Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a cabinet; a treatment chamber located inside the cabinet and receiving clothing therein; a door for opening / closing the treatment chamber; a machine room provided inside the cabinet so as to be located under the treatment chamber; a base module located in the machine room and comprising a heat exchanger for heat exchange with air in the treatment chamber; a control board located in a control board installation unit provided on the bottom portion of the machine room, and controlling the configuration of the clothing treatment apparatus; and a fan disposed in a location vertically overlapping the control board, and discharging sucked air in a direction moving away from the control board.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device. More specifically, it relates to a garment treatment device capable of deodorizing, drying, and removing wrinkles from garments.

[0002] In general, a clothing treatment device is a concept that includes a washing machine that soaks clothes in water to make a wet cloth and then removes foreign substances through the chemical action of detergent and physical action such as drum rotation, and a dryer that dries the wet cloth using hot air and steam.

[0003] Recently, garment treatment devices have emerged that can deodorize, remove moisture, and remove wrinkles from dry clothing without soaking it. These devices can remove odors, dry, or sterilize clothing by supplying moisture, steam, or hot air while the clothing is still in place, thereby refreshing the garment.

[0004] A heat pump or heater can be used to dry laundry in a garment treatment device. A garment treatment device using a heat pump uses an evaporator and condenser to dehumidify moist air, then reheats it and supplies the dry, high-temperature air to the clothes. Compared to heaters, heat pumps generate high-temperature heat with a small amount of energy, making them superior in energy efficiency.

[0005] Heat pumps can dehumidify moist air or heat it by circulating a refrigerant. Refrigerants can be categorized into natural refrigerants, first-generation CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), second-generation HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), third-generation HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and fourth-generation HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins). Among these, CFCs and HCFCs, classified as freon gases, are known to be major contributors to ozone layer destruction and are therefore regulated by the Montreal Protocol.

[0006] While HFCs do not cause adverse effects such as ozone depletion, they are considered global warming substances. A representative refrigerant is R-134a. Since the Montreal Protocol has designated HFCs as global warming substances, their use is gradually being restricted. Consequently, HFO refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) are emerging as next-generation refrigerants.

[0007] The Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much other greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, based on the impact of carbon dioxide on global warming. It represents the ratio of the solar energy absorbed by 1kg of an individual greenhouse gas to the solar energy absorbed by 1kg of carbon dioxide. It indexes the warming effect per unit mass. For example, while carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, methane has a GWP of 21, nitrous oxide has a GWP of 310, hydrofluorocarbons have a GWP of 1300, and sulfur hexafluoride has a GWP of 23900.

[0008] To prevent accelerated global warming, the use of high-GWP substances is being restricted worldwide. Accordingly, heat pumps using R-290, a low-GWP refrigerant, and clothing treatment devices utilizing it are being developed. However, R-290, a high-purity propane gas, is flammable and combustible. In particular, if R-290 leaks and its concentration in the air exceeds 1.8%, there is a risk of fire or explosion during use.

[0009] Therefore, a device or control method capable of detecting refrigerant leakage during operation and preventing refrigerant ignition has emerged. A prior art document related to refrigerant ignition prevention is Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0001769 (Prior Art. 1). This prior art document discloses a clothing treatment device including a heat pump using a flammable refrigerant. The document also discloses a control method for the clothing treatment device that operates a fan according to a preset time, regardless of whether there is a leak, to prevent refrigerant ignition.

[0010] Prior art document 1 proposes a method of utilizing a fan to prevent flammable refrigerant from concentrating in one area and increasing its concentration in the event of a flammable refrigerant leak. By operating the fan to generate internal airflow, the concentration of the flammable refrigerant can be prevented from increasing. This can reduce the possibility of ignition. Prior art document 1 discloses that a fan configured to blow air toward the compressor or to suck and blow air around the compressor can be used to lower the temperature of the compressor, while simultaneously diluting the refrigerant in the event of a flammable refrigerant leak (e.g., R-290).

[0011] However, flammable refrigerants, such as R-290, have a high density. This means that leaked flammable refrigerant will settle to the floor due to its inherent density. However, since the fan in Prior Art 1 is positioned in the height direction of the compressor, the further away from the fan's rotation axis the fan is, the less airflow is generated. Naturally, the airflow generated at the bottom of the fan may not be sufficient to dilute the refrigerant.

[0012] To more effectively disperse a dense, flammable refrigerant like R-290, it is desirable to create airflow concentrated at the bottom of the space. In other words, if the fan is positioned as described in Prior Art 1, there is a fundamental limitation in dispersing the refrigerant concentrated at the bottom.

[0013] The primary function of the fan disclosed in Prior Document 1 is to cool the compressor. Furthermore, an additional use for the fan is to generate airflow to disperse the refrigerant. In other words, the fan's typical usage environment is to generate airflow that reaches the entire compressor. Focusing the airflow at the bottom of the compressor may not be the typical usage environment intended by Prior Document 1. Therefore, in the clothing treatment device disclosed in Prior Document 1, it is difficult to change the fan's position to focus on dispersing the refrigerant located at the bottom rather than cooling the compressor.

[0014] Accordingly, according to the disclosure of prior art document 1, there was a motivation to generate air current to lower the density of the refrigerant in the clothing treatment device, but it did not reach the level of dispersing or diluting the refrigerant lying at the bottom of the space by concentrating the air current at the bottom of the space.

[0015] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure for preventing an explosion due to leakage of a flammable refrigerant in a clothing treatment device using a heat pump using a flammable refrigerant.

[0016] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure for effectively ventilating the laminated refrigerant when the refrigerant with high density is laminated on the lower part of the internal space of the device, such as the floor inside the cabinet or the floor of the machine room.

[0017] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a layout structure in which the structure of a device for ventilating a flammable refrigerant can efficiently use a limited space.

[0018] One of the problems the present invention intends to solve is to intensively ventilate areas where flammable refrigerants are likely to explode due to spark generation.

[0019] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a low-cost, high-efficiency structure that can reduce the risk of explosion in response to a flammable refrigerant leak.

[0020] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treatment device with an IPM temperature reduction structure applied that can solve the problem of the compressor stopping due to an increase in the temperature of the IPM caused by an increase in the power consumption of the compressor when R-290 is applied.

[0021] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure in which the problem of additional heating of the IPM due to an increase in the control configuration can be solved when a fan for cooling the IPM is added.

[0022] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure capable of providing a fan for cooling an IPM without increasing the temperature of the IPM, and a fan capable of dispersing refrigerant or exhausting it to the outside of the device.

[0023] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure that can efficiently utilize the limited space of a machine room while having a fan capable of discharging leaked refrigerant.

[0024] One of the challenges posed by the present invention is to provide a structure capable of reducing the size of a heat sink placed on a control board. A reduced heat sink size can improve space efficiency.

[0025] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to prevent the possibility of refrigerant explosion by preemptively operating the ventilation unit before the operation of other electrical components.

