Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a tub; a drum; and an air circulation part disposed above the tub so as to circulate air inside the tub, wherein the air circulation part includes: a circulation flow path positioned above the tub; a heat exchanger; and a filter member, the filter member includes a filter space into which the air flows, at least one surface of the filter member is formed as a filter surface through which the air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter member and is filtered, and the filter member is positioned in the front side of an inlet part, and is inserted into or withdrawn from the circulation flow path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

Description

Garment processing equipment

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

[0002] A clothing treatment device is a device that can perform various treatment courses for treating clothing, such as a washing course to remove contamination from laundry or a drying course to remove moisture from clothing, by placing clothing, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “laundry”) inside a drum.

[0003] Garment treatment devices can perform a drying process for clothing using various principles. For example, a garment treatment device can perform the drying process by providing high-temperature air to a container containing the clothing, thereby evaporating moisture from the clothing.

[0004] Additionally, the garment treatment device may include an air treatment unit for providing high-temperature air, and the air treatment unit may heat the air in various ways. For example, the air treatment unit may heat the air using a heater or other device that consumes electricity, or may heat the air using a heat pump system that utilizes heat generated by compressing a fluid such as a refrigerant.

[0005] Meanwhile, the air treatment unit may be an exhaust type that supplies air drawn in from outside the cabinet to the receiving unit and discharges the air from the receiving unit to the outside of the cabinet, or a circulation type that circulates the air from the receiving unit and processes the air at a high temperature and dryness.

[0006] In the case of the above circulating air treatment unit, considering that the clothes are located at the bottom of the receiving unit and the air flow is not smooth, air may be discharged or introduced from the top of the receiving unit.

[0007] In addition, considering that the air flow efficiency is the best at the opening of the receiving portion for inserting clothes, the air of the receiving portion can be discharged from the rear of the receiving portion and introduced at the front of the receiving portion, i.e., through the opening of the receiving portion.

[0008] Meanwhile, the circulating air treatment unit may include a filter for removing lint, etc. in the air to prevent lint, etc. separated from clothing and contained in the air from accumulating in the air heating means and thereby obstructing air flow and reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0009] The above filter corresponds to the air flow resistance, and therefore, increasing the air flow area in the filter and improving the foreign substance storage capacity of the filter for improved usability and filter performance are important tasks in the circulating air treatment unit.

[0010] Meanwhile, related document JP 6321870 B2 discloses a clothing treatment device that heats circulating air using a heat pump system and includes a filter for removing foreign substances from the circulating air.

[0011] In the above clothing treatment device, the heat pump system is located below the receiving portion, and air passing through the heat pump system flows along the upper portion of the receiving portion and is supplied into the receiving portion.

[0012] However, since the heat pump system of the above clothing treatment device is placed at the bottom of the cabinet, the air flow path or the refrigerant flow path for supplying heated air into the interior of the receiving unit through the upper part of the receiving unit is excessively increased.

[0013] In addition, design and manufacturing difficulties arise because the space and ease of placement are reduced in the relationship between the various configurations placed at the bottom of the cabinet.

[0014] For example, if the above-mentioned clothing treatment device is developed to be able to perform not only the drying course but also the washing course, various components such as a support part for a tub for storing water and a drain part for discharging water must be placed at the bottom of the cabinet, and accordingly, the size and location of the space that the heat pump system can occupy are greatly limited.

[0015] Furthermore, the filter of the above-mentioned clothing treatment device needs to be placed at least upstream of the heat pump system, and accordingly, the filter placed between the air discharged from the rear side of the receiving unit and the heat pump system has no choice but to be placed biased toward the rear side with respect to the entire cabinet, and accordingly, accessibility for filter replacement or cleaning is greatly reduced.

[0016] Therefore, minimizing the air flow path to reduce unnecessary space consumption and air flow resistance, and further effectively improving filter performance while improving user accessibility and usability are important tasks in this technical field.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device capable of minimizing the air flow path and efficiently treating air.

[0018] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device that can improve user accessibility and usability of a filter member that removes foreign substances in the air.

[0019] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothes treatment device in which a filter member is positioned at the front of the cabinet to improve user accessibility.

[0020] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively increase the filtering area of ​​a filter member to improve air flow and enhance usability.

[0021] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothes treatment device in which a filter member is detachable through the upper surface of a cabinet so that the high-capacity filter member can be conveniently introduced and withdrawn.

[0022] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drum for accommodating garments and an air circulation unit for supplying high-temperature dry air to the inside of the drum.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, since both the air circulation unit and the refrigerant circulation unit are positioned above the tub, the detergent supply unit, the drain unit, and the tub support unit can be efficiently positioned below the tub where space is difficult to secure.

[0024] The filter member provided in the above air circulation unit is placed on the front side of the cabinet, so that the user can conveniently access the filter member, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0025] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention can improve air flow performance and enhance filter performance by having a filter member having a plurality of filter surfaces and a filter space.

[0026] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, since the filter member is extended upwardly from the cabinet through the top panel, even if the space-type filter member is provided in the air circulation unit, the introduction and withdrawal of the space-type filter member can be conveniently performed.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet to accommodate water, a drum provided inside the tub to be rotatable to accommodate clothes, and an air circulation unit disposed above the tub to circulate air inside the tub.

[0028] The above air circulation unit may include a circulation path, a heat exchanger, and a filter member. The circulation path includes an inlet located above the tub and through which air is drawn in from the tub, and an outlet located in front of the inlet and through which air is discharged into the tub.

[0029] A heat exchanger is provided on the circulation path and is positioned forward of the inlet, and heat exchange occurs between air and refrigerant. A filter member is positioned between the inlet and the heat exchanger in the circulation path to filter out foreign substances in the air.

[0030] The above filter member includes a filter space into which air is introduced, and at least one surface of the filter member can form a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter member and is filtered.

[0031] The above filter member is positioned in front of the inlet and can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

[0032] The above cabinet includes a top panel defining an upper surface of the cabinet, and the top panel may be provided with a filter opening into which the filter member is inserted.

[0033] The above filter member may be inserted into the filter opening to form the upper surface of the cabinet together with the top panel. The filter member may have the filter surfaces formed on at least two surfaces.

[0034] The above filter member may include an inlet surface through which air is introduced into the filter space, a first filter surface facing the heat exchanger through which air passes and is filtered, and a second filter surface connected to the filter inlet surface through which air passes and is filtered.

[0035] The above filter member can be aligned along the width direction of the heat exchanger and the cabinet.

[0036] The air circulation unit may further include an air fan positioned between the air circulation unit and the cabinet and aligned along the width direction of the heat exchanger and the cabinet. The air fan may be provided to discharge air from a front side of the drum opening provided in the drum.

[0037] The above circulation path may include a first path extending forward from the inlet and a second path extending from the first path along the width direction of the cabinet. The filter member may be provided at a connection portion between the first path and the second path.

[0038] The air circulation unit includes a filter chamber in which the filter member is mounted; and a heat exchange chamber in which the heat exchanger is mounted; and the length of the filter chamber in the direction from the inlet to the cabinet may be set longer than the front width of the heat exchanger in the direction from the inlet to the cabinet.

[0039] The above air circulation unit forms a part of the above circulation path and may include an air treatment unit including the filter member and the heat exchanger.

[0040] The air treatment unit may include a mounting base in which the filter member and the heat exchanger are mounted together. The mounting base includes a filter chamber in which the filter member is mounted and a heat exchange chamber in which the heat exchanger is mounted, and the filter chamber and the heat exchange chamber may be connected to share one surface with each other.

[0041] The filter member may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction from the mounting base, and the heat exchanger may be positioned on the other side of the mounting base in the width direction.

[0042] The above mounting base has an open upper surface and includes a mounting space in which the filter member and the heat exchanger are accommodated, and the filter member can be introduced into or withdrawn from the mounting space through the open upper surface of the mounting base.

[0043] The air treatment unit further includes a heat exchange cover coupled to the mounting base so as to cover a portion of the open upper surface of the mounting base, and the heat exchanger can be positioned below the heat exchange cover.

[0044] The above mounting base includes a filter chamber in which the filter member is mounted, and the circulation path may include an inlet pipe extending forward from the inlet portion and connected to the filter chamber.

[0045] One embodiment of the present invention may further include a compressor positioned above the tub, connected to the heat exchanger, and compressing the refrigerant, and the filter member may be positioned in front of the compressor.

[0046] The rear end of the above filter member may be positioned forward of the front end of the compressor. The heat exchanger and the compressor, and the refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates, may be positioned above the tub as a whole.

[0047] The heat exchanger may be positioned forward of the compressor and aligned with the filter member along the width direction of the cabinet. The inlet of the circulation path may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the compressor.

[0048] The above circulation path includes a first path extending forward from the inlet and a second path extending along the width direction of the cabinet from the first path, wherein the first path may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the compressor, and the second path may be positioned forward with respect to the compressor.

[0049] The above air circulation unit may include a mounting base on which the heat exchanger and the compressor are mounted, and the mounting base may include a heat exchange chamber on which the heat exchanger is mounted and a compressor chamber located rearward of the heat exchange chamber and on which the compressor is mounted. The heat exchange chamber and the compressor chamber may be integrally formed.

[0050] The above tub has a width-direction center line defined that passes through the center of the above tub and is parallel to the width direction of the above cabinet, and the above filter member can be positioned in front of the width-direction center line.

[0051] The above tub may include a front split tub including a tub opening that opens toward the front of the cabinet and a front portion of the circumference of the tub, and a rear split tub including a rear portion of the tub facing the rear of the cabinet and a rear portion of the circumference of the tub.

[0052] The inlet of the above circulation path may be provided above the rear split tub, and the filter member may be provided above the front split tub. The rear end of the filter member may be positioned ahead of the connection line of the front split tub and the rear split tub.

[0053] The apparatus further includes a compressor positioned above the tub, connected to the heat exchanger, and compressing the refrigerant, wherein the heat exchanger may be provided above the front split tub, and the compressor may be provided above the rear split tub.

[0054] The tub is defined to have a front-to-rear center line that is parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the cabinet and passes through the center of the tub, and the front-to-rear center line can cross the filter member. The front-to-rear center line can cross the inlet.

