Garment processing device and method for controlling the garment processing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing device that, when a drying process is performed, maintains operation of the compressor until the drying process is completed or the drying of the clothes is completed, and drives both the first heater and the second heater to raise the temperature inside the inner case above a set temperature while the compressor is operating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus and a control method therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus and a control method therefor, which are capable of performing a refresh process such as sterilization, wrinkle removal, deodorization and drying of clothes by supplying steam and hot air to the clothes.

Background Art

[0002] In general, among clothes processing apparatuses, a dryer provided with a rotating drum and a clothes management apparatus provided with an inner case for hanging clothes in a floating state can perform a drying process for removing moisture from clothes.

[0003] Wrinkles and creases formed on clothes can be removed only when all three factors of moisture content, temperature and physical force are satisfied. However, the dryer and the clothes management apparatus are configured such that it is difficult to secure a section that satisfies all these three factors in the drying process.

[0004] As a result, although the dryer and the clothes management apparatus can dry clothes while supplying hot air, wrinkles and creases present in the clothes may not be easily removed in some cases.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates the principle by which wrinkles on clothes are removed.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1(a), fibers constituting clothes L may be knitted in the order of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. That is, fiber 1, fiber 2, fiber 3, fiber 4 and fiber 5 can be connected by physical bonds (I).

[0007] However, due to their internal chemical structure, when these fibers rub against or come into contact with each other, chemical bonds (II), such as covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and intermolecular bonds, can be formed between each fiber. For example, fiber 1 and fiber 3 are not connected by physical bonds (I), but can be connected by chemical bonds (II), and similarly, fiber 3 and fiber 5 are not connected by physical bonds (I), but can be connected by chemical bonds (II).

[0008] Therefore, such chemical bonds (II) occur concentrated in at least a portion of garment L, causing changes in arrangement and configuration between the fibers where the chemical bonds (II) occur, ultimately resulting in wrinkles and creases.

[0009] The aforementioned wrinkles and creases are formed by the occurrence of chemical bonds (II), and therefore cannot be removed by mere physical force. The aforementioned wrinkles and creases can only be removed after the chemical bonds (II) are dissolved.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1(b), in order to remove the wrinkles and creases, moisture capable of dissolving the chemical bond (II) is first required. When water is introduced between the chemical bonds (II) between the fibers, the chemical bonds (II) may be weakened or dissolved.

[0011] The amount of moisture needed to remove wrinkles and creases can be determined by the moisture content of the garment, and it is generally known that a moisture content of 5-45% is required. Therefore, a moisture content of 5-45% can be defined as the "moisture removal rate."

[0012] If the garment absorbs more moisture than the moisture removal rate, the water will further bind the fibers together, eliminating the wrinkle and crease removal effect. If the garment contains less moisture than the moisture removal rate, the chemical bonds (II) between the fibers cannot be dissolved, and the wrinkle and crease removal effect cannot be obtained.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1(c), heat or energy is required to break the chemical bond (II) in order to remove the wrinkles and creases. When heat is supplied, the chemical bond (II) between the fibers may weaken. The heat or energy required to remove the wrinkles and creases can be achieved if the temperature at which the fibers are in contact is above the set temperature. The set temperature corresponds to a temperature higher than room temperature, for example, set to 36 degrees.

[0014] When water is introduced between the fibers, and the environment reaches a temperature above the set temperature, the chemical bond (II) may be significantly weakened.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1(d), in order to remove the wrinkles and creases, a physical force capable of altering the arrangement of the fibers is required. This physical force may include a tensile force that arranges the fibers in the order in which they are physically bonded (I). The physical force capable of generating this tensile force can be defined as the "removal physical force".

[0016] Referring to Figure 1(e), when chemical bonds (II) are formed in the fibers constituting the garment L, and wrinkles and creases are formed in the garment, when all the conditions of the moisture removal rate, set temperature, and physical force removal are met, the chemical bonds (II) are dissolved, and each fiber can be aligned in the order in which it was connected by physical bonds (I). As a result, wrinkles and creases can be removed.

[0017] Therefore, the removal rate of moisture, the set temperature, and the removal physical force can be considered to correspond to the conditions for removing wrinkles and creases.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the process of drying clothes in a dryer.

[0019] The dryer can perform a drying process in which clothes are placed in drum D and hot air is supplied to remove moisture from the clothes.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2(a), in the initial stage of the drying process, the moisture content of the laundry L generally corresponds to a moisture content equal to or higher than the removal moisture content, and there is a possibility that sufficient heat H has not been applied to the inside of the drum D.

[0021] Even if the drum D rotates, since the laundry with high moisture content clumps together, appropriate tensile force cannot be applied to the laundry.

[0022] As a result, the removal conditions cannot be achieved in the initial stage of the drying process, and wrinkles on the laundry cannot be removed.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2(b), in the middle stage of the drying process, the moisture content of the laundry L reaches the removal moisture content. However, since a large amount of moisture contained in the laundry L is vaporized, most of the heat H supplied into the drum D is consumed as heat of vaporization.

[0024] Therefore, the temperature inside the drum D does not reach or exceed the set temperature. Accordingly, even in the middle stage of the drying process, all the removal conditions cannot be satisfied, and wrinkles on the laundry are not removed.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2(c), in the final stage of the drying process, most of the moisture contained in the laundry L evaporates, and the amount of heat absorbed as heat of vaporization rapidly decreases.

[0026] As a result, the temperature inside the drum D rapidly rises to the set temperature or higher, and can satisfy the removal temperature requirement.

[0027] In addition, since the laundry is in a dry state, the laundry pieces are separated from each other and fall in the rotating drum D. Therefore, the condition for removal physical force can also be satisfied.

[0028] However, since the drying of the laundry L has already progressed almost completely, the moisture content of the laundry is lower than the removal moisture content.

[0029] Therefore, the removal conditions are not satisfied even in the final stage of the drying process, and wrinkles on the laundry cannot be removed.

[0030] As a result, it is difficult to form a section that satisfies all the wrinkle removal conditions throughout the entire drying process in a dryer.

[0031] Accordingly, there has been a fundamental problem that wrinkles in clothes cannot be removed during the drying process performed by a conventional clothes processing apparatus.

[0032] As a result, there has been a limitation that a user needs to perform extra actions such as ironing clothes separately to remove wrinkles, and putting ice or the like into a drum to satisfy the condition of the removal moisture content at the end of the drying process.

[0033] In recent years, in order to satisfy the removal conditions at the end of a drying process, clothes processing apparatuses capable of spraying steam at the end of the drying process have also appeared.

[0034] However, although conventional clothes processing apparatuses can remove wrinkles, they need to additionally supply moisture to the dried clothes at the end of the drying process and dry the clothes again, which not only delays the drying process but also inevitably causes energy waste.

[0035] Furthermore, in the process of driving a heater to supply steam, conventional clothes processing apparatuses have a control limitation that the driving of a compressor must be stopped to prevent power consumption exceeding the allowable power amount. Therefore, it is necessary to supply steam after the drying process is completed and drive the compressor again to dry the clothes, or stop the compressor in the middle of the drying process, supply steam and then drive the compressor again, which not only causes delay of the drying process but also significantly reduces drying efficiency.

[0036] Conventional clothes processing apparatuses have a problem that wrinkles and creases in clothes cannot be automatically removed during the drying process of removing moisture from clothes. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0037] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus capable of removing wrinkles and creases from garments during the drying process.

[0038] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus that can maintain the operation of the compressor without interrupting it, even when supplying steam to remove wrinkles and creases from garments.

[0039] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus that can secure a section that satisfies the removal conditions during the drying process for removing moisture from clothing.

[0040] The present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus that can remove wrinkles and creases from garments while maintaining energy efficiency during the drying process and preventing drying delays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0041] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a garment processing apparatus comprising a cabinet, an inner case provided inside the cabinet for storing garments, a machine room provided with a heat supply unit for supplying hot air to the inside of the inner case, a steam supply unit for supplying steam, a control unit provided in the machine room for performing a drying process that controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to dry the garments, and a temperature sensor provided in the inner case or the machine room for detecting the temperature of the air inside the inner case.

[0042] The heat supply unit may include a circulation duct for circulating air discharged from the inner case, a heat exchanger installed in the circulation duct for dehumidifying and reheating the air, and a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the air.

[0043] The steam supply unit may include a steam case for storing water for generating steam, a first heater housed in the steam case for heating the water to generate steam, and a second heater spaced apart from the first heater for heating the water to generate steam.

[0044] When the drying process is performed, the control unit can maintain the operation of the compressor until the drying process is completed or the drying of the clothes is finished.

[0045] The control unit can drive both the first heater and the second heater to raise the temperature inside the inner case to a set temperature or higher while the compressor is running.

[0046] The control unit may stop driving the first heater or the second heater before the constant rate interval in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case decreases to a reference value or less is completed.

[0047] The control unit can maintain the operation of the first heater or the second heater for a set period of time during which the temperature inside the inner case is equal to or greater than the set temperature.

[0048] The control unit can intermittently and repeatedly drive the first heater or the second heater to prevent the temperature inside the inner case from rising to a limit temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0049] The control unit can stop driving the first heater or the second heater in the process of driving the compressor when the temperature change range inside the inner case is below a specific range.

[0050] The control unit can shut off the operation of the steam heater before the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case rises above the reference value again.

[0051] The control unit can shut off the operation of the steam heater after the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the target temperature.

[0052] The second heater can be set to generate less steam than the first heater.

[0053] The amount of steam generated by the second heater can be set to 50-150% of the amount of dehumidification performed by the heat exchanger.

[0054] The inner case 200 may further include a moving hanger that is driven to hang the garment and swing the garment.

[0055] The control unit can drive the moving hanger during a period when the temperature inside the inner case is above the set temperature, or while the first heater or the second heater is operating.

[0056] The control unit can drive or stop the moving hanger at a first frequency when the temperature inside the inner case is below a set temperature. When the temperature inside the inner case is above the set temperature, the control unit can drive the moving hanger at a second frequency that is faster than the first frequency.

[0057] When the control unit drives the moving hanger at the second frequency during a reference time, it can also drive it at a third frequency lower than the second frequency.

[0058] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at a third frequency slower than the second frequency if the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case becomes higher than a reference value, or if the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0059] The first frequency can be set to be lower than the third frequency.

[0060] When the drying process is performed, the control unit can maintain the operation of the compressor until the drying process is completed or the drying of the clothes is finished, and can drive the moving hanger so as to overlap at least partially with the section in which the steam heater is driven.

[0061] If the control unit drives the moving hanger before the steam heater is driven, the moving hanger can be driven faster in the section in which the steam heater is driven.

[0062] If the drive of the moving hanger is interrupted before the steam heater is driven, the control unit can drive the moving hanger in the section in which the steam heater is driven.

[0063] If the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is running, it may either not drive the moving hanger after the steam heater has finished running, or it may drive the moving hanger at a slower rate.

[0064] If the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is running, it can maintain the driving speed of the moving hanger for a certain period of time when the operation of the steam heater ends.

[0065] The control unit can drive the steam heater while the compressor is running.

[0066] The control unit can set the driving frequency of the moving hanger to a different value depending on the temperature inside the inner case.

[0067] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at a first frequency until the temperature inside the inner case reaches a set temperature, and after the temperature inside the inner case reaches the set temperature, it can drive it at a second frequency that is faster than the first frequency.

[0068] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at a third frequency lower than the second frequency in the section after the temperature inside the inner case has reached a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0069] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at the second frequency for a set time, and then drive it at a third frequency lower than the second frequency.

[0070] The second frequency can be set to the fastest frequency at which the moving hanger is driven during the execution of the course.

[0071] The control unit can drive the steam supply unit to raise the temperature inside the inner case to above the set temperature.

[0072] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at the second frequency such that it overlaps at least partially with the section driven by the steam supply unit.

[0073] The control unit can drive the moving hanger at the second frequency after the steam supply unit has been driven.

[0074] When the drying process is performed, the control unit can maintain the operation of the compressor until the drying process is completed or the drying of the clothes is finished, and can control the steam heater so that steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case while the compressor is running.

[0075] The control unit can drive the steam heater first, and then drive the compressor.

[0076] The control unit can drive the first heater and the second heater first, and then drive the compressor and the first heater or the second heater simultaneously.

[0077] Even if the operation of the first heater or the second heater ends, the operation of the compressor can be maintained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0078] This invention has the effect of removing wrinkles and creases from clothing during the drying process.

[0079] This invention has the effect of being able to maintain the operation of the compressor without stopping it, even when steam is supplied to remove wrinkles and creases from clothing.

[0080] The present invention has the effect of ensuring a section that satisfies the removal conditions during the drying process for removing moisture from clothing.

[0081] This invention has the effect of removing wrinkles and creases from clothing while maintaining energy efficiency in the drying process and preventing drying delays. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0082] [Figure 1] Conditions for removing wrinkles and creases are shown. [Figure 2] This indicates whether the removal conditions for conventional dryers have been met. [Figure 3] The appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] This shows the machine room structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5] This shows the circulation duct structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 6] This shows the structure of the heat supply unit of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 7] This shows the fan structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 8] This shows the inlet duct structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 9] This shows the structure of the steam supply unit of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 10] This shows the steam heater structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 11] This shows the inside of the steam case of the garment processing device of the present invention. [Figure 12] This shows the internal structure of the steam supply unit of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 13] This shows the flow path structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the flow path structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 15] This shows the direction of steam and water movement in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 16] This shows the moving hanger structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 17] This illustrates the operating mechanism of the moving hanger in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 18] The configuration of the moving hanger in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is shown. [Figure 19] This shows the moving hanger structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 20] This diagram shows the structure by which the moving hanger of the garment processing device of the present invention operates. [Figure 21] This illustrates the process by which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention executes a course for processing garments. [Figure 22] This document illustrates one embodiment of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention that performs a drying course. [Figure 23] Figure 22 shows the progress of the drying process. [Figure 24] This document describes another embodiment of the drying course performed in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 25] The state of the garment processing device when the control method shown in Figure 24 is executed is shown. [Figure 26] Further embodiments of the drying course performed in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0083] Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the garment processing apparatus 1 of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3(a), the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a cabinet 100 that forms the exterior and a door 400 that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 100.

[0085] The door 400 may include a main body 410 that forms the front of the cabinet 100, and an installation body 420 that extends from one side of the main body 410 and is equipped with a display that shows information about the garment processing device.

[0086] The mounting body 420 can be provided so as to form a step 430 from the main body 410 toward the rear of the cabinet 100.

[0087] On the other hand, at least a portion of the mounting body 420 can be positioned behind the main body 410, overlapping it in the front-to-back direction. This allows the step 430 to function as a handle.

[0088] The mounting body 420 may be made of a different material or a different color than the main body 410. Furthermore, the mounting body 420 may be made of a translucent material that allows light emitted from the display to pass through.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3(b), the cabinet 100 may be equipped with an inner case 200 having a storage space 220 for storing clothes. The inner case 200 has an opening 210 at the front through which clothes can enter and exit, and the opening 210 can be shielded by the door 400.

[0090] The inner case 200 can be made of a plastic resin system, and can be made of a reinforced plastic resin system that does not deform even when exposed to air at a temperature higher than ambient air or heated air (hereinafter referred to as hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0091] The inner case 200 can be provided with a height that is greater than its width. This allows the clothing to be stored in the storage space 220 without being folded or wrinkled.

[0092] The garment processing apparatus 1 of the present invention may include a hanger section 1000 on which garments can be hung in the storage space 220 of the inner case 200.

[0093] The hanger portion 1000 is provided on the upper inner surface of the inner case 200 and can be configured to hang the clothing from top to bottom, either hanging down or spread out.

[0094] As a result, the clothing can be hung inside the inner case 200 without wrinkling.

[0095] Furthermore, the hanger section 1000 can be configured to hang multiple garments. The hanger section 1000 can hang multiple garments spaced apart in the width direction of the inner case 200.

[0096] This allows multiple garments to be hung in the inner case 200 without touching or interfering with each other. As a result, not only are the garments not damaged, but the entire garment can be evenly exposed to hot air and steam.

[0097] In other words, the hanger portion 1000 can be provided as a simple hanging portion located on the upper part of the inner case 200, and can be configured to fix the clothing in a floating state inside the storage space 220.

[0098] Alternatively, the hanger portion 1000 can be provided on the upper surface of the inner case 200 and configured as a moving hanger 1000 that allows the clothing to sway.

[0099] The moving hanger 1000 can be configured to move back and forth or rotate back and forth on the upper part of the inner case 200. This allows the clothes hung on the moving hanger 1000 to be shaken in the storage space 220, removing foreign objects and effectively exposing them to the supplied steam or hot air.

[0100] The detailed structure and function of the moving hanger 1000 will be described later.

[0101] The inner surface of the door 400 may be equipped with a pressurizing section 520 that can pressurize clothing.

[0102] The pressurizing section 520 may include a support section 522 fixed to the inner surface of the door 400 and supporting one side of the garment, and a compression section 521 that pressurizes the garment supported by the support section 522.

[0103] The compression portion 521 may be configured to move toward or away from the support portion 522. For example, the compression portion 521 may be rotatably mounted on the inner surface of the support portion 522 or the door 400.

[0104] As a result, the compression portion 521 and the support portion 522 can apply pressure to both sides of the garment to remove wrinkles and create the desired crease.

[0105] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a machine room 300 in which various devices are installed that can supply one or more of either hot air or steam to the storage space 220, or absorb and purify or dehumidify the outside air of the cabinet 100 before discharging it.

[0106] The machine room 300 may house and install a control unit capable of controlling the garment processing device. Of course, the control unit may also be installed inside the door 400.

[0107] The control unit is provided to control one or more electrical components of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention and may be provided as a PCB that executes any course for processing the garment.

[0108] The machine room 300 is arranged separately from or partitioned from the inner case 200, but can be provided to communicate with the inner case 200.

[0109] The machine room 300 can be located at the bottom of the inner case 200. This allows the hot air and steam, which have a low specific gravity, to be supplied to the inner case 200 and then naturally supplied to the clothing.

[0110] The machine room 300 may include a heat supply unit 340 that can supply hot air into the inner case 200. The heat supply unit 340 may be provided as a heat pump system, or as a heater that directly heats the air with electrical energy.

[0111] If the heat supply unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, it can be configured 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.