[0026] One of the problems intended to be solved by the present invention is to perform a safety course in which the ventilation part is operated first before the main course is performed, thereby effectively ventilating the leaked refrigerant.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clothing treatment device comprises: a cabinet; a treatment chamber located inside the cabinet and accommodating clothing; a door for opening and closing the treatment chamber; a heat exchanger located inside the cabinet and arranged at a lower portion of the treatment chamber, the heat exchanger exchanging heat with air in the treatment chamber using a combustible refrigerant; a control board located inside the cabinet and arranged at a lower portion of the treatment chamber, the control board controlling the heat exchanger; and a fan for cooling elements of the control board and disposed at a position adjacent to the floor inside the cabinet to disperse air current on the floor inside the cabinet.

[0028] In an embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan is connected to the outside of the cabinet, so that the sucked air can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet.

[0029] In an embodiment, the control board may be arranged so that the mounting surface on which the element is mounted faces downward, and the fan may be arranged below the control board.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cabinet includes a circulation duct that is positioned inside the cabinet and is arranged at the bottom of the processing chamber, and forms a circulation path for discharging air drawn in from the processing chamber back into the processing chamber, and the control board may be arranged below the circulation duct.

[0031] In an embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan is in communication with the circulation duct, and air exhausted from the fan can be guided to the circulation duct.

[0032] In an embodiment, a heat sink for cooling an intelligent power module (IPM) may be disposed on the control board, and the fan may be disposed on the heat sink.

[0033] In an embodiment, the fan may be provided as a centrifugal blower or a double inlet blower.

[0034] In an embodiment, the exhaust air volume of the fan may be 0.1 m3 / min or more and 0.16 m3 / min or less.

[0035] In an embodiment, the heat sink may include a plurality of fins arranged along a first direction, a distance between a first fin and a last fin along the arrangement direction being smaller than a first length, the plurality of fins extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a second length, the first length being smaller than a diameter of an intake port of the fan, and the second length being larger than a diameter of the intake port of the fan.

[0036] In an embodiment, the control board may be arranged so that the heat sink is located farther away from the compressor constituting the heat treatment device in the front-rear direction.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system further includes a steam generator that generates steam from the supplied water, and the steam generator may be positioned above the circulation duct.

[0038] In an embodiment, the cabinet further includes an outdoor air duct that communicates with the outside of the cabinet and the circulation duct, and an exhaust port of the fan communicates with the outdoor air duct so that air discharged from the fan can be guided to the outdoor air duct.

[0039] In an embodiment, the circulation duct includes a chamber-side inlet that is openable and closable and communicates with the processing chamber; and an outside air inlet that is openable and closable and communicates with the outside air duct, and when the outside air inlet is closed, air discharged from the fan is guided to the outside of the cabinet, and when the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outside air inlet is open, air discharged from the fan can be guided to the circulation duct.

[0040] In an embodiment, the system further includes a circulation fan that forms air pressure so that the air flow inside the circulation duct is directed from upstream to downstream, and when the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outside-side inlet is open, air discharged from the fan can be guided to the circulation duct by the air pressure.

[0041] In an embodiment, the door is provided with a first passage connecting the outside air duct and the outside of the garment treatment device at a position where the door closes the processing chamber; and a second passage connecting the processing chamber and the outside of the garment treatment device at a position where the door closes the processing chamber, and air discharged from the fan in a state where the chamber-side inlet is closed and the outside air-side inlet is open is guided to the circulation duct by the air pressure and introduced into the processing chamber, and then discharged to the outside of the cabinet through the second passage.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a garment treatment device comprises: a cabinet; a treatment chamber located inside the cabinet and accommodating garments; a door for opening and closing the treatment chamber; a machine room provided inside the cabinet and located below the treatment chamber; a base module located in the machine room and including a heat exchange device for exchanging heat with air in the treatment chamber; a control board located in a control board installation portion provided at the bottom of the machine room and controlling the configuration of the garment treatment device; and a fan disposed in a position overlapping the control board in a vertical direction and discharging sucked air in a direction away from the control board.

[0043] In an embodiment, the fan is connected to the outside of the clothing treatment device and can discharge the sucked air to the outside of the clothing treatment device.

[0044] In an embodiment, the control board may be arranged so that the mounting surface on which the component is mounted faces downward.

[0045] In an embodiment, the fan may be positioned below the control board.

[0046] In an embodiment, a heat sink may be arranged on the control board, and the fan may be arranged at a position overlapping the heat sink in a vertical direction.

[0047] In an embodiment, the heat sink may cool an intelligent power module (IPM) of the control board.

[0048] In an embodiment, the control board may be positioned so that the heat sink is located on the far side of the compressor in the front-rear direction.

[0049] In an embodiment, the heat sink may include a plurality of fins arranged along the first direction in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a distance between a first fin and a last fin along the arrangement direction is smaller than a first length, and the plurality of fins may extend along the second direction to a second length, and the first length may be smaller than a diameter of an intake port of the fan, and the second length may be larger than a diameter of the intake port of the fan.

[0050] In an embodiment, the fan may be provided as a centrifugal blower.

[0051] In an embodiment, the centrifugal blower may be provided as a double inlet blower.

[0052] In an embodiment, the exhaust air volume of the centrifugal blower may be 0.1 m3 / min or more.

[0053] In an embodiment, the exhaust air volume of the centrifugal blower may be 0.16 m3 / min or less.

[0054] In an embodiment, the base module includes a circulation duct forming a circulation path through which air of the processing chamber is introduced and discharged back into the processing chamber, and the heat exchange device includes an evaporator disposed in the circulation path; a condenser disposed in the circulation path; a compressor disposed outside the circulation path; and a refrigerant pipe for transmitting refrigerant between the evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor, and the control board installation unit may be located at the bottom of the circulation duct in which the evaporator and the condenser are disposed.

[0055] In an embodiment, the system further includes a steam generator for generating steam from the supplied water, wherein the steam generator may be positioned above the evaporator and the condenser in the machine room.

[0056] In an embodiment, the exhaust port of the fan is connected to the circulation duct, so that air discharged from the fan can be guided to the circulation duct.

[0057] In an embodiment, the system comprises: a first filter located at the chamber-side inlet; a second filter dividing the chamber-side inlet into a first inlet and a second inlet to divide the flow path of the circulation duct into a first circulation path and a second circulation path; a first circulation path valve for opening and closing the first inlet; and a second circulation path valve for opening and closing the second inlet; wherein the first circulation path is a path through which air passing through the first inlet is directly delivered to the evaporator and the condenser, and the second circulation path is a path through which air passing through the second inlet is delivered to the evaporator and the condenser via the second filter.

[0058] In an embodiment, the circulation duct includes a chamber-side inlet that communicates with the processing chamber and is provided upstream of the evaporator and the condenser; an outside air-side inlet that is provided upstream of the evaporator and the condenser; and an outlet that is provided downstream of the evaporator and the condenser, and the base module includes an outside air duct that communicates the outside air-side inlet and the outside of the clothing treatment device; a first valve that opens and closes the chamber-side inlet; a second valve that opens and closes the outside air-side inlet; and a circulation fan that forms air pressure so that air flow inside the circulation duct is directed from either the chamber-side inlet or the outside air-side inlet to the outlet, and an outlet of the fan is communicated with the outside air duct so that air discharged from the fan can be guided to the outside air duct.