[0055] The above clothing treatment device further includes a steam generating unit positioned above the tub to generate steam, and the steam generating unit may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the air circulation unit or on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the circulation path.

[0056] The filter member may be positioned above the tub, and further includes a steam generating unit that is positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the circulation path, and the filter member may be positioned in front of the steam generating unit.

[0057] The control module may further include a control module positioned above the tub and positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the circulation path, and controlling the air circulation unit, and the control module may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the filter member.

[0058] The tub may further include a detergent supply unit positioned above the tub and supplying detergent into the tub, and the detergent supply unit may be positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the air circulation unit.

[0059] The rear end of the above filter member may be positioned forward of the rear end of the detergent supply unit. At least a portion of the inlet may be positioned below the detergent supply unit.

[0060] The apparatus further includes an additional processing device including an additional cabinet positioned below the above cabinet and an additional drum provided inside the additional cabinet for accommodating clothes, wherein the cabinet can be positioned above the above additional cabinet.

[0061] The cabinet may further include a detergent supply unit positioned below the tub and connected to the tub to supply detergent into the tub. The cabinet may further include an operating unit provided on the front side of the cabinet and operated by a user to generate a user command signal. The operating unit may be positioned in front of the filter member.

[0062] A clothing inlet is provided on the front of the cabinet, the tub includes a tub opening facing the clothing inlet, a tub gasket is provided inside the cabinet to seal between the clothing inlet and the tub opening, and the discharge portion of the circulation path can be connected to the tub gasket.

[0063] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet to receive water, a drum provided inside the tub to be rotatable to receive clothing, and an air circulation unit disposed above the tub to circulate air inside the tub.

[0064] The air circulation unit may include a circulation path positioned above the tub to discharge air drawn in from the tub back into the tub, a compressor positioned above the tub to compress refrigerant for heat exchange with air in the circulation path, and a filter member provided in the circulation path to filter out foreign substances in the air.

[0065] The filter element includes a filter space into which air is introduced, and at least one surface of the filter element forms a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter element and is filtered, and the filter element is positioned in front of the compressor and can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

[0066] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet to receive water, a drum provided inside the tub to be rotatable to receive clothing, and an air circulation unit disposed above the tub to circulate air inside the tub.

[0067] The air circulation unit may include a circulation path located above the tub and discharging air drawn in from the tub back into the tub, and an air treatment unit connected to the circulation path and performing heat exchange between air and refrigerant.

[0068] The above air treatment unit includes a filter member that filters foreign substances in the air, and the tub may include a front split tub including a front portion of the circumference of the tub and a rear split tub including a rear portion of the circumference of the tub.

[0069] The above filter member includes a filter space into which air is introduced, and at least one surface of the filter member can form a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter member and is filtered.

[0070] The above filter member is positioned forward of the connection line of the front split tub and the rear split tub, and can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

[0071] The center of the filter member in the front-back direction of the cabinet is located in front of the connection line of the front split tub and the rear split tub, and can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device capable of minimizing the air flow path and efficiently treating air.

[0073] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device that can improve user accessibility and usability of a filter member that removes foreign substances in the air.

[0074] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothes treatment device in which a filter member is arranged at the front of the cabinet to improve user accessibility.

[0075] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively increase the filtering area of ​​a filter member to improve air flow and enhance usability.

[0076] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothes treatment device in which a filter member is detachable through the upper surface of a cabinet so that the high-capacity filter member can be conveniently introduced and withdrawn.

[0077] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device in a laminated form with an additional treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device separated from the additional treatment device in Figure 1.

[0079] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit arranged on the upper part of a cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a fixing part for fixing an air circulation part in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 8 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an air circulation unit mounted on a cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an air circulation unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit connected to a tub with the cabinet removed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent supply unit and an additional processing device arranged below a tub in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the direction of air flow according to an air circulation unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 13 is a top view of an air circulation unit disposed above a tub in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the inlet of the air circulation unit in Figure 13 moved away from the compressor.

[0091] Fig. 15 is a side view of the air circulation unit illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0092] Fig. 16 is a drawing of the air circulation unit shown in Fig. 14 viewed from the front.

[0093] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a filter member separated from a cabinet through a top panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing a filter member of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice it.

[0096] However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0097] In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0098] Additionally, when a component is referred to herein as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may be other components present in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to herein as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0099] Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0100] Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0101] In addition, in this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0102] Also, in this specification, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any item among multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0103] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention being positioned above an additional treatment device (2).

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a garment treatment device (1, first treatment device) may be provided in a vertically stacked form together with an additional treatment device (2, second treatment device). For example, the garment treatment device (1) may include a cabinet (10, first cabinet) forming an exterior, and the cabinet (10) may be placed above the additional treatment device (2).

[0105] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a washing process or a drying process of garments accommodated inside the cabinet (10). As illustrated in Fig. 2, an additional treatment device (2) can wash or dry garments accommodated inside the additional drum (4, second drum) separately from the garment treatment device (1).

[0106] The additional processing device (2) may include an additional cabinet (3, second cabinet) positioned below the cabinet (10) and an additional drum (4) provided inside the additional cabinet (3) to accommodate clothing. The cabinet (10) may be positioned above the additional cabinet (3).

[0107] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be defined to include the additional treatment device (2). For example, a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be defined as a whole including the cabinet (10) and the additional cabinet (3).

[0108] Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, a processing device arranged in a stacked form on top of the additional processing device (2) is described as a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention separated from the additional treatment device (2).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 2, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used together with the additional treatment device (2), or may be used separately or separately.

[0111] The above clothing treatment device (1) may be positioned on the upper surface of the additional cabinet (3) of the above additional treatment device (2), and the lower surface may be provided with a leg portion for supporting a load by being positioned on the ground or the upper surface of the above additional cabinet (3).

[0112] The additional processing device (2) may also be provided with a leg mounting portion for mounting the leg portion of the clothing processing device (1) on the upper surface of the additional cabinet (3).

[0113] The above clothing processing device (1) may be a front loader type in which a door (17) and a clothing opening are formed on the front, and the additional processing device (2) may be a pedestal type in which a drawer (5) is provided inside an additional cabinet (3) forming the exterior.

[0114] The above drawer (5) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the interior of the additional cabinet (3) through the open front of the additional cabinet (3). The drawer (5) can be equipped with an additional drum (4) for accommodating clothes, and an additional detergent compartment (6) for storing detergent used in the washing process.

[0115] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, excluding the additional treatment device (2).

[0116] The above-described garment treatment device (1) includes the aforementioned cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) may be provided by combining multiple panels and may form the exterior of the garment treatment device (1). A space in which various components may be arranged may be defined within the cabinet (10).

[0117] As shown in Fig. 4, the cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11) forming the front of the garment treatment device (1), a rear panel (12) forming the rear, a pair of side panels (13) forming both sides, a top panel (14) forming the upper surface, and a base panel (15) forming the lower surface.

[0118] A clothing insertion port (16) may be provided on the front of the cabinet (10). The clothing insertion port (16) may be formed on the front panel (11). The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (17) for opening and closing the clothing insertion port (16). The door (17) is provided to be rotatable on the front panel (11) so as to open and close the clothing insertion port (16) depending on the rotation state.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the front panel (11) may be equipped with an operation unit (65) that provides various information to the user or receives commands by being operated by the user. The operation unit (65) may include a display unit (66) for outputting a screen, and the display unit (66) may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the front panel (11).

[0120] The display unit (66) may be configured to allow the user to input commands to the screen. For example, the display unit (66) may be configured to detect touch inputs from the user. Accordingly, the display unit (66) may be defined as a control panel for the user to operate the garment treatment device (1).

[0121] A pull-out cover (18) and a detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged at the bottom of the front panel (11). The bottom of the front panel (11) may be a part of the front panel (11) including the lower portion of the front panel (11), or may be a separate component from the front panel (11), for example, the front of the base panel (15).

[0122] A drawer cover (18) may be provided to cover and shield a drawable component (a device or component provided to be drawable from the cabinet) from the outside within the cabinet (10). A user may open the drawer cover (18) to expose the drawable component to the outside, or close the drawer cover (18) to shield the drawable component from the outside.

[0123] The above-described withdrawable configuration can be set in various ways as needed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the withdrawable configuration may include a residual water pipe extending from the drainage unit (50) to remove residual water present in the drainage unit (50) described later, or a drainage filter provided in the drainage pump (51) of the drainage unit (50).

[0124] The detergent supply unit (90) may be provided at the bottom of the cabinet (10) and may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof can be withdrawn to the front of the cabinet (10). For example, the detergent supply unit (90) may include a detergent case fixed inside the cabinet (10) and a detergent storage unit that is inserted into or withdrawn from the detergent case along the front-back direction (X).

[0125] However, the location of the detergent supply unit (90) is not necessarily limited to the lower part of the cabinet (10), and, if necessary, it may be placed on the upper part of the cabinet (10) as described later.

[0126] The detergent supply unit (90) may be provided as an automatic detergent supply device or a manual detergent supply device. The automatic detergent supply device refers to a device capable of supplying a set amount of detergent to the tub through a detergent pump, and the manual detergent supply device refers to a device capable of supplying detergent introduced into a storage space to the tub when water is supplied to the tub through the water supply pipe (42). The manual detergent supply device may be provided with a housing provided inside a cabinet, a housing drawer that provides a space for storing detergent and can be drawn out of the cabinet from the housing, and a detergent supply pipe that connects the housing and the tub.

[0127] Meanwhile, the top panel (14) may be provided to form the upper surface of the cabinet (10). In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the top panel (14) may be provided with a filter opening (402) into which a filter member (400) to be described later is inserted.

[0128] The filter member (400) may be provided to filter foreign substances in the air of the air circulation unit (100) provided in the clothing treatment device (1), as described later. The filter member (400) may be inserted into the filter opening (402) to form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14).

[0129] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] For reference, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided to perform either the aforementioned washing process or drying process, or may be provided to perform both.

[0131] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the structure of a clothing treatment device (1) capable of performing both a washing process and a drying process. However, it is of course possible to change the configuration to perform either a washing process or a drying process, if necessary.

