Lint cleaning device and clothing care device including same

Abstract

A clothing care device according to an embodiment may comprise: a clothing accommodation part for accommodating clothing; and a lint cleaning device coupled with a filter member and configured to clean lint filtered on the surface of the filter member. The lint cleaning device may comprise: a brush having a front end portion provided to rotate between a first position and a second position along the inner circumferential surface of the filter member; a lint storage box provided to accommodate lint removed by the brush; a chamber door provided to open / close the lint storage box; one driving unit configured to rotate the brush; and an operation assembly configured to move the chamber door in response to an operation of the driving unit.

Description

Lint cleaning device and garment treatment device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lint cleaning device and a garment treatment device including the same.

[0002] A garment treatment device, one type of garment treatment device, is a device configured to dry laundry by supplying hot air into a drum containing items to be dried, such as clothes, towels, and blankets, while rotating the drum. Depending on how the moisture absorbed from the items to be dried is processed, garment treatment devices can be classified into condensation-type garment treatment devices (or circulation-type garment treatment devices) and exhaust-type garment treatment devices.

[0003] Condensing-type garment treatment units generate moist air (or humidity) by exchanging heat with objects to be dried (clothes, towels, shoes, etc.) inside the drum. This moist air circulates internally rather than being discharged to the outside. The heat exchanger in the garment treatment unit processes the moist air, creating condensate that can then be discharged outside the unit. Exhaust-type garment treatment units can directly discharge humid air, which has been heat-exchanged with objects to be dried in the drum, through an exhaust duct to the outside of the garment treatment unit.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a lint cleaning device structure capable of automatically cleaning lint filtered in a filter.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a structure for preventing lint from being swept in an unintended direction when cleaning lint filtered in a filter.

[0006] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment may include a garment receiving portion for receiving garments, and a lint cleaning device coupled to a filter member and configured to clean lint filtered on a surface of the filter member. The lint cleaning device may include a brush having a front end configured to rotate between a first position and a second position along an inner circumferential surface of the filter member, a lint storage box configured to receive lint removed by the brush, a chamber door configured to open and close the lint storage box, a driving unit configured to rotate the brush, and an operating assembly configured to move the chamber door in response to an operation of the driving unit.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the operating assembly may include a cam coupled to the driving unit and including a first pressing projection, a second pressing projection spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection, and a groove formed between the first pressing projection and the second pressing projection, a lever projection formed to protrude toward the cam, and a lever that rotates by pressing the lever projection by the first pressing projection or the second pressing projection while the cam moves, and a latch configured to rotate the chamber door by being rotated by the operation of the lever to open and close the lint storage box.

[0008] In one embodiment, when the brush is in the first position, the lever projection of the lever may be configured to be positioned on the first pressing projection.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be configured such that when the driving member is rotated in a first direction to move the brush from the first position to the second position, the lever projection of the lever is pressed by the second pressing projection through the groove, thereby rotating the lever in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the latch is rotated in response to the rotation of the lever, thereby opening the lint storage compartment by rotating the chamber door.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be configured such that when the driving member is rotated in the second direction to move the brush from the second position to the first position, the lever projection of the lever is pressed by the second pressing projection, thereby rotating the lever in the first direction opposite to the second direction, and the latch is rotated in response to the rotation of the lever, thereby closing the lint storage compartment by rotation of the chamber door.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may further include a case configured to house the brush, the lint storage compartment, and the chamber door therein. The operating assembly may further include a first spring disposed between the lever and the case.

[0012] In one embodiment, the operating assembly may further include a second spring disposed between the latch and the case to apply force in a direction that causes the chamber door to rotate and open the lint container.

[0013] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the first spring may be less than the elastic modulus of the second spring.

[0014] In one embodiment, the radii of the first pressing protrusion and the second pressing protrusion may be substantially the same.

[0015] In one embodiment, the tip of the brush may be formed of rubber or an elastic material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the brush may be configured to move from the first position to the second position to clean lint on the filter member and to send the lint to a lint storage bin at the second position.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the brush is in the first position, the chamber door may be configured to open and the brush may be configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the driving member rotating in the first direction, but the chamber door may be configured to open before the brush reaches the second position.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the brush is in the second position, the driving member may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, in response to which the chamber door closes and the brush rotates in the second direction, but the chamber door may be configured to close before the brush reaches the first position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be modularly configured to be positioned below the clothing receiving portion and to be slidingly inserted or removed from the clothing treatment device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may further include a case configured to accommodate the brush, the lint storage box, and the chamber door therein.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the lint storage compartment may be configured to be slidably inserted or withdrawn from the case.

[0022] A lint cleaning device according to one embodiment may include a case, a filter mounting portion configured to mount a filter member, a brush configured to rotate a tip portion between a first position and a second position along an inner circumferential surface of the filter member within the case, a lint storage box configured to receive lint removed by the brush, a chamber door configured to open and close the lint storage box, a driving unit configured to rotate the brush, and an operating assembly configured to transmit rotational power to the brush and the chamber door in response to an operation of the driving unit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the driving unit may include a driving shaft. The operating assembly may include a cam coupled to the driving shaft and including a first pressing projection, a second pressing projection spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection, and a groove formed between the first pressing projection and the second pressing projection, a lever projection formed to protrude toward the cam, and a lever that rotates by pressing the lever projection by the first pressing projection or the second pressing projection while the cam moves, and a latch configured to rotate the chamber door by rotating by the operation of the lever to open and close the lint storage box.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be configured such that when the driving member is rotated in a first direction to move the brush from the first position to the second position, the lever projection of the lever is pressed by the second pressing projection through the groove, thereby rotating the lever in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the latch is rotated in response to the rotation of the lever, thereby opening the lint storage compartment by rotation of the chamber door.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be configured such that when the driving member is rotated in the second direction to move the brush from the second position to the first position, the lever projection of the lever is pressed by the pressing projection so that the lever is rotated in the first direction opposite to the second direction, and the latch is rotated in response to the rotation of the lever so that the lint storage compartment is closed by the rotation of the chamber door.

[0026] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment may include a garment receiving portion for receiving garments and a lint cleaning device coupled to a filter member, the lint cleaning device configured to clean lint filtered on a surface of the filter member. The lint cleaning device may include a case, a brush received in the case and arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position, and a driving unit configured to rotate the brush. The brush may be configured such that a tip portion thereof is adjacent to the filter member while the brush is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the tip portion thereof is spaced apart from the filter member while the brush is rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the brush may have a first rotation radius while being rotated from the first position to the second position that is greater than a second rotation radius while being rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the case may include a guide rail formed on a wall surface and including a first path and a second path that is different from the first path. The brush may include a guide protrusion protruding from the side and configured to move along the guide rail while rotating.

[0029] In one embodiment, the guide protrusion may be configured to move along the first path while the brush is rotated from the first position to the second position, and to move along the second path while the brush is rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the brush may include a spring disposed in a space inside the guide protrusion in a groove formed on the side.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first path may be positioned radially outer than the second path in the guide rail.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the guide rail may include a first connecting portion connecting the first path and the second path while the brush is adjacent to the first position, and a second connecting portion connecting the first path and the second path while the brush is adjacent to the second position.

[0033] According to one embodiment, in each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, a step may be formed at the boundary separating the first path and the second path.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second path in the first connecting portion may be formed to have an upward step higher than the first path.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first path in the second connecting portion may be formed to have an upward step higher than the second path.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first path may be formed to slope upward along a direction in which the brush moves from the first position to the second position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second path may be formed to slope upward along the direction in which the brush moves from the second position to the first position.

[0038] In one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may include a shaft that is rotated by the operation of the driving unit. The brush may include a shaft hole configured to allow the shaft to pass through, and the shaft hole may be configured such that the shaft is movable in one direction relative to the shaft hole.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the lint cleaning device may be configured such that the rotational axis or rotational radius of the brush is variable within the shaft hole depending on the relative position of the shaft with respect to the shaft hole.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the guide rail may be positioned within a range of movement within which the brush moves between the first position and the second position.

[0041] A lint cleaning device according to one embodiment may include a case including a filter mounting portion configured to mount a filter member, a brush accommodated in the case and arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position, and a driving portion configured to rotate the brush. The brush may be configured such that a tip portion contacts the filter member while the brush is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the tip portion is spaced from the filter member while the brush is rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the brush may have a rotation radius when rotated from the first position to the second position greater than a rotation radius when rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0043] In one embodiment, the case may include a guide rail formed on a wall surface and including a first path and a second path positioned radially inward from the first path. The brush may include a guide protrusion inserted into a groove formed on a side surface so as to protrude a portion thereof and move along the guide rail.

[0044] In one embodiment, the brush may be configured to move along the first path when the brush is rotated from the first position to the second position, and to move along the second path when the brush is rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the brush may include a first connecting portion connecting the first path and the second path at a portion adjacent to the first position, and a second connecting portion connecting the first path and the second path at a portion adjacent to the second position. In the first connecting portion, a boundary between the first path and the second path may be configured such that the second path is stepped upwards relative to the first path, and in the second connecting portion, a boundary between the first path and the second path may be configured such that the first path is stepped upwards relative to the second path.

[0046] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a garment treatment device may be provided with a structure capable of preventing lint from being moved to an unintended location in a lint cleaning device that cleans lint filtered in a filter.

[0047] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a garment treatment device may be provided with a structure that prevents lint from falling out of a lint storage box that stores lint cleaned by a lint cleaning device and contaminating the interior.

[0048] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an air circulation path circulating inside and outside the drum of the garment treatment device illustrated in Figure 2 and a refrigerant circulation path of the heat exchanger.

[0052] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating a state in which a lint cleaning device is provided in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0054] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the lower part of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0057] FIGS. 9A to 9E are drawings for explaining the mutual operation of the operating assembly according to one embodiment.

[0058] FIGS. 10A to 10D are drawings for explaining the operation of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the brush and shaft shown in Fig. 11.

[0061] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the brush and shaft in Figure 11.

[0062] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the guide rail structure of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 15 is a graph for explaining the inclined structure of the guide rail of the lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0064] FIGS. 16A to 16D are drawings for explaining the operation of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0067] FIGS. 19A to 19D are drawings for explaining the operation of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0068] The following description refers to the attached drawings, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0069] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 19d below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary garment treatment device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment treatment device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary air circulation path circulating inside and outside the drum of the garment treatment device illustrated in FIG. 2 and an exemplary refrigerant circulation path of a heat exchanger.

[0072] What is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a clothes dryer, which is one of the clothes treatment devices (1). This is an example of a clothes dryer for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the garment treatment device (1) may include a main body (10), a drum (20) (or a garment receiving portion), a door (30), a control panel (40), an air circulation path (50), a driving portion (60), or a heat exchanger (70).

[0074] According to one example, the main body (10) may be provided to accommodate components such as a drum (20) or a heat exchanger (70) therein. The main body (10) may be formed in a hexahedral shape, for example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The main body (10) may include an upper frame (10a), a lower frame (10b), a rear frame (10d), a front frame (10c), a left frame (10e), and a right frame (not shown). An opening may be formed in the front frame (10c), and a door (30) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening. Here, at least two of the upper frame (10a), the lower frame (10b), the front frame (10c), the rear frame (10d), the left frame (10e), or the right frame may be formed integrally, or each may be manufactured separately and then assembled. In addition, each of the upper frame (10a), lower frame (10b), front frame (10c), rear frame (10d), left frame (10e), or right frame may be formed by press molding using a steel plate material or injection molding using a resin material.

[0075] According to one example, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable by being connected to a hinge fixed to the front frame (10c). The door (30) may, for example, be made of at least a part of a transparent material so that a user can see the inside. The user may open and close the door (30) to load or remove a drying object (e.g., clothing) from the drum (20) located inside the main body. The door (30) may be locked, for example, by a locking device (not shown) that prevents it from being opened while the clothing treatment device (1) is driven (or in operation).

[0076] According to one example, the door (30) may include a door frame (31) or a glass member (32). The glass member (32) may be formed of, for example, a transparent tempered glass material so as to allow the interior of the main body (10) to be seen through. The glass member (32) may be provided to protrude toward the interior of the drum (20) so as to prevent, for example, a drying object (e.g., clothing) from being tilted toward the door (30) when the clothing treatment device (1) is operated.

[0077] According to one example, the drum (20) may have a cylindrical shape and may have an opening (20a) formed on one side. Specifically, the drum (20) may have a cylindrical shape that is horizontally arranged within the main body (10), and may have an opening (20a) formed in the front portion of the drum (20). The opened portion may be positioned at a location corresponding to the door (30). A user may insert an object to be dried into the drum (20) through the opening (20a) of the drum (20) or take out an object to be dried from the inside of the drum (20). The drum (20) may be configured to be rotatable by receiving power from a driving unit (60).

[0078] According to one example, the drum (20) may include a plurality of lifters (21) arranged at regular intervals along the circumference and disposed inside. The lifters (21) lift, for example, an object to be dried (e.g., clothing) while the drum (20) rotates, thereby causing the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple surfaces of the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) to be evenly dried.

