is vulnerable to moisture, it requires a predetermined amount of moisture during refreshing. Therefore, the reduced injection stage (E2) corresponds to driving only the second heater unit 842.

[0523] Therefore, in the reduced injection stage (E2), the steam supply amount is smaller than that in the injection stage in the standard course or the sterilization course.

[0524] After that, when the reduced injection stage (E2) ends, a standby stage (E3) for stopping the driving of the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340, a cooling stage (E4) for driving the blower fan 352, and a drying stage (E5) for driving the compressor 342 to refresh the clothes are performed.

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

[0526] On the other hand, in the cashmere course, the reduced injection stage (E2) has a shorter duration than the steam injection stage in the standard course, the sterilization course, etc.

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

[0528] Thereby, the moisture and heat quantity exposed to the clothes can be minimized, and refreshing including deodorization, wrinkle removal, foreign matter separation, drying, etc. can be performed even on delicate clothes such as cashmere.

[0529] FIG. 30 shows an embodiment in which the clothes processing apparatus of the present invention processes clothes that are vulnerable to moisture or temperature.

[0530] Among delicate clothes, materials such as silk are extremely vulnerable to moisture. Therefore, delicate clothes such as silk need to be managed more carefully.

[0531] The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothing includes silk material in at least a part thereof.

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

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

[0534] When the heater unit 340 includes the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842, in the steam preparation step (F1), the first heater unit 841 and the second heater unit 842 can be driven simultaneously.

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

[0536] Since the silk material is very weak against moisture, it is sufficient if the minimum humidity at which wrinkles can be removed is maintained. Therefore, the minimum injection step (F2) corresponds to driving only the second heater unit 842.

[0537] Therefore, in the minimum injection step (E2), the steam supply amount is the smallest among the injection steps in the standard course, the sterilization course, and the cashmere course.

[0538] On the other hand, in the silk course, the injection step (F2) itself may be omitted from the beginning. That is, it is not necessary to supply steam itself inside the inner case 200.

[0539] After that, when the minimum injection stage (F2) ends, a standby stage (F3) for stopping the driving of the compressor 342 and the heater unit 340, a cooling stage (F4) for driving the blower fan 352, and a drying stage F for driving the compressor 342 to refresh the clothes are performed.

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

[0541] On the other hand, in the silk course, the minimum injection stage (E2) has a shorter duration than the steam injection stage in the standard course, the sterilization course, the cashmere course, etc.

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

[0543] Thereby, the moisture and heat quantity exposed to the clothes can be minimized, and refreshment including deodorization, wrinkle removal, foreign matter separation, drying, etc. can be performed even on delicate clothes such as silk.