[0132] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tub (30). The tub (30) is provided inside the cabinet (10) and can accommodate water.

[0133] The above tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and a space for containing water may be defined inside. The central axis of the tub (30) may be roughly parallel to the front-back direction (X), but may be installed in an inclined form so that the front is higher than the rear.

[0134] The above tub (30) may include a tub opening (31) facing the clothing input port (16). A tub opening (31) facing the clothing input port (16) of the cabinet (10) may be provided on the front side of the tub (30) facing the front panel (11) of the cabinet (10).

[0135] Clothes that are fed into the cabinet (10) through the clothes inlet (16) can be fed into the tub (30) through the tub opening (31). A tub gasket (37) may be provided between the front of the tub (30) and the front panel (11) to prevent leakage of clothes and water.

[0136] Meanwhile, the tub (30) may be formed by combining multiple split configurations. For example, the tub (30) may be formed by combining a front split tub (32) and a rear split tub (33).

[0137] The front split tub (32) may include the front side portion of the tub (30). The front split tub (32) may include a tub opening (31) that opens toward the front of the cabinet (10) and a front portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30).

[0138] The rear split tub (33) may include the rear portion of the tub (30). The rear split tub (33) may include the rear portion of the tub (30) facing the rear of the cabinet (10) and the rear portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30).

[0139] The circumferential surface (35) of the above tub (30) can be formed by combining the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). A portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) located on the front side may belong to the front split tub (32), and the remainder of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) located on the rear side may belong to the rear split tub (33).

[0140] Accordingly, a joining line (34) may be positioned on the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) to join the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). The joining line (34) may extend along the circumferential direction of the tub (30). The joining line (34) may be positioned on the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) and may have a ring shape.

[0141] The above-mentioned garment treatment device (1) includes a drum (20). The drum (20) may be defined as a garment receiving portion where garments are directly received. The drum (20) is provided rotatable within the tub (30) to receive garments.

[0142] A drum opening (21) facing the tub opening (31) and the clothing inlet (16) may be formed on the front of the drum (20). Clothing that is fed into the cabinet (10) through the clothing inlet (16) may pass through the tub opening (31) and the drum opening (21) and be accommodated inside the drum (20).

[0143] The drum (20) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and its central axis may be roughly parallel to the central axis of the tub (30). A plurality of holes may be formed on the circumferential surface of the drum (20) so that water contained within the tub (30) can be provided within the drum (20).

[0144] The rear of the drum (20) faces the rear of the tub (30), and a driving unit (60) can be coupled thereto. The driving unit (60) can provide rotational power to the drum (20) through a driving shaft coupled to the rear of the drum (20). The driving unit (60) can be fixed to the rear of the tub (30) or the rear of the cabinet (10), and can be coupled to the rear of the drum (20) through the driving shaft.

[0145] The above garment treatment device (1) may include a water supply unit (40). The water supply unit (40) may be connected to a water source existing outside the garment treatment device (1) and may be provided to supply water into the interior of the cabinet (10).

[0146] The water supply unit (40) may include a water supply pipe (42) for moving water flowing toward the tub (30) and a water supply valve (41) for controlling the flow of water. The number of the water supply pipes (42) and the water supply valves (41) may vary as needed.

[0147] The above clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage unit (50). The drainage unit (50) may be connected to a tub (30) and provided to discharge water contained in the tub (30) to the outside of the cabinet (10).

[0148] The drainage unit (50) may be placed below the tub (30) and may include a drainage pipe (52) forming a flow path for water discharged from the tub (30) and a drainage pump (51) for discharging water from the tub (30).

[0149] The operation module (67) constituting the operation unit (65) described above may be placed at the rear of the display unit (66) described above. The display unit (66) may be connected to the operation module (67) in front of the operation module (67) and may be operated. The operation module (67) may be equipped with a display control board for controlling the display unit (66).

[0150] A tub support member (36) for supporting the tub (30) may be provided inside the cabinet (10). The tub support member (36) may extend from the tub (30) toward the aforementioned base panel (15) and may be provided to support the load of the tub (30) with respect to the base panel (15).

[0151] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air circulation unit (100) for performing a drying process of clothing.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) is positioned above the tub (30) so that the air inside the tub (30) can circulate.

[0153] The air inside the tub (30) or drum (20) can be discharged outside the tub (30) and introduced into the air circulation unit (100), and the air circulation unit (100) can heat and dehumidify the air and then introduce the air back into the tub (30) or drum (20).

[0154] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an air circulation unit (100) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] The air inside the tub (30) can be circulated through the air circulation unit (100). The air discharged from the tub (30) is introduced into the air circulation unit (100), and the air discharged from the air circulation unit (100) can be introduced back into the tub (30).

[0156] The air circulation unit (100) may include a circulation path (110) through which air of the tub (30) circulates. The circulation path (110) may include an inlet (111) located above the tub (30) and through which air is drawn in from the tub (30), and an outlet (112) located in front of the inlet (111) and through which air is discharged into the tub (30).

[0157] The above inlet (111) may be provided to introduce air discharged from the tub (30) into the circulation path (110), and the above discharge part (112) may be provided to discharge air inside the circulation path (110) into the tub (30).

[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116). The first path (115) may extend forward from the inlet (111). The second path (116) may extend from the first path (115) along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may be arranged above the tub (30) within the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the arrangement space for components provided below the tub (30), such as the drainage section (50), the tub support section (36), and the detergent supply section (90), can be effectively secured below the tub (30).

[0160] Meanwhile, the air circulation unit (100) can perform various processing processes, such as heating or dehumidification, on the circulating air, and can include various configurations for this purpose. However, considering the spatial limitations of the air circulation unit (100) positioned above the tub (30) within the cabinet (10), the circulation path (110) can include a first path (115) and a second path (116) extending in different directions.

[0161] That is, the circulation path (110) can be extended in a manner that is bent or folded at the connection portion where the first path (115) and the second path (116) are connected. This effectively secures space in which components for the flow and treatment of air can be arranged in the upper space of the cabinet (10).

[0162] The air circulation unit (100) may include a filter member (400) for filtering out foreign substances such as lint in the air discharged from the tub (30). The filter member (400) may be placed on the circulation path (110) to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may be provided at a connection between the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116). Accordingly, air flowing through the first flow path (115) may be filtered while passing through the filter member (400) and then flow into the second flow path (116).

[0164] The first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) may extend in different directions. Accordingly, turbulence may increase as air moves from the first flow path (115) to the second flow path (116), which may adversely affect the air's flowability.

[0165] Since the filter member (400) can also act as resistance to the flow of air, the turbulence of air passing through the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) can be aggravated by the filter member (400). Accordingly, when the filter member (400) and the connecting portion (connecting space of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116)) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, multiple sections that reduce the flow performance of air are formed, which can be disadvantageous in improving the turbulence of air.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the filter member (400) is provided at the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116), the section where the air flow resistance increases can be unified, and thereby the reduction in the air flow performance of the entire air circulation unit (100) can be effectively improved.

[0167] The air circulation unit (100) may include an air treatment unit (300) capable of heating and dehumidifying air. The air treatment unit (300) may correspond to at least a portion of the second flow path (116). The air treatment unit (300) forms a portion of the circulation flow path (110) and may include the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210).

[0168] The heat exchanger (210) of the air treatment unit (300) may be provided to exchange heat between the heat in the air and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger (210) may be provided to remove heat from the air to condense moisture in the air or to supply heat to the air to heat it.

[0169] The filter member (400) is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger (210) in the circulation path (110) to prevent foreign substances in the air from accumulating in the heat exchanger (210). The air treatment unit (300) may include a mounting base (310) on which the heat exchanger (210) and the like are mounted.

[0170] The above air circulation unit (100) may include at least a portion of a refrigerant circulation unit (200) that circulates refrigerant to absorb or release heat. The refrigerant circulation unit (200) may include the aforementioned heat exchanger (210) and a compressor (220) for compressing the refrigerant.

[0171] At least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may correspond to a portion of the air circulation unit (100). For example, at least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may be positioned on the circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100).

[0172] At least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200), for example, the heat exchanger (210) of the refrigerant circulation unit (200), may be mounted on the mounting base (310) of the air treatment unit (300). The filter member (400) described above may also be mounted on the mounting base (310). That is, the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) may be mounted together inside the mounting base (310).

[0173] FIG. 6 illustrates an air circulation unit (100) disposed on the upper part of a cabinet (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) as well as the refrigerant circulation unit (200) as a whole can be positioned above the tub (30). The air of the tub (30) can be discharged toward the air circulation unit (100) from the rear side of the tub (30), for example, the rear split tub (33) of the tub (30), and the air of the air circulation unit (100) can be introduced into the interior of the tub (30) through the tub opening (31) or the tub gasket (37) provided on the front side of the tub (30), for example, the front split tub (32).

[0175] In one embodiment of the present invention, clothing may be accommodated inside a drum (20) installed inside a tub (30). In this case, the perimeter of the drum (20), etc., may act as resistance to air flowing from the outside of the tub (30) into the inside of the tub (30) to flow into the inside of the drum (20).

[0176] For example, when air in the tub (30) is discharged to the air circulation unit (100) through the tub opening (31), the air in the air circulation unit (100) needs to be introduced into the tub (30) from the rear side of the tub (30) due to the arrangement relationship between the components.

[0177] In this case, even if the air inside the tub (30) is discharged, the air flowing into the tub (30) cannot flow into the drum (20) because the peripheral surface of the drum (20) acts as a high level of resistance, and can flow along the area between the peripheral surface (35) of the tub (30) and the peripheral surface of the drum (20).

[0178] That is, an unfavorable condition may occur in which the high temperature dry air provided from the air circulation unit (100) is not delivered to the clothing inside the drum (20) and is discharged again.

[0179] In order to allow the air of the air circulation unit (100) to be easily transferred into the inside of the drum (20), one embodiment of the present invention can inject the air of the air circulation unit (100) toward the tub opening (31) that is connected to the drum opening (21). By allowing the air inside the tub (30) to be discharged from the rear side of the tub (30), at least the air of the high-temperature, dry air circulation unit (100) can be completely transferred into the inside of the drum (20).