[0079] According to an example, the control panel (40) may include an input unit (41) or a display unit (42). The input unit (41) may be configured to obtain user input for controlling, for example, the garment treatment device (1). The input unit (41) may include, for example, a power button for turning the power of the garment treatment device (1) on / off or an operation button for setting a drying operation of the garment treatment device (1). The power button or the operation button may be, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch or a touch switch, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the input unit (41) may include an input device in the form of a jog shuttle that a user can hold and rotate, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The display unit (42) may display, for example, drying setting or drying operation information in response to a user input. The display unit (42) may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and Micro LED, and may be implemented as a touch screen by providing a touch pad on the front, but the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of display.

[0080] According to one example, the air circulation path (50) may include an inlet path (51), a connection path (52), or an exhaust path (53). When the clothing treatment device (1) is in operation, high-temperature, high-humidity air may be introduced into the inlet path (51) and high-temperature, low-humidity air may be discharged into the exhaust path (53) to dry the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) placed inside the drum (20). The high-temperature, high-humidity air introduced through the inlet path (51) may be heated and dehumidified by the heat exchanger (70) while passing through the connection path (52) and converted into high-temperature, low-humidity air. Referring to FIG. 3, the air circulation path (50) is illustrated in a solid line. The air circulation path (50) may be dehumidified and heated while sequentially passing through the blower fan (64), the evaporator (71), or the condenser (73) along the solid line of FIG. 3.

[0081] According to an example, the inlet path (51) may be formed by an inlet duct (11). The inlet duct (11) may be located, for example, at the front lower portion of the drum (20). That is, the inlet duct (11) may be positioned adjacent to the front frame (10c) of the main body (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to one example, the garment treatment device (1) may include a filter member (12). The filter member (12) may be mounted or provided in the lint cleaning device (90). For example, the filter member (12) may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger (70) in the air circulation path. Air flowing into the inlet passage (51) through the inlet port (51a) inside the drum (20) may include foreign substances (e.g., lint, dust, or fluff), which may be filtered or treated by the filter member (12) when the air flows into the inlet passage (51).

[0083] According to an example, a connecting passage (52) may be provided at the bottom of the drum (20). Air filtered by the filter member (12) may pass through the inlet passage (51) and enter the connecting passage (52). The air may be heated and dehumidified by the heat exchanger (70) while passing through the connecting passage (52). The process of heating and dehumidifying the air by the heat exchanger (70) will be described later.

[0084] According to an example, the exhaust path (53) may be formed by a exhaust duct (13). The exhaust duct (13) may be located, for example, at the rear of the drum (20). That is, the exhaust duct (13) may be arranged adjacent to the rear frame (10d) of the main body (10), but is not limited thereto. The exhaust duct (13) may be connected, for example, to the rear of the drum (20). Accordingly, high-temperature, low-humidity air passing through the exhaust path (53) may be discharged to the exhaust port (53a) located at the rear of the drum (20), thereby drying an object to be dried (e.g., clothing) within the drum (20).

[0085] According to an example, the driving unit (60) may include a driving motor (61), a pulley (62), a driving belt (63), or a blower fan (64). The driving unit (60) may, for example, rotate the drum (20) or use the blower fan (64) to create a flow of air within the air circulation path (50). The illustrated driving unit (60) is configured such that one driving motor (61) rotates the drum (20) and simultaneously rotates the blower fan (64), but this is exemplary, and a plurality of driving motors may be configured such that they independently rotate the drum (20) and the blower fan (64).

[0086] According to an example, a drive motor (61) may be provided to transmit rotational power to a pulley (62) and a blower fan (64). The drive motor (61) may be provided inside the main body (10). The drive motor (61) may be arranged, for example, at the bottom of the drum (20).

[0087] According to one example, the drive belt (63) may be connected to the pulley (62) and may be arranged so that a portion of the drive belt wraps around the outer surface of the drum (20). That is, the drive belt (63) may transmit the rotational power of the pulley (62) to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). The drum (20) may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, for example, depending on the driving of the drive motor (61).

[0088] According to one example, the blower fan (64) can receive rotational power from the drive motor (61). The blower fan (64) can be provided, for example, to form a flow of air in the air circulation path (50) so that the air can circulate inside. The blower fan (64) can be provided, for example, in the connection path (52), but is not limited thereto. The blower fan (64) can be disposed, for example, adjacent to the inlet path (51). Alternatively, the blower fan (64) can be disposed in a portion or area where the inlet path (51) and the connection path (52) are connected. Therefore, the air inside the drum (20) can be effectively introduced into the inlet path (51) by the rotation of the blower fan (64).

[0089] According to an example, the heat exchanger (70) may include an evaporator (71), a compressor (72), a condenser (73), or an expansion valve (74). The evaporator (71), the compressor (72), the condenser (73), or the expansion valve (74) may be disposed at the bottom of the drum (20). A refrigerant circulates inside the heat exchanger (70), and a refrigerant circulation path is illustrated by a dotted line in FIG. 3. The refrigerant may be circulated while sequentially passing through the evaporator (71), the compressor (72), the condenser (73), and the expansion valve (74) as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0090] For example, the evaporator (71) may be configured to evaporate refrigerant that has become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid as it passes through the expansion valve (74). As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, heat exchange may occur between the evaporator (71) and the surrounding gas. The air passing through the connecting passage (52) first passes through the evaporator (71), and the evaporator (71) may absorb latent heat of the air as it evaporates the liquid refrigerant. As the temperature of the air from which the latent heat has been absorbed decreases, moisture contained in the air may be condensed.

[0091] For example, the compressor (72) may be configured to compress the gaseous refrigerant delivered from the evaporator (71). The compressor (72) may compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. Specifically, the compressor (72) may receive electric energy from the outside and use the rotational power of an electric motor or the like to compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. Alternatively, the compressor (72) may compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0092] For example, the condenser (73) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant transferred from the compressor (72). The condenser (73) can radiate the heat generated while condensing the refrigerant to the outside of the condenser (73). The gas that has become a low-temperature, low-humidity state after passing through the evaporator (71) in the connecting passage (52) can become a high-temperature, low-humidity state by the heat radiation of the condenser (73) while passing through the condenser (73). That is, while the high-temperature, high-humidity air passes through the connecting passage (52), it can be converted into a high-temperature, low-humidity state by the evaporator (71) and the condenser (73) and discharged into the drum (20) through the discharge passage (53). The condensed refrigerant can move back to the evaporator (71) and circulate inside the heat exchanger (70).

[0093] According to one example, the heat exchanger (70) may further include a refrigerant temperature sensor (75). The refrigerant temperature sensor (75) may be, for example, positioned on a path through which the refrigerant passes. In particular, the refrigerant temperature sensor (75) may be positioned on a path between the compressor (72) and the condenser (73) to measure the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (72), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] According to one example, the garment treatment device (1) may further include a heater (80) provided inside the air circulation path (50). The heater (80) may be, for example, located on the exhaust path (53). In particular, the heater (80) may be disposed downstream of the evaporator (71) and the condenser (73). Accordingly, the heater (80) may additionally heat the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70). The heater (80) may further heat the air by assisting the condenser (73), thereby more quickly increasing the temperature of the air supplied to the drum (20).

[0095] According to one example, the garment treatment device (1) may include a lint cleaning device (90). The lint cleaning device (90) may be disposed at the lower portion of the garment treatment device (1). The lint cleaning device (90) may be disposed to be accessible from the outside by opening the lower door (13). The lint cleaning device (90) may be configured to clean and / or store lint (or foreign substances) filtered or loaded on the surface of the filter member (12). A detailed description of the structure of the lint cleaning device (90) will be described later.

[0096] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating a state in which a lint cleaning device is provided in an exemplary garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0097] The garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be substantially the same as the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lint cleaning device (90) may be disposed at the lower portion of the garment treatment device (1). For example, the lint cleaning device (90) may be disposed at the lower portion of a drum (e.g., drum () of FIG. 2). The lint cleaning device (90) may be disposed so as not to be visible from the outside by a lower door (13). When the lower door (13) is opened, some of the modular components of the lint cleaning device (90) may be separated from the garment treatment device (1) in a sliding manner. The configuration of the lint cleaning device (90) that is modularized and detachable from the garment treatment device (1) will be described later.

[0099] According to one example, the lint cleaning device (90) may include a case (91). The case (91) may accommodate components therein for removing lint loaded on the surface of a filter member (e.g., filter member (12) of FIG. 2).

[0100] According to one example, the lint cleaning device (90) may include a lint storage box (). The lint storage box (92) may be provided to accommodate lint cleaned by a brush (e.g., brush (540) of FIG. 5). The lint storage box (92) may be arranged to be detachable from the case (91). The lint storage box (92) may be slidably inserted or removed from the case (91). A user may open the lower door (13) and slide the lint storage box (92) out to remove the lint accommodated therein.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an upper portion of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a lower portion of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0102] The lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 may be substantially identical or similar to the lint cleaning device (90) of the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 may be included in the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0103] The lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 may be mounted on a clothes dryer, which is one of the clothes treatment devices (1), as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but the clothes treatment device (1) described in the present disclosure is not limited to a clothes dryer. That is, the lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 may include or be positioned in any device that accommodates clothes to be dried in a specific space and has a heat exchanger for drying and heating moist air exhausted from the specific space.

[0104] According to an example, the lint cleaning device (500) may be configured in a modular manner. The lint cleaning device (500) may be configured in a modular manner so that it can be inserted or extracted in a sliding manner by being placed under a clothing receiving section (e.g., a drum (20) of FIG. 2) of a clothing treatment device (e.g., a clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 4A). The lint cleaning device (500) may be configured in a modular manner so that the remaining components, except for the driving unit (520), are modularized and detachably mounted within the clothing treatment device (1).

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the lint cleaning device (500) may include all or part of a case (510), a driving unit (520), a shaft (530), a brush (540), a lint storage box (550), a chamber door (560), or a motion assembly (570). The lint cleaning device (500) may automatically clean lint accumulated on the surface of a filter member (12) when air containing lint passes through the filter member (12) of FIG. 2) by a drying process of a clothing treatment device (e.g., the clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 1). The lint cleaning device (500) may be configured to be coupled with the filter member (12) and clean lint filtered on the surface of the filter member (12). The cleaned lint is stored in the lint storage box (550), and when the lint storage box (550) becomes full, the garment treatment device (1) can detect this.

[0106] According to one example, the case (510) may form the exterior of the lint cleaning device (500). The case (510) may have a receiving space provided therein for arranging components such as a brush (540), a lint storage box (550), an operating assembly (570), and a chamber door (560). For example, a first space (512a) may be provided within the case (510) in which the brush (540) rotates to clean lint. For example, a separate second space (512b) may be provided within the case (510) in which the operating assembly (570) is accommodated. For example, the first space (512a) in which the brush (540) is accommodated and the second space (512b) in which the operating assembly (570) is accommodated may be spatially separated (e.g., separated by a partition).

[0107] The case (510) may be provided with a third space (512c) to accommodate a lint storage box (550). The third space (512c) may be connected to the first space (512a). The third space (512c) may be spatially separated from the second space (512b). The lint storage box (550) may be detachably accommodated in the third space (512c).

[0108] According to an example, the case (510) may include an upper case (511), a body case (512), and a lower case (513). The upper case (511) is a portion forming the upper surface of the case (510) and may be detachably coupled to the body case (512). An opening (511a) may be formed in the upper case (511). Air may circulate through the opening (511a) of the upper case (511). For example, air containing lint introduced through the inlet path (511) of a clothing treatment device (e.g., the clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 2) may be introduced into a lint cleaning device (500) through the opening (511a). The introduced air may pass through the filter member (12) to filter the lint. Unlike as illustrated, the upper case (511) and the body case (512) may be formed integrally.

[0109] The body case (512) may be configured to define a first space (512a), a second space (512b), and a third space (512c). For example, the second space (512b) may be positioned or arranged between the body case (512) and the lower case (513).

[0110] According to an example, the case (510) may include a filter mounting portion (514) and a shaft through hole (515). The filter mounting portion (514) may be coupled to the body case (512). The shaft through hole (515) may be formed through one surface of the body case (512).

[0111] The filter mounting portion (514) may be a portion provided for mounting the filter member (12). The filter mounting portion (514) may be arranged along the direction of movement of the tip portion (540a) of the brush (540) described later. The filter mounting portion (514) may be open for air to pass through. The filter member (12) may be mounted or provided on the outside or inside of the filter mounting portion (514). For example, the filter mounting portion (514) may have an arc-shaped cross-section. The filter mounting portion (514) may be formed integrally with the case (510), but is not limited thereto, and a separate component may be configured to be coupled with the case (510).

[0112] The shaft through hole (515) may be a portion provided for a shaft (530) to be coupled or connected to a brush (540) to pass through or be inserted therein. The shaft through hole (515) may be formed, for example, to pass through a partition wall between a first space (512a) and a second space (512b).

[0113] According to one example, the driving unit (520) may be provided to rotate the brush (540) and the chamber door (560). In the present disclosure, an operation structure may be provided to sequentially open and close the brush (540) and the chamber door (560) in sequence using one driving unit (520). The brush (540) and the chamber door (560) may be rotated due to the rotation of the motor provided in the driving unit (520). For example, the rotational power of the driving unit (520) may be directly transmitted to the brush (540). Here, the direct transmission of the rotational power may refer not only to the meaning that the driving unit (520) and the brush (540) are directly coupled, but also to the meaning that the rotational power is transmitted such that the angle at which the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates and the angle at which the brush (540) rotates are substantially the same even if they are indirectly coupled.