[0059] In an embodiment, the door may be provided with a first passage connecting the outside air duct and the outside of the garment treatment device at a position where the door closes the processing chamber; and a second passage connecting the processing chamber and the outside of the garment treatment device at a position where the door closes the processing chamber.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first path may be a path connecting a bottom opening provided on the bottom surface of the door and a lower opening provided at a position in communication with the outside air duct among the lower rear surfaces of the door.

[0061] In an embodiment, the second path may be a path connecting an upper opening provided on an upper surface of the door and an upper opening provided at a position facing the opening of the processing chamber on the rear surface of the door.

[0062] In an embodiment, the system includes: a first filter located at the chamber-side inlet; a second filter dividing the chamber-side inlet into a first inlet and a second inlet to divide the flow path of the circulation duct into a first circulation path and a second circulation path; a first circulation path valve for opening and closing the first inlet; and a second circulation path valve for opening and closing the second inlet. The first circulation path may be a path through which air passing through the first inlet is directly transferred to the evaporator and the condenser, and the second circulation path may be a path through which air passing through the second inlet is transferred to the evaporator and the condenser via the second filter.

[0063] According to various embodiments of the present invention, in a clothing treatment device to which a heat pump using a flammable refrigerant is applied, an explosion due to leakage of the flammable refrigerant can be effectively prevented.

[0064] According to various embodiments of the present invention, when a high-density flammable refrigerant is layered at the bottom of a space, the refrigerant layered at the bottom can be more effectively ventilated.

[0065] According to various embodiments of the present invention, since a limited space can be used efficiently, a fan for ventilating a flammable refrigerant can be provided without requiring additional space.

[0066] According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to intensively ventilate an area where a flammable refrigerant is likely to explode due to spark generation.

[0067] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a low-cost, high-efficiency structure capable of reducing the risk of explosion in response to refrigerant leakage is provided.

[0068] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the problem of the compressor stopping due to the temperature of the IPM rising can be solved despite the problem of the power consumption of the compressor increasing when R-290 is applied.

[0069] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a fan for cooling the IPM and a fan for exhausting leaked refrigerant are provided, and the control configuration does not increase, so that overheating of the IPM can be prevented.

[0070] According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to utilize space efficiently while providing a fan capable of discharging leaked refrigerant.

[0071] According to various embodiments of the present invention, since the fan is directly mounted on the control box where the ignition points are gathered, it is safer and the course time is reduced.

[0072] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a structure capable of reducing the size of a heat sink placed on a control board is provided. A reduced heat sink size can increase space efficiency.

[0073] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the possibility of refrigerant explosion can be prevented in advance by operating the ventilation unit before operating other electrical components.

[0074] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a safety course in which the ventilation unit is operated first is performed before the main course is performed, so that leaked refrigerant can be effectively ventilated.

[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door (20) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0077] Figure 3 is an example of various configurations located in the machine room.

[0078] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a base module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings for explaining a heat exchange device (700) provided in a base module (1000).

[0080] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining the control board installation part (360).

[0081] Figure 8 illustrates the control board installation part (360) with the blower (400) removed in more detail.

[0082] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the installation of a control box (600) in a control board installation section (360).

[0083] Figure 10 is a drawing of the base part (300) viewed from the rear to explain the appearance of the control box (600) installed in the control board installation part (360).

[0084] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the base portion (300) cut to show the control board installation portion (360).

[0085] Figures 12 and 13 are drawings for explaining the connection relationship between the fan (800), the control box (600), and the outdoor air duct (340).

[0086] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a fan (800) in a control box (600).

[0087] Fig. 15 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a heat sink (620) and a fan (800) according to an embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 16 is a drawing explaining an airflow exhaust structure by a fan (800).

[0089] Figure 17 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerant discharge path in an operation using steam.

[0090] Figure 18 is a drawing explaining the refrigerant discharge path in the drying process.

[0091] Figure 19 is a drawing explaining the refrigerant discharge path in the indoor dehumidification course.

[0092] Figure 20 is a drawing illustrating the refrigerant discharge path when not on course.

[0093] Fig. 21 is an experimental graph for verifying the refrigerant discharge effect. Fig. 21 is a graph measuring the refrigerant concentration near the control board (610).

[0094] Figure 22 is an experimental graph for verifying the refrigerant discharge effect. Figure 22 is a graph measuring the refrigerant concentration in the central portion of the treatment chamber (35) and the second opening (32) when the clothing treatment device (1) is operating in the indoor dehumidification course.

[0095] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The configuration of the device and the control method described below are only intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Reference numerals used throughout the specification represent identical components.

[0096] Certain terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the illustrated embodiments.

[0097] For example, expressions such as "same" and "same as" not only indicate a strictly identical state, but also indicate a state in which there is a difference in tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0098] In this specification, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when this specification refers to a component as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0099] 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 preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0100] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as “in which direction,” “along which direction,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “centered,” “concentric,” or “coaxial” not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance that allows for tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0101] In order to explain the present disclosure, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) means both directions in which each axis extends. A '+' sign in front of each axis direction (+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, +Z-axis direction) means a positive direction, which is one of the two directions in which each axis extends. A '-' sign in front of each axis direction (-X-axis direction, -Y-axis direction, -Z-axis direction) means a negative direction, which is the remaining one of the two directions in which each axis extends.

[0102] The expressions referring to directions such as forward (+Y) / backward (-Y) / left (+X) / right (-X) / up (+Z) / down (-Z) mentioned below are defined according to the XYZ coordinate axes, but this is only for the purpose of explaining so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction can be defined differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0103] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only a second component without a first component.

[0104] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0105] 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'.

[0106] <Example of the appearance of a clothing processing device (1)>

[0107] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, the exterior of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment will be described.

[0108] The cabinet (10) forms the exterior of the garment processing device (1). The cabinet (10) may be provided with a height that is longer than its width (width in the left-right direction) and thickness (width in the front-to-back direction).

[0109] A door (20) is located at the front of the garment treatment device (1). The door (20) is coupled to the front of the cabinet (10). In an embodiment, the door (20) is hingedly coupled to the cabinet (10). A handle (21) and an operating unit (22) may be provided on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). A display displaying information of the garment treatment device (1) may be installed on the operating unit (22).

[0110] The bottom surface (20c) of the door (20) according to the embodiment is installed so as to be spaced apart from the floor by a set height (H1). As the bottom surface (20c) of the door (20) is spaced apart from the floor (installation surface), outside air can be introduced into the interior of the clothing treatment device (1) through a door bottom opening formed in the bottom surface (20c) of the door (20) described later.

[0111] An upper surface opening (26b) is formed on the upper surface (20d) of the door (20) according to the embodiment.

[0112] <Open the door (20) and open the processing chamber (35)>

[0113] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door (20) of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened. Referring to Fig. 2, the interior exposed to the user when the door (20) is opened will be described.