[0180] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, air can flow from the front to the rear inside the tub (30) or drum (20). The inlet (111) provided in the air circulation unit (100) can be located at the rear side of the tub (30), and the air outlet (112) can be located at the front side of the tub (30), for example, at the tub gasket (37).

[0181] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may be provided to be detachable upward from the cabinet (10) through a filter opening (402) formed in the top panel (14) of the cabinet (10). In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional structure in which a filter space (401) is defined and a plurality of filter surfaces (420) are provided, as described below, in order to improve the storage capacity of foreign substances, improve filter efficiency, and improve the flowability of air.

[0182] The filter member (400) requires a management process by the user, such as removing captured foreign substances, and accordingly, it is necessary to ensure ease of use for separation and combination of the filter member (400).

[0183] However, as described above, the clothing treatment device (1) may include an operating unit (65), and the operating unit (65) may be positioned above the front panel (11), for example, above the door (17), for convenience of use.

[0184] That is, the operation unit (65) including the display unit (66) and the operation module (67) can be positioned in front of the filter member (400). When the filter member (400) having the three-dimensional structure is to be pulled out through the front panel (11), an area corresponding to the volume of the filter member (400) needs to be secured on the upper portion of the front panel (11). However, when the operation unit (65), etc. are taken into consideration, it may be difficult to secure the volume of the filter member (400) or secure an opening for pulling out the filter member (400).

[0185] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention forms a filter opening (402) in the top panel (14) for inserting or withdrawing the filter member (400), and by inserting or withdrawing the filter member (400) along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10) through the top panel (14), so that even if the volume of the filter member (400) is effectively increased, the user can conveniently withdraw or reinsert the filter member (400) without structural interference in relation to the operation unit (65), etc.

[0186] Figure 7 illustrates a fixing part for fixing an air circulation part (100) in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) may be positioned above the tub (30) and fixed to the cabinet (10). To fix the air circulation unit (100), a fixing member coupled to the cabinet (10) and the air circulation unit (100) may be provided.

[0188] The fixing part may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the fixing part may include a front fixing part (315) located in front of the air circulation part (100) and an upper fixing part (316) located above the air circulation part (100).

[0189] The above-mentioned fixed part can be combined with the mounting base (310) of the air treatment unit (300) provided in the air circulation unit (100). In one embodiment of the present invention, the load of the mounting base (310) on which a heat exchanger (210), a compressor (220), and a filter member (400) can be provided can be supported and fixed by the fixed part.

[0190] The front fixing member (315) can be coupled to the cabinet (10) at the front of the air circulation member (100). The front fixing member (315) can extend along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) and have a plate shape. The front fixing member (315) can be coupled to the front panel (11) or fixed by having both ends coupled to the side panel (13).

[0191] The air circulation unit (100) may be coupled to the front fixing unit (315). For example, the air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319a) that protrudes forward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319a) may protrude forward from a filter chamber (320) or a heat exchange chamber (330) to be described later. The base coupling unit (319a) may be inserted into the front fixing unit (315).

[0192] The upper fixing member (316) can be coupled to the cabinet (10) from above the air circulation member (100). The upper fixing member (316) can extend along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) and can have a plate shape. The upper fixing member (316) can be coupled to the top panel (14) or fixed by having both ends coupled to the side panels (13).

[0193] The air circulation unit (100) may be coupled to the upper fixing unit (316). For example, the air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319b) that protrudes upward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319b) may protrude upward from the compressor chamber (340). The base coupling unit (319b) may be inserted into the upper fixing unit (316).

[0194] In addition, the air circulation unit (100) may be directly connected to the cabinet (10) excluding the above-described fixing unit. For example, the air circulation unit (100) may be connected at the front side by the front fixing unit (315), at the upper side by the upper fixing unit (316), and at the rear side by being directly connected to the rear panel (12) of the cabinet (10).

[0195] The air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319c) that protrudes rearward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319c) may protrude rearward from the compressor chamber (340) and may be inserted into the rear panel (12).

[0196] One embodiment of the present invention can stably fix an air circulation unit (100) including a refrigerant circulation unit (200) to the upper part of a cabinet (10) through a plurality of base coupling parts (319a, 319b, 319c) and / or a plurality of fixing parts provided in the air circulation unit (100).

[0197] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the disassembled configuration of the air circulation unit (100) provided on the upper part of the cabinet (10).

[0198] Specifically, the air circulation unit (100) may include a circulation path (110) through which air circulates, and the circulation path (110) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116). The first path (115) may extend approximately along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0199] The above first flow path (115) may include an inlet (111) connected to a tub (30) through which air is introduced from the tub (30), and may include an inlet pipe (101) extending forward from the inlet (111). Air introduced through the inlet (111) may flow forward along the inlet pipe (101).

[0200] The inlet section (111) may be provided at one end of the inlet pipe (101), and the other end may be coupled to a mounting base (310). Accordingly, air flowing along the inlet pipe (101) may flow along the inside of the mounting base (310).

[0201] The mounting base (310) can form at least a portion of a second flow path (116) extending approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). Air flowing into the mounting base (310) through the inlet pipe (101) can flow along the interior of the mounting base (310) in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0202] The air treatment unit (300) described above can be defined by the above-mentioned mounting base (310). For example, a heat exchanger (210) for treating air can be mounted on the mounting base (310).

[0203] A heat exchanger (210) is provided on the circulation path (110) and is positioned in front of the inlet (111), and heat exchange between air and refrigerant can take place. The heat exchanger (210) may be a part of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) described above.

[0204] A plurality of heat exchangers (210) may be provided, and the plurality of heat exchangers (210) may include a first heat exchanger (211) and a second heat exchanger (212). One embodiment of the present invention may perform a dehumidifying process for removing moisture from air and / or a heating process for heating air through the plurality of heat exchangers (210).

[0205] Meanwhile, the filter member (400) described above may be positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) of the mounting base (310), and the heat exchanger (210) may be positioned on the other side of the mounting base (310) in the width direction (Y).

[0206] For example, the filter member (400) may be placed in front of the inlet pipe (101), and the heat exchanger (210) may be positioned on one side of the width direction (Y) of the filter member (400). The space in which the filter member (400) is placed in the mounting base (310) may correspond to the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116).

[0207] The filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) can be aligned along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). Since the heat exchanger (210) is located downstream of the filter member (400) in the circulation path (110), air filtered of foreign substances through the filter member (400) can pass through the heat exchanger (210). The air passing through the heat exchanger (210) can be treated at a high temperature and dried and then flowed back into the tub (30).

[0208] The refrigerant circulation unit (200) may further include a compressor (220). The compressor (220) may be installed in a compressor chamber (340) provided in a mounting base (310). The compressor (220) is positioned above the tub (30), connected to the heat exchanger (210), and capable of compressing the refrigerant.

[0209] Meanwhile, Fig. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the air circulation unit (100). Referring to Fig. 9, each component of the air circulation unit (100) is described in detail as follows.

[0210] The air circulation unit (100) may include an inlet pipe (101). The inlet pipe (101) may form at least a portion of the first flow path (115) of the circulation flow path (110). An inlet portion (111) connected to a tub (30) may be provided at one end of the inlet pipe (101), and the other end of the inlet pipe (101) may be connected to a mounting base (310).

[0211] The inlet pipe (101) can extend forward from the inlet portion (111). Air discharged from the tub (30) can be introduced into the inlet pipe (101) through the inlet portion (111), and air flowing along the inlet pipe (101) can be delivered to the mounting base (310).

[0212] The aforementioned filter member (400) and heat exchanger (210) can be mounted on the mounting base (310). The mounting base (310) can include a mounting space (311) in which the filter member (400) and heat exchanger (210) are mounted. The mounting space (311) can have an open upper surface.

[0213] The above-mentioned mounting space (311) can accommodate the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210). The above-mentioned mounting space (311) can include a filter mounting space (312) in which the filter member (400) is mounted and a heat exchanger mounting space (313) in which the heat exchanger (210) is mounted.

[0214] The mounting base (310) may include a filter chamber (320) in which a filter member (400) is mounted. The filter chamber (320) may include the filter mounting space (312). The filter member (400) may be provided inside the filter chamber (320).

[0215] The filter chamber (320) may correspond to the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) described above. The inlet pipe (101) and the filter chamber (320) may together form the first flow path (115). The filter chamber (320) may include a chamber inlet portion (321) to which the inlet pipe (101) is connected.

[0216] The chamber inlet (321) may be provided on one side of the filter chamber (320). The chamber inlet (321) may be provided on the rear side of the filter chamber (320). The filter chamber (320) may be located in front of the inlet pipe (101).

[0217] The filter member (400) provided in the filter mounting space (312) of the filter chamber (320) may have a filter space (401) formed therein in which air to be filtered is accommodated. The filter member (400) may have an inlet surface (410) provided on one surface facing the chamber inlet portion (321) for allowing air to be introduced into the filter space (401).

[0218] For example, the rear surface of the filter member (400) facing the chamber inlet (321) may be open to form the inlet surface (410). Air flowing into the filter chamber (320) through the chamber inlet (321) may be transferred to the filter space (401) inside the filter member (400) through the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400).

[0219] The filter chamber (320) surrounds the filter space (401), and a filter surface (420) may be provided on at least some of the plurality of surfaces defining the filter space (401). Air in the filter space (401) passes through the filter surface (420), and foreign substances may be filtered out.

[0220] The mounting base (310) may include a heat exchange chamber (330) in which a heat exchanger (210) is mounted. The heat exchange chamber (330) may have a heat exchanger mounting space (313) defined therein, and may be positioned in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the filter chamber (320).

[0221] The filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may together form at least a portion of the second flow path (116). The mounting space (311) may correspond to at least a portion of the second flow path (116) described above. The mounting space (311) may extend along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0222] The filter chamber (320) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the heat exchange chamber (330), and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be positioned on the other side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the filter chamber (320). The filter chamber (320) may include a chamber discharge portion (322) through which filtered air is discharged from the filter chamber (320).