[0114] According to one example, the shaft (530) may be configured to connect the driving unit (520) and the brush (540). The shaft (530) may be coupled to the rotational axis of the driving unit (520) and may be coupled to the brush (540) by passing through the shaft through hole (515) of the case (510). The shaft (530) may be coupled to the brush (540) by being inserted into the shaft hole of the brush (540).

[0115] According to one example, the brush (540) may be arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position around a rotation axis. The brush (540) may be configured to rotate around the rotation axis to sweep away lint attached to the filter member (12). The brush (540) may be configured such that a tip portion (540a) rotates along the inner circumference of the filter member (12). While the brush (540) rotates, the tip portion (540a) of the brush (540) may be adjacent to the inner circumference of the filter member (12) to clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). Here, the rotation axis of the brush (540) may be the same axis as the rotation axis of the shaft (530). Here, the first position may refer to a position before the brush (540) starts cleaning lint. Here, the second position may refer to a position where the brush (540) has been rotated from the first position and has finished cleaning the lint attached to the filter member (12). The second position may be a position that is relatively closer to the chamber door (560) than the first position. The second position may be a position that is relatively closer to the lint storage compartment (550) than the first position.

[0116] The brush (540) can be rotated back and forth between a first position and a second position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates in a first rotational direction (e.g., forward or clockwise), the brush (540) can be rotated from the first position toward the second position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates in the first rotational direction, the brush (540) can also be rotated in the first rotational direction. As the brush (540) moves from the first position to the second position, it can clean the lint on the filter member (12) and, when it reaches the second position, send the lint to the lint storage box (550). For example, when the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction (e.g., reverse or counterclockwise), the brush (540) can be rotated from the second position toward the first position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates in the second rotation direction, the brush (540) may also rotate in the second rotation direction. However, this is not limited thereto, and the rotation direction of the motor of the driving unit (520) and the rotation direction of the brush (540) may be opposite to those illustrated. The brush (540) may also be referred to as a 'wiper', a 'scraper', or a 'blade'.

[0117] According to one example, the brush (540) may include an elastic portion (541) made of an elastic or rubber material. The elastic portion (541) may be arranged at a tip end (540a) of the brush (540). The elastic portion (541) may be a portion positioned adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the filter member (12) while the brush (540) rotates. Since the tip end (540a) of the brush (540) is formed of the elastic portion (541), damage to the filter member (12) may be prevented when the brush (540) rotates.

[0118] According to an example, the brush (540) may include a shaft hole. A shaft (530) may be inserted into the shaft hole to form a rotational axis. The brush (540) may rotate between a first position and a second position with the shaft (530) as the rotational axis.

[0119] According to one example, the lint storage box (550) may be arranged to receive lint removed by the brush (540). Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (540) may be moved to the lint storage box (550).

[0120] According to an example, the lint storage box (550) may include a lint inlet (550a). Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (540) may be received in the lint storage box (550) through the lint inlet (550a). The lint inlet (550a) may be located between the first space (512a) and the third space (512c) of the case (510) when the lint storage box (550) is mounted or provided in the case (510).

[0121] The lint storage box (550) can be accommodated in the third space (512c) of the case (510). The lint storage box (550) can be slidably inserted and removed from the case (510). When the lint storage box (550) is full of lint, the user can simply detach the lint storage box (550) to remove the lint.

[0122] According to one example, the chamber door (560) may be provided to open and close the lint storage box (550). The chamber door (560) may be mounted or provided within the case (510). The chamber door (560) may be arranged to open and close a portion connected between the first space (512a) and the third space (512c) of the case (510). The chamber door (560) may be opened by moving toward the brush (540) when opened. For example, the chamber door (560) may be opened by moving toward the first space (512a) when opened. The chamber door (560) may receive power from the driving unit (520) by the operating assembly (570) described below to open and close the lint storage box (550). The chamber door (560) may be referred to as an opening and closing plate. The chamber door (560) separates the space where the brush (540) cleans lint and the space of the lint storage box (550), thereby preventing the lint inside the lint storage box (550) from leaking back into the first space (512a) where the brush (540) is accommodated and contaminating the interior.

[0123] According to one example, the chamber door (560) may include a rotational axis (561). The rotational axis (561) of the chamber door (560) may be fixed to a movement other than rotational movement by the case (510). For example, the rotational axis of the chamber door (560) may be rotatably coupled to the upper case (511) and the body case (512).

[0124] According to one example, the motion assembly (570) may be configured to move the chamber door (560) in response to the motion of the driving unit. The motion assembly (570) may be accommodated in the second space (512b) of the case (510). The motion assembly (570) may be configured to cause the chamber door (560) to move in a different direction depending on the rotational direction of the driving unit (520) motor. For example, when the driving unit (520) motor rotates in a first rotational direction, the chamber door (560) may open the lint storage box (550). For example, when the driving unit (520) motor rotates in a second rotational direction, the chamber door (560) may close the lint storage box (550).

[0125] According to one example, the motion assembly (570) may include a cam (571) coupled to the driving member (520), a lever (572) configured to rotate in response to rotation of the cam (571), and a latch (573) configured to rotate in response to rotation of the lever (572). Each of the cam (571), the lever (572), and the latch (573) may be accommodated within the second space (512b) of the case (510).

[0126] The cam (571) can be coupled to the driving unit (520) and rotated. The cam (571) can be coupled to, for example, the rotational axis of the motor of the driving unit (520) and rotated together with the rotation of the motor. The cam (571) can be placed between the shaft (530) and the driving unit (520).

[0127] According to an example, the cam (571) may include a first pressing projection (5711), a second pressing projection (5712) spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection (5711), and a groove (5713) formed between the first pressing projection (5711) and the second pressing projection (5712). The first pressing projection (5711) may press the lever (572) to rotate the lever (572). The second pressing projection (5712) may press the lever (572) to rotate the lever (572).

[0128] The first pressing projection (5711) and the second pressing projection (5712) may have substantially the same radius, but are not limited thereto. The first pressing projection (5711) and the second pressing projection (5712) may be formed to protrude at substantially the same distance from the rotation axis. The first pressing projection (5711) may protrude while maintaining a constant radius along the circumferential direction, but are not limited thereto. The second pressing projection (5712) may protrude while maintaining a constant radius along the circumferential direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0129] The circumferential length of the first pressing protrusion (5711) may be shorter than the circumferential length of the second pressing protrusion (5712) as illustrated. However, this is not limited thereto, and the circumferential length of the first pressing protrusion (5711) may be equal to or longer than the circumferential length of the second pressing protrusion (5712) as illustrated.

[0130] According to an example, a groove (5713) may be formed between the first pressing protrusion (5711) and the second pressing protrusion (5712). The radius of the groove (5713) may be smaller than the radius of the first pressing protrusion (5711) or the radius of the second pressing protrusion (5712).

[0131] The lever (572) may include a lever protrusion (5721) formed to protrude toward the cam (571). The lever protrusion (5721) may be a portion pressed by the first pressing protrusion (5711) or the second pressing protrusion (5712) of the cam (571). When the lever protrusion (5721) is pressed by the first pressing protrusion (5711) or the second pressing protrusion (5712) of the cam (571), the lever (572) may rotate. When the lever protrusion (5721) is located in the groove (5713) of the cam (571), the lever (572) may not be pressed by the cam (571).

[0132] When the lever (572) is rotated in one direction by being pressed by the push projection (5711 or 5712) of the cam (571), the latch (573) coupled to the lever (572) can be rotated in response.

[0133] The latch (573) may be configured to rotate in response to the operation of the lever (572). The latch (573) may be configured to open and close the chamber door (560). The chamber door (560) may rotate in response to the rotation of the latch (573).

[0134] The action assembly (570) may further include a first spring (574) disposed between the case (510) and the lever (572). The elastic force of the first spring (574) may apply force to the lever (572) in a direction in which the chamber door (560) is closed by rotation of the lever (572).

[0135] The action assembly (570) may further include a second spring (575) positioned between the case (510) and the latch (573). The elastic force of the second spring (575) may apply force to the latch (573) in the direction in which the chamber door (560) is opened.

[0136] In one example, the elastic modulus of the first spring (574) may be less than the elastic modulus of the second spring (575), but is not limited thereto.

[0137] Specific operation methods and processes for the operation assembly (570) will be described later.

[0138] According to an example, the lint cleaning device (500) may include a filter member (12). The filter member (12) may be mounted or provided in a filter mounting portion (514) of the case (510). The filter member (12) may have a curved shape. For example, the filter member (12) may have a cylindrical shape with some of the sides open. The filter member (12) may have an arc shape, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the filter member (12) may be omitted from the lint cleaning device (500) and may be separately provided and mounted in the filter mounting portion (514).

[0139] According to one example, the garment treatment device (e.g., the garment treatment device (1) of FIG. 1) may further include a detection sensor (not shown) configured to detect whether the lint container is full of lint.

[0140] For example, the detection sensor may be a current sensor that detects the current flowing to the motor of the driving unit (520). When the lint storage box (550) becomes full of lint, a greater force may be required to close the chamber door (560) due to the reaction force of the lint. As a greater force is required, a greater load may be generated on the motor. The clothing treatment device (1) estimates the load of the motor of the driving unit (520) based on the current value detected by the current sensor, and when the load of the motor exceeds a set value, it may be determined that the lint storage box (550) is full of lint.

[0141] For example, the detection sensor may be a reed switch. When the reed switch is used as the detection sensor, a magnetic force forming means may be provided on a portion of the chamber door (560). The reed switch may be coupled to the case (510) to detect the magnetic force forming means when the chamber door (560) is closed. The clothing treatment device (1) may determine that the chamber door (560) is closed when the reed switch detects the magnetic force forming means. When the lint storage compartment (550) is full of lint, the chamber door (560) may not be completely closed due to the pressure of the lint. In this case, since the magnetic force forming means is not detected by the reed switch, the clothing treatment device (1) may determine that the lint storage compartment (550) is full of lint. The magnetic force forming means may include, but is not limited to, a general magnet or an electromagnet, for example. The reed switch may detect the magnetic force forming means.

[0142] FIGS. 9A to 9E are drawings illustrating the mutual operation of an exemplary operating assembly according to one embodiment.

[0143] The operating assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E may be substantially identical or similar to the operating assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8. Among the components of the operating assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E, components that are substantially identical or similar to the components illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 are given the same reference numerals.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9E, the lever (572) can be rotated to a first state or a second state depending on the rotation direction of the cam (571). The first rotation direction of the cam (571) may refer to a direction in which the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates the brush (e.g., the brush (540) of FIG. 6) from the first position toward the second position. The second rotation direction of the cam (571) may refer to a direction in which the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates the brush (540) from the second position toward the first position.

[0145] FIG. 9A illustrates a state of the operating assembly (570) when the lever (572) is in a first state. Referring to FIG. 9A, the lever (572) can be fixed by being pressed by a first pressing projection (5711) of a cam (571). The lever projection of the lever (572) can be pressed by the first pressing projection (5711) of the cam (571). At this time, the lever (572) can be maintained in the first state by the pressing of the cam (571). Here, the first state may refer to a state of the lever (572) for fixing the latch (573) to a specific position to close the chamber door (e.g., the chamber door (560) of FIG. 6). In a state where the lever (572) is fixed in the first state, the latch (573) can be fixed to a specific position to close the chamber door (560). A second spring (575) connected to the latch (573) can apply an elastic force to the latch (573) in the opposite direction to the force that the lever (572) applies to the latch (573) in the first state. The latch (573) can be fixed in a specific position by the lever (572) to close the chamber door (560) even though the second spring (575) applies a force in the direction that opens the chamber door (560).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 9B, the cam (571) can be rotated in a first rotational direction. For example, the first rotational direction may refer to a clockwise direction with respect to the drawing. When the cam (571) is rotated in the first rotational direction, the lever protrusion (5721) of the lever (572) can be positioned in the groove (5713) of the cam (571). At any point while the cam (571) is rotated in the first rotational direction, the lever protrusion (5721) of the lever (572) can be positioned in the groove (5713) of the cam (571), thereby removing the force applied by the cam (571) to the lever (572). At this time, the lever (572) can be rotated by a predetermined angle in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction and positioned in a neutral state. Here, the second rotational direction may refer to a counterclockwise direction in the drawing. Here, the neutral state may refer to any state between the first state and the second state of the lever (572).

[0147] Referring to Fig. 9c, the cam (571) can be further rotated in the first rotational direction from the state of Fig. 9b. When the cam (571) is further rotated in the first rotational direction from the state illustrated in Fig. 9b, the lever (572) can be pressed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571). As the lever projection (5721) of the lever (572) is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571), the lever (572) can be rotated from the neutral state to the second state. As the lever projection (5721) of the lever (572) is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571), the lever (572) can be rotated by a predetermined angle in the second rotational direction. Here, the second state may refer to a state of a lever (572) for fixing a latch (573) at a specific position to open a chamber door (e.g., chamber door (560) of FIG. 6). In response to the lever (572) being rotated to the second state, the latch (573) may be rotated to open the chamber door (560). When the lever (572) is rotated to the second state, the latch (573) may be rotated together in response to the rotation of the lever (572) by the elastic force of the second spring (575).