[0112] The machine room 300 may include a steam supply unit 800 that can supply steam into the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 may be configured to supply steam directly into the inner case 200. A detailed structure will be described later.

[0113] As a result, the inner case 200 can be provided with a plurality of through holes 230 that penetrate one side and communicate with the machine room 300.

[0114] Through the through-hole 230, air from the containment space 220 can be supplied to the machine room 300, and one or more hot air or steam generated in the machine room 300 can be supplied to the containment space 200.

[0115] The through-hole 230 may include an inlet 231 that penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200 and allows air from inside the inner case 200 to flow into the machine chamber 300, and an outlet 232 that is spaced apart from the inlet 231, penetrates the lower surface of the inner case 200, and discharges hot air generated in the machine chamber 300 into the inner case 200.

[0116] The discharge hole 232 can be positioned on the lower surface of the inner case 200, either closer to the front or closer to the rear than the door 400.

[0117] Furthermore, the discharge hole 232 can be positioned at an angle to the ground between the lower surface or the back surface of the inner case 200. The discharge hole 232 is provided facing the moving hanger 1000 and can be guided so that the hot air is supplied to the clothing.

[0118] The inlet hole 231 can be positioned on the lower surface of the inner case 200, either in front of the rear or closer to the door 400.

[0119] The inlet hole 231 is positioned as far away from the outlet hole 232 as possible, preventing the air discharged from the outlet hole 232 from being immediately absorbed into the inlet hole 231 without reaching the clothing.

[0120] The through-hole 230 may further include a steam hole 233 that penetrates the lower part of the inner case 200 and guides the steam generated in the steam supply unit 800 into the interior of the inner case 200.

[0121] The steam vent 233 can be positioned closer to the discharge vent 232 than the inlet vent 231. For example, the steam vent 233 can be positioned on one side of the discharge vent vent 232.

[0122] On the other hand, the machine room 300 may further include a water supply tank 30 that can supply water to the steam supply unit 800, and a wastewater tank 40 into which condensed water condensed in the heat supply unit 340 is collected.

[0123] The water supply tank 30 and the drainage tank 40 can be detachably mounted in front of the machine room 300. This allows the clothing processing apparatus 1 of the present invention to be freely installed without being limited by the water supply source or the drainage source.

[0124] On the other hand, the machine room 300 may further include a drawer 50 that can be pulled out forward and has a separate storage space. For example, a steam generator or an iron may be stored in the drawer 50.

[0125] Figure 4 shows the machine room structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0126] Figure 4(a) shows the machine room 300 viewed from the front, and Figure 4(b) shows the machine room 300 viewed from the rear.

[0127] The machine room 300 can be equipped with components for supplying hot air to the garment processing space, circulating the air inside the garment processing space, supplying steam to the garment processing space, and purifying the air outside the cabinet.

[0128] The machine room 300 may include a base section 310 that provides space for supporting or installing various devices. The base section 310 can provide an area for installing various devices.

[0129] A circulation duct 320 can be installed in the base portion 310, through which air flowing in from outside the inner case 200 or the cabinet 100 can be transported.

[0130] The circulation duct 320 is provided in a case-like form with an open top, and some components of the heat supply unit 340 can be installed inside.

[0131] If the heat supply unit 340 is provided as a heat pump system, the circulation duct 320 may include heat exchangers 341 and 343 (described later) and a compressor 342 that supplies a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the heat exchangers.

[0132] The heat exchangers 341 and 343 are housed within the circulation duct 320 and can cool and dehumidify the air flowing through the circulation duct 320, or heat the air to generate hot air.

[0133] If the circulation duct 320 is configured to draw in air from outside the cabinet 100, an outside air duct 370 for drawing in outside air can be installed in front of the circulation duct 320.

[0134] The circulation duct 320 is configured to communicate with the outside air duct 370 and can be configured to selectively draw in outside air.

[0135] The water supply tank and the drainage tank can be detachably connected to the front of the circulation duct 320. The water supply tank 30 and the drainage tank 40 can be positioned seated on top of the outside air duct 370.

[0136] The circulation duct 320 may be coupled to the base portion 310, or it may be integrally provided with the base portion 310. For example, the base portion 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0137] The machine room 300 may include a base cover 360 that connects the circulation duct 320 and the inlet hole 231.

[0138] The base cover 360 may be connected to the upper part of the circulation duct 320 and may be configured to guide the air drawn in from the inlet hole 231 into the interior of the circulation duct 320.

[0139] The base cover 360 shields the upper surface of the circulation duct 320, preventing 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 can form one side of the flow path of the circulation duct 320.

[0140] The base cover 360 may include an inlet section 362 that connects the inlet hole 231 and the circulation duct 320. The inlet section 362 is configured in a duct shape and can function as an intake duct that supplies air from inside the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0141] A steam supply unit 800 can be installed in the machine room 300, which is connected to the water supply tank 30, receives water, generates steam, and supplies it to the inner case 200. The steam supply unit 800 can be seated and positioned on top of the base cover 360.

[0142] The steam supply unit 800 can be located outside the circulation duct 320. This prevents the steam supply unit 800 from obstructing the movement of air flowing through the circulation duct 320 or from heating the air.

[0143] Furthermore, the steam supply unit 800 can be positioned at a distance from the inlet unit 362. For example, the steam supply unit 800 can be positioned behind the inlet unit 362.

[0144] The machine room 300 may include a fan mounting section 350 that connects the circulation duct 320 and the inner case 200. The fan mounting section 350 may include a blower fan 353 that provides power to move the air inside the circulation duct 320 in one direction, and a fan housing 351 that houses the blower fan 353 and is connected to or extends from the circulation duct 320.

[0145] The fan installation section 350 may include a discharge duct 352 that connects the circulation duct 320 and the discharge hole 232.

[0146] The discharge duct 352 can be provided extending from the fan housing 351 toward the discharge hole 232 with a cross-sectional area corresponding to the discharge hole 232.

[0147] As a result, air inside the inner case 200 flows in through the base cover 360, passes through the circulation duct 320, and can then be supplied back into the inner case 200 via the fan mounting section 350.

[0148] On the other hand, the base portion 310 may include a compressor installation portion 313 in which the compressor 342, which supplies refrigerant to the heat exchangers 341 and 343, is installed. The compressor installation portion 313 may be located outside the circulation duct 320.

[0149] Furthermore, the base portion 310 can be equipped with the control unit 700 that controls the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0150] The base portion 310 may include a control unit installation portion 312 that forms a space in the lower part of the circulation duct 320 into which the control unit 700 is inserted.

[0151] The control unit 700 may be configured to control all electronically controlled electrical components, such as the compressor 342, the steam supply unit 800, and the blower fan 353.

[0152] Since the control unit 700 is inserted into and supported by the base unit 310, vibrations generated from the moving hanger 1000 or the clothing can be blocked from being transmitted to the control unit 700, or attenuated before being transmitted to the control unit 700.

[0153] Furthermore, since the control unit 700 is installed on the base unit 310 and is close to all the electrical components installed in the machine room 300, noise generation and control errors can be prevented.

[0154] In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the steam supply unit 800 is positioned at the top of the circulation duct 320, and the control unit 700 is positioned at the bottom of the circulation duct 320. Therefore, the circulation duct 320 can be provided as a straight duct shape between the steam supply unit 800 and the control unit 700. As a result, the flow resistance of the air passing through the circulation duct 320 can be minimized.

[0155] Since the circulation duct 320, the outside air duct 370, the steam supply unit 800, the control unit 700, and the heat supply unit 340 are all installed on the base unit 310, the base unit 310 can be configured as an integrated module. This allows the base unit 310 to be pulled out forward or backward in the machine room 300, facilitating the installation and maintenance of most electrical components.

[0156] Figure 5 shows the machine room base structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0157] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the base portion 310 as seen from the front, and Figures 5(b) and 5(c) are perspective views of the base portion 310 as seen from the rear.

[0158] The base portion 310 can be installed on a base plate that forms the lower surface of the garment processing device. The base portion 310 itself can form the lower surface of the garment processing device.

[0159] The base portion 310 may include a base bottom 311 that forms a support surface. The base bottom 311 can form the lower surface of the garment processing device. The base bottom 311 can also be installed on top of the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 that forms the lower surface of the garment processing device.

[0160] The base portion 310 may integrally include the circulation duct 320, which forms at least a portion of the airflow path. The circulation duct 320 may be formed by extending upward from the base bottom portion 311.

[0161] The circulation duct 320 may include a duct body 321 extending from the base bottom 311 to form a flow path, a heat exchanger installation section 3212 providing space inside the duct body 321 for the installation of an evaporator 341 or a condenser 343, and an air discharge section 323 provided behind the duct body 321 for discharging air from inside the duct body 321.

[0162] The air discharge section 323 can be provided in the shape of a pipe extending rearward from the duct body 321. The diameter of the air discharge section 323 can be smaller than the width of the duct body 321.

[0163] The air discharge section 323 can be connected to the fan housing 350. The air discharged from the air discharge section 323 can be guided into the inner case 200 via the fan housing 350.

[0164] The circulation duct 320 may include an outside air intake portion 322 that penetrates the front surface of the duct body 321.

[0165] The outside air intake section 322 can communicate with the outside air duct 370. The outside air duct 370 can be seated and supported in front of the outside air intake section 322.

[0166] The circulation duct 320 may be equipped with a damper that opens and closes the outside air intake section 322. By opening and closing the damper, the flow of outside air into the circulation duct 320 can be permitted or blocked.

[0167] The base portion 310 may include a compressor installation portion 312 that provides a space for the compressor 342 to be installed. The compressor installation portion 312 may be formed on one side of the base bottom portion 311, or it may be formed integrally with the base bottom portion 311.

[0168] The compressor mounting section 312 may have protrusions for supporting the compressor 342. The compressor mounting section 312 may be positioned off-center to the rear of the base section 310. The compressor mounting section 312 may be positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the air discharge section 323 in the width direction.

[0169] A damping member can be installed in the compressor mounting section 312 to reduce vibrations transmitted from the compressor 342. The damping member can be fixed to the projection.

[0170] The base portion 310 may include a control unit installation portion 313 in which the control unit 700 is installed. The control unit installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom portion 311 and the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom portion 311 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The control unit installation portion 313 may be configured as a duct shape in the lower part of the circulation duct 320 with either the front or rear side open.

[0171] Figure 6 shows the circulation duct structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0172] The circulation duct 320 can extend upward from the base bottom to form a flow path for air. The circulation duct 320 may include a heat exchanger installation section 3212 that provides space for the installation of an evaporator 341 and a condenser 343. The heat exchanger installation section 3212 may be located inside the duct body 321.

[0173] The duct body 321 can have its upper surface open. The condenser 343 and evaporator 341 can be inserted and installed through the opening in the duct body 321.

[0174] The opening of the duct body 321 is shielded by the base cover 360, and the base cover 360 and the duct body 321 can form a flow path for the circulation channel 320.

[0175] The front surface of the duct body 321 can be positioned at a distance from the front end of the base bottom 311.

[0176] As a result, the base bottom 311 can secure a support surface 3111 on which one or more of the aforementioned water supply tank 30, drainage tank 40, and outside air duct 370 can be installed and supported.

[0177] On the other hand, the heat supply unit 340 is installed within the circulation duct 320 and may include an evaporator 341 provided as a heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing into the circulation duct 320, a condenser 343 provided as a heat exchanger for heating the air that has passed through the evaporator 341 to form hot air, a compressor 342 provided outside the circulation duct 320 and supplying a refrigerant to the condenser 343 for heat exchange with the air, and an expansion valve 344 for expanding and cooling the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 343.

[0178] On the other hand, by integrally molding the duct body 321 with the base portion 310, the height of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 is further increased, and the heights of the condenser 343 and evaporator 341 are also increased. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the width of the condenser 343 and evaporator 341 in the front-rear direction, and the number of refrigerant pipes passing through the condenser and evaporator can be reduced. This has the effect of reducing the airflow loss passing through the condenser and evaporator.

[0179] On the other hand, the sum of the lengths of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 can be set to be less than the length of the heat exchanger installation section 3212. As a result, the length of the heat exchanger installation section 3212 in the front-to-back direction can be set to be equal to or less than half the length of the duct body 321.

[0180] Therefore, the heat exchanger installation section 3212 can be sufficiently spaced away from the outside air intake section 322, ensuring sufficient space for outside air and air from inside the inner case 200 to flow into the circulation duct 320.

[0181] On the other hand, the duct body 321 may include an installation partition wall 3211 that separates the heat exchanger installation section 3212 from its exterior. The installation partition wall 3211 may protrude from the side of the duct body 321 and be provided to support the front of the evaporator 341.

[0182] Furthermore, the duct body 321 can be widened relative to the installation partition wall 3211 and extended to the rear.

[0183] As a result, the width of the heat exchanger installation section 3212 can be set to be greater than half the width of the base section 310. Similarly, the width of the circulation duct 320 can also be set to be greater than half the width of the base section 310.

[0184] The width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 can also be made larger than half the overall width of the base 310. As mentioned above, ensuring sufficient width for the condenser 343 and evaporator 341 has the effect of ensuring sufficient heat exchange capacity.

[0185] Furthermore, the fan housing 350 can be positioned overlapping the condenser 343 or the evaporator 341 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, air that has passed through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 can flow into the fan housing 350 without any bends in the flow path. In other words, the air that flows into the circulation duct 320 does not bend in the flow path as it moves to the fan housing, which has the effect of minimizing flow loss. The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor S1 that detects the temperature inside the inner case 200 or the temperature of the air flowing from inside the inner case 200 into the circulation duct 320, and a refrigerant sensor S2 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the heat supply unit.

[0186] The temperature sensor S1 can be installed on the inner wall of the circulation duct 320, and the refrigerant sensor S2 can be installed on the discharge side of the compressor 342.

[0187] Figure 7 shows the structure of the air discharge section 323 of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0188] The base portion 310 may include an air discharge portion 323 that discharges the processed air toward the fan housing.

[0189] The air discharge section 323 can be located inside the circulation duct 320 or connected to the duct body 321 and the fan housing 350. The air discharge section 232 can have a bell mouth shape. A bell mouth shape can reduce airflow loss and improve air circulation efficiency.

[0190] The air discharge pipe 3232 of the air discharge section 323 is provided in a pipe shape, and during the mold removal process, molds positioned in front of the parting line 3233 are pulled forward, and molds positioned behind the parting line 3233 are pulled backward.

[0191] The fan mounting section 350 can be connected to and supported by the air exhaust pipe 3232. The fan housing 351 can have a connecting hole that connects to the outer circumferential surface of the air exhaust pipe 3232, and the blower fan 353 can be positioned in the connecting hole.

[0192] The fan housing 351 may include a discharge duct 352 extending from the outer circumferential surface or outside of the blower fan 353 to the discharge hole 232.

[0193] The fan housing 351 and the exhaust duct 352 can house the blower fan 353 inside and form a flow path through which air can move.

[0194] The motor that rotates the blower fan 353 can be coupled to and supported on the outside of the fan housing 351.

[0195] Figure 8 shows the structure of the base cover of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0196] The base cover 360 may be coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 and provided to prevent the inside of the circulation duct 320 from being exposed.

[0197] The base cover 360 is connected to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 and may include an inlet body 361 that connects the inner case 200 and the circulation duct 320, and a shielding body 363 that extends from the inlet body 361 and shields the circulation duct 320.

[0198] The inlet body 361 is provided in a duct shape and can be configured to communicate the inlet hole 231 of the inner case 200 with the inside of the circulation duct 320. The inlet body 361 can be provided so as to protrude above the shielding body 363.

[0199] The inlet body 361 can be positioned 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.

[0200] The inlet body 361 can function as an inlet duct that moves the air from the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.

[0201] The inlet body 361 may be equipped with an inlet section 362 through which air from the inner case 200 can pass.

[0202] Specifically, the base cover 360 may include a first rib 362a extending along the width direction of the inlet body 361, and a second rib 362b extending along the width direction of the inlet body 361, spaced rearward from the first rib 362a.

[0203] The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may be provided side by side. The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b are plate-like structures extending vertically, and their heights may be provided to correspond to the height of the inlet body 361.

[0204] The front corner of the inlet body 361 and the first rib 362a can form a first inlet 3621, the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b can form a second inlet 3622, and the second rib 362b and the rear corner of the inlet body 361 can form a third inlet 3623.

[0205] The first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623 are provided with the same area, and the second inlet 3622 can be provided with an area smaller than that of the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623.

[0206] The base cover 360 may include a damper portion 364 provided to open and close the inlet portion 362, and a drive unit 365 coupled to the damper portion 364 and controlling the opening and closing of the damper portion 364.

[0207] The damper portion 364 may include a first damper portion 3641 provided to open and close the first inlet 3621, and a second damper portion 3642 provided to open and close the third inlet 3623.

[0208] The first damper portion 3641 is provided in the shape of a plate having an area corresponding to the first inlet 3621, and can be rotatably coupled to both sides of the inlet body 361 within the first inlet 3621.

[0209] The second damper portion 3642 is provided in a plate shape having an area corresponding to the third inlet 3623, and can be rotatably coupled to both sides of the inlet body 361 within the third inlet 3623.

[0210] The second inlet 3622 may be equipped with a barrier filter 366 that allows air to pass through but filters out foreign matter such as fine dust and lint.

[0211] The blocking filter 366 may be inserted into the second inlet 3622 and configured to partition the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623. The blocking filter 366 may extend from the second inlet 3622 and be positioned to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.

[0212] The aforementioned blocking filter 366 can be provided as a filter capable of filtering out even moisture. For example, the blocking filter 366 can be provided as a HEPA filter or the like.

[0213] On the other hand, if the blocking filter 366 is inserted into the second inlet 3622, a shielding member that shields the second inlet 3622 can be further connected.

[0214] The drive unit 365 may include a motor that provides power to selectively rotate the first damper unit 3641 and the second damper unit 3642, and a plurality of gear members that mesh with the motor and rotate to selectively rotate the first damper unit 3641 and the second damper unit 3642.

[0215] The drive unit 365 allows the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623 to be selectively opened.

[0216] The air contained inside the inner case 200 may flow into the circulation duct 320 along the first inlet 3621, or it may flow into the circulation duct 320 along the third inlet 3623, as a result of the drive unit 365.