[0223] Air discharged from the filter chamber (320) through the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) can be introduced into the heat exchanger mounting space (313) of the heat exchange chamber (330). The mounting base (310) may be provided such that the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) are separated from each other, or the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be formed integrally.

[0224] In this case, the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be connected to share one side with each other. For example, one side of the heat exchange chamber (330) may correspond to one side of the filter chamber (320).

[0225] The chamber discharge portion (322) may be provided on one surface shared by the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330). The chamber discharge portion (322) may be provided in the form of a hole on the one surface, or may be provided with the one surface open.

[0226] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be arranged to share an open surface with each other, and the open surface may correspond to the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). Accordingly, air filtered through the filter member (400) may flow toward the heat exchanger (210) along the open surface.

[0227] The heat exchanger (210) may include a refrigerant tube (201) through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant tube (201) may come into contact with air passing through the heat exchanger (210), and heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube (201) and the air.

[0228] There may be a plurality of heat exchangers (210). The plurality of heat exchangers (210) may include the first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) described above. The first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) may be provided together in the heat exchange chamber (330). The filter chamber (320), the first heat exchanger (211), and the second heat exchanger (212) may be arranged along the width direction (Y).

[0229] Air flowing into the heat exchange chamber (330) from the filter chamber (320) can pass through the first heat exchanger (211) and then the second heat exchanger (212). The first heat exchanger (211) can absorb heat from the air through the refrigerant, and the second heat exchanger (212) can supply heat to the air through the refrigerant.

[0230] Air passing through the first heat exchanger (211) may lose heat, causing moisture in the air to condense. This allows moisture in the air to be removed. In other words, a dehumidification process of the air may be performed through the first heat exchanger (211). A condensate discharge unit (332) may be provided in the mounting base (310) or the heat exchange chamber (330) to discharge condensate generated in the first heat exchanger (211).

[0231] The heat exchange chamber (330) may include a base discharge portion (314) through which air that has flowed in from the filter chamber (320) and passed through the heat exchanger (210) is discharged. The base discharge portion (314) may be provided on a surface opposite to a surface on which the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) is provided. The base discharge portion (314) may be provided in the form of a hole on the opposite surface or may be provided with the opposite surface open.

[0232] The above base discharge unit (314) may be a means for discharging air from the mounting base (310). For example, air may be introduced into the mounting base (310) through the chamber inlet unit (321) of the filter chamber (320), and air may be discharged through the base discharge unit (314) of the heat exchange chamber (330).

[0233] Air flowing into the mounting base (310) can flow in along a first direction, and air exhausted from the mounting base (310) can flow in along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction can be arranged to intersect, and the first direction can be the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), and the second direction can be the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0234] The air circulation unit (100) may include an air fan (120) for circulating air. By operating the air fan (120), air in the circulation path (110) may flow. The air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310). The air fan (120) may form a second path (116) among the circulation paths (110) together with the mounting base (310).

[0235] The air fan (120) may be connected to the base discharge portion (314) of the mounting base (310). The air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310) and may be connected to the inside of the tub (30). The air fan (120) may connect the inside of the mounting base (310) and the inside of the tub (30). The air fan (120) may include an exhaust portion (112) coupled to the tub gasket (37). The exhaust portion (112) may be a means for discharging air from the air circulation portion (100).

[0236] The air discharged through the base discharge portion (314) of the mounting base (310) can be circulated by the air fan (120) and re-introduced into the tub (30). The air flowing along the circulation path (110) of the air circulation portion (100) can pass through the tub gasket (37) through the discharge portion (112) provided in the air fan (120) and be introduced into the tub (30). The air fan (120) can be provided to discharge air from in front of the drum opening (21).

[0237] Meanwhile, the air treatment unit (300) may include a heat exchange cover (331). The heat exchange cover (331) may be coupled to the mounting base (310) so as to cover a portion of the open upper surface of the mounting base (310).

[0238] A heat exchange cover (331) may be provided to cover the open upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330). The heat exchange cover (331) may be positioned above the heat exchanger mounting space (313). The heat exchanger (210) may be positioned below the heat exchange cover (331).

[0239] The open upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330) is covered by the heat exchange cover (331), and the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320) can be maintained in an open state. That is, the heat exchange cover (331) can be positioned to cover the upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330) while the upper surface of the filter chamber (320) remains open.

[0240] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the installation space (311) through the open upper surface of the installation base (310). The filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the outside of the cabinet (10) through the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320).

[0241] The upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the upper surface of the filter chamber (320). The filter member (400) may be drawn out or introduced into the outside of the cabinet (10) along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) provided in the top panel (14) of the cabinet (10).

[0242] Meanwhile, the mounting base (310) may include a compressor chamber (340). The compressor chamber (340) is positioned behind the heat exchange chamber (330), and the compressor (220) may be mounted thereon. The compressor chamber (340) may be formed separately from the heat exchange chamber (330) and then joined, or the heat exchange chamber (330) and the compressor chamber (340) may be formed integrally.

[0243] The compressor chamber (340) may extend rearward from the heat exchange chamber (330). The compressor (220) may be installed in the compressor chamber (340) such that its length direction is approximately parallel to the ground. The compressor (220) compresses refrigerant, and the refrigerant, which is heated while being compressed, may be transferred to the heat exchanger (210).

[0244] For example, the refrigerant compressed through the compressor (220) becomes high temperature and high pressure and can be transferred to the second heat exchanger (212). Accordingly, the second heat exchanger (212) can transfer the heat of the high temperature refrigerant to the air to raise the temperature of the air.

[0245] The refrigerant of the second heat exchanger (212) can be transferred to the first heat exchanger (211) through the pressure regulator (230). The pressure regulator (230) connects the first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) and can be provided to control the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0246] For example, the pressure regulator (230) can lower the temperature of the refrigerant or cause a phase change in the refrigerant by lowering the pressure of the refrigerant transmitted from the second heat exchanger (212). The refrigerant passing through the pressure regulator (230) can be transmitted to the first heat exchanger (211), and the first heat exchanger (211) can condense moisture in the air as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.

[0247] The compressor chamber (340) may be provided with a compressor fixing part (341) for fixing the compressor (220). The compressor fixing part (341) is installed in the compressor chamber (340) to fix the compressor (220) and suppress vibration, etc.

[0248] Additionally, the mounting base (310) may be equipped with a compressor cooling unit (342) for cooling the compressor (220). The compressor cooling unit (342) may cool the compressor (220) by providing unheated air to the compressor (220) using a fan.

[0249] The refrigerant circulation unit (200) includes the compressor (220), the first heat exchanger (211), the second heat exchanger (212), and the pressure regulator (230), and heating and cooling of the refrigerant can be performed through a refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates, and heating or cooling of the air can be performed through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0250] Meanwhile, Fig. 10 shows an air circulation unit (100) located above the tub (30) with the cabinet (10) removed.

[0251] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) may be positioned above the tub (30) as a whole. In addition, the heat exchanger (210) and the compressor (220) and the refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates may be positioned above the tub (30) as a whole.

[0252] Various configurations may be arranged in the lower part of the space defined inside the cabinet (10). For example, a drainage part (50), a detergent supply part (90), and a tub support part (36) may be provided in the lower part of the cabinet (10).

[0253] In this way, various configurations can be arranged on the base panel (15), and therefore, the air circulation unit (100) that includes a refrigerant circulation unit (200) and circulates air by dehumidifying and heating it is arranged at the bottom of the cabinet (10), which can have a significant spatial limitation.

[0254] For example, when designing the air circulation unit (100) by taking into consideration the drainage unit (50) or the tub support unit (36) at the bottom of the cabinet (10), the size and capacity of the compressor (220) for compressing the refrigerant cannot help but be reduced, and the size and performance of the heat exchanger (210) for heat exchange with the air also cannot help but be reduced.

[0255] Furthermore, if the air circulation unit (100) is placed in the lower part of the cabinet (10) where a plurality of configurations are distributed, i.e., in the lower space of the tub (30), there is a high possibility that various configurations included in the air circulation unit (100) will be distributed, and accordingly, the air flow path as well as the refrigerant flow path may become complicated, which may have a negative effect on the air flow performance.

[0256] In addition, during the drying process, the air supplied into the tub (30) easily flows along the upper part of the tub (30) due to the high temperature, and furthermore, a water reservoir space for drainage is arranged at the lower part of the tub (30), which is disadvantageous for the flow of air, so it may be advantageous for the air to circulate through the upper part of the tub (30).

[0257] Therefore, placing the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) in the lower space of the cabinet (10) (the lower area of ​​the internal space of the cabinet) may be disadvantageous in terms of not only spatial constraints but also air flow, and accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may be placed in the upper space of the cabinet (10) as a whole (the upper area of ​​the internal space of the cabinet).

[0258] For reference, if the compressor (220) in the refrigerant circulation unit (200) that is likely to generate vibration is placed in the lower space of the cabinet (10), it may be advantageous in reducing vibration. However, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be placed on the ground as well as above the additional treatment device (2) as described above, and in this case, even if the compressor (220) is placed in the lower space of the cabinet (10), the garment treatment device (1) has a predetermined height from the ground due to the additional treatment device (2), so the disadvantages (spatial constraints and deterioration of air flow) may be greater than the effect of reducing vibration.

[0259] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, even if the compressor (220) is placed above the tub (30), the mounting base (310) is provided with a compressor chamber (340), a compressor fixing part (341), etc. to stably fix the compressor (220), thereby strengthening the fixing force of the compressor (220) and minimizing vibration caused by the compressor (220).

[0260] For reference, a case in which a part of the air circulation unit (100) is placed above the tub (30) and the remainder is placed below the tub (30), for example, an air circulation path (110) is positioned above the tub (30) while a refrigerant circulation unit (200), for example, a compressor (220) or a heat exchanger (210), is placed below the tub (30) may be considered.

[0261] However, in this case, the air circulation path (110) ultimately needs to pass through at least a portion of the refrigerant circulation part (200), for example, the heat exchanger (210), which results in an increase in the length of the refrigerant path or an increase in the length of the air circulation path (110), which is inefficient in terms of air flow and refrigerant flow, and may rather result in unnecessary space consumption inside the cabinet (10).