[0148] Referring to Fig. 9d, the cam (571) can be further rotated in the first rotational direction in the state of Fig. 9c. The state illustrated in Fig. 9d may be a state when the brush (540) reaches the second position. The lever projection of the lever (572) may pass through the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571), so that the lever (572) may not be pressed by the cam (571). At this time, the lever (572) may be rotated from the second state to the neutral state by the first spring (574).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9e, the cam (571) can be rotated in the second rotational direction in the state of FIG. 9e. When the cam (571) is rotated in the second direction, the lever projection (5721) of the lever (572) can be pressed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571). As the cam (571) is rotated in the second rotational direction and the lever (572) is pressed, the lever (572) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. By pressing the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571), the lever (572) can be rotated from the neutral state to the first state. In response to the lever (572) being rotated to the first state, the latch (573) can be rotated, thereby closing the chamber door (560). When further rotated in the second rotational direction in the state of FIG. 9e, the operating assembly can have the state of FIG. 9a.

[0150] FIGS. 10A to 10D are drawings for explaining the operation of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0151] The lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10D may be substantially identical to or similar to the lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8. Among the components of the operating assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10D, components that are substantially identical to or similar to the components illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 are given the same reference numerals.

[0152] FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate the organic operation process of the brush (540) and the chamber door (560) by the operation of the driving unit (520) in the lint cleaning device (500). In the operation process of the lint cleaning device (500) illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the description of the operation process of the operation assembly (570) is replaced with the description of FIGS. 9A to 9E.

[0153] Fig. 10a illustrates an exemplary state when the brush (540) is in the first position. When the brush (540) is in the first position, the chamber door (560) may be in a closed state to separate the space between the first space (512a) and the lint storage compartment (550). Fig. 10a may be a state maintained when the lint cleaning device (500) does not clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). When the brush (540) is in the first state, the operating assembly (570) may maintain the state illustrated in Fig. 9a.

[0154] FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary initial operation of the lint cleaning device (500) in which the rotation of the brush (540) begins to clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). The motor of the driving unit (e.g., the driving unit (520) of FIG. 6) may be operated to rotate the brush (540) and the cam (571). As the motor of the driving unit (520) rotates in a first rotational direction, the brush (540) and the cam (571) may be rotated in the first rotational direction. While the brush (540) rotates in the first rotational direction, the lint attached to the filter member (12) may be swept away or removed. Here, the first rotational direction may refer to a clockwise direction in the drawing. The chamber door (560) may be opened in advance before the brush (540) reaches the second position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9b, the chamber door (560) can be opened before the brush (540) reaches the second position because the lever (572) is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571). The chamber door (560) can be opened by the latch (573) that is rotated in response to the rotation of the cam (571). The mechanism of the operating assembly (570) in the state illustrated in FIG. 10b is described in detail in FIGS. 9b and 9c.

[0155] Fig. 10c illustrates a state in which the brush (540) has reached a second position. Lint attached to the surface of the filter member (12) can be cleaned while the brush (540) moves from the first position to the second position. The lint can be swept or removed by the rotation of the brush (540), and the chamber door (560) can remain open when the brush (540) has reached the second position. The lint swept by the brush (540) can be located in the space between the open chamber door (560) and the lint storage compartment (550). The mechanism of the operating assembly (570) in the state illustrated in Fig. 10c is described in detail in Fig. 9d.

[0156] FIG. 10d illustrates an operation in which the lint cleaning device (500) rotates the brush (540) from the second position to the first position after completing cleaning. The motor of the driving unit (520) may operate to rotate the brush (540) and the cam (571). By rotating the motor of the driving unit (520) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the brush (540) and the cam (571) may be rotated in the second rotational direction. Here, the second rotational direction may refer to the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. The chamber door (560) may be closed first before the brush (540) reaches the first position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9e, since the chamber door (560) is closed by the second pressing projection (5712) of the cam (571) when the lever (572) is pressed, the chamber door (560) can be closed before the brush (540) reaches the first position. For example, the chamber door (560) can close the lint storage box (550) when the brush (540) starts to rotate in the second rotational direction at the second position. For example, the chamber door (560) can close the lint storage box (550) when the brush (540) is still positioned near the second position. By spatially separating the space in which the brush (540) moves and the lint storage box (550), the lint contained in the lint storage box (550) can be prevented from flowing out into the first space (512a) again. The chamber door (560) can be opened by a rotated latch (573) in response to the rotation of the cam (571). The mechanism of the operating assembly (570) in the state illustrated in FIG. 10d is described in detail in FIG. 9e.

[0157] The lint cleaning device (500) of the present disclosure has a motion assembly (570) as described above, and can organically control the motions of the brush (540) and the chamber door (560) using one driving unit (520) (or actuator). By minimizing the number of driving units (520), the lint cleaning device (500) of the present disclosure can minimize the volume occupied by the lint cleaning device (500) in the limited internal space of a clothing treatment device (e.g., the clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 1) and reduce the production cost.

[0158] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0159] The lint cleaning device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be substantially identical or similar to the lint cleaning device (90) of the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lint cleaning device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be included in the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0160] The lint cleaning device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be installed in a clothes dryer as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but the clothes treatment device (1) described in the present disclosure is not limited to a clothes dryer. That is, the lint cleaning device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may include or be installed in any device that accommodates clothes to be dried in a specific space and has a heat exchanger for drying and heating moist air exhausted from the specific space.

[0161] According to an example, the lint cleaning device (1100) may be configured in a modular manner. The lint cleaning device (1100) may be configured in a modular manner so that it can be placed under a clothing receiving section (e.g., a drum (20) of FIG. 2) of a clothing treatment device (e.g., a clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 4A) and can be inserted or extracted in a sliding manner. The lint cleaning device (1100) may be mounted or provided in a detachable manner within the clothing treatment device (1) with the remaining components, excluding the driving unit (1120), being modularized, for example.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11, the lint cleaning device (1100) may include all or part of the case (1110), the driving unit (1120), the shaft (1130), or the brush (1140). The lint cleaning device (1100) may automatically clean lint accumulated on the surface of the filter member (12) when air containing lint passes through the filter member (12) of FIG. 2) by a drying process of a clothing treatment device (e.g., the clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 1). The lint cleaning device (1100) may be configured to be combined with the filter member (12) and clean lint filtered on the surface of the filter member (12).

[0163] According to an example, the case (1110) may form the exterior of the lint cleaning device (1100). The case (1110) may have a receiving space provided therein for arranging a component such as a brush (1140). For example, a space (1110a) may be provided within the case (1110) in which the brush (1140) rotates and cleans lint.

[0164] According to an example, the case (1110) may include a filter mounting portion (1111) or a shaft through-hole (e.g., a shaft through-hole (1112) of FIG. 14).

[0165] The filter mounting portion (1111) may be a portion provided to mount the filter member (12). The filter mounting portion (1111) may be arranged along the direction of movement of the tip portion (1140a) of the brush (1140) described later. The filter mounting portion (1111) may be open to allow air to pass through or flow. The filter member (12) may be mounted or provided on the outside or inside of the filter mounting portion (1111). For example, the filter mounting portion (1111) may have an arc-shaped cross-section. The filter mounting portion (1111) may be formed integrally with the case (1110), but is not limited thereto, and a separate component may be configured to be coupled with the case (1110).

[0166] The shaft penetration hole (1112) may be a portion provided to allow the shaft (1130) to be coupled to the brush (1140) to penetrate or flow. The shaft penetration hole (1112) may be formed to penetrate, for example, the wall surface (1110b) of the case (1110).

[0167] According to an example, the case (1110) may include a guide rail (1150). The guide rail (1150) may be formed on a wall surface (1110b) of the case (1110). The guide rail (1150) may be formed, for example, in a groove shape dug into the wall surface (1110b) of the case (1110). The guide rail (1150) may be formed within a movement range in which the brush (1140) moves between a first position and a second position, which will be described later. The guide rail (1150) may be configured such that a guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140), which will be described later, is inserted therein and guides a movement path of the guide protrusion (1141).

[0168] According to an example, the guide rail (1150) may include a first path (1151) and a second path (1152). The first path (1151) may be, for example, a path for guiding the rotation of the brush (1140) when the brush (1140) is rotated in a first rotational direction at a first position to be described later. The second path (1152) may be, for example, a path for guiding the rotation of the brush (1140) when the brush (1140) is rotated in a second rotational direction at a second position to be described later. The first path (1151) and the second path (1152) may each be formed in an arc shape. The brush (1140) may be rotated by rotating along the first path (1151) or the second path (1152).

[0169] In one example, the first path (1151) may be located radially outward relative to the second path (1152). The radius of the first path (1151) may be greater than the radius of the second path (1152).

[0170] According to an example, the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) can be connected to each other. The guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) to be described later can move between the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) through the connected portion. For example, one end (1151a) of the first path (1151) can be connected to one end (1152a) of the second path (1152). For example, the other end (1151b) of the first path (1151) can be connected to the other end (1152b) of the second path (1152).

[0171] According to an example, the driving unit (1120) may be provided to rotate the brush (1140). In the present disclosure, the brush (1140) may be rotated due to the rotation of the motor provided in the driving unit (1120). For example, the rotational power of the driving unit (1120) may be directly transmitted to the brush (1140). Here, the direct transmission of the rotational power may not only mean that the driving unit (1120) and the brush (1140) are directly coupled, but also may refer to the meaning that the rotational power is transmitted such that the angle at which the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotates and the angle at which the brush (1140) rotates are substantially the same, even if they are indirectly coupled.

[0172] According to one example, the shaft (1130) may be configured to connect the driving unit (1120) and the brush (1140). The shaft (1130) may be coupled to the rotational axis of the driving unit (1120) and may be coupled to the brush (1140) by passing through the shaft through-hole (1112) of the case (1110). The shaft (1130) may be coupled to the brush (1140) by being inserted into the shaft hole (1142) of the brush (1140) to be described later.

[0173] According to one example, the brush (1140) may be arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position. The brush (1140) may be configured to rotate around a rotational axis to sweep away lint attached to the filter member (12). The brush (1140) may be configured such that a tip portion (1140a) rotates along the inner circumference of the filter member (12). While the brush (1140) rotates, the tip portion (1140a) of the brush (1140) may be adjacent to the inner circumference of the filter member (12) to clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). Here, the rotational axis of the brush (1140) may be the same axis as the rotational axis of the shaft (1130). Here, the first position may refer to a position before the brush (1140) starts cleaning lint. Here, the second position may refer to a position where the brush (1140) is rotated from the first position and finishes cleaning the lint attached to the filter member (12).

[0174] The brush (1140) can be rotated back and forth between a first position and a second position. When the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotates in a first rotational direction (e.g., forward or clockwise), the brush (1140) can be rotated in a direction from the first position toward the second position. While the brush (1140) is rotated from the first position to the second position, the tip (1140a) can be adjacent to the filter member (12). For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotates in the first rotational direction, the brush (1140) can also be rotated in the first rotational direction. By moving the brush (1140) from the first position to the second position, lint on the filter member (12) can be cleaned.

[0175] When the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotates in a second rotational direction (e.g., reverse or counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction, the brush (1140) may rotate from the second position toward the first position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotates in the second rotational direction, the brush (1140) may also rotate in the second rotational direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotational direction of the motor of the driving unit (1120) and the rotational direction of the brush (1140) may be opposite to those illustrated. The brush (1140) may also be referred to as a 'wiper', a 'scraper', or a 'blade'.

[0176] According to one example, the brush (1140) may include an elastic portion (1143) made of an elastic or rubber material. The elastic portion (1143) may be arranged at a tip end (1140a) of the brush (1140). The elastic portion (1143) may be a portion positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the filter member (12) while the brush (1140) rotates. Since the tip end (1140a) of the brush (1140) is formed of the elastic portion (1143), damage to the filter member (12) may be prevented when the brush (1140) rotates.

[0177] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the brush and shaft illustrated in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating the brush and shaft in Fig. 11.

[0178] The brush (1140) and shaft (1130) illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be substantially identical or similar to the brush (1140) and shaft (1130) illustrated in FIG. 11. The brush (1140) and shaft (1130) illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be included in the lint cleaning device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the brush (1140) may include a guide protrusion (1141) inserted so that at least a portion thereof protrudes from the side. At least a portion of the guide protrusion (1141) may be inserted into a groove (1144) formed on the side of the brush (1140). When the brush (1140) rotates, the guide protrusion (1141) may move along a path formed by a guide rail (e.g., a guide rail (1150) of FIG. 11) of a case (e.g., a case (1110) of FIG. 11).

[0180] In one example, the tip (1140a) may be spaced apart from the filter member (e.g., the filter member (12) of FIG. 2) while the brush (1140) is rotated from the second position to the first position. For example, while the brush (1140) is rotated from the second position to the first position, the guide protrusion (1141) moves along a second path (1152) having a smaller rotation radius than the first path (1151), thereby allowing the brush (1140) to be rotated away from the filter member (12).