[0544] The present invention is implemented in various forms and is not limited in its scope of rights by the foregoing embodiments. Therefore, when a modified embodiment includes the components of the scope of claims of the present invention, it should be regarded as belonging to the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0545] 〔Claims at the time of international application〕 〔Claim 1〕 A control method for a clothes processing apparatus, wherein the clothes processing apparatus comprises a steam supply unit including a first heater for generating steam supplied to an inner case in which clothes are accommodated, and a second heater provided separately from the first heater and capable of being driven independently of the first heater, and a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger for heating air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger. A preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam supplied to the inner case; An injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothes with the heated air; The method includes: After the steam is generated in the preparation step, a preheating step of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A control method for a clothes processing apparatus, characterized in that it further includes. [Claim 2] The allowable power of the clothes processing apparatus is Less than the power required when driving the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor simultaneously, The control method for a clothes processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control method is set to be greater than the power required when driving either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor simultaneously. [Claim 3] The preheating step includes a section in which one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. The control method for a clothes processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes. [Claim 4] The preheating step is A first section in which one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and A second section in which only the compressor is driven. The control method for a clothes processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes. [Claim 5] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, The preheating step drives the second heater and stops driving the first heater. The control method for a clothes processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes. [Claim 6] The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that in the preheating stage, the second heater is controlled to repeat driving and stopping. [Claim 7] The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the driving time of the second heater in the preheating stage is set longer than the stopping time. [Claim 8] The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that in the preheating stage, when any one of the discharge pressure of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the internal temperature of the inner case by the compressor is equal to or higher than a reference value, the second heater is controlled to stop driving. [Claim 9] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The preheating stage is characterized in that the first heater is driven to stop the driving of the second heater, according to the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 3. [Claim 10] The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the driving time of the first heater in the preheating stage is set longer than the time when the first heater is turned off. [Claim 11] The injection stage is characterized in that the first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously to supply the steam to the inner case, according to the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1. [Claim 12] The injection stage is characterized in that the driving of the compressor is stopped, according to the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1. [Claim 13] When ending the injection stage, the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a standby stage of stopping the driving of the compressor, the first heater, and the second heater within a set time. [Claim 14] The clothing treatment apparatus further includes a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case. When ending the standby stage, it further includes a cooling stage in which the blower fan is driven, but the driving of the compressor is stopped; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that. 〔Claim 15〕 The drying stage is characterized in that the driving of the first heater and the second heater is stopped; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that. 〔Claim 16〕 The injection stage further includes a reduced injection stage in which only one of the first heater and the second heater is driven; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that. 〔Claim 17〕 It further includes a clothing setting unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing stored in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, When the vulnerability information is input, the preheating stage is omitted; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that. 〔Claim 18〕 A control method of a clothing treatment apparatus, The clothing treatment apparatus is, A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam supplied to an inner case in which clothing is stored, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater, A heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats the air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchanger, A clothing input unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing stored in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, and is provided with, A preparation stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam supplied to the inner case; An injection stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; It includes a drying stage of driving the compressor to dry the clothing with the heated air; After the steam is generated in the preparation stage, a preheating stage is further included, in which any one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven to increase the internal temperature of the inner case; A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus, characterized in that when the vulnerable information is input, the preheating stage is omitted. [Claim 19] A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that when the vulnerable information is input, in the injection stage, only any one of the first heater and the second heater is driven. [Claim 20] A blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case is provided, A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 19, further including an additional cooling stage in which when the vulnerable information is input, after the drying stage, the blower fan is driven and the driving of the compressor is stopped. [Claim 21] The vulnerable information includes cashmere information indicating that the clothing includes at least a part of cashmere material, A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that when the cashmere information is input, in the injection stage, the second heater is driven. [Claim 22] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothing includes at least a part of silk material, A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that when the silk information is input, in the injection stage, the first heater is driven. [Claim 23] The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothing includes at least a part of silk material, The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 18, characterized in that when the silk information is input, the injection stage is also omitted. [Claim 24] A control method of a clothing treatment device, wherein the clothing treatment device comprises a first heater that generates steam to be supplied to an inner case in which clothing is accommodated, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater, and a steam supply unit; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchanger; and a clothing input unit for inputting a sterilization command for sterilizing clothing accommodated inside the inner case. a detection stage of detecting that the sterilization command is input; a preparation stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam to be supplied to the inner case; an injection stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; a drying stage of driving the compressor to dry the clothing with the heated air; and in the preparation stage, after the steam is generated, a sterilization stage of driving either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to a sterilization temperature or higher is further included; the second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, the sterilization stage is characterized by driving the first heater and the compressor, and is a control method of a clothing treatment device. [Claim 25] The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 24, characterized in that the sterilization stage includes a section in which the first heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. [Claim 26] The sterilization step is characterized in that the first heater is controlled to repeat driving and stopping, and the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 24. [Claim 27] In the sterilization step, when the internal temperature of the inner case rises above the target temperature, the driving of the first heater is stopped. The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that when the internal temperature of the inner case drops below the sterilization temperature, the first heater is driven.

Claims

1. A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus, wherein the clothing treatment apparatus comprises: a steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam supplied to an inner case in which clothing is accommodated, and a second heater provided separately from the first heater and capable of being driven independently of the first heater; a heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchanger; a preparation stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam supplied to the inner case; an injection stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; a drying stage of driving the compressor to dry the clothing with the heated air; and further including a preheating stage of driving only one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case after the steam is generated in the preparation stage. A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus, characterized by the above.

2. The allowable power of the clothing treatment apparatus is set to be smaller than the power required when the first heater, the second heater, and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and larger than the power required when either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. The control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The preheating stage includes a section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously. The control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The preheating stage includes a first section in which either one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and a second section in which only the compressor is driven. The control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater, and the preheating stage drives the second heater and stops driving the first heater. The control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

6. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 5, wherein in the preheating stage, the second heater is controlled to repeat driving and stopping.

7. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the time for driving the second heater in the preheating stage is set longer than the time for stopping.

8. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 7, wherein in the preheating stage, when any one of the discharge pressure of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the internal temperature of the inner case by the compressor is equal to or higher than a reference value, the second heater is controlled to stop driving.

9. The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 3, wherein in the preheating stage, the first heater is driven to stop driving the second heater.

10. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 9, wherein the time for driving the first heater in the preheating stage is set longer than the time for turning off the first heater.

11. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein in the injection stage, the first heater and the second heater are driven simultaneously to supply the steam to the inner case.

12. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein in the injection stage, driving of the compressor is stopped.

13. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 12, further comprising: a standby stage in which when the injection stage ends, driving of the compressor, the first heater, and the second heater is stopped for a set time.

14. Further comprising a blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger inside the inner case. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 13, further comprising: a cooling stage in which when the standby stage ends, the blower fan is driven but driving of the compressor is stopped.

15. The control method of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein in the drying stage, driving of the first heater and the second heater is stopped.

16. The injection stage further includes a reduced injection stage for driving only one of the first heater and the second heater; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

17. The clothing setting unit further includes a clothing setting unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing accommodated in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, When the vulnerability information is input, the preheating stage is omitted. The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

18. A control method of a clothing treatment apparatus, The clothing treatment apparatus, A steam supply unit including a first heater for generating steam supplied to an inner case in which clothing is accommodated, and a second heater provided separately from the first heater and capable of being driven independently of the first heater, A heat supply unit including a heat exchanger for heating air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor for supplying refrigerant to the heat exchanger, A clothing input unit for inputting vulnerability information that the clothing accommodated in the inner case is deformed by moisture or high temperature, and comprising: A preparation stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam supplied to the inner case; An injection stage of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying stage of driving the compressor to dry the clothing with the heated air; comprising, After the steam is generated in the preparation stage, a preheating stage of driving one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to increase the internal temperature of the inner case; further includes, When the vulnerability information is input, the preheating stage is omitted. The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus, characterized in that.

19. When the vulnerability information is input, the injection stage is characterized by driving only one of the first heater and the second heater. The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 18.

20. A blower fan for supplying air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the inner case is provided, When the vulnerability information is input, after the drying stage, the blower fan is driven, and an additional cooling stage in which the driving of the compressor is stopped; The control method of the clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that it further includes.

21. The vulnerable information includes cashmere information indicating that the clothing contains at least a part of cashmere material. When the cashmere information is input, the injection step is to drive the second heater, and the control method of the clothing processing apparatus according to claim 19 is characterized in that.

22. The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothing contains at least a part of silk material. When the silk information is input, the injection step is to drive the first heater, and the control method of the clothing processing apparatus according to claim 18 is characterized in that.

23. The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The vulnerable information includes silk information indicating that the clothing contains at least a part of silk material. When the silk information is input, the injection step is also omitted, and the control method of the clothing processing apparatus according to claim 18 is characterized in that.

24. A control method of a clothing processing apparatus, The clothing processing apparatus, A steam supply unit including a first heater that generates steam supplied to an inner case in which clothing is accommodated, and a second heater that is provided separately from the first heater and can be driven independently of the first heater. A heat supply unit including a heat exchanger that heats air supplied to the inner case, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchanger. A clothing input unit for inputting a sterilization command for sterilizing clothing accommodated inside the inner case, and is provided with. A detection step of detecting that the sterilization command is input; A preparation step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to prepare the steam supplied to the inner case; An injection step of driving at least one of the first heater and the second heater to supply the steam to the inner case; A drying step of driving the compressor to dry the clothing with the heated air; is included. In the preparation step, after the steam is generated, a sterilization step of driving one of the first heater and the second heater and the compressor to raise the internal temperature of the inner case to a sterilization temperature or higher; is further included. The second heater is provided to generate more steam than the first heater. The sterilization step is characterized by driving the first heater and the compressor, and is a control method for a clothing treatment apparatus.

25. The sterilization step includes a section in which the first heater and the compressor are driven simultaneously, and is a control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 24.

26. The sterilization step is characterized by controlling the first heater to repeat driving and stopping, and is a control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 24.

27. In the sterilization step, when the internal temperature of the inner case rises above the target temperature, the driving of the first heater is stopped, and when the internal temperature of the inner case drops below the sterilization temperature, the first heater is driven. This is a control method for a clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 26.

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