[0262] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) is arranged above the tub (30) as a whole, the space inside the cabinet (10) can be efficiently used, and it can be advantageous in terms of the flow of air and the flow of refrigerant.

[0263] Meanwhile, FIG. 11 illustrates a detergent being delivered to the aforementioned additional treatment device (2) through the detergent supply unit (90) of the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned below the tub (30) and is connected to the tub (30) to supply detergent into the tub (30). Meanwhile, the cabinet (10) of the garment treatment device (1) may be placed above the additional cabinet (3) of the additional treatment device (2).

[0265] In this case, the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged to deliver detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) of the additional treatment device (2) through the base panel (15). The additional treatment device (2) may be provided with a drawer (5) in which an additional drum (4) and an additional detergent unit (6) are installed, which may be introduced into the additional cabinet (3), and the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged to supply detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) when the drawer (5) is introduced.

[0266] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, since the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned below the tub (30), detergent can be supplied to the additional treatment device (2) through the detergent supply unit (90) even if the user does not separately supply detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) of the additional treatment device (2).

[0267] However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged so as not to deliver detergent to the additional processing device (2) even if it is placed below the tub (30), and the detergent supply unit (90) may be positioned above the tub (30) and positioned in the upper space of the cabinet (10) together with the air circulation unit (100).

[0268] Meanwhile, Fig. 12 shows the direction in which air flows in the air circulation unit (100) indicated by arrows.

[0269] As described above, during the drying process, it may be advantageous for the air inside the tub (30) to be introduced or discharged through the upper part of the tub (30) due to the influence of high temperature and the geometrical characteristics of the inside of the tub (30).

[0270] In addition, as described above, in the process of air being introduced into the tub (30), the peripheral surface of the drum (20) may impede the flow of air flowing into the drum (20), and therefore, it may be advantageous for at least the air introduced into the tub (30) to be introduced into the tub (30) through the tub opening (31) formed on the front of the tub (30).

[0271] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (111) through which air from the tub (30) of the air circulation unit (100) is introduced into the circulation path (110) may be located at the upper portion of the tub (30). For example, the inlet (111) may be provided so that air is introduced through the peripheral surface (35) of the tub (30) along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10).

[0272] The above inlet (111) may be positioned at the rear side of the tub (30). For example, the above inlet (111) may be provided in the rear split tub (33) among the tubs (30). The air inside the tub (30) may be discharged from the tub (30) at the rear side of the tub (30).

[0273] The inlet pipe (101) of the air circulation unit (100) includes the inlet portion (111) and can extend forward from the inlet portion (111). However, the extension direction of the inlet pipe (101) does not necessarily have to match the front-back direction (X) of the cabinet (10), and if necessary, the extension direction of the inlet pipe (101) can be formed to be inclined with respect to the front-back direction (X).

[0274] The inlet pipe (101) is provided with the inlet section (111) at one end, and the other end of the inlet pipe (101) may be positioned in front of the inlet section (111) and may be coupled to a mounting base (310). A portion of the space within the inlet pipe (101) and the mounting base (310) may form a first flow path (115).

[0275] Air discharged from the tub (30) can flow from the rear side to the front side of the tub (30) along the first flow path (115).

[0276] Meanwhile, the air circulation unit (100) may include various configurations such as an inlet unit (111) through which air is introduced, an outlet unit (112) through which air is discharged, a path for air to flow, and a heat exchanger (210) for controlling the temperature of the air.

[0277] Accordingly, designing the air circulation unit (100) to be approximately parallel to the front-back direction (X) of the cabinet (10) like the first flow path (115) may be disadvantageous when considering the front-back direction (X) length of the cabinet (10).

[0278] In consideration of this, the air circulation unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention forms a first flow path (115) extending approximately along the front-back direction (X) of the cabinet (10) and a second flow path (116) extending in a different direction from the first flow path (115), for example, approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10), thereby efficiently utilizing the limited space above the tub (30).

[0279] In the circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100) corresponding to the air flow path, the first flow path (115) may extend approximately along the front-back direction (X) of the cabinet (10), and the second flow path (116) may extend approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may be formed to be bent at the front side of the cabinet (10).

[0280] At least a portion of the above second flow path (116) may be formed by a space formed inside the mounting base (310). Air flowing into the mounting base (310) may flow approximately in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) along the space formed inside the mounting base (310).

[0281] Air discharged from the mounting base (310) can flow toward the inside of the tub (30) by the air fan (120). A tub gasket (37) sealing between the clothing inlet (16) and the tub opening (31) is provided inside the cabinet (10), and the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110) can be connected to the tub gasket (37).

[0282] The above discharge portion (112) may be defined by the air fan (120). One side of the air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310), and the other side of the air fan (120) may be coupled to the tub gasket (37). The other side of the air fan (120) may correspond to the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110).

[0283] As illustrated in Fig. 13, when a straight line passing through the center of the tub (30) and parallel to the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) is defined as the front-back center line (XL), the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110) provided in the air fan (120) can be spaced apart in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the front-back center line (XL).

[0284] For example, a water supply pipe (42) for supplying water into the inside of the tub (30) may be connected or other configurations may be arranged in the area adjacent to the front-rear center line (XL) in the upper part of the tub gasket (37).

[0285] Accordingly, the exhaust part (112) of the air fan (120) can be coupled to the tub gasket (37) at a position spaced apart from the uppermost end of the tub gasket (37) in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0286] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the filter member (400) described above, and the filter member (400) is positioned between the inlet (111) and the heat exchanger (210) in the circulation path (110) to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0287] The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the inlet (111). Accordingly, the inlet (111) for introducing air among the air circulation units (100) may be positioned at the rear side of the tub (30), and air at the rear side of the tub (30) may be discharged and introduced back into the front side of the tub (30).

[0288] In addition, the filter member (400) requires maintenance by the user due to its functional characteristics. For example, the user needs to wash the filter member (400) or remove foreign substances captured in the filter member (400).

[0289] That is, accessibility to the filter member (400) may be an important issue for the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) is arranged on the front side, thereby allowing the user to conveniently manage the filter member (400).

[0290] Meanwhile, the filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional shape having volume and may include a filter space (401) therein. The filter member (400) may have various shapes as needed, such as a rectangle or a cylinder.

[0291] Even if the filter member (400) having a predetermined volume as above is placed on the front side from above the tub (30) for ease of use, it may be difficult to insert and remove it through the front panel (11).

[0292] For example, the display unit (66) described above may be placed on the upper part of the front panel (11) for ease of use, and therefore, when the filter member (400) placed on the rear of the display unit (66) includes a filter space (401) and has a plurality of filter surfaces (420) according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be difficult to form a hole or the like having a size corresponding to the filter member (400) on the upper part of the front panel (11).

[0293] The operating unit (65) may include the display unit (66), is provided on the front of the cabinet (10), and may be operated by a user to generate a user command signal. The operating unit (65) may be positioned approximately at the upper center of the front panel (11). The operating unit (65) may be positioned in front of the filter member (400).

[0294] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) has a three-dimensional shape having a filter space (401) and at least one filter surface (420), and is introduced or withdrawn into the circulation path (110) through the upper surface of the cabinet (10), so that the introduction and withdrawal of the filter member (400) can be conveniently performed.

[0295] The above filter member (400) can be aligned along the width direction (Y) of the heat exchanger (210) and the cabinet (10). The air in the circulation path (110) can flow along the width direction (Y) so as to sequentially pass through the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210).

[0296] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger (210) can also be placed on the front side of the cabinet (10) so that the filter member (400) can be placed on the front side of the cabinet (10). Based on the flow of air, the filter member (400) can be positioned on the upstream side of the heat exchanger (210), and accordingly, the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) can be aligned along the width direction (Y).

[0297] The length of the filter chamber (320) in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet may be set longer than the width of the front surface of the heat exchanger (the surface of the evaporator facing the filter chamber) in the front-back direction of the cabinet (the direction from the inlet to the cabinet).

[0298] The compressor (220) described above is positioned above the tub (30), is connected to the heat exchanger (210), and can compress the refrigerant. The compressor (220) may be a vibrating body that generates vibrations, and therefore, arranging the compressor (220) at the front side inside the cabinet (10) may be detrimental to suppressing vibrations transmitted to the user.

[0299] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor (220) may be placed on the rear side inside the cabinet (10), and the heat exchanger (210) and the filter member (400) may be placed in front of the compressor (220).

[0300] The circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116), and the first path (115) may extend forward from the inlet (111), and the second path (116) may extend from the first path (115) along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0301] The first flow path (115) may be positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) with respect to the compressor (220). The second flow path (116) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220). A rear panel (12) may be arranged at the rear of the compressor (220), the first flow path (115) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y), the side panel (13) may be positioned on the other side in the width direction (Y), and the second flow path (116) may be positioned in front.

[0302] The inlet (111) of the circulation path (110) may be located on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) with respect to the compressor (220). The inlet (111) may be positioned rearward of the front end of the compressor (220).

[0303] The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220). The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the inlet (111) and may be positioned in front of the compressor (220).

[0304] Accordingly, the filter member (400) can be positioned at the front inside the cabinet (10), thereby improving usability, and the compressor (220) can be positioned at the rear to minimize vibrations and the like being transmitted to the user. The rear end of the filter member (400) can be positioned forward of the front end of the compressor (220).

[0305] Meanwhile, when a straight line passing through the center of the tub (30) and parallel to the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) is defined as a width direction center line (YL), the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL). The rear end of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL). In addition, the center of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL).

[0306] The inlet (111) of the above circulation path (110) may be provided above the rear split tub (33) among the tubs (30). That is, the inlet (111) is coupled to the rear split tub (33), so that air existing in the rear split tub (33) can be discharged from the tub (30) toward the air circulation unit (100).

[0307] The above filter member (400) may be provided above the front split tub (32). For example, the filter chamber (320) into which the filter member (400) is inserted may be positioned above the front split tub (32). The heat exchange chamber (330) may also be positioned above the front split tub (32).

[0308] The heat exchanger (210) may be provided above the front split tub (32). The compressor (220) may be provided above the rear split tub (33). The heat exchanger (210) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220).