[0181] According to an example, the brush (1140) may include a shaft hole (1142). A shaft (1130) may be inserted into the shaft hole (1142) to form a rotational axis. The brush (1140) may rotate between a first position and a second position with the shaft (1130) as the rotational axis.

[0182] According to one example, the shaft hole (1142) may be formed so that the shaft (1130) can move relatively within the shaft hole (1142). The shaft (1130) may be inserted so as to have play within the shaft hole (1142). The shaft hole (1142) may be configured so that the shaft (1130) can move in one direction within the shaft hole (1142). For example, the shaft hole (1142) may be configured so that the shaft (1130) can move relatively in the radial direction of the filter member (12) arranged in an arc shape. The brush (1140) can move in one direction while the shaft (1130) is fixed. From a relative perspective with respect to the brush (1140), the shaft (1130) can move in one direction within the shaft hole (1142).

[0183] In one example, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1140) may be varied when the shaft (1130) is relatively moved within the shaft hole (1142). In one example, the lint cleaning device (1100) may be configured such that the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1140) is varied depending on the relative position of the shaft (1130) with respect to the shaft hole (1142) within the shaft hole (1142). The shaft (1130) may be fixedly positioned, and the brush (1140) may be configured to have clearance due to an additional space provided in the shaft hole (1142). In a relative sense, the shaft (1130) may be moved relative to the brush (1140). Within the shaft hole (1142), the closer the shaft (1130) is positioned to the tip (1140a) of the brush (1140), the smaller the rotation radius of the brush (1140). Within the shaft hole (1142), the further the shaft (1130) is located from the tip (1140a) of the brush (1140), the larger the rotation radius of the brush (1140).

[0184] According to one example, the brush (1140) may have a rotation radius when it is rotated from the first position to the second position greater than a rotation radius when it is rotated from the second position to the first position. While the brush (1140) is rotated from the first position to the second position, the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the first path (1151) of the guide rail (1150), and while the brush (1140) is rotated from the second position to the first position, the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the second path (1152) located radially inward of the first path (1151) of the guide rail (1150), so that there may be a difference in the rotation radius.

[0185] In one example, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1140) may be changed in response to the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moving from the first path (1151) to the second path (1152). For example, when the guide protrusion (1141) moves from the first path (1151) to the second path (1152) while the brush (1140) is adjacent to the second position, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1140) may be changed. When the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves from the first path (1151) to the second path (1152), the rotation radius of the brush (1140) may be reduced. As the rotation radius of the brush (1140) is reduced, the tip end (1140a) of the brush (1140) may be separated from the filter member (12). That is, when the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the second path (1152), the brush (1140) is separated from the filter member (12), thereby preventing the lint remaining on the surface of the filter member (12) from being swept away in the reverse direction.

[0186] In one example, the rotational axis or rotational radius of the brush (1140) may be changed in response to the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moving from the second path (1152) to the first path (1151). For example, when the guide protrusion (1141) moves from the second path (1152) to the first path (1151) while the brush (1140) is adjacent to the first position, the rotational axis or rotational radius of the brush (1140) may be changed. When the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves from the second path (1152) to the first path (1151), the tip end (1140a) of the brush (1140) may be adjacent to the filter member (12). That is, when the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the first path (1151), the brush (1140) can sweep away lint attached to or filtered on the surface of the filter member (12).

[0187] According to one example, the brush (1140) may include a spring (1145). The spring (1145) may be arranged in a groove (1144) formed on a side of the brush (1140), in an inner space of the guide protrusion (1141). The spring (1145) may be compressed within the groove (1144) formed on the side of the brush (1140) by the guide protrusion (1141). The spring (1145) may be arranged to apply an elastic force in an outward direction of the guide protrusion (1141). When the brush (1140) is mounted in the case (1110), the guide protrusion (1141) is placed on the guide rail (1150) of the case (1110), and the brush (1140) may be configured so that the guide protrusion (1141) presses the guide rail (1150) of the case (1110) by the spring (1145). For example, the brush (1140) may be configured so that the guide protrusion (1141) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1150) by the elastic force of the spring (1145).

[0188] In one example, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft (1130) may be smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft hole (1142). Due to the difference in horizontal cross-sectional areas between the shaft (1130) and the shaft hole (1142), the brush (1140) may be coupled to the shaft (1130) so as to be movable with respect to the shaft (1130). The shaft (1130) may be coupled to the shaft (1130) so as to be relatively movable with respect to the brush (1140). The horizontal cross-section of the shaft (1130) may have an approximately elongated shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the horizontal cross-section of the shaft (1130) may also have, for example, an approximately circular shape, an oval shape, or a rectangular shape. The horizontal cross-section of the shaft hole (1142) may have an approximately elongated shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and the horizontal cross-section of the shaft hole (1142) may have, for example, a roughly oval shape or a rectangular shape.

[0189] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the guide rail structure of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0190] The case (1110) illustrated in FIG. 14 may be substantially identical or similar to the case (1110) illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The case (1110) illustrated in FIG. 14 may be included in the lint cleaning device (1100) of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 14, the guide rail (1150) may include a first connecting portion (1153) and a second connecting portion (1154). A guide protrusion (e.g., a guide protrusion (1141) of FIG. 12) of a brush (e.g., a brush (1140) of FIG. 12) may move between a first path (1151) and a second path (1152) of the guide rail (1150) via the first connecting portion (1153) or the second connecting portion (1154).

[0192] The first connecting portion (1153) may be a portion where the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) are connected while the brush (1140) is adjacent to the first position. The first connecting portion (1153) may be a portion where one end (1151a) of the first path (1151) and one end (1152a) of the second path (1152) are connected.

[0193] The second connecting portion (1154) may be a portion where the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) are connected while the brush (1140) is adjacent to the second position. The second connecting portion (1154) may be a portion where the other end (1151b) of the first path (1151) and the other end (1152b) of the second path (1152) are connected. The other end (1151b) of the first path (1151) may refer to an opposite end of one end (1151a) of the first path (1151). The other end (1152b) of the second path (1152) may refer to an opposite end of one end (1152a) of the second path (1152).

[0194] According to an example, a first step (1155) may be formed at a boundary separating a first path (1151) and a second path (1152) in a first connecting portion (1153) of a guide rail (1150). The second path (1152) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the first path (1151) in the first connecting portion (1153). One end (1152a) of the second path (1152) may be formed to have an upward step relative to one end (1151a) of the first path (1151). Here, the upward step may refer to an upward step in the direction of the brush (1140).

[0195] According to one example, when the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the guide rail (1150), it can move from the second path (1152) to the first path (1151) at the first connecting portion (1153). Due to the step formed at the first connecting portion (1153), the guide protrusion (1141) can only move in one direction. Since the guide protrusion (1141) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1150) by a spring (e.g., the spring (1145) of FIG. 12) as described above, the guide protrusion (1141) can only move in one direction.

[0196] According to an example, a second step (1156) may be formed at the boundary separating the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) in the second connecting portion (1154) of the guide rail (1150). The first path (1151) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the second path (1152) in the second connecting portion (1154). The other end (1151b) of the first path (1151) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the other end (1152b) of the second path (1152). Here, the upward step may refer to an upward step in the direction of the brush (1140).

[0197] When the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) moves along the guide rail (1150), it can move from the first path (1151) to the second path (1152) at the second connecting portion (1154). Due to the step formed at the second connecting portion (1154), the guide protrusion (1141) can only move in one direction. Since the guide protrusion (1141) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1150) by a spring (e.g., the spring (1145) of FIG. 12) as described above, the guide protrusion (1141) can only move in one direction.

[0198] FIG. 15 is a graph for explaining the inclined structure of a guide rail of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0199] The graph in Fig. 15 is a graph for explaining the slope structure of the guide rail (1150).

[0200] Referring to FIG. 15, the heights of the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) of the guide rail (1150) are illustrated. Here, the heights of the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) may also refer to the thickness of the case (1110) for the corresponding position.

[0201] For example, the first path (1151) may be formed to slope upward along the direction in which the brush (1140) moves from the first position to the second position. For example, the first path (1151) may be formed to increase in height along the direction in which the brush (1140) moves from the first position to the second position. For example, the first path (1151) may be formed to slope so as to become closer to the brush (1140) as the brush (1140) moves from the first position to the second position.

[0202] In one example, the second path (1152) may be formed to slope upward along the direction in which the brush (1140) moves from the second position to the first position. For example, the second path (1152) may be formed to increase in height along the direction in which the brush (1140) moves from the second position to the first position. For example, the second path (1152) may be formed to slope so as to become closer to the brush (1140) as the brush (1140) moves from the second position to the first position.

[0203] As illustrated, the first path (1151) and the second path (1152) are formed to slope upward in different directions, so that different step sizes can be formed in the first connecting portion (e.g., the first connecting portion (1153) of FIG. 14) and the second connecting portion (e.g., the second connecting portion (1154) of FIG. 14).

[0204] FIGS. 16A to 16D are drawings for explaining the operation of a lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0205] The lint cleaning device (1100) and its configurations illustrated in FIGS. 16A to 16D may be substantially the same as or similar to the lint cleaning device (1100) and its configurations illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15. Hereinafter, configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to the configurations described in FIGS. 11 to 15 are given the same reference numerals.

[0206] Fig. 16a illustrates a state when the brush (1140) is in the first position. When the brush (1140) is in the first position, the guide protrusion (1141) of the brush (1140) may be positioned on the first path (1151) of the guide rail (1150). For example, the guide protrusion (1141) may be positioned at one end (1151a) of the first path (1151). The guide protrusion (1141) may not be moved to the second path (1152) due to a step formed at the boundary between one end (1151a) of the first path (1151) and one end of the second path (1152). When the brush (1140) is in the first position, the shaft (1130) can be positioned adjacent to the opposite end of the tip (1140a) of the brush (1140) within the shaft hole (1142).

[0207] FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary operation of a lint cleaning device (1100) in which a brush (1140) rotates to clean lint attached to a filter member (12). While the brush (1140) rotates in a first rotational direction, lint attached to the filter member (12) can be swept away or removed. A motor of a driving unit (e.g., the driving unit (1120) of FIG. 11) may operate to rotate the brush (1140). As the driving unit (1120) motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the shaft (1130) rotates in the first rotational direction, and the brush (1140) coupled to the shaft (1130) can rotate in the first rotational direction. Here, the first rotational direction may refer to a clockwise direction in the drawing. While the brush (1140) rotates in the first rotational direction, the guide protrusion (1141) can move along the first path (1151) of the guide rail (1150).

[0208] Fig. 16c illustrates a state in which the brush (1140) has reached a second position. Lint attached to the surface of the filter member (12) can be cleaned while the brush (1140) moves from the first position to the second position. Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (1140) can be moved to a separate lint container (not shown) when the brush (1140) reaches the second position. When the brush (1140) reaches the second position, the guide protrusion (1141) can be moved from the first path (1151) of the guide rail (1150) to the second path (1152). When the guide protrusion (1141) is moved from the first path (1151) to the second path (1152), the brush (1140) can be moved so that the shaft (1130) is relatively close to the tip (1140a) of the brush (1140) within the shaft hole (1142). Accordingly, the rotation radius of the brush (1140) can be reduced.

[0209] FIG. 16d illustrates an operation in which the lint cleaning device (1100) rotates the brush (1140) from the second position back to the first position after cleaning. The motor of the driving unit (1120) may operate to rotate the brush (1140). The brush (1140) may be rotated in the second rotation direction by the motor of the driving unit (1120) rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Here, the second rotation direction may refer to the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. While the brush (1140) is rotated in the second rotation direction, the guide protrusion (1141) may be moved along the second path (1152) of the guide rail (1150). Accordingly, since the rotation radius of the brush (1140) is reduced, the tip (1140a) of the brush (1140) may be spaced apart from the filter member (12) while the brush (1140) is rotated in the second rotation direction. By spacing the brush (1140) and the filter member (12) while the brush (1140) rotates in the second rotation direction, it is possible to prevent lint remaining on the surface of the filter member (12) from being swept away in the reverse direction along the tip of the brush (1140) returning after cleaning.

[0210] In Fig. 16d, when the brush (1140) reaches the first position, it returns to the state of Fig. 16a. For example, when the guide protrusion (1141) moves from the second path (1152) to the first path (1151), the brush (1140) can return to the state of Fig. 16a when it reaches the first position.

[0211] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment. Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0212] The lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be substantially identical or similar to the lint cleaning device (90) of the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be included in the garment treatment device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0213] The lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be an embodiment in which the technical features of the lint cleaning device (500) described above in FIGS. 5 to 10d and the technical features of the lint cleaning device (1100) described above in FIGS. 11 to 16d are combined.

[0214] The lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be mounted or provided in a clothes dryer, which is one of the clothes treatment devices (1), as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but the clothes treatment device (1) described in the present disclosure is not limited to a clothes dryer. That is, the lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may include or be provided in any device that accommodates clothes to be dried in a specific space and has a heat exchanger for drying and heating moist air exhausted from the specific space.

[0215] According to an example, the lint cleaning device (1700) may be configured in a modular manner. The lint cleaning device (1700) may be configured in a modular manner so that it can be inserted or extracted in a sliding manner by being placed under a clothing receiving section (e.g., a drum (20) of FIG. 2) of a clothing treatment device (e.g., a clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 4A). The lint cleaning device (1700) may be configured or installed in a modular manner so that the remaining components, except for the driving unit (1720), can be detachably mounted within the clothing treatment device (1).