[0217] Of course, the drive unit 365 can control the first damper unit 3641 and the second damper unit 3642 to open both the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623, and can also control the first damper unit 3641 and the second damper unit 3642 to shield both the first inlet 3621 and the third inlet 3623.

[0218] The drive unit 365 may have any structure as long as it can rotate the first damper unit 3641 and the second damper unit 3642. For example, it may be provided as a combination of a motor, a driving gear rotated by the motor, and a driven gear coupled to the first damper unit and the second damper unit and rotated by the rotation of the driving gear.

[0219] The base cover 360 may include a shielding body 363 that extends from the inlet body 361 and can shield the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The shielding body 363 may be provided in the shape of a plate.

[0220] The base cover 360 can be detachably connected to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 via an inlet hook 3612 extending from the lower surface of the inlet body 361.

[0221] The circulation duct 320 may be equipped with a coupling portion that is detachably connected to the inlet hook 3612.

[0222] Figure 9 shows the installation structure of the steam supply unit.

[0223] The steam supply unit 800 can be seated and supported on the base cover 360.

[0224] The steam supply unit 800 may include a steam generator 810 that seats on the base cover 360 and stores water for generating the steam.

[0225] The steam supply unit 800 may further include an installation bracket 870 for fixing the steam generator 810 to the base cover 360.

[0226] The mounting bracket 870 is connected to the base cover 360, and the steam generator 810 can be fixed in place.

[0227] The mounting bracket 870 may include a lower panel 871 that supports the lower surface of the steam generator 810, and side panels 872 that support both sides of the steam generator 810 on the lower panel 871.

[0228] The mounting bracket 870 extends from the side panel 872 and may further include one or more fixing clips 873 to prevent the steam generator 810 from falling off.

[0229] The fixing clip 873 can be detachably attached to the top or side of the steam generator 810.

[0230] The compressor 342 can be positioned below the steam supply unit 800.

[0231] The mounting bracket 870 may be provided to block the transfer of heat generated from the compressor or heat generated from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the steam supply unit 800.

[0232] The mounting bracket 870 can also prevent fire from spreading to the steam supply unit 800 in the event of a fire occurring in the compressor 342.

[0233] On the other hand, the base cover 360 may include a fastening portion 3631 provided on the shielding body 363 and detachably coupled to the steam supply unit 800. The fastening portion 3631 may be provided as a structure that is detachably coupled to a protrusion that protrudes from the lower part of the steam generator 810.

[0234] As a result, even if a large amount of water is contained inside the steam generator 810, the steam generator 810 can be stably seated on the base cover 360.

[0235] Furthermore, since the steam generator 810 is positioned above the circulation duct 320, and the distance to the inner case 200 is shortened, it is possible to minimize the condensation of the steam generated by the steam generator 810 before it reaches the inner case 200.

[0236] Figure 10 shows the detailed structure of the steam supply unit.

[0237] Referring to Figure 10(a), the steam supply unit 800 may include a steam generator 810 that receives and stores water for generating steam, and a steam heater 840 housed in the steam generator 810 that heats the water to generate steam.

[0238] The steam generator 810 can be provided in a case shape that forms a space for housing the steam heater 840.

[0239] For example, the steam generator 810 has a case shape with an open top and can accommodate the steam heater 840.

[0240] The steam supply unit 800 is coupled to the steam generator 810 and may further include a case cover 820 that prevents the steam heater 840 from being exposed to the outside and prevents the water from leaking out.

[0241] The case cover 820 can be equipped with a water level sensor 850 for detecting the water level of the steam generator 810, and a steam sensor 860 for detecting the temperature inside the steam generator 810 or for detecting whether or not steam has been generated inside the steam generator 810.

[0242] Referring to Figure 10(b), the steam generator 810 may include a case body 811 that stores the water and provides space for housing the steam heater 840.

[0243] The case body 811 has an open top, allowing various components to be easily installed inside the case body 811.

[0244] The case body 811 may include a heater insertion hole 8111 through which the heater 840 can be inserted or removed.

[0245] The case body 811 may be equipped with a recovery pipe 814 into which water for generating steam is supplied.

[0246] The recovery pipe 814 may be provided to discharge the water contained within the case body 811 to the outside.

[0247] The recovery pipe 814 can be kept closed by the shut-off plug 8141 so as to be opened only when removing residual water from inside the steam generator 810, and to prevent the shut-off plug 8141 from being arbitrarily detached, it may include a shut-off clip 8142 that keeps the shut-off plug 8141 connected to the recovery pipe 814.

[0248] This allows water inside the steam generator 800 to be discharged through the recovery pipe 814 when repairing the steam generator 800 or when preventing frost damage to the steam generator 800.

[0249] Of course, the recovery pipe 814 can be configured to receive water from the water supply tank 30. Further details will be described later.

[0250] On the other hand, a heater fixing portion 830 for supporting or fixing the steam heater 840 can be installed inside the case body 811. The heater fixing portion 830 may include a fixing clip 831 for fixing the steam heater 840 and a clip fastening member 833 for fixing the fixing clip 831 to the case body 811.

[0251] The fixing clip 831 can be configured to house or cover at least a portion of the steam heater 840.

[0252] On the other hand, the steam supply unit 800 may be equipped with a water supply pipe 815 through which water is supplied. The water supply pipe 815 may be configured to communicate with the water supply tank 30 and to supply water through it.

[0253] The water supply pipe 815 can be provided in the case cover 820 or positioned on top of the steam generator 810. This prevents water from flowing back through the water supply pipe 815.

[0254] The steam supply unit 800 may include a steam pipe 813 for discharging steam generated by the operation of the steam heater 840 to the outside. The steam pipe 813 is also provided on the upper part of the case cover 820, and can be blocked from being discharged into the steam pipe 813 at will.

[0255] The steam pipe 813 can communicate with the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200.

[0256] The case cover 820 may be provided with a water level sensor hole 854 in which the water level sensor 850 is installed.

[0257] The water level sensor 850 may include 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 generator 810.

[0258] The sensor body 851 can be connected to the case cover 820 via the sensor fastening member 853.

[0259] On the other hand, the case cover 820 may be provided with an insertion hole 864 in which the steam sensor 860 is installed. The steam sensor 860 may include a detection device 861 inserted into the insertion hole 864 to detect whether or not steam is generated inside the steam generator 810, a support base 863 for fixing the detection device 861 to the case cover 820, and a coupling member 862 for connecting the support base 863 to the case cover 820.

[0260] The detection device 861 is provided as a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor and can detect whether or not steam is generated inside the steam generator 810.

[0261] On the other hand, the case cover 820 may be extended forward and may be equipped with a cover hook 821 that is coupled to the base cover 860.

[0262] Furthermore, the case cover 820 may also be provided with a fixing projection 822 at the rear for securing the lower part of the inner case 200 or another steam discharge section 900.

[0263] The steam heater 840 can be inserted into the heater insertion hole 8111, housed in the steam generator 810, and configured to be powered to heat water.

[0264] The steam heater 840 is provided as a sheath heater or the like, and can be controlled by the control unit 700 to repeatedly start and stop.

[0265] The steam heater 840 may include a first heater 841 that heats water when supplied with a first power, and a second heater 842 that heats water when supplied with less power than the first power.

[0266] As a result, the second heater 842 heats a smaller amount of water than the first heater 841. few It can be configured to generate steam.

[0267] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 may be configured to divide and consume the maximum heater power allowed for the steam heater 840 in the garment processing device. That is, if the first heater 841 is configured to consume a portion of the maximum heater power, the second heater 842 may be configured to consume the remainder of the maximum heater power.

[0268] For example, if the typical maximum heater power allowable by the steam heater 840 is 1500W, the first heater 841 can be configured to consume 880W, and the second heater 842 can be configured to consume 600W. In this way, 20W can be allocated less to account for errors and other factors.

[0269] Of course, the steam heater 840 may include three or more heaters. For example, it may include a first heater 841, a second heater 842, and a third heater 843, the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the third heater 843 may be arranged to divide and consume the maximum heater power.

[0270] The following explanation will be based on the case where the steam heater 840 is composed of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0271] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be formed from U-shaped metal tubes.

[0272] The steam heater 840 includes a heater sealer 843 for fixing the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 and sealing the heater insertion hole 8111, and may include a terminal portion 844 for supplying current to the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0273] 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.

[0274] The first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be positioned at the same height. Therefore, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be configured to heat water at the same level to generate steam.

[0275] Thereby, the control unit 700 can adjust the amount of steam generated and the amount of power consumed by using both or selectively using the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0276] Figure 11 shows the interior of the steam generator.

[0277] The steam generator 810 stores water therein and may include a heating space 817 that accommodates a steam heater 840.

[0278] Further, water for generating steam can be supplied to the steam generator 810 via a water supply hose 8151 connected to the water supply pipe 815.

[0279] Meanwhile, steam generated by driving the steam heater 840 in the steam generator 810 can be discharged to the outside of the steam supply unit 800 along the steam hose 8131 via the steam discharge pipe 813.

[0280] The steam hose 8131 can communicate with the steam hole 233 of the inner case 200.

[0281] Meanwhile, the steam generator 810 may include a partition wall 812 that can separate the heating space 817 and the water level sensor 850. That is, the partition wall 812 is configured to separate the steam heater 840 and the water level sensor 850, and can be disposed offset to one side of the case body 811.

[0282] The water level sensor 850 can be disposed between the partition wall 812 and the inner surface of the case body 811.

[0283] Thereby, it is possible to prevent vibration of water generated when water boils from being transmitted to the water level sensor 850, and to prevent heat generated from the steam heater 840 from being directly transmitted to the water level sensor 850.

[0284] Figure 12 shows the steam supply unit in which the steam heater is installed.

[0285] Referring to Figure 12(a), the steam sensor 860 is positioned above the steam heater 840 and can be configured to detect the temperature inside the steam generator 810. This allows the steam sensor 860 to detect when steam is generated when the water reaches 100 degrees Celsius or a high temperature.

[0286] The steam heater 840 is supported by the support clip 832, which prevents the steam heater 840 from coming into contact with the bottom surface of the steam generator 810 or the like.

[0287] Furthermore, the upper part is enclosed by the fixing clip 831, which prevents the position of the steam heater 840 from changing.

[0288] Referring to Figure 12(b), the heater sealer 844 of the steam heater 840 may include 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.

[0289] The first length L1 of the distance between the first support hole 8441 and the bottom surface of the steam generator 810, and the second length L2 of the distance between the second support hole 8442 and the bottom surface of the steam generator 810, can be the same.

[0290] Even if the diameters of the first support hole 8441 and the second support hole 8442 are different, the installation height can be the same.

[0291] This allows the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to heat water at the same level to generate steam.

[0292] Figure 13 shows in detail the steam supply structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0293] The steam generated inside the steam generator 810 can be supplied directly into the inner case 200 via the steam pipe 813.

[0294] However, if steam is supplied directly into the inner case 200 via the steam pipe 813, there is a risk that the water contained in the steam generator 810 will also be supplied into the inner case 200.

[0295] Furthermore, the water heated by the steam generator 810 may heat the bottom surface of the inner case 200, potentially causing thermal damage to the inner case 200.

[0296] To prevent this, the steam supply unit 800 of the present invention may further include a steam nozzle 900 that receives steam generated by the steam generator 810 and supplies it to the inner case 200.

[0297] The steam nozzle 900 can be positioned at a distance from the steam generator 810, and can be configured to supply only the steam generated by the steam generator 810, without supplying the water contained in the steam generator 810.

[0298] For example, the steam nozzle 900 can be positioned above the steam generator 810 and connected to the steam pipe 813. This allows the steam generated in the steam generator 810 to rise due to the density difference and be supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the steam pipe 813, while the water contained in the steam generator 810 may not flow into the steam pipe 813 or the steam nozzle 900 due to gravity.

[0299] The steam nozzle 900 may be disposed between the bottom surface of the inner case 200 and the steam generator 810, and may be provided so as to communicate with the steam hole 233.

[0300] On the other hand, the steam supply unit 800 of the present invention is provided so as to generate steam by being supplied with water from the water supply tank 30.

[0301] To this end, the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention may further include a water supply pump 880 that supplies water stored in the water supply tank 30 to the steam supply unit 800.

[0302] The steam supply unit 800 may further include a supply pipe 890 that guides water stored in the water supply tank 30 to the water supply pump 880.

[0303] In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention may further include a water supply pipe 815 that guides water discharged from the water supply pump 880 to the steam supply unit 800. The water supply pipe 815 may be provided in the form of a water supply hose 8151 made of rubber or the like.

[0304] As a result, the water supply pump 880 may be provided such that water is supplied from a supply pipe 890 connected to the water supply tank 30. Further, the water supply pump 880 may be provided such that it discharges water to supply the water to the steam supply unit 800 through a water supply pipe 881.

[0305] The steam supply unit 800 can be considered to include a water supply pump 880 that provides power for supplying water stored in the water supply tank 30 to the steam generator 810.

[0306] The supply pipe 890 may be provided as a hose connecting the water supply tank 30 and the water supply pump 880, and the water supply pipe 881 may be provided as a hose coupled to the water supply pump 880.

[0307] On the other hand, the water supply pipe 815 can be configured to directly connect the water supply pump 880 and the steam generator 810. This allows water supplied from the water supply pump 880 to be directly supplied to the steam generator 810, heated by the steam heater 840, and generated as steam. The steam can be supplied to the steam nozzle 900 via the steam pipe 813 and transmitted to the inner case 200.

[0308] However, as shown in Figure 15, the water supply pipe 815 can be configured to directly connect the water supply pump 880 and the steam nozzle 900.

[0309] In other words, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured to supply water contained in the water supply tank 30 to the steam nozzle 900 rather than to the steam generator 810. Water supplied from the water supply pump 880 may be supplied directly to the steam nozzle 900.

[0310] The water supply pump 880 does not have to be directly connected to the steam generator 810. The water supply pump 880 is considered to be in communication with the steam generator 810 via the steam nozzle 900.

[0311] The steam nozzle 900 can be supplied with water from the water supply tank 30 via the water supply pump 880. The water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 can be transmitted to the steam generator 810.

[0312] Since the steam nozzle 900 is positioned above the steam generator 810, the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 can be automatically supplied to the steam generator 810.

[0313] As a result, the steam nozzle 900 can be configured to receive water from the water supply tank 30 via the water supply pump 880 and transmit it to the steam generator 810.

[0314] The steam supply unit 900 may further include a recovery pipe 815 connecting the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810. The recovery pipe 815 can supply water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 and temporarily contained therein to the steam generator 810.

[0315] As a result, the steam pipe 813 through which steam flows into the steam nozzle 900 and the recovery pipe 815 through which water is discharged from the steam nozzle 900 can be provided as separate flow paths.

[0316] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water supplied by the steam nozzle 900 from obstructing the flow of steam supplied from the steam generator 810.

[0317] On the other hand, the recovery pipe 815 can be configured in a U-shape. That is, a portion of the area between the ends of the recovery pipe 815 can be positioned lower than both ends. As a result, a certain amount of water can accumulate in the recovery pipe 815, like a water trap, preventing backflow of steam or water supplied from the steam generator 810 through the recovery pipe 815.

[0318] The steam tube 813 may include a steam hose 8131 connecting the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810. The steam hose 8131 may be made of rubber.

[0319] The recovery pipe 815 is provided separately from the steam pipe 813 and can be positioned at a distance from the steam pipe 813. A recovery hose 8151 connecting the steam nozzle 900 and the steam generator 810 may be included. The recovery hose 8151 can be made of rubber.

[0320] The steam generator 810 can receive and store the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900. Since the steam generator 810 is not directly connected to the water supply pump 880, there is no possibility of water flowing into the steam generator 810 flowing back into the water supply pump 880.

[0321] Furthermore, since the steam nozzle 900 is positioned above the steam generator 810 and is connected to the steam generator 810 via the recovery pipe 815, the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 can be automatically supplied to the steam generator 810 by gravity. As a result, there is no possibility of water supplied from the water supply pump 880 to the steam nozzle 900 flowing back into the water supply pump 880.

[0322] As a result, a check valve can be omitted between the water supply pump 880 and the steam nozzle 900 or the steam generator 810. Therefore, the water supply pipe 881 can be configured as a single water supply hose. The water supply path to the steam supply unit 900 is simplified, and the possibility of water leakage in the path is reduced accordingly.

[0323] Furthermore, a large amount of water can be supplied to the steam nozzle 900 through the water supply pump 880 at considerable pressure. As a result, any foreign matter or bacteria that have accumulated in the steam nozzle 900 can be washed away by the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 and flushed into the steam generator 810. Therefore, the steam nozzle 900 can always be kept clean, and obstruction of the flow of supplied steam can be prevented.

[0324] On the other hand, when the steam supplied from the steam nozzle 900 is condensed, the condensed water can be re-flowed into the steam generator 810 through the recovery pipe 815. That is, the condensed water generated in the steam nozzle 900 is recovered into the steam generator 810 in the same direction as the water supplied from the water pump 880, and can be reused as water for generating the steam. Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can prevent a rapid drop in the water level of the water tank 30 and prevent water waste.

[0325] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the flow path structure of the steam supply unit of the present invention.

[0326] The water supplied from the water supply pump 880 can be supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the water supply pipe 881.

[0327] The steam nozzle 900 can supply the supplied water to the steam generator 810.

[0328] The steam generator 810 can be supplied with water via the recovery pipe 815.

[0329] In the steam generator 810, when water is heated by the steam heater 840 to generate steam, the steam can be supplied to the steam nozzle 900 along the steam pipe 813.

[0330] At this time, the recovery pipe 815 and the steam pipe 813 can be separated from each other and placed in the steam generator 810.

[0331] The steam condensed in the steam nozzle 900 can be re-flowed into the steam generator 810 through the recovery pipe 815.

[0332] The steam generator 810 may be configured without any external hoses other than the recovery pipe 815 and steam pipe 813 connected to the steam nozzle 900. In other words, the water supply pump 880 may not be directly connected to the steam generator 810, and the hose connecting the water supply pump 880 and the steam generator 810 may be omitted.

[0333] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention only needs to include a water supply pipe 881, a recovery pipe 815, and a steam pipe 813 as flow paths related to steam, thus simplifying the flow path structure.

[0334] Furthermore, the steam nozzle 900 can be positioned above the steam generator 810. Therefore, all the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 can be directed to the steam generator 810 without the need for a separate check valve.