[0114] The inner case (30) accommodates clothing and forms a processing chamber (35), which is a space where the clothing is processed. The inner case (30) is located inside the cabinet (10). The front of the inner case (30) is open to form an opening so that clothing can be put in. The inner case (30) may be provided so that the height is longer than the width and thickness. Accordingly, the clothing can be placed inside the processing chamber (35) without being folded or wrinkled. The inner case (30) may be provided with a plastic resin series, and may be provided with a reinforced plastic resin series that does not deform even when exposed to air at a temperature higher than room temperature or heated air (hereinafter, hot air), steam, or moisture.

[0115] A clothing holder (not shown) capable of holding clothing in a processing chamber (35) may be provided on the upper part of the inner surface of the inner case (30). The clothing holder may be provided in the shape of a clothes hanger and may be fixed to the upper surface of the inner case (30). Due to the clothing holder, clothing may be held in an unfolded state within the processing chamber (35). The clothing holder may be provided as a hanger that moves back and forth in the width direction within the inner case (30) or that rotates back and forth. The clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can shake clothing within the inner case (30) by using the clothing holder. When shaking the clothing, foreign substances and dust on the clothing can be shaken off, and wrinkles formed on the clothing can also be removed.

[0116] The height of the processing chamber (35) is smaller than the overall height of the cabinet (10). A machine room is provided at the bottom of the processing chamber (35). The processing chamber (35) and the machine room can be separated and partitioned by an inner case (30) that forms the bottom portion (30a) of the processing chamber (35).

[0117] Various devices are installed in the machine room. The various devices installed in the machine room may include a device that supplies heated air (hereinafter, hot air) to the processing chamber (35), a device that supplies steam to the processing chamber (35), and a device that can purify or dehumidify the external air of the cabinet (10). The various devices provided in the machine room will be described in detail later.

[0118] A plurality of openings may be formed in the wall surface of the inner case (30) defining the processing chamber (35) to communicate with the machine room. In an embodiment, a plurality of openings may be formed in the bottom portion (30a). In an embodiment, air in the processing chamber (35) may move to the machine room through various openings, and at least one of hot air or steam generated in the machine room may move to the processing chamber (35).

[0119] In an embodiment, a first opening (31), a second opening (32), and a third opening (33) may be formed in the inner case (30).

[0120] The first opening (31) is a passage through which air inside the inner case (30) flows into the machine room. The first opening (31) communicates with the chamber-side inlet (324) of the circulation duct (320) described later. The first opening (31) may be positioned toward the front of the lower surface of the inner case (30).

[0121] The second opening (32) is a passage through which air supplied from the machine room leads to the inner case (30). The second opening (32) communicates with the air exhaust port (401) described later. The second opening (32) may be arranged to be tilted toward the rear of the lower surface of the inner case (30). Since the first opening (31) is formed to be tilted toward the front and the second opening (32) to be tilted toward the rear, a distance between the first opening (31) and the second opening (32) can be secured, and air supplied from the second opening (32) to the processing chamber (35) can be prevented from being directly discharged through the first opening (31).

[0122] The third opening (33) is a passage through which steam supplied from the machine room leads to the inner case (30). The third opening (33) communicates with a steam nozzle (510) described later. The third opening (33) may be arranged closer to the second opening (32) than to the first opening (31). In an embodiment, the third opening (33) may be arranged laterally of the second opening (32). As the distance between the third opening (33) and the first opening (31) is secured, steam discharged from the third opening (33) can be prevented from being discharged through the first opening (31).

[0123] A water supply and drainage tank (40) may be placed at the bottom of the processing chamber (35). The water supply and drainage tank (40) may be placed at the front of the machine room. The water supply and drainage tank (40) may be placed at a location exposed to the user when the door (20) is opened.

[0124] The water supply and drainage tank (40) may be composed of a water supply tank (41) and a drainage tank (42). The water supply tank (41) is a tank that stores water to supply moisture to the treatment chamber (35). The drainage tank (42) is a tank that collects water condensed inside the clothing treatment device (1).

[0125] The water tank holder (50) is configured to support the water supply and drainage tank (40). The water tank holder (50) is located at the front of the machine room, thereby preventing the machine room from being exposed to the outside. The water supply and drainage tank (40) can be detachably attached to the water tank holder (50). The water supply tank (41) and the drainage tank (42) can each be separated from the water tank holder (50). The user can separate the water supply and drainage tank (40) from the water tank holder (50), fill the water supply tank (41) with water, and discard the water collected in the drainage tank (42).

[0126] The lower opening (11a) may be located at the bottom of the water tank holder (50). The lower opening (11a) may be formed in the lower front panel (11). The lower front panel (11) may be located at the bottom of the water tank holder (50). The lower front panel (11) may be located at the bottom of the water tank holder (50) among the panels forming the cabinet (10). The lower opening (11a) communicates with the outdoor air inlet (345) of the outdoor air duct (340) described later.

[0127] A gasket (28) may be installed around the perimeter of the rear surface (20b) of the door (20). When the door (20) is closed, the gasket (28) may be provided to seal the processing chamber (35) by coming into close contact with the perimeter of the processing chamber (35).

[0128] The rear surface (20b) of the door (20) may be formed to protrude a condensate drain (29) that can be inserted into the interior of the processing chamber (35) when the door (20) is closed. The condensate drain (29) may be provided with a width corresponding to the width of the opening of the processing chamber (35). The condensate drain (29) may be positioned close to the bottom portion (30a) of the processing chamber (35). The condensate drain (29) can prevent moisture from flowing into the machine room by guiding moisture flowing along the wall surface of the door (20) to the bottom portion (30a) of the processing chamber (35).

[0129] According to the embodiment, a door lower opening (25a) is formed at the lower portion of the rear surface (20b) of the door (20). The door lower opening (25a) communicates with the door lower opening formed at the bottom surface of the door (20) to form a first flow path through which air passes into the interior of the door. The door lower opening (25a) faces and communicates with the lower opening (11a) when the door (20) is closed. The door lower opening (25a) communicates with the lower opening (11a) when the door (20) is closed.

[0130] According to the embodiment, a door upper opening (26a) is formed on the rear surface (20b) of the door (20). The door upper opening (26a) communicates with the door upper opening (26b) formed on the upper surface (20d) of the door (20) to form a second flow path through which air passes into the interior of the door. The door upper opening (26a) faces the processing chamber (35) when the door (20) is closed. The door upper opening (26a) communicates with the processing chamber (35) when the door (20) is closed. The door upper opening (26a) may be located at a portion corresponding to the upper portion of the processing chamber (35).

[0131] In an embodiment, the rear surface (20b) of the door (20) may include a clothing pressurizing device (60) capable of pressurizing clothing, and a support member (65) provided above the clothing pressurizing device (60) to support the placed clothing. The support member (65) according to the embodiment may be provided in the form of a ring on which a hanger can be hung. The clothing pressurizing device (60) according to the embodiment may pressurize clothing placed on the support member (65) using a pivoting pressurizing plate (61). The clothing placed on the support member (65) may be pressurized by the clothing pressurizing device (60) to remove wrinkles or form intended creases.

[0132] <Examples of various configurations located in the machine room>

[0133] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining an example of various configurations located in a machine room.