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the lint cleaning device (1700) may include all or part of a case (1710), a driving unit (1720), a shaft (1730), a brush (1740), a lint storage box (1750), a chamber door (1760), or a motion assembly (1770). The lint cleaning device (1700) may automatically clean or remove lint accumulated on the surface of a filter member (12) when air containing lint passes through the filter member (12) of FIG. 2) by a drying process of a clothing treatment device (e.g., the clothing treatment device (1) of FIG. 1). The lint cleaning device (1700) may be configured to be coupled with the filter member (12) and clean lint filtered on the surface of the filter member (12). The cleaned lint is stored in the lint storage box (1750), and when the lint storage box (1750) becomes full, the garment treatment device (1) can detect this.

[0217] According to one example, the case (1710) may form the exterior of the lint cleaning device (1700). The case (1710) may have a receiving space provided therein for arranging components such as a brush (1740), a lint storage box (1750), an operating assembly (1770), and a chamber door (1760). For example, a first space (1712a) may be provided within the case (1710) in which the brush (1740) rotates to clean lint. For example, a separate second space (1712b) may be provided within the case (1710) in which the operating assembly (1770) is accommodated. For example, the first space (1712a) in which the brush (1740) is accommodated and the second space (1712b) in which the operating assembly (1770) is accommodated may be spatially separated (e.g., separated by a partition).

[0218] The case (1710) may be provided with a third space (1712c) to accommodate a lint storage box (1750). The third space (1712c) may be connected to the first space (1712a). The third space (1712c) may be spatially separated from the second space (1712b). The lint storage box (1750) may be detachably accommodated in the third space (1712c).

[0219] According to one example, the case (1710) may include a filter mounting portion (1714) or a shaft through-hole (1715).

[0220] The filter mounting portion (1714) may be a portion provided to mount the filter member (12). The filter mounting portion (1714) may be positioned along the direction of movement of the tip portion (1740a) of the brush (1740) described below. The filter mounting portion (1714) may be open to allow air to pass through. The filter member (12) may be mounted on the outside or inside of the filter mounting portion (1714). For example, the filter mounting portion (1714) may have an arc-shaped cross-section. The filter mounting portion (1714) may be formed integrally with the case (1710), but is not limited thereto, and a separate configuration may be configured to be coupled with the case (1710).

[0221] The shaft penetration hole (1715) may be a portion provided for the shaft (1730) to be coupled to the brush (1740) to pass through. The shaft penetration hole (1715) may be formed to pass through, for example, a partition wall between the first space (1712a) and the second space (1712b).

[0222] According to an example, the case (1710) may include an upper case (1711), a body case (1712), and a lower case (1713). The upper case (1711) is a portion forming the upper surface of the case (1710) and may be detachably coupled to the body case (1712). An opening (1711a) may be formed in the upper case (1711). Air may circulate through the opening (1711a) of the upper case (1711). For example, air containing lint introduced through an inlet passage (e.g., an inlet passage (51) of FIG. 2) of a garment treatment device (e.g., a garment treatment device (1) of FIG. 2) may be introduced into a lint cleaning device (1700) through the opening (1711a). The introduced air may pass through a filter member (12) to filter the lint. The upper case (1711) and the body case (1712) may be formed integrally, unlike as shown.

[0223] The body case (1712) may be configured to define a first space (1712a), a second space (1712b), and a third space (1712c). For example, the second space (1712b) may be located between the body case (1712) and the lower case (1713).

[0224] According to one example, the case (1710) may include a guide rail (1780). The guide rail (1780) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be substantially the same as or similar to the guide rail (1150) illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15. The description of the guide rail (1150) illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15 may also apply to the guide rail (1780) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0225] The guide rail (1780) may be formed on the wall surface (1712d) of the case (1710). The guide rail (1780) may be formed, for example, in the form of a groove dug into the wall surface (1712d) of the case (1710).

[0226] The guide rail (1780) may be formed within a range of movement in which the brush (1740) moves between a first position and a second position, which will be described later. The guide rail (1780) may be formed in a partition wall between a first space (1712a) and a second space (1712b). For example, the guide rail (1780) may be formed on a surface of the partition wall between the first space (1712a) and the second space (1712b) in the direction of the first space (1712a). The guide rail (1780) may be configured to guide a movement path of the guide protrusion (1741) by introducing a guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) to be described later.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 19A to 19D , the guide rail (1780) may include a first path (1781) and a second path (1782). The first path (1781) may be, for example, a path for guiding the rotation of the brush (1740) when the brush (1740) is rotated in a first rotational direction at a first position to be described later. The second path (1782) may be, for example, a path for guiding the rotation of the brush (1740) when the brush (1740) is rotated in a second rotational direction at a second position to be described later. The first path (1781) and the second path (1782) may each be formed in an arc shape. The brush (1740) may be rotated by rotating along the first path (1781) or the second path (1782).

[0228] In one example, the first path (1781) may be located radially outward relative to the second path (1782). The radius of the first path (1781) may be greater than the radius of the second path (1782).

[0229] In one example, the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) can be connected to each other. The guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) to be described later can move between the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) through the connected portion. For example, one end (1781a) of the first path (1781) can be connected to one end (1782a) of the second path (1782). For example, the other end (1781b) of the first path (1781) can be connected to the other end (1782b) of the second path (1782).

[0230] According to an example, the guide rail (1780) may include a first connecting portion (1783) and a second connecting portion (1784). The guide projection (1741) of the brush (1740) may move between the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) of the guide rail (1780) via the first connecting portion (1783) or the second connecting portion (1784).

[0231] The first connecting portion (1783) may be a portion where the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) are connected while the brush (1740) is adjacent to the first position. The first connecting portion (1783) may be a portion where one end (1781a) of the first path (1781) and one end (1782a) of the second path (1782) are connected.

[0232] The second connecting portion (1784) may be a portion where the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) are connected while the brush (1740) is adjacent to the second position. The second connecting portion (1784) may be a portion where the other end (1781b) of the first path (1781) and the other end (1782b) of the second path (1782) are connected. The other end (1781b) of the first path (1781) may refer to an opposite end of one end (1781a) of the first path (1781). The other end (1782b) of the second path (1782) may refer to an opposite end of one end (1782a) of the second path (1782).

[0233] According to an example, a step may be formed at the boundary separating the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) in the first connecting portion (1783) of the guide rail (1780). The second path (1782) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the first path (1781) in the first connecting portion (1783). One end (1782a) of the second path (1782) may be formed to have an upward step relative to one end (1781a) of the first path (1781). Here, the upward step may refer to an upward step in the direction of the brush (1740).

[0234] According to one example, when the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along the guide rail (1780), it can move from the second path (1782) to the first path (1781) at the first connecting portion (1783). Due to the step formed at the first connecting portion (1783), the guide protrusion (1741) can only move in one direction. Since the guide protrusion (1741) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1780) by the spring (1745) as described above, the guide protrusion (1741) can only move in one direction.

[0235] According to an example, a step may be formed at the boundary separating the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) in the second connecting portion (1784) of the guide rail (1780). The first path (1781) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the second path (1782) in the second connecting portion (1784). The other end (1781b) of the first path (1781) may be formed to have an upward step relative to the other end (1782b) of the second path (1782). Here, the upward step may refer to an upward step in the direction of the brush (1740).

[0236] When the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along the guide rail (1780), it can move from the first path (1781) to the second path (1782) at the second connecting portion (1784). Due to the step formed at the second connecting portion (1784), the guide protrusion (1741) can only move in one direction. Since the guide protrusion (1741) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1780) by the spring (1745) as described above, the guide protrusion (1741) can only move in one direction.

[0237] In one example, the first path (1781) may be formed to slope upward along the direction in which the brush (1740) moves from the first position to the second position. For example, the first path (1781) may be formed to increase in height along the direction in which the brush (1740) moves from the first position to the second position. For example, the first path (1781) may be formed to slope so as to become closer to the brush (1740) as the brush (1740) moves from the first position to the second position.

[0238] In one example, the second path (1782) may be formed to slope upward along the direction in which the brush (1740) moves from the second position to the first position. For example, the second path (1782) may be formed to increase in height along the direction in which the brush (1740) moves from the second position to the first position. For example, the second path (1782) may be formed to slope so that the brush (1740) becomes closer to the brush (1740) as the brush (1740) moves from the second position to the first position.

[0239] As shown, the first path (1781) and the second path (1782) are formed to slope upward in different directions, so that different step sizes can be formed in the first connecting portion (1783) and the second connecting portion (1784).

[0240] According to one example, the driving unit (1720) may be provided to rotate the brush (1740) and the chamber door (1760). In the present disclosure, an operation structure may be provided to sequentially open and close the brush (1740) and the chamber door (1760) in sequence using one driving unit (1720). The brush (1740) and the chamber door (1760) may be rotated due to the rotation of the motor provided in the driving unit (1720). For example, the rotational power of the driving unit (1720) may be directly transmitted to the brush (1740). Here, the direct transmission of the rotational power may not only mean that the driving unit (1720) and the brush (1740) are directly coupled, but also may mean that the rotational power is transmitted such that the angle at which the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates and the angle at which the brush (1740) rotates are substantially the same, even if they are indirectly coupled.

[0241] According to one example, the shaft (1730) may be configured to connect the driving unit (1720) and the brush (1740). The shaft (1730) may be coupled to the rotational axis of the driving unit (1720) and may be coupled to the brush (1740) by passing through the shaft through-hole (1715) of the case (1710). The shaft (1730) may be coupled to the brush (1740) by being inserted into the shaft hole (1742) of the brush (1740) to be described later.

[0242] According to one example, the brush (1740) may be configured to rotate between a first position and a second position about a rotational axis. The brush (1740) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may have a configuration substantially identical to or similar to the brush (1140) illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. The description of the brush (1140) illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13 may also apply to the brush (1740) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0243] The brush (1740) may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis to sweep away lint attached to the filter member (12). The brush (1740) may be configured such that a tip end (1740a) rotates along the inner surface of the filter member (12). While the brush (1740) rotates, the tip end (1740a) of the brush (1740) may be adjacent to the inner surface of the filter member (12) to clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). Here, the rotation axis of the brush (1740) may be the same axis as the rotation axis of the shaft (1730). Here, the first position may refer to a position before the brush (1740) starts cleaning lint. Here, the second position may refer to a position at which the brush (1740) is rotated from the first position and finishes cleaning lint attached to the filter member (12). The second position may be a position that is relatively closer to the chamber door (1760) than the first position. The second position may be a position that is relatively closer to the lint container (1750) than the first position.

[0244] The brush (1740) can be rotated back and forth between a first position and a second position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in a first rotational direction (e.g., forward or clockwise), the brush (1740) can be rotated in a direction from the first position toward the second position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in the first rotational direction, the brush (1740) can also be rotated in the first rotational direction. By moving the brush (1740) from the first position to the second position, the lint on the filter member (12) can be cleaned, and when it reaches the second position, the lint can be sent to the lint storage box (1750).

[0245] When the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in a second rotational direction (e.g., reverse or counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction, the brush (1740) may rotate from the second position toward the first position. For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in the second rotational direction, the brush (1740) may also rotate in the second rotational direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotational direction of the motor of the driving unit (1720) and the rotational direction of the brush (1740) may be opposite to those illustrated. The brush (1740) may also be referred to as a 'wiper', a 'scraper', or a 'blade'.

[0246] According to one example, the brush (1740) may include an elastic portion (1743) made of an elastic or rubber material. The elastic portion (1743) may be disposed at a tip end (1740a) of the brush (1740). The elastic portion (1743) may be a portion positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the filter member (12) while the brush (1740) rotates. Since the tip end (1740a) of the brush (1740) is composed of the elastic portion (1743), damage to the filter member (12) may be prevented when the brush (1740) rotates.

[0247] According to one example, the brush (1740) may include a guide protrusion (1741) inserted so that at least a portion thereof protrudes from the side. The guide protrusion (1741) may be at least partially inserted into a groove (1744) formed on the side of the brush (1740). When the brush (1740) is rotated, the guide protrusion (1741) may move along a path formed by the guide rail (1780) of the case (1710).

[0248] In one example, the tip (1740a) may be spaced apart from the filter member (12) while the brush (1740) is rotated from the second position to the first position. For example, while the brush (1740) is rotated from the second position to the first position, the guide protrusion (1741) moves along a second path (1782) having a smaller rotation radius than the first path (1781), thereby allowing the brush (1740) to be rotated away from the filter member (12).

[0249] According to an example, the brush (1740) may include a shaft hole (1742). A shaft (1730) may be inserted into the shaft hole (1742) to form a rotational axis. The brush (1740) may rotate between a first position and a second position with the shaft (1730) as the rotational axis.

[0250] According to one example, the shaft hole (1742) may be formed so that the shaft (1730) is relatively movable within the shaft hole (1742). The shaft (1730) may be inserted so as to have play within the shaft hole (1742). The shaft hole (1742) may be configured so that the shaft (1730) is movable in one direction within the shaft hole (1742). For example, the shaft hole (1742) may be configured so that the shaft (1730) is relatively movable in the radial direction of a filter member (e.g., the filter member (12) of FIG. 2) arranged in an arc shape. The brush (1740) may be movable in one direction while the shaft (1730) is fixed. From a relative perspective with respect to the brush (1740), the shaft (1730) may be movable in one direction within the shaft hole (1742).