[0335] Therefore, when water supplied from the water supply pump 880 is supplied to the steam nozzle 900, all the water supplied to the steam nozzle 900 is guided to the steam generator 810, thus preventing water from flowing back from the steam nozzle 900 to the water supply pump 880.

[0336] Therefore, a check valve can be omitted between the water supply pump 880 and the steam nozzle 900.

[0337] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide the check valve in the water supply pipe 881, there is no need to provide multiple water supply pipes 881, and they can be provided as a single hose. As a result, not only is the flow path structure further simplified, but the installation and maintenance of the flow path are also made easier, and the possibility of water leakage is further reduced.

[0338] Figure 15 shows the flow path structure of the steam nozzle.

[0339] The steam nozzle 900 may include a supply container 910 that receives steam from the steam case 810 or water from the water supply pump 880.

[0340] The supply container 910 may be configured as a case shape with an internal space for receiving and containing water or steam.

[0341] The water supply pipe 881 can be connected to the supply container 910 at a position higher than the bottom surface of the supply container 910. For example, the water supply pipe 881 can be connected to the side surface of the supply container 910. This prevents water supplied to the supply container 910 from flowing back into the water supply pipe 881.

[0342] The water supply pipe 881 can be connected to the supply container 910 at a higher position than the recovery pipe 815. For example, the recovery pipe 815 can be arranged with one end connected to the bottom surface of the supply container 910 and the other end connected to the steam generator 810. This allows water supplied from the water supply pipe 881 to automatically flow into the recovery pipe 815.

[0343] Furthermore, the recovery pipe 815 can be provided in a U-shape so as to be able to hold a certain amount of water inside.

[0344] On the other hand, the recovery pipe 815 can be positioned adjacent to the water supply pipe 881. This allows the water supplied through the water supply pipe 881 to not remain in the supply container 910 and to flow quickly into the steam case 810.

[0345] On the other hand, one end of the steam pipe 813 can be connected to the lower part of the supply container 910, and the other end can be connected to the upper part of the steam generator 810 or the steam cover 820. This allows the steam generated in the steam generator 810 to be automatically supplied to the supply container 910 due to the density difference.

[0346] The steam pipe 813 can be connected to the supply container 910 at a higher position than the recovery pipe 815. Alternatively, the steam pipe 813 can be positioned further away from the water supply pipe 881 than the recovery pipe 815.

[0347] As a result, the water supplied to the supply container 910 does not flow back into the steam pipe 813, and more water can be supplied to the recovery pipe 815.

[0348] The steam pipe 813 can be connected to the bottom surface of the supply container 910.

[0349] The bottom surface of the supply container 910 can be configured such that the part where the recovery pipe 815 is connected is lower, and the part where the steam pipe 813 is connected is higher. To this end, the bottom surface of the supply container 910 can have a step or be provided with a slope.

[0350] The steam nozzle 900 may further include a container cover 920 coupled to the top of the supply container 910. The container cover 920 may include a steam injection hole 923 that penetrates the top. The steam injection hole 923 may be configured to communicate with the inside of the inner case 200.

[0351] The supply container 910 is provided in the shape of a box with an open top, and the container cover 920 can be provided so as to shield the top of the supply container 910.

[0352] The steam supplied through the steam pipe 813 can be discharged through the steam injection hole 923 and supplied into the inner case 200.

[0353] The steam pipe 813 can be positioned between the steam injection port 923 and the inner surface of the supply container 910. The steam injection port 923 can be positioned between the water supply pipe 881 and the steam pipe 813, or between the recovery pipe 815 and the steam pipe 813. This allows condensed steam that is not discharged through the steam injection port 923 to not remain inside the supply container 910, but to be discharged from the recovery pipe 815.

[0354] The steam injection holes 923 can be positioned in the center with respect to the width direction of the container cover 920.

[0355] The container cover 920 can be connected to the supply container 910 by a hook or other method. This eliminates the need for a separate fastening member to connect the container cover 920 and the supply container 910.

[0356] On the other hand, since the top of the supply container 910 is open, it is advantageous for installing various shapes and structures inside, and the container cover 920 is advantageous for installing various structures at the bottom.

[0357] With respect to the steam injection hole 932, the water supply pipe 881 and the recovery pipe 815 are arranged on one side of the supply container 910, and the steam pipe 813 is arranged on the other side of the supply container 910.

[0358] In other words, the water supply pipe 881 and the recovery pipe 815 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the steam pipe 813 is positioned further away from the water supply pipe 881 than the recovery pipe 815.

[0359] As a result, the water moving through the water supply pipe 881 can be supplied to the supply container 910 along direction I. The water supplied to the supply container 910 is immediately discharged along direction II through the recovery pipe 815 and can be supplied to the steam generator 810. The steam supplied from the steam pipe 813 is supplied to the supply container 910 along direction III, discharged from the steam injection hole 932, and the condensed water is discharged along direction II through the recovery pipe 815 and can be resupplied to the steam generator 810.

[0360] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the moving hanger 1000.

[0361] The moving hanger 1000 may be configured to move back and forth linearly inside the inner case 200. This allows the clothing to be swung back and forth linearly inside the inner case 200.

[0362] The moving hanger 1000 can periodically shake clothing at various frequencies.

[0363] For example, the moving hanger 1000 may have a structure like that of Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1285890.

[0364] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 can be configured to swing the clothing back and forth inside the inner case.

[0365] In other words, the moving hanger 1000 can have any structure as long as it can shake the garment inside the inner case in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0366] The following describes the structure in which the moving hanger 1000 rotates the garment back and forth.

[0367] Figure 16 shows the upper structure of the inner case 200 of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0368] The moving hanger 1000 of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may include a power transmission unit 1400 positioned on top of the inner case 200 and provided to swing the hanger 1900.

[0369] A hanging section 1700 on which the hanger 1900 is placed or hung may be provided at the lower part of the power transmission section 1400.

[0370] As a result, when the power transmission unit 1400 moves, the hanging unit 1700 moves, causing the hanger unit 1900, which is hung on the hanging unit 1700, to swing, thereby achieving the effect of beating the clothing.

[0371] Multiple power transmission units 1400 may be provided, and multiple hanging units 1700 connected to the power transmission units 1400 may also be provided. This allows a large number of garments, corresponding to the number of power transmission units 1400, to be hung inside the inner case 200 and refreshed.

[0372] The moving hanger 1000 may further include a drive unit 1200 that provides power to move the power transmission unit 1400.

[0373] The drive unit 1200 may be provided exposed inside the inner case 200, as long as power can be transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400. However, since the drive unit 1200 is configured to operate by being supplied with electrical energy, it is desirable that it be shielded from exposure to steam and hot air.

[0374] Therefore, the drive unit 1200 is positioned between the upper surface of the inner case 200 and the cabinet 100, preventing it from being exposed to the housing space 220.

[0375] The power transmission unit 1400 can receive power from the drive unit 1200 through the inner case 200 and transmit it to the drive unit 1700.

[0376] The power transmission section 1400 can extend through the upper surface of the inner case 200 into the interior of the housing space 220. The lower end of the power transmission section 1400 is exposed to the housing space 220, and the upper end of the power transmission section 1400 is exposed above the inner case 200.

[0377] The power transmission section 1400 can be provided in a shape such as a rod, tube, or plate, with a length longer than its thickness.

[0378] On the other hand, the upper surface of the inner case 200 can support the loads of the power transmission unit 1400 and the drive unit 1200. Clothes are hung on the power transmission unit 1400 and it moves, and the drive unit 1200 is also configured to be relatively heavy. Therefore, in order to stably install the moving hanger 1000 on the upper surface of the inner case 200, the clothing processing apparatus 1 of the present invention may further be provided with a support unit 1800.

[0379] The support portion 1800 is positioned on the upper part of the inner case 200, but can be coupled to and supported by the cabinet 100. The support portion 1800 can be made of a durable and deformation-resistant metal material.

[0380] The power transmission unit 1400 and the drive unit 1200 can be mounted on the support unit 1800 and positioned on the upper part of the inner case 200. The power transmission unit 1400 can extend through the support unit 1800 into the interior of the housing space 220.

[0381] On the other hand, the drive unit 1200 includes a motor that rotates the rotating shaft. The drive unit 1200 can be configured to move the power transmission unit 1400 using the power generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0382] However, if the rotating shaft simply rotates in that position, it may be difficult to cause the power transmission unit 1400 to oscillate with a sufficient amount of displacement.

[0383] Therefore, the moving hanger 1000 may further include a displacement generating unit 1300 that is coupled to a rotating shaft rotated by the motor and generates a sufficient displacement (amount of change in position) for the power transmission unit 1400 to operate.

[0384] The displacement generating unit 1300 can be connected to or coupled to the drive unit 1200.

[0385] For example, the displacement generating unit 1300 can be configured to transmit power from the drive unit 1200 to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0386] The displacement generating unit 1300 may include an eccentric shaft that rotates in a trajectory larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft. The eccentric shaft may be directly coupled to the rotating shaft of the drive unit 1200, or it may be eccentrically coupled to or extended from the power shaft 1240 that is rotated by the rotating shaft.

[0387] The displacement generation unit 1300 may have any configuration as long as it can generate a displacement that causes the power transmission unit 1400 to reciprocate within a predetermined range. The detailed structure will be described later.

[0388] When the drive unit 1200 is activated, the power generated by the rotating shaft generates a displacement in the displacement generation unit 1300, and the power transmission unit 1400 can operate in accordance with the displacement of the displacement generation unit 1300.

[0389] The displacement generating unit 1300 can directly move the power transmission unit 1400, but it can also move the power transmission unit 1400 through additional configurations.

[0390] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention can be configured to reciprocate the power transmission unit 1400.

[0391] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention may be configured to rotate the power transmission unit 1400. Specifically, the moving hanger 1000 may be configured to reciprocate and rotate the power transmission unit 1400 within a predetermined angular range, rather than moving it back and forth in a straight line.

[0392] The power transmission unit 1400 can be configured to reciprocate clockwise or counterclockwise from a fixed position, and the clothing hung on the power transmission unit 1400 can also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The power transmission unit 1400 is rotated by the moving hanger 1000, but its position can be varied to the left or right, etc., so that it does not move.

[0393] Even when the clothing rotates inside the inner case 200 due to the power transmission unit 1400, the movement of the center of gravity inside the inner case 200 can be restricted. Therefore, even when the moving hanger 1000 is in operation, vibrations generated inside the inner case 200 can be drastically reduced, and noise generation can be minimized.

[0394] To this end, the moving hanger 1000 may further include a reciprocating rotating unit 1500 that converts the continuous rotational energy generated in the drive unit 1200 or the displacement generating unit 1300 into the reciprocating rotational motion of the power transmission unit 1400.

[0395] The reciprocating rotating part 1500 may be configured to connect the displacement generating part 1300 and the power transmission part 1400 to each other. The reciprocating rotating part 1500 may be configured to connect the displacement generating part 1300 and the power transmission part 1400 to each other above the inner case 200. The reciprocating rotating part 1500 can be prevented from being exposed to the storage space 220, thereby preventing the clothing from being damaged by the reciprocating rotating part 1500.

[0396] On the other hand, the moving hanger 1000 may be configured to reciprocate and rotate only one of the plurality of power transmission units 1400.

[0397] However, if only one power transmission unit 1400 rotates, there is a risk that clothing hung on the rotating power transmission unit may collide with and be damaged by clothing hung on other power transmission units 1400. Furthermore, this impact may be transmitted to the moving hanger 1000, potentially damaging the moving hanger 1000.

[0398] Therefore, it is desirable that the moving hanger 1000 be configured to rotate all of the multiple power transmission units 1400.

[0399] The moving hanger 1000 can rotate multiple power transmission units 1400 as a single unit. The moving hanger 1400 can be configured to rotate multiple power transmission units 1400 simultaneously at the same angle. This prevents the garment processing apparatus of the present invention from colliding with each other.

[0400] The fact that the power generated by the drive unit 1200 is directly transmitted to the multiple power transmission units 1400 is advantageous in rotating all of the power transmission units 1400.

[0401] However, if the drive unit 1200 is configured to directly transmit power to each power transmission unit 1400, the structure connecting the drive unit 1200 to all the power transmission units 1400 may become complicated.

[0402] Furthermore, if multiple drive units 1200 are provided, and multiple configurations are provided in which all power transmission units 1400 are connected from the drive units 1200, there is a possibility that an excessive load may be applied to the inner case 200 or the support unit 1800. In addition, there is a risk of inconvenience arising from having to control multiple drive units 1200.

[0403] Furthermore, if the power transmitted from one drive unit 1200 is connected so that the displacement generating unit 1300 and the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 transmit the power to each of the power transmission units 1400, the arrangement and structure of the displacement generating unit 1300 and the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 become complex, which may reduce reliability.

[0404] Therefore, the moving hanger 1000 can be configured such that one drive unit 1200 generates power to rotate a plurality of power transmission units 1400.

[0405] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 may be configured such that the power generated by the drive unit 1200 is preferentially transmitted to some of the power transmission units 1400 or some of the reciprocating rotating units 1500, and the remaining power transmission units 1400 or the remaining reciprocating rotating units 1500 receive the power secondarily.

[0406] For example, the reciprocating rotating section 1500 can be configured to receive power transmitted from the drive section 1200 or the displacement generating section 1300 and transmit it to some of the power transmission sections 1400. That is, the moving hanger 1000 can be configured to transmit the power generated by the drive section 1200 to one reciprocating rotating section 1500 in a concentrated manner, allowing for a simpler design of the power transmission structure and minimizing power loss.

[0407] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention can be configured to transmit power transmitted from the drive unit 1200 to a single reciprocating rotating unit 1500, and to rotate a specific power transmission unit 1400 connected to the reciprocating rotating unit 1500.

[0408] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 may further include a connecting portion 1600 provided to transmit power transmitted to a specific power transmission portion 1400 to another power transmission portion 1400.

[0409] For example, the connecting portion 1600 can be configured to connect multiple power transmission portions 1400 to each other. This allows the connecting portion 1600 to rotate all of the power transmission portions 1400 when any one of them rotates.

[0410] Figure 17 illustrates the mechanism by which the moving hanger of the present invention operates.

[0411] Referring to Figure 17(a), the power transmission unit 1400 can be rotated to the right by the reciprocating rotation unit 1500 when the drive unit 1240 is activated. At this time, the power transmission unit 1400 connected to the connecting unit 1600 can also be rotated entirely to the right.

[0412] Referring to Figure 17(b), the power transmission unit 1400 can be rotated to the left by the reciprocating rotation unit 1500 when the drive unit 1200 is further activated. At this time, the power transmission unit 1400 connected to the connecting unit 1600 can also be rotated entirely to the left.

[0413] By repeating this process, the power transmission unit 1400 can rotate from side to side.

[0414] In this case, the power transmission unit 1400 can be provided to rotate left and right while remaining fixed in a fixed position. When the power transmission unit 1400 rotates, it can be fixed to the support unit 1800 so that there is no change in position in the front, back, left, or right directions.

[0415] The power transmission unit 1400 can be fixed so as not to move in position with respect to the vertical, front-back, and width directions.

[0416] However, the power transmission unit 1400 can be configured to rotate left and right with the vertical or height direction in which the power transmission unit extends as the axis of rotation. As a result, when the drive unit 1200 is driven, the hanging unit 1700 can reciprocate left and right around the power transmission unit 1400 as an axis, without any positional movement.

[0417] Referring to Figure 17(c), the hanger portion 1900 may include a hook portion 1910 that is hung on the hanging portion 1700 and a seat portion 1950 that is coupled to the hook portion 1910. The surface of the seat portion 1950 may be provided with a surface portion 950 that prevents clothing from slipping.

[0418] The seat portion 1950 can be provided symmetrically on both sides with respect to the hook portion 1910. The hanger portion 1900 can be hung on the hanging portion 1700 such that the seat portion 1950 is positioned in the front-to-back direction.

[0419] When the power transmission unit 1400 rotates to the left, the hanger unit 1900 rotates with respect to the hook unit 1910, with the left side of the seating unit 1950 rotating to the left and the right side of the seating unit 1950 rotating to the right. At this time, the angle (I) of rotation of the left side of the seating unit 1950 is the same as the angle (θ) of rotation of the right side of the seating unit 1950, and the distance moved by the left side of the seating unit 1950 is the same as the distance moved by the right side of the seating unit 1950.

[0420] As a result, the weight and force moving to the left with respect to the hanger portion 1900 are the same as the weight and force moving to the right, and can cancel each other out.

[0421] Similarly, even if the power transmission unit 1400 rotates to the right, the resulting weight and force moving to the left with respect to the hanger unit 1900 is the same as the weight and force moving to the right, and they can cancel each other out.

[0422] As a result, even when the power transmission unit 1400 rotates, the forces applied to the hanger unit 1900 cancel each other out, and consequently, the vibration force, excitation force, and inertial force generated by the hanger unit 1900 itself can be minimized. This minimizes the inertial forces generated by the multiple power transmission units 1400, minimizing vibrations and noise generated throughout the moving hanger 1000, and drastically reducing vibrations and noise throughout the entire garment processing apparatus 1.

[0423] As a result, even when the drive unit 1200 rotates at maximum output, significant vibration can be avoided in the moving hanger 1000 or the entire garment processing device 1.

[0424] Instead, each surface of the garment hung on the hanger section 1900 rotates from side to side and is struck, thus ensuring a large striking force.

[0425] As described above, the power transmission unit 1400 is provided so as to penetrate the inner case 200, and power is transmitted to it, allowing it to reciprocate and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. As a result, the power transmission unit 1400 can reciprocate and rotate left and right while remaining fixed in position at the top of the inner case 200. The power transmission unit 1400 is fixed in position without changing in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions. Furthermore, not only the upper part but also the lower part of the power transmission unit 1400 is fixed in position without changing in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions.

[0426] In other words, the power transmission unit 1400 can reciprocate at a constant angle of less than one rotation while its rotation center is fixed.

[0427] As a result, no matter how fast the power transmission unit 1400 rotates, the hanger unit 1900 remains fixed in position, with one end rotating or moving to one side and the other end moving to the other side. Therefore, the forces and vibrations transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400 can cancel each other out.

[0428] Therefore, vibrations and noise generated by the power transmission section 1400, the hanging section 1700, and the hanger section 1900 inside the inner case 200 can be minimized.