[0134] The machine room is located on the upper part of the cabinet floor plate (15). Various mechanical devices located in the machine room are described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0135] A base module (1000) is installed in the machine room. The base module (1000) according to the embodiment may be provided as a module including a blower (400), a steam generator (500), a control box (600), and a heat exchanger (700, see FIG. 6).

[0136] The base module (1000) includes a base portion (300). The base portion (300) provides a space for installing each device and can function as a support for various devices. In addition, the base portion (300) can function as a duct in itself.

[0137] A water supply and drainage tank (40) may be positioned in front of the base module (1000). The base module (1000) may be positioned behind the water supply and drainage tank (40). The base module (1000) may be covered without being exposed to the outside by a water tank holder (50) in which the water supply and drainage tank (40) is installed. Fig. 3 illustrates a water tank support plate (51), which is a component of the water tank holder (50).

[0138] <Example of base module (1000)>

[0139] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a base module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The base module (1000) will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0140] A circulation duct (320) is provided in the base portion (300). The circulation duct (320) can be formed by the base portion (300). The circulation duct (320) forms a circulation path (320a, see FIG. 5) through which air moves.

[0141] The base portion (300) may include a duct body (321), a duct cover (322), and a duct inlet (323) constituting a circulation duct (320). According to one embodiment, the duct inlet (323) is formed in the duct cover (322). The duct inlet (323) may be formed to protrude upward from the duct cover (322). The duct body (321) forms a space with an open upper portion. The open upper surface of the duct body (321) is covered by the duct cover (322).

[0142] A chamber-side inlet (324) is formed in the duct inlet (323). The chamber-side inlet (324) can be divided into a first inlet (324a) and a second inlet (324b). The first inlet (324a) and the second inlet (324b) can be separated by a second filter installation part (325).

[0143] In the embodiment, a first valve (326) is installed in the chamber-side inlet (324). The first valve (326) is configured to open and close the chamber-side inlet (324). The first valve (326) may include a first circulation flow valve (326a) and a second circulation flow valve (326b). The first circulation flow valve (326a) opens and closes the first inlet (324a). The second circulation flow valve (326b) opens and closes the second inlet (324b).

[0144] A first filter (910, see FIG. 17) is disposed at the chamber side inlet (324). The first filter (910) may include a first inlet filter (911) and a second inlet filter (912). The first inlet filter (911) is disposed at the first inlet (324a). The second inlet filter (912) is disposed at the second inlet (324b). The first inlet filter (911) and the second inlet filter (912) can be removed from the device by the user and can be cleaned or replaced.

[0145] A control board installation part (360) may be provided at the bottom of the duct body (321). A control box (600) is installed in the control board installation part (360). The control board installation part (360) and the control box (600) will be described in detail later.

[0146] A blower (400) is installed at the rear of the duct body (321). The blower (400) creates air pressure that forms a flow of air flowing through the circulation path (320a). The blower (400) creates an air flow so that the air in the circulation path (320a) is discharged through the blower outlet (401).

[0147] The steam generator (500) generates steam using water supplied from the water tank (41). The steam generator (500) may be supported on the base (300). The steam generator (500) may be positioned on the upper surface of the duct cover (322). The steam nozzle (510) is configured to discharge steam generated in the steam generator (500). Since AC current is supplied to the steam generator (500), there is a risk of explosion due to sparks generated when it comes into contact with leaked refrigerant. Since the leaked refrigerant has a high density and sinks to the bottom, it may be advantageous to place the steam generator (500) at the top. In an embodiment, the steam generator (500) is positioned above the heat exchanger (700).

[0148] The outside air duct (340) has one end connected to the circulation duct (320) and the other end, the outside air inlet (345), leads to the outside. The outside air duct (340) is configured to communicate the outside air with the circulation duct (320). The outside air inlet (345) faces the lower opening (11a) of the lower front panel (11) and can communicate with the outside air.

[0149] <Example of heat exchange device (700)>

[0150] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings for explaining a heat exchange device (700) provided in a base module (1000).

[0151] A heat exchange device (700) according to one embodiment includes an evaporator (710), a condenser (720), and a compressor (730). In addition, the heat exchange device (700) may further include an expansion valve (740) and a refrigerant pipe (750) connecting them.

[0152] The evaporator (710) and the condenser (720) are located in the circulation path (320a) inside the circulation duct (320). In the embodiment, the compressor (730) and the expansion valve (740) are located outside the circulation duct (320).

[0153] The evaporator (710) cools and condenses air. The compressor (730) receives refrigerant from the evaporator (710), compresses it, and heats it. The condenser (720) receives refrigerant from the compressor (730) and heats the air. The expansion valve (740) expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (720) to lower the temperature of the refrigerant. A refrigerant with a low global warming potential, such as R-290, can be used as the refrigerant. The refrigerant may be flammable.

[0154] Air in the processing chamber (35) is introduced into the circulation path (320a) through the chamber-side inlet (324). The air flows from the chamber-side inlet (324) along the circulation path (320a) and passes through the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720). The evaporator (710) cools and dehumidifies the air flowing through the circulation path (320a). The condenser (720) heats the air passing through the evaporator (710) to form hot air. An outlet (327a, see FIG. 8) of the duct body (321) is located downstream of the condenser (720). The outlet (327a) may be defined by the exhaust duct (327).

[0155] The blower (400) creates air pressure so that the air flow inside the circulation duct (320) is directed toward the exhaust port (327a). The air that has been dehumidified and heated in the circulation path (320a) passes through the exhaust port (327a) along the air current created by the blower (400) and is discharged to the air outlet (401).

[0156] <Example of control board installation part (360)>

[0157] Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining the control board installation part (360). Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining the control board installation part (360) in more detail, showing the appearance with the blower (400) removed.

[0158] The control box (600) is installed in the control board installation section (360). The control box (600) can supply power to various components forming the clothing treatment device (1), such as a heat exchanger (700), a steam generator (500), a blower (400), and a fan (800). Alternatively, the control box (600) controls various components forming the clothing treatment device (1), such as a heat exchanger (700), a steam generator (500), a blower (400), and a fan (800). The control box (600) is equipped to control all electronically controlled components, such as a heat exchanger (700), a steam generator (500), and a blower (400), and can perform various courses and options for processing clothing.

[0159] In the embodiment, the control board installation part (360) is located at the bottom of the duct body (321). In the embodiment, the control board installation part (360) may be provided between the base bottom part (311) and the duct body (321). The control board installation part (360) may be provided at the bottom of the part where the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720) are arranged in the circulation duct (320).

[0160] The control board installation unit (360) is located at the bottom of the machine room. The control board installation unit (360) may be provided in the form of a duct with one of the front and rear sides open. The control board installation unit (360) is provided with an installation space (360a) into which a control box (600) can be inserted.

[0161] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the installation of a control box (600) in a control board installation section (360). Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the base section (300) viewed from the rear to explain the installation of the control box (600) in the control board installation section (360). Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the installation of the control box (600) in the control board installation section (360) will be explained.

[0162] The control board installation part (360) is placed at the bottom of the duct body (321) that constitutes the circulation duct (320). The bottom of the duct body (321) can constitute the upper surface of the control board installation part (360). The control board installation part (360) can be formed integrally with the base bottom part (311).