[0251] In one example, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1740) may be varied when the shaft (1730) is relatively moved within the shaft hole (1742). In one example, the lint cleaning device (1700) may be configured such that the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1740) is varied depending on the relative position of the shaft (1730) with respect to the shaft hole (1742) within the shaft hole (1742). The shaft (1730) may be fixedly positioned, and the brush (1740) may be configured to have clearance due to an additional space provided in the shaft hole (1742). In a relative sense, the shaft (1730) may be movable relative to the brush (1740). Within the shaft hole (1742), the closer the shaft (1730) is positioned to the tip (1740a) of the brush (1740), the smaller the rotation radius of the brush (1740). Within the shaft hole (1742), the farther the shaft (1730) is located from the tip (1740a) of the brush (1740), the larger the rotation radius of the brush (1740).

[0252] In one example, the brush (1740) may have a rotation radius when it is rotated from the first position to the second position greater than a rotation radius when it is rotated from the second position to the first position. While the brush (1740) is rotated from the first position to the second position, the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along a first path (1781) of the guide rail (1780), and while the brush (1740) is rotated from the second position to the first position, the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along a second path (1782) located radially inward of the first path (1781) of the guide rail (1780), so that there may be a difference in the rotation radius.

[0253] In one example, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1740) may be changed in response to the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moving from the first path (1781) to the second path (1782). For example, when the guide protrusion (1741) moves from the first path (1781) to the second path (1782) while the brush (1740) is adjacent to the second position, the rotation axis or rotation radius of the brush (1740) may be changed. When the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves from the first path (1781) to the second path (1782), the rotation radius of the brush (1740) may be reduced. As the rotation radius of the brush (1740) is reduced, the tip end (1740a) of the brush (1740) may be separated from the filter member (12). That is, when the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along the second path (1782), the brush (1740) is separated from the filter member (12), thereby preventing the lint remaining on the surface of the filter member (12) from being swept away in the reverse direction.

[0254] In one example, the rotational axis or rotational radius of the brush (1740) may be changed in response to the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moving from the second path (1782) to the first path (1781). For example, when the brush (1740) is adjacent to the first position, the rotational axis or rotational radius of the brush (1740) may be changed by the guide protrusion (1741) moving from the second path (1782) to the first path (1781). When the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves from the second path (1782) to the first path (1781), the tip end (1740a) of the brush (1740) may be adjacent to the filter member (12). That is, when the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) moves along the first path (1781), the brush (1740) can sweep away the lint attached to or filtered on the surface of the filter member (12).

[0255] According to one example, the brush (1740) may include a spring (1745). The spring (1745) may be arranged in a groove (1744) formed on a side of the brush (1740), in an inner space of the guide protrusion (1741). The spring (1745) may be compressed within the groove (1744) formed on the side of the brush (1740) by the guide protrusion (1741). The spring (1745) may be arranged to apply an elastic force in an outward direction of the guide protrusion (1741). When the brush (1740) is mounted in the case (1710), the guide protrusion (1741) is placed on the guide rail (1780) of the case (1710), and the brush (1740) may be configured so that the guide protrusion (1741) presses the guide rail (1780) of the case (1710) by the spring (1745). For example, the brush (1740) may be configured so that the guide protrusion (1741) presses the bottom surface of the guide rail (1780) by the elastic force of the spring (1745).

[0256] In one example, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft (1730) may be smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft hole (1742). Due to the difference in horizontal cross-sectional areas between the shaft (1730) and the shaft hole (1742), the brush (1740) may be coupled to the shaft (1730) so as to be movable with respect to the shaft (1730). The shaft (1730) may be coupled to the shaft (1730) so as to be relatively movable with respect to the brush (1740). The horizontal cross-section of the shaft (1730) may have an approximately oval shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the horizontal cross-section of the shaft (1730) may have, for example, an approximately circular shape, an oval shape, or a rectangular shape. The horizontal cross-section of the shaft hole (1742) may have an approximately oval shape. However, this is not limited thereto, and the horizontal cross-section of the shaft hole (1742) may have, for example, a roughly oval shape or a rectangular shape.

[0257] In one example, the lint storage box (1750) may be configured to receive lint removed by the brush (1740). Lint removed by the rotation of the brush (1740) may be moved to the lint storage box (1750).

[0258] According to an example, the lint storage box (1750) may include a lint inlet (1750a). Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (1740) may be received in the lint storage box (1750) through the lint inlet (1750a). The lint inlet (1750a) may be located between the first space (1712a) and the third space (1712c) of the case (1710) when the lint storage box (1750) is mounted on the case (1710).

[0259] The lint storage box (1750) can be accommodated in the third space (1712c) of the case (1710). The lint storage box (1750) can be slidably inserted and removed from the case (1710). When the lint storage box (1750) is full of lint, the user can simply detach the lint storage box (1750) to remove the lint.

[0260] According to an example, the chamber door (1760) may be provided to open and close the lint storage box (1750). The chamber door (1760) may be mounted within the case (1710). The chamber door (1760) may be arranged to open and close a portion connected between the first space (1712a) and the third space (1712c) of the case (1710). The chamber door (1760) may be opened by moving toward the brush (1740) when opened. For example, the chamber door (1760) may be opened by moving toward the first space (1712a) when opened. The chamber door (1760) may receive power from the driving unit (1720) by means of an operation assembly (1770) to be described later to open and close the lint storage box (1750). The chamber door (1760) may be referred to as an opening and closing plate. The chamber door (1760) separates the space where the brush (1740) cleans lint and the space of the lint storage box (1750), thereby preventing the lint inside the lint storage box (1750) from leaking back into the first space (1712a) where the brush (1740) is accommodated and contaminating the interior.

[0261] In one example, the chamber door (1760) may include a rotational axis (1761). The rotational axis (1761) of the chamber door (1760) may be fixed to a movement other than rotation by the case (1710). For example, the rotational axis of the chamber door (1760) may be rotatably coupled to the upper case (1711) and the body case (1712).

[0262] In one example, the motion assembly (1770) may be configured to move the chamber door (1760) in response to the motion of the drive unit. The motion assembly (1770) illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be substantially the same as or similar to the motion assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 10D. The description of the motion assembly (570) illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 10D may also apply to the motion assembly (1770) of FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0263] The motion assembly (1770) may be accommodated in the second space (1712b) of the case (1710). The motion assembly (1770) may be configured such that the direction of movement of the chamber door (1760) varies depending on the rotational direction of the motor of the driving unit (1720). For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in the first rotational direction, the chamber door (1760) may open the lint storage box (1750). For example, when the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in the second rotational direction, the chamber door (1760) may close the lint storage box (1750).

[0264] According to one example, the motion assembly (1770) may include a cam (1771) coupled to the driving member (1720), a lever (1772) configured to rotate in response to rotation of the cam (1771), and a latch (1773) configured to rotate in response to rotation of the lever (1772). Each of the cam (1771), the lever (1772), and the latch (1773) may be accommodated within a second space (1712b) of the case (1710).

[0265] The cam (1771) can be coupled to the driving unit (1720) and rotated. For example, the cam (1771) can be coupled to the rotational shaft of the motor of the driving unit (1720) and rotated together with the rotation of the motor. The cam (1771) can be placed between the shaft (1730) and the driving unit (1720).

[0266] According to an example, the cam (1771) may include a first pressing projection (1771a), a second pressing projection (1771b) spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection (1771a), and a groove (1771c) formed between the first pressing projection (1771a) and the second pressing projection (1771b). The first pressing projection (1771a) may press the lever (1772) to rotate the lever (1772). The second pressing projection (1771b) may press the lever (1772) to rotate the lever (1772).

[0267] The first pressing projection (1771a) and the second pressing projection (1771b) may have substantially the same radius, but are not limited thereto. The first pressing projection (1771a) and the second pressing projection (1771b) may be formed to protrude at substantially the same distance from the rotation axis. The first pressing projection (1771a) may protrude while maintaining a constant radius in the circumferential direction, but are not limited thereto. The second pressing projection (1771b) may protrude while maintaining a constant radius in the circumferential direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0268] The circumferential length of the first pressing protrusion (1771a) may be shorter than the circumferential length of the second pressing protrusion (1771b) as illustrated. However, this is not limited thereto, and the circumferential length of the first pressing protrusion (1771a) may be equal to or longer than the circumferential length of the second pressing protrusion (1771b) as illustrated.

[0269] According to an example, a groove (1771c) may be formed between the first pressing protrusion (1771a) and the second pressing protrusion (1771b). The radius of the groove (1771c) may be smaller than the radius of the first pressing protrusion (1771a) or the radius of the second pressing protrusion (1771b).

[0270] The lever (1772) may include a lever projection (1772a) formed to protrude toward the cam (1771). The lever projection (1772a) may be a portion pressed by the first pressing projection (1771a) or the second pressing projection (1771b) of the cam (1771). When the lever projection (1772a) is pressed by the first pressing projection (1771a) or the second pressing projection (1771b) of the cam (1771), the lever (1772) may rotate. When the lever projection (1772a) is located in the groove (1771c) of the cam (1771), the lever (1772) may not be pressed by the cam (1771).

[0271] When the lever (1772) is rotated in one direction by being pressed by the push projection (1771a or 1771b) of the cam (1771), the latch (1773) coupled to the lever (1772) can be rotated in response.

[0272] The latch (1773) may be configured to rotate in response to the movement of the lever (1772). The latch (1773) may be configured to open and close the chamber door (1760). The chamber door (1760) may rotate in response to the rotation of the latch (1773).

[0273] The action assembly (1770) may further include a first spring (1774) positioned between the case (1710) and the lever (1772). The elastic force of the first spring (1774) may apply force to the lever (1772) in a direction such that the chamber door (1760) is closed by rotation of the lever (1772).

[0274] The action assembly (1770) may further include a second spring (1775) positioned between the case (1710) and the latch (1773). The elastic force of the second spring (1775) may apply force to the latch (1773) in the direction in which the chamber door (1760) opens.

[0275] In one example, the elastic modulus of the first spring (1774) may be less than the elastic modulus of the second spring (1775), but is not limited thereto.

[0276] Descriptions of specific operation methods and processes for the operation assembly (1770) are replaced with the descriptions in FIGS. 9a a to 9e.

[0277] According to an example, the lint cleaning device (1700) may include a filter member (12). The filter member (12) may be mounted on a filter mounting portion (1714) of a case (1710). The filter member (12) may have a curved shape. For example, the filter member (12) may have a cylindrical shape with some of the sides open. The filter member (12) may have an arc shape, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the filter member (12) may be omitted from the lint cleaning device (1700) and may be separately provided and mounted on the filter mounting portion (1714).

[0278] According to one example, the garment treatment device (e.g., the garment treatment device (1) of FIG. 1) may further include a detection sensor (not shown) configured to detect whether the lint container is full of lint.

[0279] For example, the detection sensor may be a current sensor that detects the current flowing to the motor of the driving unit (1720). When the lint storage box (1750) becomes full of lint, a greater force may be required to close the chamber door (1760) due to the reaction force of the lint. As a greater force is required, a greater load may be generated on the motor. The clothing treatment device (1) estimates the load of the motor of the driving unit (1720) based on the current value detected by the current sensor, and when the load of the motor exceeds a set value, it may be determined that the lint storage box (1750) is full of lint.

[0280] For example, the detection sensor may be a reed switch. When the reed switch is used as the detection sensor, a magnetic force forming means may be provided on a portion of the chamber door (1760). The reed switch may be coupled to the case (1710) to detect the magnetic force forming means when the chamber door (1760) is closed. The garment treatment device (1) may determine that the chamber door (1760) is closed when the reed switch detects the magnetic force forming means. When the lint storage compartment (1750) is full of lint, the chamber door (1760) may not be completely closed due to the pressure of the lint. In this case, since the magnetic force forming means is not detected by the reed switch, the garment treatment device (1) may determine that the lint storage compartment (1750) is full of lint. The magnetic force forming means may include, but is not limited to, a general magnet or an electromagnet, for example. The reed switch may detect the magnetic force forming means.

[0281] FIGS. 19A to 19D are drawings for explaining the operation of an exemplary lint cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0282] The lint cleaning device (1700) and its configurations illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19D may be substantially the same as or similar to the lint cleaning device (1700) and its configurations illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Hereinafter, configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to the configurations described in FIGS. 17 and 18 are given the same reference numerals.

[0283] Figures 19a to 19d illustrate the organic operation process of the brush (1740) and the chamber door (1760) by the operation of the driving unit (1720) in the lint cleaning device (1700). In the operation process of the lint cleaning device (1700) illustrated in Figures 19a to 19d, the description of the operation process of the operation assembly (1770) is replaced with the description of Figures 9a to 9e.

[0284] Fig. 19a illustrates a state when the brush (1740) is in the first position. When the brush (1740) is in the first position, the chamber door (1760) may be in a closed state to separate the space between the first space (1712a) and the lint storage compartment (1750). Fig. 19a may be a state maintained when the lint cleaning device (1700) does not clean the lint attached to the filter member (12). When the brush (1740) is in the first state, the operating assembly (1770) may maintain the state illustrated in Fig. 9a.