[0309] The filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the joining line (34) formed by the joining of the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). The rear end of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the joining line (34). The center of the filter member (400) in the front-back direction may be positioned forward of the joining line (34).

[0310] The above filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path (110) through the filter opening (402) of the top panel (14) located in front of the connecting line (34).

[0311] The above-described front-rear center line (XL) may be positioned to cross the filter member (400). That is, a portion of the filter member (400) may be positioned along the front-rear center line (XL). By positioning the filter member (400) approximately at the center of the top panel (14), unnecessary length increases in the circulation path (110) can be prevented, and usability can be improved.

[0312] The above-mentioned front-back center line (XL) may be positioned to cross the inlet (111). The inlet (111) may be positioned at the rear of the filter member (400) and may be positioned on the front-back center line (XL) together with the filter member (400).

[0313] The filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the inlet pipe (101) of the air circulation unit (100). The filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the compressor (220) or the pressure regulator (230) of the refrigerant circulation unit (200). The filter member (400), the heat exchanger (210), and the air fan (120) may be arranged approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0314] The air circulation unit (100) may be arranged to be biased toward one or the other side in the width direction (Y) in the upper space of the cabinet (10) as a whole. For example, a space may be secured on one side in the width direction (Y) of the air circulation unit (100) in the upper space of the cabinet (10) located above the tub (30) in which other components other than the air circulation unit (100) can be arranged.

[0315] That is, the upper space of the cabinet (10) located above the tub (30) may be equipped with various configurations excluding the air circulation unit (100). For example, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a steam generating unit (80).

[0316] The steam generating unit (80) is positioned above the tub (30), and is positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) with respect to the circulation path (110), and can generate steam. The steam generating unit (80) can be provided to generate steam to be provided inside the tub (30) during a washing process or a drying process.

[0317] The steam generating unit (80) may be positioned on one side of the width direction (Y) with respect to the air circulation unit (100). The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the steam generating unit (80). That is, the steam generating unit (80) may be positioned in the rear of the filter member (400).

[0318] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may further include a control module (70). The control module (70) is located above the tub (30), and is located on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) with respect to the circulation path (110), and may control the air circulation unit (100).

[0319] The control module (70) may be configured to control various configurations and may include a control board for controlling the various configurations. For example, the control module (70) may be signal-connected to at least one of the aforementioned steam generator (80), compressor (220), air fan (120), operating unit (65), and driving unit (60) to issue a control command.

[0320] The control module (70) may be located on one side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the air circulation unit (100). The control module (70) may be located on one side in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the filter member (400). The control module (70) may be located in front of the steam generating unit (80) described above.

[0321] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (111) may be provided so that air is introduced from the rear side of the tub (30). However, the inlet (111) is not necessarily positioned at the rear of the filter member (400), and the position of the inlet (111) may be changed along the width direction (Y) as needed.

[0322] Figures 14 to 16 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the inlet (111) is moved in the width direction (Y) from the rear of the filter member (400).

[0323] Fig. 14 is a view from above of the air circulation unit (100) of Fig. 13, in which the inlet (111) is moved away from the compressor (220) along the width direction (Y), Fig. 15 is a view of the inlet (111) of Fig. 14 as seen from the width direction (Y), and Fig. 16 is a view of the inlet (111) of Fig. 14 as seen from the front.

[0324] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (111) of the air circulation unit (100) may be positioned behind the filter member (400), but the position along the width direction (Y) may be varied.

[0325] For example, the inlet (111) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the compressor (220), and when the distance between the inlet (111) and the compressor (220) increases, the inlet (111) may be arranged biasedly on one side in the width direction (Y) within the cabinet (10), and the compressor (220) may be arranged biasedly on the other side in the width direction (Y) within the cabinet (10).

[0326] When the above inlet (111) is positioned on the front-rear center line (XL) of the tub (30), the space limitation between the top of the tub (30) and the top panel (14) is maximized, so that the height at which the inlet (111) can protrude from the tub (30) can be limited.

[0327] However, as described above, if the inlet (111) is spaced apart from the front-rear center line (XL) in the width direction (Y), the height direction (Z) distance between the top panel (14) and the tub (30) may increase due to the cylindrical shape of the tub (30), and thus the amount by which the inlet (111) protrudes upward from the tub (30) may increase, thereby alleviating the design constraints of the inlet (111).

[0328] In addition, by making the bending angles of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) described above obtuse, the degree of turbulence in the air flowing in the connection between the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) can be alleviated.

[0329] In addition, even if the amount by which the inlet (111) protrudes upward from the tub (30) is not increased, the distance between the inlet (111) and the top panel (14) in the height direction (Z) may be increased, which may be advantageous in securing space in which other components can be arranged.

[0330] For example, the detergent supply unit (90) of the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be placed below the tub (30) as described above, but may also be placed above the tub (30).

[0331] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned above the tub (30) and may supply detergent into the inside of the tub (30). The detergent supply unit (90) may be positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) with respect to the air circulation unit (100).

[0332] Meanwhile, the detergent supply unit (90) may be provided so that the detergent required during the washing process is stored in advance, and increasing the detergent storage capacity of the detergent supply unit (90) may be advantageous in improving the convenience of use of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0333] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned above the tub (30), the detergent supply unit (90) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the air circulation unit (100), and considering the relationship with the air circulation unit (100), there may be a limitation in increasing the volume in the width direction (Y), and therefore, as the length of the detergent supply unit (90) in the front-back direction (X) is increased, it may be advantageous to increase the detergent capacity of the detergent supply unit (90).

[0334] In this case, as described above, the inlet (111) that is arranged to be biased toward one side in the width direction (Y) from the upper side of the tub (30) may be at least partially positioned below the detergent supply unit (90). As the inlet (111) is arranged to be biased toward one side in the width direction (Y) inside the cabinet (10), the protrusion amount of the inlet (111) can be increased, a space for arranging the detergent supply unit (90) between the inlet (111) and the top panel (14) can be secured, and the bending level between the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) can be alleviated.

[0335] In addition, even if the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned above the tub (30), the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the detergent supply unit (90). For example, the rear end of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the rear end of the detergent supply unit (90). Accordingly, the purpose of improving user convenience through the front arrangement of the filter member (400) can be achieved. A steam generating unit () may be provided in the space where the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned.

[0336] Meanwhile, FIG. 17 illustrates a filter member (400) that is pulled out from the inside of the cabinet (10) through the top panel (14) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0337] The top panel (14) may be provided with a filter opening (402) into which the filter member (400) is inserted. The filter opening (402) may be positioned above the filter chamber (320). The filter opening (402) may be provided to correspond to the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320).

[0338] When the filter member (400) is inserted into the filter chamber (320), the upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the upper surface that closes the filter chamber (320) and may form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14).

[0339] That is, the upper surface of the filter member (400) can form a part of the upper surface of the cabinet (10) and can be positioned on the same plane as the top panel (14). This allows for a sense of unity in appearance to be provided to the user even when a filter opening (402) is formed in the top panel (14).

[0340] One embodiment of the present invention can increase the volume of the filter member (400) to improve air flow, filter performance, and foreign substance capture capacity, and further, by withdrawing or introducing the filter member (400) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) located on the front side of the top panel (14), the filter opening (402) can be conveniently withdrawn and introduced while being positioned on the front side regardless of the operation unit (65) of the front panel (11).

[0341] Meanwhile, Fig. 18 illustrates a filter member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18a is a perspective view of the filter member (400) as viewed from the rear side, and Fig. 18b is a perspective view of the filter member (400) as viewed from the front side.

[0342] Referring to Fig. 18, a filter member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the aforementioned filter space (401). The air flowing into the filter space (401) may be air flowing into the filter chamber (320) through the chamber inlet (321) of the filter chamber (320). That is, the air flowing into the filter space (401) may be air before filtering.

[0343] The filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional shape with multiple faces. For example, the filter member (400) may correspond to a hexahedron, and the filter space (401) may be defined inside the hexahedron.

[0344] At least one surface of the filter member (400) may form a filter surface (420) through which air in the filter space (401) passes toward the outside of the filter member (400) and is filtered. That is, at least one surface among the plurality of surfaces present in the filter member (400) may include a filter surface (420) through which air passes.

[0345] Air contained in the filter space (401) of the filter member (400) can flow to the outside of the filter member (400) by passing through the filter surface (420). In this process, foreign substances in the air can be filtered by the filter surface (420), and the foreign substances filtered by the filter surface (420) can remain in the filter space (401) while the air can flow along the circulation path (110).

[0346] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may have at least two filter surfaces (420). That is, the filter member (400) may have the filter surfaces (420) formed on at least two surfaces.

[0347] Specifically, the upper surface of the filter member (400) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) of the top panel (14) as described above. The upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the cover surface (440) for the filter chamber (320).

[0348] The above cover surface (440) may form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14), and may be provided with a handle portion (441) for the user to hold. The handle portion (441) may include a groove into which the user can put his or her hand and hang it.

[0349] An inlet surface (410) for allowing air to flow into the filter space (401) may be formed on the rear surface of the filter member (400). That is, the rear surface of the filter member (400) may be an inlet surface (410) through which air flows from the outside of the filter member (400) into the inside of the filter member (400).

[0350] The above inlet surface (410) may be formed by forming a hole in the rear surface of the filter member (400) or by forming the rear surface as a whole by opening it. The inlet surface (410) may face the chamber inlet portion (321) into which air is introduced among the filter chambers (320). Accordingly, air delivered to the chamber inlet portion (321) along the inlet pipe (101) may be introduced into the interior of the filter space (401) through the inlet surface (410).

[0351] The filter member (400) may have a plurality of filter surfaces (420) as described above. The filter surface (420) may include a mesh portion for filtering out foreign substances and allowing air to pass through, and a frame portion for maintaining the shape of the mesh portion and ensuring rigidity.

[0352] The lower surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the first filter surface (421) among the plurality of filter surfaces (420). The air in the filter space (401) may pass through the first filter surface (421) corresponding to the lower surface of the filter member (400) and flow toward the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) described above.