[0163] The control box (600) is inserted into the control board installation part (360) and supported on the upper part of the control board installation part (360). The control box (600) is spaced apart from the base bottom part (311). The control box (600) can be slidably inserted from the rear to the front of the control board installation part (360).

[0164] The control box (600) may further include a bracket (650) surrounding the control board (610). The bracket (650) forms the periphery of the control box (600) and can prevent foreign substances from entering the control board (610). The bracket (650) may be made of a metal material. The control box (600) may be supported and installed on the control board installation part (360) by the bracket (650). The control box (600) may be supported on the control board installation part (360) by mutual engagement between a protrusion formed on the bracket (650) and a protrusion (3613, see FIG. 11) protruding from the control board installation part (360).

[0165] The control box (600) may be installed at an angle relative to the base bottom (311). For example, the distance between the control box (600) and the base bottom (311) may be greater on the outside than on the inside. As the control box (600) is installed at an angle, if water leaks onto the upper portion of the control box (600), the water can quickly escape from the control box (600).

[0166] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the base portion (300) cut to show the control board installation portion (360).

[0167] An external power supply may be supplied to operate each component of the garment treatment device (1). The external power supply may be AC ​​or high-voltage DC. At this time, there is a possibility of ignition due to an arc at the AC or high-voltage DC terminal. If a refrigerant such as R-290 is maintained above a certain concentration, there is a risk of ignition in the control box (600). Therefore, ventilating the interior of the control board installation unit (360) is an important factor in ensuring the stability of a garment treatment device using a flammable refrigerant. In conventional garment treatment devices, the control box was located at the top of the cabinet. Therefore, even when using high-density R-290, the possibility of ignition of the flammable refrigerant at the control box side was low. In the garment treatment device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control board installation unit (360) and the control box (600) are located at the bottom of the garment treatment device. Therefore, if a flammable refrigerant leaks, there is a high possibility of ignition in the control box (600).

[0168] The base portion (300) may include a control board installation portion (360). A control box (600) is installed in the control board installation portion (360). A control board (610) is provided in the control box (600).

[0169] The control board installation unit (360) may be located inside the cabinet (10) and placed at the bottom of the processing chamber (30). In an embodiment, the control board installation unit (360) may be placed at the bottom of the duct body (321). The duct body (321), which forms the bottom of the circulation path (320a), may have a bottom surface (3212) that forms the upper surface of the control board installation unit (360).

[0170] Among the partition walls (3611, 3612) forming the widthwise sides of the control board installation unit (360), the partition wall (3611) forming one side can form the outer wall of the base unit (300). A support protrusion (3613) for supporting the control box (600) can be formed on the widthwise partition walls (3611, 3612) of the control board installation unit (360).

[0171] In an embodiment, a ventilation hole (395) may be formed at the bottom of the base portion (300). The ventilation hole (395) may ventilate the air at the bottom of the base portion (300). The ventilation hole (395) may be formed in the partition walls (3611, 3612) and may be appropriately formed in a location where ventilation of the refrigerant is required.

[0172] A fuel passage (397) may be formed in the base portion (300). The fuel passage (397) may be arranged on the bottom surface of the base portion (300). The fuel passage (397) may form a ventilation passage (390) together with a ventilation hole (395). The fuel passage (397) may be positioned at the bottom of the circulation passage (320a). The bottom surface of the circulation passage (320a) may form the top surface of the fuel passage (397).

[0173] The control unit penetration hole (391) can be formed in the bulkhead (3612) facing the above-mentioned oil passage (397) on both sides of the control board installation unit (360).

[0174] A pipe arrangement section (314) in which a refrigerant pipe (750) and an expansion valve (740) of a heat exchange device (700) are arranged may be provided on one side of the base section (300) close to the compressor installation section (312). The circulation path (320a) may be arranged to be biased toward one side in the width direction of the base section (300). The pipe arrangement section (314) may be arranged on the other side in the width direction of the base section (300). That is, the pipe arrangement section (314) may be arranged on one side of the circulation path (320a).

[0175] The ventilation hole (395) may include a pipe-side through hole (392) formed in a bulkhead forming a fuel passage (397). The pipe-side through hole (392) may form a fluid path that can flow to the upper part of the base part (300) and the lower surface of the base part (300). The refrigerant or air accumulated on the upper surface of the base part (300) may move to the lower surface of the base part (300) through the pipe-side through hole (392). According to an embodiment, the flammable refrigerant stacked on the pipe arrangement part (314) may be ventilated through the lower surface of the base part (300) using the pipe-side through hole (392). The refrigerant moves downward due to its high density. The pipe-side through hole (392) functions as a path that can effectively discharge the refrigerant that has moved from the upper side to the lower side.

[0176] The duct body (321) may include a heat exchanger (700) and a water collecting portion (328) in which water condensed from the evaporator (710) is stored. The water collecting portion (328) may be formed by a portion of the bottom surface (3212) of the circulation duct (320) being stepped downward. The water collecting bottom surface (3281), which is the bottom surface of the water collecting portion (328), may form the upper surface of the fuel passage (397). The fuel passage (397) may be formed on the lower side of the water collecting bottom surface (3281). The upper portion of the water collecting bottom surface (3281) may form the circulation duct (320), and the lower portion may form the bottom surface of the base portion (300).

[0177] <Fan (800) for cooling the refrigerant discharge and control box (600)>

[0178] Figures 12 and 13 are drawings for explaining the connection relationship between the fan (800), the control box (600), and the outdoor air duct (340). Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the location where the fan (800) is installed will be explained.

[0179] A control board (610) is provided in the control box (600). A bracket (650) may surround the control board (610). A fan (800) may be positioned in the control box (600). The fan (800) may be positioned in a vertically overlapping position with respect to the control board (610). The fan (800) cools the components of the control board (610). The fan (800) is positioned adjacent to the floor inside the cabinet (10). The fan (800) is positioned below the control board (610). The fan (800) discharges the sucked air in a direction away from the control board (610). The fan (800) disperses the air current on the floor of the machine room. That is, in case of a flammable refrigerant leak, the fan (800) disperses the flammable refrigerant that is densely packed on the floor due to its high density. The fan (800) functions to reduce the concentration of flammable refrigerant concentrated on the floor. When the fan (800) reduces the concentration of flammable refrigerant below the lower explosion limit, the possibility of explosion becomes very low.

[0180] The fan (800) is provided as a centrifugal blower. According to an embodiment, the fan (800) is provided as a double inlet blower.

[0181] An outside air inlet (321a) is formed in front of the duct body (321) in the base portion (300). The outside air inlet (321a) is located upstream of the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720) in the circulation path (320a). The outside air inlet (321a) may be formed in a rectangular shape. The outside air inlet (321a) may be opened and closed by a second valve (350). The second valve (350) may include a second valve plate (351) and a valve driving source (355) that provides power to switch the position of the second valve plate (351) between an open position and a closed position. In the embodiment, the second valve (350) can open or close the outside air inlet (321a) by driving the second valve plate (351) to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0182] The outside air duct (340) is configured to connect the outside air inlet (321a) and the outside of the clothing treatment device (1). One side of the outside air duct (340) is in contact with the circulation duct (320). One side of the outside air duct (340) is arranged to communicate with the outside air inlet (321a). An outside air inlet (345) is formed on the other side of the outside air duct (340), and the outside air inlet (345) is in contact with the side connected to the outside.