[0285] Fig. 19a illustrates a state when the brush (1740) is in the first position. When the brush (1740) is in the first position, the guide protrusion (1741) of the brush (1740) may be positioned on the first path (1781) of the guide rail (1780). For example, the guide protrusion (1741) may be positioned at one end (1781a) of the first path (1781). The guide protrusion (1741) may not be moved to the second path (1782) due to a step formed at the boundary between one end (1781a) of the first path (1781) and one end (1782a) of the second path (1782). When the brush (1740) is in the first position, the shaft (1730) can be positioned adjacent to the opposite end of the tip (1740a) of the brush (1740) within the shaft hole (1742).

[0286] FIG. 19B illustrates an initial operation of a lint cleaning device (1700) in which the brush (1740) starts to rotate to clean lint attached to a filter member (12). A motor of a driving unit (e.g., a driving unit (1720) of FIG. 17) may operate to rotate the brush (1740) and the cam (1771). As the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotates in a first rotational direction, the brush (1740) and the cam (1771) may rotate in the first rotational direction. While the brush (1740) rotates in the first rotational direction, the lint attached to the filter member (12) may be swept away. Here, the first rotational direction may refer to a clockwise direction in the drawing. The chamber door (1760) may be opened in advance before the brush (1740) reaches the second position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9b, the chamber door (1760) may be opened by the lever (1772) being pressed by the second pressing projection (1771b) of the cam (1771), so that the chamber door (1760) may be opened before the brush (1740) reaches the second position. The chamber door (1760) may be opened by the latch (1773) that is rotated in response to the rotation of the cam (1771). The mechanism of the operating assembly (1770) in the state illustrated in FIG. 19b is described in detail in FIGS. 9b and 9c.

[0287] FIG. 19B illustrates an operation in which a brush (1740) rotates to clean lint attached to a filter member (12) of a lint cleaning device (1700). While the brush (1740) rotates in a first rotational direction, lint attached to the filter member (12) can be swept away or removed. A motor of a driving unit (e.g., a driving unit (1720) of FIG. 17) may operate to rotate the brush (1740). As the driving unit (1720) motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the shaft (1730) rotates in the first rotational direction, and the brush (1740) coupled to the shaft (1730) can rotate in the first rotational direction. Here, the first rotational direction may refer to a clockwise direction in the drawing. While the brush (1740) rotates in the first rotational direction, the guide protrusion (1741) can move along a first path (1781) of a guide rail (1780).

[0288] Fig. 19c illustrates a state in which the brush (1740) has reached a second position. Lint attached to the surface of the filter member (12) can be cleaned while the brush (1740) moves from the first position to the second position. Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (1740) can be maintained in an open state by the chamber door (1760) when the brush (1740) reaches the second position. Lint swept by the brush (1740) can be located in the space between the open chamber door (1760) and the lint storage compartment (1750). The mechanism of the operating assembly (1770) in the state illustrated in Fig. 19c is described in detail in Fig. 9d.

[0289] Fig. 19c illustrates a state in which the brush (1740) has reached a second position. Lint attached to the surface of the filter member (12) can be cleaned while the brush (1740) moves from the first position to the second position. Lint swept by the rotation of the brush (1740) can be moved to a separate lint container (not shown) when the brush (1740) reaches the second position. When the brush (1740) reaches the second position, the guide protrusion (1741) can be moved from the first path (1781) of the guide rail (1780) to the second path (1782). When the guide protrusion (1741) is moved from the first path (1781) to the second path (1782), the brush (1740) can be moved so that the shaft (1730) is brought closer to the tip (1740a) of the brush (1740) within the shaft hole (1742). Accordingly, the rotation radius of the brush (1740) can be reduced.

[0290] FIG. 19d illustrates an operation in which the lint cleaning device (1700) rotates the brush (1740) from the second position back to the first position after completing cleaning. The motor of the driving unit (1720) may operate to rotate the brush (1740) and the cam (1771). The brush (1740) and the cam (1771) may rotate in the second rotation direction by the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotating in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Here, the second rotation direction may refer to the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. The chamber door (1760) may be closed first before the brush (1740) reaches the first position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9e, since the chamber door (1760) is closed by the second pressing projection (1771b) of the cam (1771) when the lever (1772) is pressed, the chamber door (1760) may be closed before the brush (1740) reaches the first position. For example, the chamber door (1760) may close the lint storage compartment (1750) when the brush (1740) begins to rotate in the second rotational direction at the second position. For example, the chamber door (1760) may close the lint storage compartment (1750) when the brush (1740) is still positioned near the second position. By spatially separating the space where the brush (1740) moves and the lint storage box (1750), the lint contained in the lint storage box (1750) can be prevented from flowing back into the first space (1712a). The chamber door (1760) can be opened by a latch (1773) that rotates in response to the rotation of the cam (1771). The mechanism of the operating assembly (1770) in the state illustrated in FIG. 19d is described in detail in FIG. 9e.

[0291] FIG. 19d illustrates an operation in which the lint cleaning device (1700) rotates the brush (1740) from the second position back to the first position after cleaning. The motor of the driving unit (1720) may operate to rotate the brush (1740). The brush (1740) may be rotated in the second rotation direction by the motor of the driving unit (1720) rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Here, the second rotation direction may refer to the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. While the brush (1740) is rotated in the second rotation direction, the guide protrusion (1741) may be moved along the second path (1782) of the guide rail (1780). Accordingly, since the rotation radius of the brush (1740) is reduced, the tip (1740a) of the brush (1740) may be spaced apart from the filter member (12) while the brush (1740) is rotated in the second rotation direction. By spacing the brush (1740) and the filter member (12) while the brush (1740) rotates in the second rotation direction, it is possible to prevent lint remaining on the surface of the filter member (12) from being swept away in the reverse direction along the tip of the brush (1740) returning after cleaning.

[0292] In Fig. 19d, when the brush (1740) reaches the first position, it returns to the state of Fig. 19a. For example, when the guide protrusion (1741) moves from the second path (1782) to the first path (1781), the brush (1740) can return to the state of Fig. 19a when it reaches the first position.

[0293] The lint cleaning device (1700) of the present disclosure has a motion assembly (1770) as described above, and can organically control the motions of the brush (1740) and the chamber door (1760) using one driving unit (1720) (or actuator). By minimizing the number of driving units (1720), the lint cleaning device (1700) of the present disclosure can minimize the volume occupied by the lint cleaning device (1700) in the limited internal space of a garment treatment device (e.g., the garment treatment device (1) of FIG. 1), and reduce the production cost.

[0294] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0295] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0296] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0297] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A clothing receiving section (20) for receiving clothing; and It comprises a lint cleaning device (500, 1700) configured to clean lint filtered on the surface of the filter member (12) by being combined with the filter member (12). The lint cleaning device (500, 1700) is a garment treatment device including a brush (540, 1740) having a tip end adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position along an inner surface of the filter member (12), a lint storage box (550, 1750) adapted to receive lint removed by the brush (540, 1740), a chamber door (560, 1760) adapted to open and close the lint storage box (550, 1750), a driving unit (520, 1720) adapted to rotate the brush (540, 1740), and an operating assembly (570, 1770) adapted to move the chamber door (560, 1760) in response to the operation of the driving unit (520, 1720).

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned motion assembly (570, 1770) is A cam (571, 1771) coupled to the driving unit (520, 1720) and including a first pressing projection (5711, 1771a), a second pressing projection (5712, 1771b) spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a), and a groove (5713, 1771c) formed between the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a) and the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b); A lever (572, 1772) that includes a lever projection (5721, 1772a) formed to protrude in the direction of the cam (571, 1771), and is rotated by the lever projection (5721, 1772a) being pressed by the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a) or the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b) while the cam (571, 1771) moves; and A garment treatment device including a latch (573, 1773) configured to open and close the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) by rotating the chamber door (560, 1760) by the operation of the lever (572, 1772).

3. In paragraph 2, A garment treatment device, wherein when the brush (540, 1740) is in the first position, the lever projection (5721, 1772a) of the lever (572, 1772) is positioned on the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a).

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, When the driving part (520, 1720) is rotated in the first direction so that the brush (540, 1740) moves from the first position to the second position, The lever projection (5721, 1772a) of the lever (572, 1772) passes through the groove (5713, 1771c) and is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b), thereby rotating the lever (572, 1772) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A garment treatment device configured such that the latch (573, 1773) rotates in response to the rotation of the lever (572, 1772) to open the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) by the rotation of the chamber door (560, 1760).

5. In one of the clauses 2 to 4, When the driving part (520, 1720) is rotated in the second direction so that the brush (540, 1740) moves from the second position to the first position, The lever projection (5721, 1772a) of the lever (572, 1772) is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b), thereby rotating the lever (572, 1772) in the first direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. A garment treatment device configured such that the latch (573, 1773) rotates in response to the rotation of the lever (572, 1772) to close the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) by the rotation of the chamber door (560, 1760).

6. In one of the clauses 2 to 5, The above lint cleaning device (500, 1700) It further includes a case (510, 1710) configured to accommodate the brush (540, 1740), the lint storage box (550, 1750), and the chamber door (560, 1760) therein. The above-mentioned motion assembly (570, 1770) is A garment treatment device further comprising a first spring (574, 1774) arranged between the lever (572, 1772) and the case (510, 1710).

7. In paragraph 6, The above-mentioned motion assembly (570, 1770) is The chamber door (560, 1760) is rotated to apply force in the direction of opening the lint storage box (550, 1750) and includes a second spring (575, 1775) arranged between the latch (573, 1773) and the case (510, 1710). A clothing treatment device, wherein the elastic coefficient of the first spring (574, 1774) is smaller than the elastic coefficient of the second spring (575, 1775).

8. In one of the clauses 2 to 7, A clothing treatment device, wherein the radii of the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a) and the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b) are substantially the same.

9. In one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A garment treatment device configured to clean lint on the filter member (12) by the brush (540, 1740) moving from the first position to the second position, and to send the lint to the lint storage bin (550, 1750) at the second position.

10. In paragraph 9, A garment treatment device configured such that when the brush (540, 1740) is in the first position, the chamber door (560, 1760) opens in response to the driving unit (520, 1720) rotating in the first direction, and the brush (540, 1740) rotates in the first direction, but the chamber door (560, 1760) is opened before the brush (540, 1740) reaches the second position.

11. In paragraph 10, When the brush (540, 1740) is in the second position, in response to the driving part (520, 1720) rotating in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, The chamber door (560, 1760) is closed and the brush (540, 1740) rotates in the second direction. A garment treatment device, wherein the chamber door (560, 1760) is configured to be closed before the brush (540, 1740) reaches the first position.

12. In the lint cleaning device (500, 1700), Case (510, 1710); A filter mounting portion configured to be equipped with a filter member (12); A brush (540, 1740) provided so that the tip portion rotates between a first position and a second position along the inner surface of the filter member (12) within the case (510, 1710); A lint storage box (550, 1750) provided to receive lint removed by the brush (540, 1740); A chamber door (560, 1760) provided to open and close the above lint storage box (550, 1750); one driving unit (520, 1720) configured to rotate the above brush (540, 1740); and A lint cleaning device comprising an operating assembly (570, 1770) configured to transmit rotational power to the brush (540, 1740) and the chamber door (560, 1760) in response to the operation of the driving unit (520, 1720).

13. In paragraph 12, The above driving unit (520, 1720) includes a driving shaft, The above-mentioned motion assembly (570, 1770) is A cam (571, 1771) coupled to the driving shaft and including a first pressing projection (5711, 1771a), a second pressing projection (5712, 1771b) spaced circumferentially from the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a), and a groove (5713, 1771c) formed between the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a) and the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b); A lever (572, 1772) that includes a lever projection (5721, 1772a) formed to protrude in the direction of the cam (571, 1771), and is rotated by the lever projection (5721, 1772a) being pressed by the first pressing projection (5711, 1771a) or the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b) while the cam (571, 1771) moves; and A lint cleaning device comprising a latch (573, 1773) configured to open and close the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) by rotating the chamber door (560, 1760) by the operation of the lever (572, 1772).

14. In paragraph 13, When the driving part (520, 1720) is rotated in the first direction so that the brush (540, 1740) moves from the first position to the second position, The lever projection (5721, 1772a) of the lever (572, 1772) passes through the groove (5713, 1771c) and is pressed by the second pressing projection (5712, 1771b), thereby rotating the lever (572, 1772) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A lint cleaning device configured such that the latch (573, 1773) rotates in response to the rotation of the lever (572, 1772) so that the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) is opened by the rotation of the chamber door (560, 1760).

15. In paragraph 13 or 14, When the driving part (520, 1720) is rotated in the second direction so that the brush (540, 1740) moves from the second position to the first position, The lever projection (5721, 1772a) of the lever (572, 1772) is pressed by the pressing projection, so that the lever (572, 1772) is rotated in the first direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. A lint cleaning device configured such that the latch (573, 1773) rotates in response to the rotation of the lever (572, 1772) so that the lint storage compartment (550, 1750) is closed by the rotation of the chamber door (560, 1760).

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