[0429] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can rotate the drive unit 1200 at a higher RPM, causing the power transmission unit 1400 to reciprocate at a higher frequency. This allows the garment processing apparatus of the present invention to oscillate the garment more strongly.

[0430] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention is equipped such that the power transmission unit 1400 reciprocates clockwise or counterclockwise at its position. Therefore, as described above, no matter how fast the hanger unit 1900 rotates, the vibrations or inertial forces generated in the hanger unit 1900 and the clothing can cancel each other out when transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0431] As a result, even if the drive unit 1200 of the present invention is increased to a certain RPM or higher, the moving hanger 1000 will not be damaged, and the generation of vibrations and noise exceeding limit values ​​in the garment processing device can be suppressed.

[0432] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the drive unit 1200 faster than a conventional garment processing apparatus using a moving hanger, and can drive the power transmission unit 1400 at a higher frequency to shake the garment more strongly.

[0433] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can more reliably remove foreign matter adhering to garments through the moving hanger 1000 and more effectively remove wrinkles from garments. Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can vibrate the garments at a higher speed and expose them to the supplied steam more effectively.

[0434] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention allows for free adjustment of the RPM of the drive unit 1200, thereby adjusting the drive frequency or drive cycle of the power transmission unit 1400 according to the course.

[0435] Figure 18 shows one embodiment of the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention.

[0436] The moving hanger 1000 of the present invention can be configured to transmit the power of the drive unit 1200 to only one of the plurality of power transmission units 1400, and to transmit the power transmitted to a specific power transmission unit 1400 via the connecting unit 1600 to the remaining power transmission units 1400.

[0437] The displacement generating unit 1330 or the reciprocating rotating unit 1500 can be configured to concentrate and transmit power generated by one drive unit 1200 to one power transmission unit 1400. The connecting unit 1600 can transmit power transmitted to a specific power transmission unit 1400 to all power transmission units 1400.

[0438] The connecting portion 1600 is made of a rigid body and can be configured so that its length is not variable, and can be configured to completely connect all of the power transmission portions 1400.

[0439] As a result, all power transmission units 1400 can rotate simultaneously in the same direction and at the same angle when the connecting unit 1600 moves. Consequently, the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention can rotate multiple power transmission units 1400 simultaneously or at the same angle using a single drive unit 1200.

[0440] The moving hanger 1000 is fixed to the upper part of the inner case 200 and may include a drive unit 1200 that supplies power to move the power transmission unit, a plurality of reciprocating rotating units 1500 that are each coupled to a plurality of the power transmission units 1400 and receive power from the drive unit 1200, rotating so as to repeatedly change the direction of rotation, and a connecting unit 1600 configured to connect the plurality of reciprocating rotating units to each other.

[0441] The connecting portion 1600 may include a link bar that connects a plurality of reciprocating rotating portions 1500 and is provided to rotate the plurality of reciprocating rotating portions 1500 as a single unit.

[0442] The aforementioned connecting portion 1600 may be provided as a single unit.

[0443] The connecting portion 1600 may be provided to connect all of the power transmission portions 1400.

[0444] However, if the connecting portion 1600 is provided to connect the reciprocating rotating portion 1500, the connecting portion 1600 can be installed above the support portion 1800, preventing it from being exposed inside the inner case 200.

[0445] The connecting portion 1600 is connected to either the front or rear of the reciprocating rotating portion 1500, and one or more of the displacement generating portion 1330 and the drive portion 1200 can be positioned in the front or the remaining rear of the reciprocating rotating portion 1500. Therefore, interference between the connecting portion 1600 and the drive portion 1200 can be prevented.

[0446] The connecting portion 1600 can be configured to reciprocate in the width direction of the inner case 200 and rotate a plurality of the reciprocating rotating portions 1500.

[0447] The drive unit 1200 may include a motor 1210 that rotates the rotating shaft 1210, a power shaft 1240 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 1210, and a transmission unit 1230 that connects the power shaft 1240 and the rotating shaft 1210 and transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft 1210 to the power shaft 1240.

[0448] The motor 1210 can be fixed to the upper part of the inner case 200 and configured to rotate the rotating shaft 1220. However, the rotating shaft 1220 is configured to rotate at a speed much faster than the appropriate period for the motor 1210 to reciprocate the power transmission unit 1400. Taking this into consideration, if the RPM of the rotating shaft is reduced, there is a risk that the output of the motor 1210 cannot be transmitted to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0449] To solve these problems, the transmission unit 1230 can be configured to transmit the output of the rotating shaft 1220 directly to the power transmission unit 1400 while reducing the RPM of the rotating shaft 1220 during transmission.

[0450] The transmission unit 1230 is connected to the rotating shaft 1220 and is configured to rotate, but it is provided with a larger diameter than the rotating shaft 1220 so that it can rotate. As a result, the torque of the rotating shaft 1220 can be transmitted even when the transmission unit 1230 rotates at a slower rate than the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 1220.

[0451] The power shaft 1240 can be configured to rotate by the transmission unit 1230, and is provided separately from the rotating shaft 1230, and is configured to directly transmit power to the power transmission unit 1400.

[0452] The reciprocating rotating part 1500 can be coupled to the power transmission part 1400 and rotatably mounted together with the power transmission part 1400.

[0453] The reciprocating rotating part 1500 is coupled to the upper part of the power transmission part 1400 and may include a reciprocating lever 1510 that rotates the power transmission part 1400.

[0454] The reciprocating lever 1510 can be provided in the shape of a rib or rod, with its rotation center connected to the support shaft 1410.

[0455] The reciprocating levers 1510 can be coupled to the upper ends of each of the multiple power transmission units 1400, and some of the reciprocating levers 1510 can be connected to the transmission unit 1230 and provided to transmit power from the motor 1210.

[0456] The reciprocating lever 1510 can be configured to reciprocate at a constant angle when the transmission unit 1230 is rotated by the motor 1210. The power transmission unit 1400 can be coupled to the rotation center of the reciprocating lever 1510 and configured to rotate together with the reciprocating lever 1510.

[0457] Multiple reciprocating levers 1510 can be connected and arranged by a connecting portion 1600.

[0458] The connecting portion 1600 can be provided to connect one end of a plurality of reciprocating levers 1510.

[0459] As a result, when any one of the multiple reciprocating levers 1510 rotates, the connecting part 1600 moves, allowing all of the multiple reciprocating levers 1510 to rotate simultaneously and at the same time.

[0460] The power transmission unit 1400 and the reciprocating lever 1510 can be supported by the support unit 1800. The motor 1210 and the transmission unit 1230 can also be supported by the support unit 1800.

[0461] Figure 19 shows the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention separated from the inner case 200.

[0462] The power transmission section 1400 is provided extending from the upper to the lower part of the inner case, and the mounting section 1700 can be coupled to the lower part of the power transmission section 1400.

[0463] The reciprocating rotating section 1500 is coupled to each of the power transmission sections 1400 and is coupled to the upper part of the power transmission section 1400, allowing it to be easily connected to the drive section 1200.

[0464] Multiple power transmission units 1400 and reciprocating rotating units 1500 are provided and are arranged at a certain distance apart along the width direction of the inner case.

[0465] The connecting portion 1600 is provided to connect a plurality of the power transmission units 1400 or a plurality of the reciprocating rotating units 1500 to one another. As a result, the connecting portion 1600 can be provided to rotate the entire plurality of the power transmission units 1400 or the plurality of the reciprocating rotating units 1500 simultaneously.

[0466] The power transmission unit 1400 may include a support shaft 1410 that penetrates the upper part of the inner case 200 and is coupled to the reciprocating lever 1510.

[0467] The support shaft 1410 can pass through the support portion 1800 and be exposed on the upper part of the support portion 1800 or the upper part of the inner case 200.

[0468] The power transmission section 1400 is coupled to the support shaft 1410 and may include an auxiliary support section 1420 that is exposed in the housing space. The auxiliary support section 1420 is provided in a rod shape and can be fixed by attaching a hanging section 1700 to its lower part.

[0469] The auxiliary support portion 1420 can be fixed to the support shaft 1410 and rotatably mounted together with the support shaft 1410. As a result, when the support shaft 1410 is rotated by the reciprocating lever 1510, the auxiliary support portion 1420 coupled to the support shaft 1410 also rotates, allowing the hanging portion 1700 to rotate left and right.

[0470] The reciprocating lever 1510 may include a main lever 1511 that reciprocates and rotates by receiving power directly from the drive unit 1200, and an auxiliary lever 1512 that receives power from the main lever 1511 via a connecting unit 1600.

[0471] The main lever 1511 may be provided as a single unit and may be configured to receive power directly from the drive unit 1200.

[0472] In the drive unit 1200, the motor 1210 may include a vertical motor 1211 coupled to the support unit 1800 and a vertical rotating shaft 1221 rotated by the vertical motor 1211.

[0473] The transmission unit 1230 may include a power pulley 1231 coupled to the vertical rotation shaft 1221 and rotating together with the vertical rotation shaft 1221, a transmission pulley 1232 coupled to the power shaft 1240 and rotating the power shaft 1240, and a belt 1233 connecting a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the power pulley 1231 and the transmission pulley 1232.

[0474] The transmission unit 1230 may further include a pulley support unit 1224 that rotatably supports the power shaft 1240 and the transmission pulley 1232. The pulley support unit 1224 supports the transmission pulley 1232 so that it is positioned alongside the power pulley 1231 and may be seated on the support unit 1800.

[0475] The power shaft 1240 can be provided at one end of the main lever 1511 to transmit power transmitted from the rotating shaft 1220.

[0476] The displacement generating unit 1300 can be coupled to the power shaft 1240 to transmit power. The displacement generating unit 1300 can also be connected to the main lever 1511, causing the main lever 1511 to reciprocate around the support shaft 410.

[0477] For example, the displacement generating unit 1300 may include an eccentric shaft that is eccentrically connected to the power shaft 1240 and rotates with a constant radius relative to the rotation center of the power shaft 1240.

[0478] The displacement generating unit 1300 can be connected to the end of the main lever 1511. The displacement generating unit 1300 rotates on the power shaft 1240, causing the end of the main lever 1511 to reciprocate around the support shaft 410.

[0479] The connecting portion 1600 may include a link bar 1610 that connects one end of the main lever 1511 that is not connected to the power shaft 1240 or the displacement generating portion 1300, to one end of the auxiliary lever 1512.

[0480] The auxiliary lever 1512 may be rotatably coupled to the remaining support shaft 1410 that is not coupled to the main lever 1511, and may be configured to extend in one direction from the portion coupled to the support shaft 1410 and be connected to the link bar 1610.

[0481] The link bar 1610 can be provided in the shape of a straight frame connecting one end of the main lever 1511 and one end of the auxiliary lever 1512. In this case, one end of the main lever 1511 and one end of the auxiliary lever 1512 can be arranged side by side with respect to the link bar 1610 or the width direction.

[0482] The link bar 1610 is provided singly and can be configured to rotate the main lever 1511 and the auxiliary lever 1512 simultaneously and at one time around their respective support shafts 1410.

[0483] The inner case 200 may be provided with a through hole 230 on which a part of the support portion 1800 is placed and which exposes the power transmission portion 1400 to the housing space 220.

[0484] The through-hole 230 is provided in the upper surface 22 of the inner case 200, and the through-hole 230 can be provided along the direction in which the power transmission unit 1400 is arranged.

[0485] For example, the power transmission section 1400 is arranged spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the inner case 200, and the through-hole 230 is also arranged along the width direction of the inner case 200.

[0486] The garment processing apparatus 1 of the present invention may further include a support frame 120 disposed outside the inner case 200 and supporting the cabinet 100.

[0487] The support frames 120 are positioned at locations corresponding to the corners of the cabinet 100 or the inner case 200, and may be made of a metal material that maintains the appearance of the garment processing device. The support portion 1800 is supported by both ends of which are seated on the support frames 120, thereby preventing unwanted impacts and loads from being transmitted to the upper surface 220 of the inner case 200.

[0488] Figure 20 shows the operation method of the moving hanger 1000 of the present invention.

[0489] Referring to Figure 20(a), the main lever 1511 may include a main body 15111 which is coupled to the support shaft 1410 and to the connecting bar 1610.

[0490] The main body 15111 is coupled to the support shaft 1410 and includes a main central hole 15115 that rotates the support shaft 1410, and may be provided extending from the main central hole 15115 to both sides.

[0491] The main body 15111 may include a main receiving hole 15112 at one end for receiving power from the drive unit 1200, and a main transmission hole 15113 at the other end to which the connecting bar 1610 is seated and connected.

[0492] The main body 15111 may further include a stepped portion 15114 that extends from the central hole to the main receiving hole 15112 and forms a step. The stepped portion 15114 allows one end of the main body 15111 or the main transmission hole 15113 to be positioned further below the main central hole 15115.

[0493] This ensures that the power shaft 1240 or the eccentric shaft 1310, positioned above the main central hole 15115, has sufficient length to extend from the transmission section 1230.

[0494] On the other hand, the auxiliary lever 1512 may include an auxiliary body 15121 having an auxiliary central hole 15125 to which the support shaft 1410 is connected, and an auxiliary transmission hole 15123 that extends to one side from the auxiliary central hole 15125 and connects to the link bar 1610.

[0495] The auxiliary body 15121 may be configured to be shorter in length than the main body 15111.

[0496] The distance from the main central hole 15115 to the main transmission hole 15113 can be set to be the same as the distance from the auxiliary central hole 15125 to the auxiliary transmission hole 15123.

[0497] The link bar 1610 is seated on the upper part of the auxiliary transmission hole 15123 and the main transmission hole 15113, and can connect the auxiliary lever 1512 and the main lever 1511 to each other.

[0498] Referring to Figure 20(b), the drive unit 1210 can be configured such that the power shaft 1240 is inserted into the main receiving port 15112. This makes it possible to rotate the power shaft 1240 directly to rotate the main receiving port 15112 left and right.

[0499] In other words, rotation alone of the power shaft 1240 may not generate enough displacement to rotate the main receiving hole 15112 left or right with respect to the main central hole 15115.

[0500] To this end, the displacement generating unit 1300 can be coupled to the power shaft 1240 and configured to generate a displacement larger than the rotational radius of the power shaft 1240.

[0501] The displacement generation unit 1300 can be configured to convert the rotational motion of the power shaft 1240 at a fixed position into displacement motion that reciprocates within a certain range. The displacement motion is transmitted to the reciprocating rotation unit 1500, enabling the power transmission unit 1400 to reciprocate.

[0502] As described above, the displacement generating unit 1300 may include the eccentric shaft 1310 which extends from the power shaft 1240 and rotates in a trajectory along a certain radius.

[0503] The eccentric shaft 1310 has a smaller diameter than the power shaft 1240 and can be configured by being connected to or extending from the power shaft 1240 at a certain distance from the center of rotation of the power shaft 1240.

[0504] As a result, when the power shaft 1240 rotates, the eccentric shaft 1310 can rotate in a circle with a radius equal to the distance from the power shaft 1240.

[0505] The diameter of the eccentric shaft 1310 can be set to be smaller than the diameter or width of the main receiving hole 15112.

[0506] The eccentric shaft 1310 can be inserted into and supported by the main receiving hole 15112.

[0507] However, the constant radius on which the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates can be set to be larger than the width or diameter of the main receiving hole 15112. As a result, when the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates, the main receiving hole 15112 can be pushed by the eccentric shaft 1310 and move left and right with respect to the main central hole 15115.

[0508] As a result, when the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates in a specific direction (x), the main receiving hole 15112 of the main body 1511 also reciprocates along a certain direction (y), and as a result, the central hole 15115 of the main body also rotates in the same direction as the main receiving hole 15112, and the main transmission hole 15113 can reciprocate in the opposite direction (z) to the aforementioned certain direction.

[0509] When the eccentric shaft 1310 rotates, the support shaft 1410 reciprocates together with the main central hole 15115, allowing the power transmission unit 1400 to reciprocate. The main transmission hole 15113 also reciprocates, causing the link bar 1610 to move back and forth, thereby allowing the auxiliary lever 1521 to reciprocate around the auxiliary central hole 15125 and the support shaft 1410. The power transmission unit 1400 coupled to the auxiliary lever 1521 can also be reciprocated.

[0510] The power transmission section 1400 can have screw threads provided around its circumference along the upper part of the support shaft 1410.

[0511] The main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125 can be directly connected and fixed to the support shaft 1410 using screw threads or the like.

[0512] However, the power transmission unit 1400 may further include a transmission coupling unit 1415 that is coupled to the threads of the support shaft 1410 in order to fix the support shaft 1410 to the main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125 after the support shaft 1410 has passed through the main transmission hole 15113 and the auxiliary central hole 15125.

[0513] Therefore, the support shaft 1410 and the reciprocating lever 1510 are connected by the transmission coupling 1415, making it possible for the support shaft 1410 and the reciprocating lever 1510 to rotate simultaneously.

[0514] The following describes an embodiment in which the control unit 700 of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention executes an arbitrary course based on the above configuration.

[0515] Figure 21 shows the process by which the garment processing apparatus of the present invention executes a course for processing garments.

[0516] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can have an allowable power amount set as the maximum usable power amount. The control unit 700 of the garment processing apparatus may be set to shut off the power supply when it detects that the power consumption exceeds the allowable power amount.

[0517] The allowable power is less than the amount of power consumed when the first heater 841, the second heater 842, and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously. As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is configured such that it is impossible for the entire steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 to be driven simultaneously.

[0518] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention is configured such that the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 cannot be driven simultaneously while the compressor 342 is running, and the compressor 342 cannot be driven while the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are running simultaneously.

[0519] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that it is impossible to simultaneously supply the maximum available steam while hot air is being supplied inside the inner case 200.

[0520] However, the allowable power may be greater than the amount of power consumed when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously. Furthermore, the allowable power may be greater than the amount of power consumed when the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously. Furthermore, the allowable power may be greater than the amount of power consumed when the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously.

[0521] As a result, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously, the first heater 841 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously, and the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously.

[0522] Therefore, when the compressor 342 is not running, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can simultaneously drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to supply the maximum amount of steam that can be supplied to the inside of the inner case.

[0523] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can simultaneously drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 to supply steam into the inner case 200 while simultaneously supplying hot air into the inner case 200, and it is also possible to supply hot air while simultaneously supplying steam into the inner case 200.