[0183] In an embodiment, the fan (800) communicates with the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) and discharges the sucked air to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1). In an embodiment, the fan (800) is connected to an outside air duct (340). In an embodiment, the outside air duct (340) includes an outside communication portion (341) and a fan communication portion (347). The fan communication portion (347) is a duct that extends in a direction toward the fan (800). The fan communication portion (347) and the outside communication portion (341) are connected to each other. The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) is connected to the fan communication portion (347) and can be connected to an outside air path (340a) of the outside air duct (340).

[0184] An installation part front opening (360b) may be formed in front of the control board installation part (360) in the base part (300). A fan communication part (347) extends toward the installation part front opening (360b). The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) is positioned to face the installation part front opening (360b). The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) and the fan communication part (347) are connected to each other by penetrating the installation part front opening (360b). Air discharged through the exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) is guided to pass through the fan communication part (347). The air passing through the fan communication part (347) is guided to the outdoor air path (340a) of the outdoor air duct (340).

[0185] When the second valve (350) is in a position to open the outside air inlet (321a), the air discharged from the fan (800) can be guided to the circulation duct (320). Since the blower (400) forms an air flow in the direction from the outside air inlet (321a) toward the outlet (327a), when the second valve (350) is in a position to open the outside air inlet (321a), the air flow guided to the outside air path (340a) is guided to the circulation path (320a). According to an embodiment, the outlet (820) of the fan (800) communicates with the circulation duct (320) through the outside air duct (340). In another embodiment, the outlet (820) of the fan (800) may be directly connected to the circulation duct (320) to communicate with it.

[0186] In an embodiment, the fan (800) is positioned below the control board (610). According to the embodiment, the control board (610) is positioned so that the mounting surface on which the components are mounted faces downward. By positioning the mounting surface on which the components are mounted faces downward, dust accumulation on the components can be prevented, and the control box (600) can be prevented from overheating.

[0187] A heat sink (620) may be placed on the control board (610). The heat sink (620) may cool an intelligent power module (IPM) placed on the control board (610). According to an embodiment, the fan (800) is placed in a position to overlap the heat sink (620) in the vertical direction.

[0188] <Example of placement of fan (800) in control box (600)>

[0189] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a fan (800) in a control box (600). Fig. 14 is a drawing of the control box (600) according to the embodiment viewed from the bottom.

[0190] A control board (610) is disposed in the control box (600). The control board (610) may be disposed so that the mounting surface on which the components are mounted faces the floor. Components are individual parts or devices that constitute a circuit and have independent, unique functions. A heat sink (620) is disposed in the control board (610). The heat sink (620) cools the components of the control board (610). In an embodiment, the heat sink (620) may be a component that cools an intelligent power module (IPM) of the control board. The heat sink (620) may be disposed so as to face the IPM.

[0191] The fan (800) is positioned so as to overlap vertically with respect to the heat sink (620).

[0192] The intake port (810) of the fan (800) is arranged to overlap the heat sink (620) in the vertical direction. The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) may be arranged to face forward. The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) is arranged to face in a direction communicating with the outside air. In the embodiment, since a flow path communicating with the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) is formed at the front of the clothing treatment device (1), the exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) is arranged to face forward. The exhaust port (820) of the fan (800) may be connected to a guide pipe (850). The guide pipe (850) may guide the air flow direction of the exhaust port (820).

[0193] In the embodiment, the IPM and the heat sink (620) are disposed away from the compressor (730). In the embodiment, the IPM and the heat sink (620) are disposed in the front (+Y) direction from the control board (610). Since the compressor (730) is located in the rear (-Y) direction from the base module (1000), the separation between them can be secured to prevent overheating. In addition, refrigerant may leak from the compressor (730), and by disposing the IPM away from the compressor (730), the concentration of the refrigerant reaching the IPM can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of explosion. The fan (800) can form an airflow in a direction away from the location where the compressor (730) is disposed. According to an embodiment, since the compressor (730) is placed at the rear (-Y) of the base module (1000), the fan (800) can form an airflow toward the front (+Y) of the base module (1000).

[0194] <Relationship between heat sink (620) and fan (800) according to embodiment>

[0195] Fig. 15 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a heat sink (620) and a fan (800) according to an embodiment.

[0196] The heat sink (620) includes a plurality of fins (621). The plurality of fins (621) are arranged along a first direction. The distance between the first fin (621a) and the last fin (621b) among the plurality of fins (621) arranged along the first direction may be a first length (L1). The plurality of fins (621) may extend along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The length along which the plurality of fins (621) extend may be a second length (L2).

[0197] In an embodiment, the first length (L1) is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the intake port (810) of the fan (800). According to an embodiment, the second length (L2) is larger than the diameter (D1) of the intake port (810) of the fan (800).

[0198] According to the arrangement of the fan (800) and the heat sink (620) according to the embodiment, a path can be formed between the plurality of fins (621), so that heat at a location away from the intake port (810) can be smoothly dissipated.

[0199] The fan (800) performs the function of forming an airflow to discharge leaked refrigerant, but normally functions as a fan to cool the IPM.

[0200] When the temperature of the IPM rises above 120 degrees Celsius, the compressor (730) stops. Conventionally, the compressor (730) would stop due to overheating of the IPM. When applying the structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the IPM does not rise above 90 degrees Celsius, thereby enabling the compressor (730) to operate continuously. This increases the reliability of the device and shortens the cycle time.

[0201] <Airflow exhaust structure>

[0202] Fig. 16 is a drawing illustrating an airflow exhaust structure by a fan (800). Since the control board installation unit (360) is located at the lower part of the base unit (300), refrigerant (R) having a higher density than the atmosphere may accumulate on the lower surface. The refrigerant (R) accumulated in the control board installation unit (360) is highly likely to cause ignition in the control board (610). The fan (800) effectively ventilates the air in the control board installation unit (360). This has the effect of ensuring the stability of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0203] In addition, the fan (800) can constantly cool the control board (610). That is, the fan (800) can function as a cooling fan of the control board (610). When using R290 refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor (730) increases, which may cause the temperature of the IPM to continuously rise, resulting in a problem of the compressor (730) stopping. According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the IPM temperature can be cooled, the problem of the compressor (730) stopping can be solved.

[0204] In the embodiment, the fan (800) is provided as a double inlet blower. The fan (800) is placed below the heat sink (620). The fan (800) discharges the heat of the heat sink (620) upward to the outside. The fan (800) sucks in the refrigerant downward and discharges it to the outside.

[0205] The fan (800) is connected to the outdoor air duct (340). The fan (800) can be connected to the outdoor air duct (340) through a fan communication portion (347). The air current discharged from the fan (800) flows through the fan communication portion (347) into the outdoor air path (340a) of the outdoor air duct (340). The air current discharged from the fan (800) and introduced into the outdoor air path (340a) is discharged to the outside through the outdoor air inlet (345) or flows into the circulation path (320a) and moves to the processing chamber (35) depending on whether the second valve plate (351) is opened.