[0353] One of the two sides of the filter member (400) may correspond to the second filter side (422) among the plurality of filter sides (420). The second filter side (422) may be a side facing the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). The filter member (400) may be arranged such that the second filter side (422) faces the heat exchanger (210). The second filter side (422) may face the heat exchanger (210), and air may pass through and be filtered.

[0354] The air in the filter space (401) can pass through the second filter surface (422) and flow toward the chamber discharge portion (322) facing the second filter surface (422). The filter element (400) can effectively increase the filter surface (420) area by allowing the air existing in the filter space (401) to flow through the first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422).

[0355] Among the two sides of the filter member (400), the other side may correspond to the third filter side (423) among the plurality of filter sides (420). The third filter side (423) may be the opposite side of the second filter side (422). The third filter side (423) may be a side of the filter member (400) facing one side in the width direction (Y).

[0356] The filter member (400) may have at least one filter surface (420) among the first filter surface (421), the second filter surface (422), and the third filter surface (423). Each filter surface (420) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to secure a space through which air flows.

[0357] The space between the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) and the filter member (400) can be communicated with the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). Accordingly, air filtered through the plurality of filter surfaces (420) can be transferred to the heat exchange chamber (330), and the filter member (400) can effectively increase the filter surface area (420) through the plurality of filter surfaces (420).

[0358] Meanwhile, the front surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to a fixing surface (430) that is detachably fixed to the filter chamber (320). The fixing surface (430) may be detachably coupled to one surface facing the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to fix the filter member (400).

[0359] The method by which the fixed surface (430) is fixed to the filter chamber (320) may vary. For example, the fixed surface (430) may be maintained in a state of being hung on the filter chamber (320) by means of a hook, a protrusion, etc. The user may separate the filter member (400) by lifting the filter member (400) upward so that the fixed surface (430) is separated from the filter chamber (320).

[0360] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A tub provided inside the cabinet to hold water; A drum that is rotatable and accommodates clothes inside the tub; and An air circulation unit is disposed above the tub and allows air to circulate inside the tub; The above air circulation unit, A circulation path including an inlet located above the tub and through which air is drawn in from the tub, and an outlet located in front of the inlet and through which air is discharged into the tub; A heat exchanger provided on the above circulation path and positioned in front of the inlet, where heat exchange between air and refrigerant takes place; and A filter member positioned between the inlet and the heat exchanger in the above circulation path and filtering foreign substances in the air; The above filter member includes a filter space into which air is introduced, At least one surface of the filter element forms a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter element and is filtered, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is positioned in front of the inlet and is introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cabinet includes a top panel defining the upper surface of the cabinet, A clothing treatment device having a filter opening in the top panel into which the filter member is inserted.

3. In paragraph 2, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is inserted into the filter opening and forms the upper surface of the cabinet together with the top panel.

4. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member has filter surfaces formed on at least two surfaces.

5. In paragraph 1, The above filter member, An inlet surface through which air is introduced into the above filter space; A first filter surface facing the heat exchanger and through which air passes and is filtered; and A garment treatment device comprising a second filter surface connected to the filter inlet surface and through which air passes and is filtered.

6. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is aligned along the width direction of the heat exchanger and the cabinet.

7. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device further comprising an air fan positioned between the air circulation unit and the cabinet and aligned along the width direction of the heat exchanger and the cabinet.

8. In paragraph 7, The above air fan is a clothes treatment device that discharges air from the front of the drum opening provided in the drum.

9. In paragraph 1, The above circulation path is: A first flow path extending forward from the above inlet; and including a second passage extending from the first passage along the width direction of the cabinet; A clothing treatment device in which the above filter member is provided at the connection portion of the first flow path and the second flow path.

10. In paragraph 1, The air circulation unit includes a filter chamber in which the filter member is mounted; and a heat exchange chamber in which the heat exchanger is mounted; A clothing treatment device in which the length of the filter chamber in the direction from the inlet toward the cabinet is set longer than the width of the front surface of the heat exchanger in the direction from the inlet toward the cabinet.

11. In paragraph 1, The above air circulation unit, An air treatment unit forming a part of the above circulation path and including the filter member and the heat exchanger; The above air treatment unit, A clothing treatment device including a mounting base in which the filter member and the heat exchanger are mounted together inside.

12. In paragraph 11, The above mounting base, A filter chamber in which the above filter member is mounted; and A heat exchange chamber in which the above heat exchanger is mounted; A clothing treatment device in which the filter chamber and the heat exchange chamber are connected to share one surface with each other.

13. In paragraph 11, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction from the mounting base, and the heat exchanger is positioned on the other side of the cabinet in the width direction from the mounting base.

14. In paragraph 11, The above mounting base has an open upper surface and includes a mounting space in which the filter member and the heat exchanger are accommodated, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is introduced into or withdrawn from the installation space through the open upper surface of the installation base.

15. In paragraph 1, A clothes treatment device further comprising a compressor positioned above the tub, connected to the heat exchanger, and compressing the refrigerant; wherein the filter member is positioned in front of the compressor.

16. In paragraph 15, A clothes treatment device including the above heat exchanger and the above compressor, and wherein the refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates is located above the tub as a whole.

17. In paragraph 15, A clothing treatment device in which the heat exchanger is positioned in front of the compressor and aligned with the filter member along the width direction of the cabinet.

18. In paragraph 15, A clothing treatment device in which the inlet of the above circulation path is located on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the compressor.

19. In paragraph 15, The above circulation path is: A first flow path extending forward from the above inlet; and including a second passage extending from the first passage along the width direction of the cabinet; The first euro is located on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the compressor, The above second euro is a clothes treatment device positioned in front of the above compressor.

20. In paragraph 15, The above air circulation unit, including a mounting base on which the heat exchanger and the compressor are mounted; The above mounting base, A heat exchange chamber in which the above heat exchanger is mounted; and A compressor chamber positioned at the rear of the heat exchange chamber and having the compressor mounted thereon; A clothing treatment device in which the heat exchange chamber and the compressor chamber are formed as one piece.

21. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the tub has a widthwise center line defined parallel to the widthwise direction of the cabinet, passing through the center of the tub, and the filter member is positioned in front of the widthwise center line.

22. In paragraph 1, The above tub, A front split tub including a tub opening that opens toward the front of the cabinet and a front portion of the circumference of the tub; and A rear split tub including a rear portion of the tub facing the rear of the cabinet and a rear portion of the periphery of the tub; The inlet of the above circulation path is provided above the rear split tub, The above filter member is a clothing treatment device provided above the front split tub.

23. In paragraph 22, A clothing treatment device in which the rear end of the above filter member is positioned forward of the connection line of the front split tub and the rear split tub.

24. In paragraph 22, Further comprising a compressor positioned above the tub, connected to the heat exchanger, and compressing the refrigerant; The above heat exchanger is provided above the front split tub, The above compressor is a clothes treatment device provided above the rear split tub.

25. In paragraph 1, The above tub is defined as a front-back center line that is parallel to the front-back direction of the cabinet and passes through the center of the above tub, The above front-back center line is a clothing treatment device that crosses the above filter member.

26. In paragraph 31, The above front-back center line is a clothing treatment device that crosses the above inlet.

27. In paragraph 1, It further includes a steam generating unit located above the above tub and generating steam; A clothing treatment device in which the steam generating unit is located on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the air circulation unit or on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the circulation path.

28. In paragraph 1, It further includes a control module positioned above the tub and positioned on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the circulation path, and controlling the air circulation unit; The above control module is a clothing treatment device located on one side of the cabinet in the width direction with respect to the filter member.

29. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a detergent supply unit located above the tub and supplying detergent into the tub; A clothing treatment device in which the detergent supply unit is located on one side of the width direction of the cabinet with respect to the air circulation unit.

30. In paragraph 29, A clothing treatment device in which the rear end of the above filter member is positioned forward of the rear end of the above detergent supply unit.

31. In paragraph 29, A garment treatment device wherein at least a portion of the inlet is located below the detergent supply portion.

32. In paragraph 1, It further includes an additional processing device including an additional cabinet positioned below the above cabinet and an additional drum provided inside the additional cabinet for accommodating clothes; The above cabinet is a clothing processing device placed above the above additional cabinet.

33. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device further comprising a detergent supply unit located below the tub and connected to the tub to supply detergent into the interior of the tub.

34. In paragraph 1, It further includes an operating unit provided on the front of the above cabinet and operated by a user to generate a user command signal; A clothing treatment device in which the above operating unit is located in front of the above filter member.

35. In paragraph 1, A clothes entry slot is provided on the front of the above cabinet, The above tub includes a tub opening facing the clothing inlet, Inside the above cabinet, a tub gasket is provided to seal between the clothing inlet and the tub opening. A clothing treatment device in which the discharge portion of the above circulation path is connected to the above tub gasket.

36. Cabinet; A tub provided inside the cabinet to hold water; A drum that is rotatable and accommodates clothes inside the tub; and An air circulation unit is disposed above the tub and allows air to circulate inside the tub; The above air circulation unit, A circulation path located above the tub to discharge air drawn in from the tub back into the tub; A compressor positioned above the tub to compress refrigerant for heat exchange with air in the circulation path; and It includes a filter member provided in the above circulation path to filter out foreign substances in the air; The above filter member includes a filter space into which air is introduced, At least one surface of the filter element forms a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter element and is filtered, A clothing treatment device in which the filter element is positioned in front of the compressor and is introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

37. Cabinet; A tub provided inside the cabinet to hold water; A drum that is rotatable and accommodates clothes inside the tub; and An air circulation unit is disposed above the tub and allows air to circulate inside the tub; The above air circulation unit, A circulation path located above the tub to discharge air drawn in from the tub back into the tub; and An air treatment unit is connected to the above circulation path and heat exchange between air and refrigerant is performed; The above air treatment unit includes a filter member that filters foreign substances in the air, The above tub includes a front split tub including a front portion of the circumference of the tub and a rear split tub including a rear portion of the circumference of the tub. The above filter member includes a filter space into which air is introduced, At least one surface of the filter element forms a filter surface through which air in the filter space passes toward the outside of the filter element and is filtered, A clothing treatment device in which the center of the filter member is positioned forward of the connection line of the front split tub and the rear split tub, and is introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path through the upper surface of the cabinet.

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