[0524] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can initially drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously to quickly heat the water inside the steam generator 810 and preferentially generate steam. Subsequently, once steam is generated, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to maintain the water temperature at the boiling point or the like, and sustain steam generation.

[0525] However, in this case, after steam is generated, the amount of steam injected may decrease compared to when the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are driven simultaneously.

[0526] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can adjust the amount of steam supplied by driving only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842. This allows for the supply of only a small amount of steam to materials that are sensitive to moisture and temperature, such as silk and cashmere, enabling a thorough refreshing process.

[0527] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can reduce the amount of power required for steam supply because, when supplying steam to the inside of the inner case, only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be used.

[0528] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can rapidly raise the temperature inside the inner case by simultaneously driving the compressor 342 when supplying steam. As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can quickly complete a drying course to remove moisture from wet clothes, and a refreshing process that includes sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of clothes.

[0529] Figure 21(a) shows one embodiment of the control method for the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0530] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a steam preparation step (A1) in which a steam heater is driven to heat water when a refresh course or standard course that performs the refresh process is executed, and a steam injection step (A2) in which the steam is supplied to the garment when the water is heated and steam is generated during the execution of the steam preparation step (A1).

[0531] Generally, the refreshing process aims to supply moisture to dry clothing, so a large amount of steam needs to be sprayed onto the garment.

[0532] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously during the steam preparation stage (A1) and the steam injection stage (A2).

[0533] In the steam preparation stage (A1) and the steam injection stage (A2), the compressor 342 may not be driven, taking into consideration the allowable power output.

[0534] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs a waiting step (A3) that provides time for the garment to absorb moisture with supplied steam.

[0535] After performing the standby stage (A3) for a certain period of time, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention performs a cooling stage (A4) in which the surface temperature of the garment is further lowered and only the blower fan is driven before the compressor is driven. The cooling stage (A4) prevents thermal damage to the garment.

[0536] When the internal temperature of the inner case 200 decreases and the moisture content of the clothing becomes sufficient, the clothing processing apparatus of the present invention performs a drying stage (A5) in which it drives one or more of the compressor 342 and the blower fan 351.

[0537] The drying stage (A5) allows for refreshing processes such as deodorizing and wrinkle removal of the clothing while drying the moisture contained in the clothing. The drying stage (A5) lasts for the longest time of all the stages performed so far.

[0538] On the other hand, since the compressor cannot be driven during the steam injection stage (A2), hot air cannot be supplied. Therefore, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat supply unit 400 are relatively low until the drying stage (A5).

[0539] Therefore, with the aforementioned control method, refreshing performance including complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of clothes can only be guaranteed after the drying stage (A5) has been continued for a relatively long period.

[0540] Figure 21(b) shows another embodiment of the control method for the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0541] However, as mentioned above, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention has multiple heaters, so some of the heaters and the compressor can be driven simultaneously.

[0542] For example, since the steam heater 840 includes a first heater 841 and a second heater 842, either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously with the compressor. This can be used to perform a refresh process in a different way.

[0543] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can rapidly raise the temperature inside the inner case 200 before the drying stage by simultaneously driving the heater and compressor before the drying stage, thereby more quickly securing the temperature and time necessary for complete drying, sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal of the garments.

[0544] As a result, the duration of the drying phase can be shortened compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the duration of the drying phase can be set to be the longest during the refresh process. By shortening the duration of the drying phase, the overall duration of the refresh process can be significantly reduced. In addition, by shortening the compressor operating time, energy efficiency can be significantly improved.

[0545] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a steam preparation stage (B1) in which, when any course that can refresh or manage garments is executed, all of the steam heaters 840 are driven to supply steam to the garments.

[0546] Since the steam preparation step (B1) can shorten the refresh process time as the steam is generated more quickly, the control unit 700 can drive all of the heaters of the steam heater 840.

[0547] In other words, during the steam preparation stage (B1), the control unit 700 can heat the water using the maximum power of the steam heater 840.

[0548] If the steam heater 840 is composed of a first heater 841 and a second heater 842, the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously to heat water.

[0549] In the steam preparation stage (B1), if the detection device 860 detects that steam has been generated inside the steam case 810, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a preheating stage (B2) in which only a portion of the steam heater 840 is driven.

[0550] In other words, after steam is generated in the steam case 810, the steam can be continuously generated and supplied to the inner case 200 even if only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 is driven.

[0551] In the preheating stage (B2), the control unit 700 can drive only one of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to supply power to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0552] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can raise the temperature inside the inner case 200 by steam from the preheating stage (B2) and increase the moisture content of the garment. Furthermore, since only a portion of the steam heater 840 is used in the preheating stage (B2), excess power can be secured.

[0553] In the preheating stage (B2), the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive one or more of the compressor 342 and the blower fan 351. As a result, hot air can also be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0554] As a result, during the preheating stage (B2), at least a portion of the compressor 342 and blower fan 351 and a portion of the steam heater 840 can be driven simultaneously in overlapping manner.

[0555] In the preheating stage (B2), either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 can be driven simultaneously. Steam and hot air can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 at the same time.

[0556] When either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can be increased from the initial stage of the refresh process, and hotter air is introduced into the evaporator 341. As a result, the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 341 is enhanced, and the condenser 343 can be heated to an even higher temperature. Therefore, hotter hot air is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, and the inside of the inner case 200 can reach the optimal or minimum temperature required for the refresh process more quickly. Thus, the execution time of the subsequent refresh process can be significantly reduced.

[0557] Furthermore, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the entire heat supply unit 340 can also be increased.

[0558] The preheating stage (B2) may include one or more sections in which either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 are driven simultaneously, and sections in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0559] For example, in the preheating stage (B2), there may be sections in which only the compressor 342 is driven, as well as sections in which only the compressor 342 is driven.

[0560] However, it is desirable that the section in which only the compressor 342 is driven be located after the section in which both the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 are driven.

[0561] This is because it is advantageous for the heat supply unit 340 to supply air with high heat capacity to the evaporator 341 before the compressor 342 is driven. In other words, when the steam is supplied to the inner case 200 via the steam heater 840, not only does the temperature inside the inner case 200 rise, but the absolute humidity also increases, allowing air with high heat capacity to come into contact with the evaporator 341.

[0562] Specifically, the preheating stage (B2) may include a first section in which either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven and the compressor 342 is 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.

[0563] By supplying hot air and steam to the inner case 200 through the first section, the temperature inside the inner case 200 and the amount of heat in the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 can be increased.

[0564] By supplying hot air to the inside of the inner case 200 through the second section, the minimum temperature conditions necessary for refreshing clothing, such as deodorizing, wrinkle removal, and sterilization, can be met.

[0565] In the preheating section (B2), the first heater 841 can be driven. This allows a larger amount of steam to be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 than when the first heater 841 is driven, further increasing the temperature inside the inner case 200 and the amount of heat in the air flowing into the circulation duct 320.

[0566] Alternatively, the second heater 842 can be driven in the preheating section (B2).

[0567] As a result, the preheating section (B2) gradually raises the temperature inside the inner case 200, and the raised temperature can be maintained stably for a longer period of time. This ensures that the necessary time for sterilization and other processes is secured.

[0568] Furthermore, it can prevent clothing from deforming due to high humidity.

[0569] On the other hand, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can be configured to stop the operation of the steam heater 840 if the temperature inside the inner case 200 rises rapidly in the preheating section (B2) or if the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 342 exceeds a limit temperature.

[0570] Furthermore, in the preheating section (B2), the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can be set to operate either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 in a manner that repeatedly switches between on and off. That is, if the temperature of the refrigerant approaches or exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 700 can stop operating the steam heater 840 that is currently operating, and can repeatedly restart the operation of the steam heater 840 when the temperature of the refrigerant reaches a safe temperature lower than the limit temperature. Also, if the temperature inside the inner case 200 approaches or exceeds the target temperature, the control unit 700 can stop operating the steam heater 840 that is currently operating, and can repeatedly restart the operation of the steam heater 840 when the internal temperature reaches a cooling temperature lower than the target temperature.

[0571] On the other hand, even when the steam heater 840 is driven intermittently, the preheating section (B2) is intended to rapidly raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200. Therefore, the driving time of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be set to be longer than the stopping time of the first heater 841 and the second heater 842.

[0572] The preheating section B2 can be executed for a predetermined time and can be terminated when the internal temperature of the inner case or the temperature of the refrigerant maintains a certain temperature for a certain period of time or longer.

[0573] Once the preheating section (B2) is completed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a steam injection stage (B3) in which steam is supplied in earnest to the inside of the inner case 200. 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.

[0574] Since the clothes placed in the inner case 200 are heated to a certain extent in the preheating stage (B2) before the steam injection stage (B3) is performed, the overall moisture content of the clothes can be greatly increased.

[0575] The steam injection stage (B3) can be performed for a shorter time than the steam injection stage (A2) which does not involve the preheating stage (B2). This is because a certain amount of steam has already been supplied in the preheating stage (B2), so the amount of additional steam that needs to be supplied is set to be small.

[0576] The steam injection step (B3) can be terminated once the guaranteed time for the clothing to be sufficiently moistened has elapsed.

[0577] Once the steam injection step (B3) is completed, a drying step (B6) is performed to dry the garment with hot air. However, after the steam injection step (B3) is completed, an additional waiting step (B4) may be performed to allow time for the steam injected into the inner case 200 to penetrate the entire garment.

[0578] The aforementioned standby stage (B4) corresponds to a state in which the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 are not driven.

[0579] Through the aforementioned standby stage (B4), it is possible to prevent the steam sprayed into the inner case from evaporating immediately before it can be absorbed into the clothing, and to prevent damage caused by a rapid increase in the clothing surface temperature due to additional hot air supply while the clothing surface temperature has risen due to the steam.

[0580] The drying stage B6 is the stage in which the compressor 342 is driven and hot air is supplied to the inner case 200. Therefore, if hot air is supplied immediately before the temperature inside the inner case 200 has dropped below the safe temperature, the temperature inside the inner case 200 may rise above the limit temperature and damage the clothing.

[0581] Therefore, a cooling step (B5) that drives the blower fan 352 can be performed before the drying step (B6). In the cooling step (B5), the control unit 700 drives the blower fan 352, but the operation of the compressor 342 and the steam heater 340 can be shut off.

[0582] In the cooling stage B5, the air inside the inner case 200 circulates along the circulation duct 320 and can be cooled.

[0583] The cooling step B5 can be terminated when the temperature inside the inner case 200 drops below a safe temperature or when the cooling step B5 has been performed for a predetermined time.

[0584] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a drying step (B6) in which hot air is supplied to the garment. The drying step (B6) can be performed until the moisture content of the garment falls below a predetermined level.

[0585] The control unit 700 can recognize when the humidity level drops below a predetermined level by detecting the temperature inside the inner case 200 or the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0586] For example, if the moisture content of the clothing is high, even if the drying step (B6) is performed, the temperature of the material flowing back into the circulation duct 320 due to the heat of vaporization will not rise, or will not rise rapidly.

[0587] However, if the clothes are almost dry and the humidity level is below a predetermined level, the heat of vaporization is low, so the temperature of the air flowing into the circulation duct 320 may rise rapidly and eventually match the temperature of the hot air.

[0588] This is because the temperature of the refrigerant can also fluctuate in a pattern similar to that of the temperature flowing into the circulation duct 320.

[0589] The control unit 700 can detect when the moisture content of the clothing decreases, and when the clothing has been sufficiently dried and the minimum time required for refreshing has elapsed, the control unit 700 can terminate the drying stage (B6).

[0590] Alternatively, the control unit 700 may terminate the drying stage (B6) when the time the garment has been exposed to temperatures above the minimum drying temperature reaches the minimum time.

[0591] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can increase the total time it takes for the temperature inside the inner case 200 to reach or exceed the minimum required temperature by further arranging a preheating step (B2) before the drying step (B6), thereby significantly shortening the duration of the drying step (B6).

[0592] On the other hand, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can continuously maintain the state in which the compressor 342 is stopped after it has been driven in the preheating section (B2) until before the drying stage (B6) is performed.

[0593] Figure 22 shows one embodiment of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention in which the drying course is performed.

[0594] When the aforementioned drying course is executed, a drying course can be performed that is executed in the following order: first stage or heating stage, second stage or constant rate stage, third stage or reduction rate stage, and fourth stage or cooling stage.

[0595] The inner case 200 can hold wet clothing or clothing with a moisture content higher than the removal moisture content.

[0596] Referring to Figure 22(a), when the first stage is performed, one or more of the compressor 342 and the blower fan 352 can be driven. As a result, the refrigerant is heated, and the air inside the inner case 200 is also heated, and the blower fan 352 makes the air even hotter, allowing it to circulate through the inner case 200 and the circulation duct 320. In this process, the moisture in the clothing can begin to evaporate.

[0597] Referring to Figure 22(b), once the first stage is sustained for a certain period of time, high-temperature air (hot air) capable of vaporizing the moisture in the clothing is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200. In this process, more and more moisture contained in the clothing evaporates, and more heat of vaporization can be absorbed from the hot air. As a result, even though hot air is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, a constant-rate stage can be performed in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 falls below a reference value, or the temperature inside the inner case 200 is maintained.

[0598] For example, the reference value can be set as a rate of increase of 1 degree per minute or 0.3 degrees per minute, but this is only one embodiment, and it may be set as any rate of temperature increase per unit of time, as long as the first and second stages can be distinguished.

[0599] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 in the second stage. The hanger portion 1900 suspended on the moving hanger 1000 can reciprocate or vibrate. This allows the physical force removal condition to be achieved in the constant rate stage.

[0600] In the second stage, the moisture content of the clothing gradually decreases from 100 percent until it reaches the moisture removal rate. However, in the second stage, as the moisture contained in the clothing evaporates, it continuously absorbs heat of vaporization from the air inside the inner case 200, so the temperature inside the inner case 200 is lower than the set temperature.

[0601] The aforementioned set temperature can be defined as the temperature at which wrinkle removal from clothing begins. For example, the set temperature may correspond to 37 degrees Celsius.

[0602] Referring to Figure 22(c), if the second stage is performed for a certain period of time or longer, the moisture content of the clothing can be reduced to the moisture content of the removed clothing. From this point onward, the amount of moisture evaporating from the clothing decreases rapidly, and the heat of vaporization absorbed from the air inside the inner case 200 also decreases. As a result, a third stage can be performed in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 rises above a standard value.

[0603] When the third stage is initiated, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can reach a temperature above the set temperature. Specifically, in the third stage, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can reach a temperature above the set temperature, which is higher than the drying temperature.

[0604] For example, the drying temperature can be set to 50 degrees or higher.

[0605] Furthermore, once the third stage is performed, the clothing is almost completely dry, and the moisture content of the clothing decreases to less than 5%, which is much lower than the moisture content that is removed.

[0606] If the third stage is performed for a certain period of time or longer, the control unit 700 can terminate the drying course. The control unit 700 can then stop driving the compressor 342 and perform a fourth stage in which it drives the blower fan 352 until the temperature inside the inner case 200 drops to a safe temperature lower than the set temperature.

[0607] The aforementioned safety temperature can correspond to room temperature. For example, the safety temperature can be set to 25 degrees Celsius.

[0608] Referring to Figure 22(d), the control unit 700 can also perform an additional step of removing wrinkles and creases from the clothing.

[0609] The steam heater 840 can be driven to supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200. As a result, the moisture content of the clothing inside the inner case 200 can be raised again to the moisture content removal rate.

[0610] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 and apply a physical force to remove moisture from the clothing.

[0611] As a result, during the removal stage, the control unit 700 can simultaneously drive the steam heater 840 and the moving hanger 1000 to remove wrinkles and creases from the clothing.

[0612] Since the removal step is performed in addition to the fourth step, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can rise above the set temperature. Therefore, the control unit 700 can stop driving the compressor during the removal step.

[0613] Once the removal step is performed, a cooling step can be performed to lower the temperature inside the inner case 200 to a safe temperature lower than the set temperature. During the cooling step, the blower fan 352 is driven, and the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 can be shut off.

[0614] On the other hand, during either the removal step or the cooling step, the compressor 342 may be restarted to dry the moisture supplied from the steam heater 840.

[0615] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can remove wrinkles and creases from the garments by performing the removal step in addition to the drying step up to the fourth step.

[0616] Figure 23 shows the progress of the drying course in Figure 22.

[0617] Referring to Figures 23(a) and 23(b), when the drying course is executed, the compressor 342 is started to drive and can be kept running without being stopped until the end of the drying course.

[0618] Furthermore, when the compressor 342 is driven, the blower fan 352 can also be driven at the same time.

[0619] As a result, hot air can be continuously supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 while the drying course is running.

[0620] When the compressor 342 is started to run, the first step can be performed in which the temperature inside the inner case 200 gradually rises until the temperature of the refrigerant rises.

[0621] Subsequently, once the heating of the refrigerant is complete, a second stage can be performed in which hot air is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, causing the moisture contained in the clothing to vaporize and the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 to be lower than the reference value.

[0622] In the aforementioned second stage, the set temperature may not be reached due to the heat of vaporization of the clothing.

[0623] Subsequently, when the moisture content of the clothing falls below 5 percent, a fourth stage can be performed in which the temperature inside the inner case 200 continuously rises above the set temperature to the dry temperature.

[0624] Since the compressor 342 is always driven, the steam heater 842 is shut off, reducing the overall power consumption of the garment processing device. In addition, during the drying cycle, the clothes have a high humidity level, so steam does not need to be supplied to the clothes.

[0625] The moving hanger 1000 can be driven to shake the garment. This not only removes moisture from the garment but also allows the entire garment to be evenly exposed to hot air.

[0626] Alternatively, as in the first step described above, in sections where the moisture content of the clothing is higher than the moisture content to be removed, the drive of the moving hanger 1000 can be shut off because the weight of the clothing is heavy.

[0627] As a result, if the wrinkle removal step is not performed, in the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 22 and 23, there may be no interval in which all the removal conditions are met up to the fourth step. Therefore, in such embodiments of the drying course control method, clothes can be dried quickly, but wrinkles and creases in the clothes may not be removed.

[0628] Figure 24 shows another embodiment of the drying course performed in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0629] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200 during the initial section when executing a drying course.

[0630] Even when steam is supplied to clothing while the clothing has a high humidity level, the humidity level of the clothing does not increase significantly or is maintained, so less energy is required to remove moisture with the steam. Furthermore, since the steam does not lose heat due to evaporative cooling or other factors, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can be rapidly increased.

[0631] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can supply steam at the beginning of the drying cycle, raising the temperature inside the inner case to above the set temperature and achieving the removal conditions. Therefore, wrinkles and creases in the garments can be automatically removed.

[0632] Referring to Figure 24(a), when the drying course is executed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a first step of driving the compressor 342 and the blower fan 352 to supply heated air inside the inner case 200.

[0633] In the first stage, the control unit 700 can drive the steam heater 840.

[0634] Specifically, the control unit 700 can generate steam by driving either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 while the compressor 342 is running.

[0635] In other words, the control unit 700 can first drive the compressor 342, and then drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 simultaneously with the compressor 342.

[0636] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can simultaneously drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to heat the water contained in the steam case 381, and then drive the compressor 342. After that, it can drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 to supply steam.

[0637] In other words, the control unit 700 can drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 first, and then drive the compressor 342 later.

[0638] However, even in this case, before starting to drive the compressor 342, the drive of either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is stopped, so that only one of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven while the compressor 342 is running.

[0639] Therefore, it can be seen that either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven while the compressor 342 is driven first.

[0640] The control unit 700 can simultaneously drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 during at least a portion of the first stage to supply hot air and steam to the inside of the inner case 200 at the same time. As a result, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can rise to above the set temperature from the first stage.

[0641] The control unit 700 can simultaneously drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342 from the start of the first stage, but after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the first stage, it can simultaneously drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 and the compressor 342.

[0642] This allows the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 to be driven simultaneously at the beginning of the first stage, while the compressor 342 is shut off to allow time for the water to boil first, or, even if the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 are not driven simultaneously at the beginning of the first stage, steam can be prevented from being supplied from the very beginning of the first stage when the moisture content of the clothes is very high.

[0643] In the first stage described above, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be raised to a limit temperature higher than the set temperature by driving the steam heater 840.

[0644] The aforementioned limiting temperature can be set to a temperature that ensures the internal temperature of the inner case 200 does not fall below the set temperature, even if steam is not supplied and the moisture contained in the clothing evaporates.

[0645] The aforementioned limit temperature may be set as a specific temperature, or it may be defined as a certain percentage of the initial temperature (relative to 0 degrees Celsius) or a temperature that has risen by a certain amount.

[0646] For example, the limit temperature may correspond to 45 degrees Celsius, or to a temperature that is 100% or 30 degrees higher than the initial temperature.

[0647] Referring to Figure 24(b), once the first stage is completed and the second stage begins, the moisture content of the clothing can reach the moisture removal rate.

[0648] Furthermore, since steam and hot air are supplied simultaneously in the first stage, the clothes can reach the desired moisture removal rate during the first stage.

[0649] As a result, the clothing can be in a state of reduced moisture content during a specific interval spanning the first and second stages.

[0650] In the second stage, steam can be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 during the initial section. This prevents the internal temperature of the inner case 200 from dropping below the set temperature due to evaporative cooling.

[0651] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 in the second stage. Therefore, a physical force can be applied to remove the clothes.

[0652] Of course, the control unit 700 can also drive the moving hanger 1000 from the first stage.

[0653] As a result, all the conditions for wrinkle removal can be met in the second stage.

[0654] Referring to Figure 24(c), once the second step is performed and the moisture content of the clothing decreases to below the moisture content removal rate, the third step can be performed.

[0655] By the way, since all wrinkles were removed in the second stage, the third stage can be performed on clothing that is free of wrinkles and creases.

[0656] In the third stage described above, because the moisture content of the clothing is low, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can rise above the dry temperature.

[0657] In the third stage, the operation of both the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 can be completely shut off. This eliminates the need for an unnecessary step of raising the humidity level of the dried clothes again, and prevents the internal temperature of the inner case 200 from rising excessively.

[0658] Referring to Figure 24(d), once the internal temperature of the inner case 200 rises to a drying temperature that can ensure the clothes are dry, or once the drying time has elapsed at or above the drying temperature, the control unit 700 can proceed with the fourth step described above.

[0659] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can omit an additional wrinkle removal step after the garment has been dried by performing the first to fourth steps.

[0660] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can be considered to include a wrinkle removal step within the drying course, or to perform the wrinkle removal step automatically.

[0661] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can automatically remove wrinkles and creases from garments while executing a drying course.

[0662] In other words, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can omit the step of supplying additional steam and drying the garment again after its moisture content has decreased to 5% or less. Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can omit the step of stopping and restarting the compressor 342 in order to drive both the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 until the end of the drying course. In addition, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can omit the inefficient process of raising the moisture content of the garment again in the section below the removal moisture content.

[0663] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can automatically remove wrinkles and creases from garments during the drying cycle, preventing delays in drying or a decrease in drying efficiency due to the removal of wrinkles and creases.

[0664] Therefore, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention eliminates the need for the user to take additional measures to remove wrinkles and creases from the garment.

[0665] Figure 25 shows the control state of the garment processing device when the control method shown in Figure 24 is executed.

[0666] In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, during the first stage, while the compressor 342 is being driven, either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 can be driven simultaneously with the compressor 342. This allows the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to rise more quickly and to a higher temperature. As a result, even if the moisture content of the garment is very high and has not yet reached the moisture removal rate, the internal temperature of the inner case 200 can be raised to above the set temperature from the first stage.

[0667] On the other hand, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, by simultaneously driving the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342, causes the temperature inside the inner case 200 to rise further above the set temperature and reach the limit temperature, thus providing the effect of setting a longer execution time for the first stage.

[0668] Furthermore, because the first stage ends at a high temperature, at least one of the second and third stages is shortened, which is another benefit.

[0669] For example, normally the compressor 342 starts to drive, and the first stage ends at the first time (t1) when its drive rpm reaches the maximum rpm. However, in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 is above a reference value from the first time (t1) until the third time (t3), so the first stage can be considered to be performed until the third time (t3).

[0670] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 begins to fall below a reference value after the third time (t3).

[0671] Therefore, in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the second stage can be started from the third time (t3).

[0672] Furthermore, since the rate of temperature increase rises above the reference value again from the 7th hour (t7), the third stage can be considered to start from the 7th hour, and since the temperature inside the inner case 200 exceeds the dry temperature from the 8th hour, the third stage can be considered to be performed from the 7th hour (t7) to the 8th hour (t8).

[0673] The fourth stage can be performed from the eighth hour until the ninth hour, when the operation of the compressor 342 ends.

[0674] In the embodiment of the drying course, in which steam is not supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, the reduction stage continues even after the 9th hour. However, in the embodiment of the drying course, in which steam and hot air are supplied simultaneously at the beginning, the temperature inside the inner case 200 is maintained higher than the set temperature, so the drying course can be completed at the 8th hour. In other words, the embodiment in Figure 24 can significantly shorten the execution time of the drying course compared to the embodiment in Figure 22.

[0675] Referring to Figures 25(a) and 25(b), the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the compressor 342 from the initial time (t0) when the compressor is started until the 9th time (t9) when the drying course is completed.

[0676] The control unit 700 can drive the compressor 342 from the initial time (t0) and maintain it until the 9th time (t9) when the drying course is completed.

[0677] The control unit 700 can simultaneously drive the compressor 342 and the blower fan 352 from the first to the third stage, and in the fourth stage, the blower fan 352 can be driven, but the compressor 342 can not be driven.

[0678] Referring to Figure 25(c), the control unit 700 can drive the steam heater 840 before driving the compressor 342.

[0679] The control unit 700 can drive the entire steam heater 840 at maximum power earlier than the initial time (t0) to rapidly heat the water contained in the steam case 810. For example, before driving the compressor 342, the control unit 700 can drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously to generate steam as quickly as possible.

[0680] When the control unit 700 drives the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 simultaneously to generate steam, it can drive only one of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842.

[0681] The control unit 700 can start driving the compressor 342 when either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is driven.

[0682] Alternatively, the control unit 700 may drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 after the compressor 342 has been driven.

[0683] Alternatively, the control unit 700 may simultaneously drive the first heater 841 and the second heater 842 before the initial time (t0) to heat the water to a certain extent, and when the initial time (t0) is reached, it may further heat the water while driving either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 to drive the compressor 342.

[0684] Alternatively, the control unit 700 may first drive the compressor 342 at an initial time (t0), and then drive either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 after the initial time (t0) to heat the water. Therefore, while the compressor 342 is driving, a portion of the steam heater 840 is driven and the water is heated, and steam is generated for the first time when the first time (t1) is reached, and steam can be supplied into the inner case 200 from the initial time (t0).

[0685] In either case, once the compressor 342 starts operating, the operation of the compressor 342 is not shut off until the third stage is completed, allowing hot air to be supplied into the inner case 200 first, followed by steam.

[0686] As a result, the control unit 700 can drive the steam heater 840 from the first stage and supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200.

[0687] The control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the steam heater 840 until the temperature inside the inner case 200 rises above the set temperature. In other words, it can maintain the operation of either the first heater 841 or the second heater 842.

[0688] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the steam heater 840 even after the temperature inside the inner case 200 rises above the set temperature. For example, the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 that is currently running until the temperature inside the inner case 200 rises to a limit temperature even higher than the set temperature.

[0689] This is because, even if the temperature inside the inner case 200 is above the set temperature, if the operation of the steam heater 840 is stopped, moisture will evaporate from the clothes inside the inner case 200 and absorb heat of vaporization, which may cause the temperature inside the inner case 200 to drop below the set temperature again.

[0690] Therefore, even if the temperature inside the inner case 200 rises above the set temperature, the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 until it enters the second stage in which the rate of increase in the internal temperature of the inner case 200 falls below a reference value.

[0691] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can maintain the temperature inside the inner case 200 above the set temperature in at least a portion of the first and second stages, thereby satisfying the conditions for removing wrinkles and creases from the garment.

[0692] The control unit 700 can stop driving the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 when it enters the second stage or when the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches a limit temperature. In other words, the control unit 700 can stop supplying steam to the inside of the inner case 200 when it enters the second stage or when the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches a limit temperature. This prevents the moisture content of the clothes from increasing or decreasing unnecessarily.

[0693] Of course, the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 for at least a portion of the second stage to continuously supply steam. This completely prevents the temperature inside the inner case 200 from dropping below the set temperature.

[0694] The moisture content of the garment begins to decrease from the first stage because the garment starts to dry from the first stage.

[0695] Even if the clothes hung in the initial Inner Case 200 are completely wet and have a humidity level of 100%, the humidity level of the clothes can enter the removal humidity level from the second hour (t2), before the third hour when the second stage begins. In other words, the humidity level of the clothes can be reduced to 45% from the first stage.

[0696] Furthermore, from the second hour (t2) to the sixth hour (t6), which corresponds to the second stage, or even earlier at the fifth hour (t5), the moisture content of the clothing corresponds to 45% to 5%, thus satisfying the conditions for the moisture removal rate.

[0697] Furthermore, there is a possibility of deviation from the moisture removal rate before the 6th hour, which is before the 7th hour when the third stage is performed.

[0698] In summary, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention ensures that, during the second to sixth hours, corresponding to the first and second stages, the temperature inside the inner case 200 is higher than the set temperature and the garment is in a state of reduced humidity.

[0699] Therefore, in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 to transmit the physical force to the garment during a portion of the first stage and a portion of the second stage between the second and sixth hours.

[0700] As a result, all the removal conditions are met in a portion of the first stage and a portion of the second stage between the second and sixth hours, so these sections can be set as wrinkle removal sections (A).

[0701] In other words, the wrinkle removal section (A) can be defined as the section in which the temperature at which the garment is placed is above the set temperature, and the humidity content of the garment corresponds to the humidity content to be removed, and in which all the removal conditions are met if only the physical force for removal is applied.

[0702] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the moving hanger 1000 at least in the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0703] The control unit 700 can also intermittently drive the steam heater 840 that is driven in the wrinkle removal section A. That is, the control unit 700 can repeatedly turn the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 ON and OFF. This prevents excessive steam supply, prevents the temperature inside the inner case 200 from rising rapidly, and maintains the reliability of the compressor 342.

[0704] From another perspective, the control unit 700 can intermittently drive the steam heater 840 when the temperature inside the inner case 200 is higher than a set temperature and falls within a limit temperature. The limit temperature may be a temperature at which the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to or discharged from the compressor 342 could reach a limit temperature that threatens the reliability of the compressor 342.

[0705] For example, the aforementioned limit temperature corresponds to 90 degrees Celsius.

[0706] Therefore, the control unit 700 can intermittently drive the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 in temperature intervals above the limit temperature.

[0707] In the wrinkle removal section (A), the control unit 700 can supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200, but the operation of the steam heater 840 can be stopped at the 3rd hour (t3), earlier than the 6th hour (t6) when the wrinkle removal section (A) ends. This prevents the humidity inside the inner case 200 from rising unnecessarily and prevents energy from being wasted in the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0708] The wrinkle removal interval (A) can be set between the second and sixth hours, but it may be set to be shorter, as long as it includes the minimum time required for wrinkle removal between the second and sixth hours.

[0709] In other words, during the set time within the wrinkle removal section (A), the control unit 700 can swing the moving hanger 1000 or drive the steam heater 840 to maintain a temperature above the set temperature. That is, steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 until the set time has elapsed, and the operation of the steam heater 840 can be shut off even before the 6th hour has elapsed.

[0710] For example, the aforementioned setting time corresponds to 15 minutes.

[0711] Referring to Figure 25(d), the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 for at least the set time of the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0712] If the control unit 700 has not driven the moving hanger 1000 before the wrinkle removal section (A), it can drive the moving hanger 1000 in the wrinkle removal section (A) for at least a set time.

[0713] Therefore, if the moving hanger 1000 is driven while the steam heater 840 is running, even if the steam heater stops running, the moving hanger 1000 can maintain its driving speed for a certain period of time until the set time has elapsed, provided that the set time has not yet elapsed.

[0714] In other words, even if the steam heater 840 is not driven during the set time, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can be maintained above the set temperature. However, if the moving hanger 1000 is not driven during the set time, the condition for removing physical force cannot be met. For example, the steam heater 840 may be shut off at the third time (t3), but the moving hanger 1000 may be driven further, at least until the sixth time (t6).

[0715] Analyzing the control method described above from the perspective of driving the moving hanger 1000 and the steam heater 840, it can be interpreted as follows.

[0716] The moving hanger 1000 can be driven so as to overlap at least a portion with the section in which the steam heater 840 is driven.

[0717] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 in a section where the temperature inside the inner case 200 is at least equal to the set temperature.

[0718] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 while the first heater 841 or the second heater 842 is being driven.

[0719] Furthermore, if the control unit 700 was driving the moving hanger at a first frequency (1 rpm) before the wrinkle removal section (A), it can drive the moving hanger at a second frequency (2 rpm) that is faster than the first frequency during the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0720] If the moving hanger 1000 starts to operate before the steam heater 840 is driven, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 faster during the section in which the steam heater 840 is operating.

[0721] If the control unit 700 had not driven the moving hanger 1000 before the steam heater 840 was driven, it may drive the moving hanger 1000 for at least a portion of the section in which the steam heater 840 is driven.

[0722] This allows for the application of a physical force exceeding the removal physical force to the garment in the wrinkle removal section (A), thereby further satisfying the removal conditions and reliably removing wrinkles and creases from the garment.

[0723] The control unit 700 can either stop driving the moving hanger 1000 after the wrinkle removal section (A), or drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency (3 rpm) slower than the second frequency. This prevents overloading of the moving hanger 1000 during the drying course and saves energy.

[0724] The first frequency can be set lower than the third frequency. This prevents the moving hanger 1000 from consuming excessive energy to agitate heavy garments with high humidity, thereby minimizing vibrations generated throughout the garment processing device.

[0725] If the control unit 700 drives the moving hanger 1000 while the steam heater 840 is being driven, after the driving of the steam heater 840 is finished, it may either not drive the moving hanger 1000 or drive the moving hanger 1000 at a slower rate.

[0726] The control unit 700 can control the system so that the section in which the steam supply unit 800 is driven and the section in which the moving hanger 1000 is driven at the second frequency overlap in at least part.

[0727] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at the second frequency after the steam supply unit 800 has been driven.

[0728] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the moving hanger 1000, or drive it at the fastest speed, in at least a portion of the first and second stages, and not drive the moving hanger 1000, or drive it at the slowest speed, prior to that.

[0729] The aforementioned process, focusing on the driving of the moving hanger 1000, can be analyzed as follows.

[0730] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a first frequency or maintain it in a stopped state when the temperature inside the inner case is below a set temperature. The control unit 700 can also drive the moving hanger 1000 at a second frequency faster than the first frequency when the temperature inside the inner case is above the set temperature.

[0731] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at the second frequency for a reference time, and then drive it at a third frequency that is slower than the second frequency.

[0732] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency slower than the second frequency if the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case exceeds a reference value, or if the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0733] The control unit 700 can set the drive frequency of the moving hanger 1000 to a different value depending on the temperature inside the inner case 200.

[0734] Specifically, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a first frequency until the temperature inside the inner case reaches a set temperature, and after the temperature inside the inner case reaches the set temperature, it can drive it at a second frequency that is faster than the first frequency.

[0735] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency slower than the second frequency during the period after the temperature inside the inner case has reached a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0736] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at the second frequency for a set time, and then drive it at a third frequency that is slower than the second frequency.

[0737] The second frequency (2 rpm) can be set as the fastest frequency at which the moving hanger is driven during the execution of the course.

[0738] The third stage can be performed when the moisture content of the garment falls below the moisture content to be removed. The third stage corresponds to the interval in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 rises above a reference value again. The wrinkle removal interval (A) can be terminated before the third stage. Therefore, the steam heater 840 can be terminated before the third stage, and the operation of the steam heater 840 can be shut off during the third stage and thereafter.

[0739] When the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches a temperature above the dry temperature, the control unit 700 stops driving the compressor 342, while at least partially maintaining the operation of the blower fan 352.

[0740] On the other hand, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the second heater 842 when the steam heater 840 is driven simultaneously with the compressor 342 in a drying course that includes the wrinkle removal section (A). This allows a smaller amount of steam to be supplied into the inner case 200, preventing the possibility of the moisture content of the garments actually increasing, and allowing the apparatus to focus only on raising the temperature inside the inner case 200 above the set temperature.

[0741] The power consumption of the second heater 842 can be set so that the amount of steam generated from the second heater 842 corresponds to 50-150% of the amount of dehumidification that can be removed by the evaporator.

[0742] Furthermore, the amount of water used and energy consumption when raising the temperature inside the inner case 200 to above the set temperature can be minimized.

[0743] On the other hand, the steam heater 840 is stopped from operating at least during the second stage, and since the second stage corresponds to a section in which the rate of temperature rise is below a reference value or the temperature change range inside the inner case 200 is below a predetermined range, it can be considered that the operation of the first heater or the second heater is stopped during the section in which the temperature change range inside the inner case is below a predetermined range.

[0744] The aforementioned predetermined range can correspond to 5 degrees.

[0745] Furthermore, since the garment processing apparatus of the present invention shuts off the steam supply from the third stage onward in the control method described above, it can be considered that the operation of the steam heater is shut off after the drying temperature is reached.

[0746] Figure 26 shows another embodiment of the drying course performed in the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0747] In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to drive the steam heater 840 and the compressor 342 simultaneously in the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0748] In other words, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can always drive the steam heater 840 at maximum power, and the steam heater 840 may be designed as a single heater rather than a first heater and a second heater.

[0749] In the following sections, we will focus on explaining other aspects in order to avoid repetition with the embodiments described above.

[0750] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a preparatory step in which, when the drying course is executed, the compressor 342 is driven to raise the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the heat supply unit 340.

[0751] The aforementioned preparation step can correspond to increasing the drive RPM of the compressor 342 to its maximum RPM and raising the temperature of the refrigerant to a target temperature at which the drying course can be executed.

[0752] The aforementioned preparation stage can be carried out until time a (ta).

[0753] Once the preparation steps are performed, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform the first step of driving the steam heater 840.

[0754] The first step described above can be equivalent to driving a single heater at maximum output if the steam heater 840 is provided as a single heater, or driving all heaters if the steam heater 840 is composed of multiple heaters.

[0755] When the steam heater 840 is driven at maximum output, it cannot be driven simultaneously with the compressor 342. However, by driving the steam heater 840 at maximum output, the temperature inside the inner case 200 can be raised more quickly to above the set temperature.

[0756] The control unit 700 can raise the internal temperature of the inner case 200 to a guaranteed temperature that is above the set temperature.

[0757] The guaranteed temperature can correspond to a temperature that ensures the internal temperature of the inner case 200 remains above the set temperature for a set time when the steam heater 840 is stopped and the compressor 342 is started again.

[0758] The first stage can be performed up to time b (tb).

[0759] In the first stage, the control unit 700 can maintain the operation of the steam heater 840 at all times, or it can repeatedly drive the steam heater 840 intermittently.

[0760] Once the first stage is completed, the control unit 700 can shut off the drive of the steam heater 840 and drive the compressor 342 and the blower fan 352.

[0761] When the blower fan 352 is activated and air flows into the inner case 200, the moisture contained in the clothing evaporates and absorbs heat of vaporization, causing the temperature inside the inner case 200 to decrease, and may fall below the set temperature until time c (tc).

[0762] However, due to the preheating stage performed earlier and the operation of the compressor 342, hot air is supplied, and the temperature inside the inner case 200 stops decreasing and begins to rise again. Therefore, from time c onwards, the temperature inside the inner case 200 may once again exceed the set temperature.

[0763] From time b(tb) to time c(tb) and up to time d(tb) thereafter, when the rate of temperature rise exceeds the reference value, the rate of temperature rise is always below the reference value. Therefore, the period from time b(tb) to time d(tb) can be defined as the second stage.

[0764] The wrinkle removal section (A) can be filled if the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches the set temperature during the progress of the second stage.

[0765] The wrinkle removal section (A) is a section where the temperature at which the garment is placed is above the set temperature, the moisture content of the garment is equal to the moisture content to be removed, and all the wrinkle removal conditions are met as long as the removal physical force is applied.

[0766] The control unit 700 can enter the wrinkle removal section (A) when the temperature inside the inner case 200 begins to reach at least the second set temperature.

[0767] The wrinkle removal section (A) is satisfied in the second stage. That is, in the second stage, the moisture content of the clothing satisfies the moisture removal rate, and the temperature inside the inner case is above the set temperature.

[0768] Therefore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 during the drying course, at least in the wrinkle removal section (A). This allows a physical force to be applied to the garment to remove wrinkles.

[0769] As a result, all the removal conditions are met in the wrinkle removal section (A), so wrinkles and creases in the clothing can be removed.

[0770] The wrinkle removal section (A) can be completed before time d (tb), which is the entry section into the third stage where the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case 200 becomes higher than the reference value.

[0771] The third step can be performed until time f (tf) when the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches or exceeds the dry temperature.

[0772] From the second to the third stage, the operation of the compressor 342 can be maintained, and the operation of the steam heater 840 can be shut off.

[0773] figure26 Referring to (d), the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 in the wrinkle removal section (A). If the control unit 700 has not driven the moving hanger 1000 before the wrinkle removal section (A), it can drive the moving hanger 1000 in the wrinkle removal section (A) for at least a set time.

[0774] The control unit 700 can be configured so that the compressor 342 and the moving hanger 1000 are driven in overlapping directions for at least a portion of the section, but the compressor 342 and the steam heater 840 are not driven in overlapping directions.

[0775] Furthermore, the moving hanger 1000 can be driven simultaneously with the steam heater 840. The moving hanger 1000 can be driven before or after the steam heater 840 is driven.

[0776] Furthermore, if the control unit 700 was driving the moving hanger at a first frequency (1 rpm) before the wrinkle removal section (A), it can drive it at a second frequency (2 rpm), which is faster than the first frequency, during the wrinkle removal section (A).

[0777] This allows for the application of a physical force exceeding the removal physical force to the garment in the wrinkle removal section (A), thereby further satisfying the removal conditions and reliably removing wrinkles and creases from the garment.

[0778] The control unit 700 can either stop driving the moving hanger 1000 after the wrinkle removal section (A), or drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency (3 rpm) slower than the second frequency. This prevents overloading of the moving hanger 1000 during the drying course and saves energy.

[0779] The first frequency can be set lower than the third frequency. This prevents the moving hanger 1000 from consuming excessive energy to agitate heavy garments with high humidity, thereby minimizing vibrations generated throughout the garment processing device.

[0780] When the control unit 700 drives the moving hanger 1000 while the steam heater 840 is running, after the steam heater 840 has finished running, it can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a higher speed for at least a portion of the section. After that, it can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a lower speed.

[0781] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a second frequency after the steam supply unit 800 has been driven.

[0782] As a result, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention can drive the moving hanger 1000, or drive it at the fastest speed, in at least a portion of the constant rate stage, and not drive the moving hanger 1000, or drive it at the slowest speed, prior to that.

[0783] If we describe the above process focusing on the driving of the moving hanger 1000, we can analyze it as follows.

[0784] The control unit 700 can either drive the moving hanger 1000 at a first frequency or maintain a stopped state when the temperature inside the inner case is below a set temperature.

[0785] Furthermore, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a second frequency faster than the first frequency from the second time the temperature inside the inner case exceeds the set temperature.

[0786] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a second frequency for a set time, and then drive it at a third frequency lower than the second frequency.

[0787] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency lower than the second frequency if the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case becomes higher than a reference value, or if the temperature inside the inner case becomes higher than the dry temperature which is higher than the set temperature.

[0788] The control unit 700 can set the driving frequency of the moving hanger 1000 to be different depending on the temperature inside the inner case 200.

[0789] Specifically, the control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a first frequency until the temperature inside the inner case rises for the second time and reaches the set temperature, and after the temperature inside the inner case rises for the second time and reaches the set temperature, it can drive it at a second frequency that is faster than the first frequency.

[0790] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at a third frequency lower than the second frequency in the section after the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0791] The control unit 700 can drive the moving hanger 1000 at the second frequency for a set time, and then drive it at a third frequency that is slower than the second frequency.

[0792] The second frequency (2 rpm) can be set to the fastest frequency at which the moving hanger is driven during course execution.

[0793] If the temperature inside the inner case 200 reaches a temperature above the dry temperature, the control unit 700 can stop driving the compressor 342 and maintain at least a portion of the operation of the blower fan 352.

[0794] The present invention can be implemented in various forms, and its scope of rights is not limited by the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the components described in the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0795] [Claims when filing an international application] [Claim 1] A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A hanger section provided inside the inner case for hanging the clothing at a certain distance apart; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit provided in the machine room, which controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; A temperature sensor is provided in the inner case or the machine room for detecting the temperature of the air inside the inner case; The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, A first heater housed in the steam case heats the water to generate the steam, The system comprises a second heater, which is spaced apart from the first heater and heats the water to generate steam, The control unit, When the drying course is executed, once the compressor is started, the compressor is kept running until the drying course is finished or the clothes are finished drying. A garment processing apparatus characterized by driving the first heater or the second heater to raise the temperature inside the inner case to a set temperature or higher while the compressor is running. [Claim 2] The aforementioned drying course is The first stage is when the temperature inside the inner case rises above the set temperature, Following the first stage, a second stage occurs in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case decreases to below a standard value, The third stage includes, after the second stage, an increase in the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case to a standard value or higher, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater in the second step. [Claim 3] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit maintains the operation of the first heater or the second heater for a set time in a section in which the temperature inside the inner case is equal to or greater than the set temperature. [Claim 4] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater when it reaches a limit temperature higher than the set temperature. [Claim 5] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater in the process of driving the compressor when the temperature fluctuation range inside the inner case is below a specific range. [Claim 6] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit shuts off the drive of the first heater or the second heater before the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case rises above a reference value again. [Claim 7] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit is set not to drive the first heater or the second heater after the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case has risen above a reference value. [Claim 8] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second heater is set to generate less steam than the first heater. [Claim 9] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the amount of steam generated by the second heater is set to 50 to 150% of the amount of dehumidification removed by the heat exchanger. [Claim 10] The hanger section further comprises a moving hanger that is driven to hang the garment inside the inner case and to swing the garment. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger during a period in which the temperature inside the inner case is equal to or greater than the set temperature or while the first heater or the second heater is being driven. [Claim 11] The control unit, In the interval where the temperature inside the inner case is below the set temperature, the moving hanger is driven or stopped at the first frequency. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the moving hanger is driven at a second frequency faster than the first frequency in the interval where the temperature inside the inner case is above a set temperature. [Claim 12] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger at a third frequency that is slower than the second frequency when the moving hanger is driven at the second frequency during a reference time. [Claim 13] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger at a third frequency slower than the second frequency when the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case becomes higher than a reference value, or when the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the set temperature. [Claim 14] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the first frequency is set to be lower than the third frequency. [Claim 15] A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A moving hanger that hangs the garment inside the inner case and drives the garment to swing; The machine room is provided with a control unit that controls at least one of the heat supply unit, the steam supply unit, and the moving hanger to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, The steam case is housed in a steam heater that heats the water to generate steam, and the steam heater is housed in the steam case, The control unit, When the aforementioned drying course is executed, The compressor is kept running until the drying cycle is completed or the clothes are finished drying. A garment processing apparatus characterized in that the moving hanger is driven such that it overlaps at least partially with the section in which the steam heater is driven. [Claim 16] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger before the steam heater is driven, and drives the moving hanger faster in the section in which the steam heater is driven. [Claim 17] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger in the section in which the steam heater is driven if the drive of the moving hanger is interrupted before the steam heater is driven. [Claim 18] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is in operation, and then either does not drive the moving hanger or drives the moving hanger slowly after the operation of the steam heater has finished. [Claim 19] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is in operation, and when the operation of the steam heater ends, maintains the driving speed of the moving hanger for a certain period of time. [Claim 20] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater while the compressor is being driven. [Claim 21] A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit provided in the machine room, which controls at least one of the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, The steam case is housed in a steam heater that heats the water to generate steam, and the steam heater is housed in the steam case, The garment processing apparatus is characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater so that steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case when the drying course is executed. [Claim 22] The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater after the compressor has been driven first. [Claim 23] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the control unit starts driving the steam heater while the compressor is in operation. [Claim 24] The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the drying course is set such that the operation of the compressor is maintained from the time the operation of the compressor is started until the end of the drying course. [Claim 25] The aforementioned drying course is The first stage is when the temperature inside the inner case rises above the set temperature, Following the first stage, a second stage occurs in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case decreases to below a standard value, The third stage includes, after the second stage, an increase in the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case to a standard value or higher, The control unit, The steam heater is driven prior to the third stage, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the steam heater is set not to be driven during or after the third stage. [Claim 26] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the control unit terminates the operation of the steam heater during the progress of the first or second stage. [Claim 27] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the steam heater and the compressor are driven in overlapping mode for at least a portion of the section. [Claim 28] The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, A first heater housed in the steam case heats the water to generate the steam, The system comprises a second heater, which is spaced apart from the first heater and heats the water to generate steam, The first heater and the second heater are driven first, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the compressor and the first heater or the second heater are driven simultaneously. [Claim 29] The garment processing apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the operation of the compressor is maintained even after the operation of the first heater or the second heater is terminated.

Claims

1. A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A hanger section provided inside the inner case for hanging the clothing at a certain distance apart; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit provided in the machine room, which controls the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; A temperature sensor provided in the inner case or the machine room for detecting the temperature of the air inside the inner case; The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, A first heater housed in the steam case heats the water to generate the steam, The system comprises a second heater, which is spaced apart from the first heater and heats the water to generate steam, The control unit, When the drying course is executed, once the compressor is started, the compressor is kept running until the drying course is finished or the clothes are finished drying. A garment processing apparatus characterized by driving the first heater or the second heater to raise the temperature inside the inner case to a set temperature or higher while the compressor is running.

2. The aforementioned drying course is The first stage is when the temperature inside the inner case rises above the set temperature, After the first stage, a second stage occurs in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case decreases to below a standard value, The third stage includes, after the second stage, an increase in the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case to a standard value or higher, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater in the second step.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit maintains the operation of the first heater or the second heater for a set time in a section in which the temperature inside the inner case is equal to or greater than the set temperature.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater when it reaches a limit temperature higher than the set temperature.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops driving the first heater or the second heater in the process of driving the compressor when the temperature fluctuation range inside the inner case is below a specific range.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit shuts off the drive of the first heater or the second heater before the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case rises above a reference value again.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit is set not to drive the first heater or the second heater after the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case exceeds a reference value.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second heater is set to generate less steam than the first heater.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the power of the second heater is set so that the amount of steam generated from the second heater corresponds to a range of 50 to 150% of the amount of dehumidification that can be dehumidified by the evaporator.

10. The hanger section further comprises a moving hanger that is driven to hang the garment inside the inner case and to swing the garment. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger during a period in which the temperature inside the inner case is above the set temperature or while the first heater or the second heater is being driven.

11. The control unit, In the interval where the temperature inside the inner case is below the set temperature, the moving hanger is driven or stopped at the first frequency. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the moving hanger is driven at a second frequency faster than the first frequency in the range where the temperature inside the inner case is above a set temperature.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that when the control unit drives the moving hanger at the second frequency during a reference time, it drives it at a third frequency that is slower than the second frequency.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger at a third frequency slower than the second frequency when the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case becomes higher than a reference value, or when the temperature inside the inner case reaches a drying temperature higher than the set temperature.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the first frequency is set to be lower than the third frequency.

15. A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A moving hanger that hangs the garment inside the inner case and drives the garment to swing; The machine room is provided with a control unit that controls at least one of the heat supply unit, the steam supply unit, and the moving hanger to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, The steam case is housed in a steam heater that heats the water to generate steam, and the steam heater is housed in the steam case, The control unit, When the aforementioned drying course is executed, The compressor is kept running until the drying cycle is completed or the clothes are finished drying. A garment processing apparatus characterized in that the moving hanger is driven such that it overlaps at least partially with the section in which the steam heater is driven.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger before the steam heater is driven, and drives the moving hanger faster in the section in which the steam heater is driven.

17. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger in the section in which the steam heater is driven if the drive of the moving hanger is interrupted before the steam heater is driven.

18. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is in operation, and then either does not drive the moving hanger or drives the moving hanger slowly after the operation of the steam heater has finished.

19. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the control unit drives the moving hanger while the steam heater is in operation, and when the operation of the steam heater ends, maintains the driving speed of the moving hanger for a certain period of time.

20. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater while the compressor is in operation.

21. A clothing processing device, cabinet; An inner case provided inside the aforementioned cabinet for storing clothing; A machine room comprising a heat supply unit that supplies hot air to the inside of the inner case and a steam supply unit that supplies steam; A control unit provided in the machine room, which controls at least one of the heat supply unit and the steam supply unit to execute a drying course for drying the clothes; The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, The steam case is housed in a steam heater that heats the water to generate steam, and the steam heater is housed in the steam case, The garment processing apparatus is characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater so that steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case when the drying course is executed.

22. The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the control unit drives the steam heater after the compressor has been driven first.

23. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the control unit starts driving the steam heater while the compressor is in operation.

24. The heat supply unit is A circulation duct for circulating the air discharged from the inner case, A heat exchanger installed in the aforementioned circulation duct dehumidifies and reheats the air, The heat exchanger is provided with a compressor that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the drying course is set such that the operation of the compressor is maintained from the time the operation of the compressor is started until the end of the drying course.

25. The aforementioned drying course is The first stage is when the temperature inside the inner case rises above the set temperature, After the first stage, a second stage occurs in which the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case decreases to below a standard value, The third stage includes, after the second stage, an increase in the rate of temperature rise inside the inner case to a standard value or higher, The control unit, The steam heater is driven prior to the third stage, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the steam heater is not driven during or after the third stage.

26. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the control unit terminates the operation of the steam heater during the progress of the first or second stage.

27. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the steam heater and the compressor are driven in overlapping mode for at least a portion of the section.

28. The steam supply unit is, A steam case for storing the water used to generate the steam, A first heater housed in the steam case heats the water to generate the steam, The system comprises a second heater, which is spaced apart from the first heater and heats the water to generate steam, The first heater and the second heater are driven first, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the compressor and the first heater or the second heater are driven simultaneously.

29. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the operation of the compressor is maintained even after the operation of the first heater or the second heater is terminated.

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