[0206] <Airflow according to device operating status>

[0207] According to an embodiment, the garment treatment device (1) can change the flow rate according to the treatment course or operation. Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20, the structure for discharging the refrigerant according to the operating state of the garment treatment device (1) is described.

[0208] Figure 17 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerant discharge path in an operation using steam. Although not illustrated for convenience of explanation, clothing is placed in the processing chamber (35).

[0209] In the process using steam, a first circulation path that does not pass through the second filter (920) is selected. The second filter (920) may be a HEPA filter. It is not desirable for the HEPA filter to be exposed to steam. Therefore, in the process using steam, the circulating air stream may be sucked into the circulation path (320a) through the first inlet (324a) from the processing chamber (35) so as not to pass through the second filter (920). The air stream introduced into the circulation path (320a) may pass through the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720) to be dehumidified and heated and then supplied back to the processing chamber (35). In the process using steam, the second valve plate (351) is positioned in the closed position so as not to communicate with the outside air. The circulation path (320a) and the outside air path (340a) are separated by the second valve plate (351). The exhaust port of the fan (800) is connected to the outside air passage (340a). The airflow discharged from the fan (800) is guided to the outside air passage (340a). The airflow guided to the outside air passage (340a) is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) through the first passage (25) formed at the bottom of the door (20). The first passage (25) is a passage in which the door lower opening (25a) and the door bottom opening (25b) are connected to each other. The airflow guided to the outside air passage (340a) is transferred to the first passage (25) through the door lower opening (25a) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) through the door bottom opening (25b).

[0210] Figure 18 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerant discharge path in a drying process. Although not illustrated for convenience of explanation, clothing is placed in the processing chamber (35).

[0211] In the drying process, a second circulation path passing through a second filter (920) may be selected. In order to allow the airflow to pass through the second filter (920), it may be sucked into the circulation path (320a) through the second inlet (324b) in the processing chamber (35). The airflow introduced into the circulation path (320a) may be filtered while passing through the second filter (920), dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720), and then supplied back to the processing chamber (35). In the process of drying clothes, the second valve plate (351) is positioned in the closed position so as not to communicate with the outside air. The circulation path (320a) and the outside air path (340a) are separated by the second valve plate (351). The discharge port of the fan (800) is connected to the outside air path (340a). The airflow discharged from the fan (800) is guided to the outside air path (340a). The airflow guided to the outside air path (340a) is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) through the first path (25) formed at the bottom of the door (20). The airflow guided to the outside air path (340a) is transferred to the first path (25) through the door lower opening (25a) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) through the door bottom opening (25b).

[0212] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the refrigerant discharge path in an indoor dehumidification course. The indoor dehumidification course is not a course for processing clothes stored in a treatment chamber (35), but rather a course for dehumidifying the space in which the clothing treatment device (1) is installed. In other words, it is a course in which the outside air of the clothing treatment device (1) is drawn into a heat exchanger, dehumidified, and then discharged outside the clothing treatment device (1).

[0213] When the indoor dehumidification course is selected, the second valve plate (351) moves to the open position. The circulation path (320a) and the outside air path (340a) are connected. The first inlet (324a) and the second inlet (324b) are closed. When the blower (400) operates, outside air is introduced into the outside air path (340a) through the first path (25) formed at the bottom of the door (20). The outside air introduced into the outside air path (340a) moves to the circulation path (320a). The outside air introduced into the circulation path (320a) passes through the evaporator (710) and the condenser (720) to be dehumidified and heated, and can be guided to the processing chamber (35). The air guided to the processing chamber (35) is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) through the second passage (26) formed at the top of the door (20). The second passage (26) is a passage in which the door upper opening (26a) and the door upper surface opening (26b) are connected to each other. The door upper opening (26a) of the second passage (26) is closed by the second passage opening / closing valve (261) during the clothing processing cycle, and can be opened when the indoor dehumidification course is selected.

[0214] The exhaust port of the fan (800) is connected to the external air passage (340a). The airflow exhausted from the fan (800) is guided to the external air passage (340a). The airflow guided to the external air passage (340a) moves along the airflow to the circulation passage (320a) and then to the processing chamber (35).

[0215] Figure 20 is a drawing illustrating the refrigerant discharge path when not on course.

[0216] When the garment treatment device (1) is not in operation or is not in a course, the circulation path (320a) and the outside air path (340a) are separated by the second valve plate (351). The air current discharged from the fan (800) is guided to the outside air path (340a). The air current guided to the outside air path (340a) is discharged to the outside of the garment treatment device (1) through the first path (25) formed at the bottom of the door (20).

[0217] <Refrigerant discharge effect and fan (800) specifications>

[0218] Fig. 21 is an experimental graph for verifying the refrigerant discharge effect. Fig. 21 is a graph measuring the refrigerant concentration near the control board (610).

[0219] The refrigerant concentration around the ignition point must be diluted to below the lower explosive limit. When 84 g / h of refrigerant was leaked in a scenario where microcracks occurred in the refrigerant pipe (750) and refrigerant leaked, the refrigerant concentration was maintained at 5 to 10%, which exceeds the lower explosive limit of 2%. However, when the fan (800) was turned on, it was confirmed that the refrigerant concentration decreased to 0% within 30 seconds.

[0220] In the embodiment, the fan (800) is provided with a specification capable of reducing the concentration of the refrigerant below the lower explosion limit within 30 seconds. In the embodiment, the fan (800) is provided as a double-suction centrifugal blower. The exhaust air volume of the fan (800) according to the embodiment is 0.1 m3 / min or more.

[0221] In the embodiment, the fan (800) is provided with specifications that can enhance user convenience while taking noise into consideration. In the embodiment, the fan (800) is provided as a double-suction centrifugal blower. The exhaust air volume of the fan (800) according to the embodiment is 0.16 m3 / min or less.

[0222] Figure 22 is an experimental graph for verifying the refrigerant discharge effect. Figure 22 is a graph measuring the refrigerant concentration in the central portion of the treatment chamber (35) and the second opening (32) when the clothing treatment device (1) is operating in the indoor dehumidification course.

[0223] As the blower (400) was driven, the refrigerant was quickly diluted, and a refrigerant concentration lower than the explosive range was observed in both the central portion of the processing chamber (35) and the second opening (32).

[0224] While specific embodiments have been illustrated herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the illustrated specific embodiments may be replaced by any reconfiguration calculated to achieve the same purpose, and that the disclosed invention may be applied differently in other environments. In other words, it should be understood that this application covers any adaptation or variation of the disclosure. The scope of the following claims is not limited to the scope of the disclosure relating to the specific embodiments herein. Accordingly, if a modified embodiment includes an element of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A processing chamber located inside the cabinet and accommodating clothing; A door for opening and closing the above processing chamber; A heat exchanger located inside the cabinet and arranged at the bottom of the processing chamber, which exchanges heat with the air of the processing chamber using a combustible refrigerant; A control board located inside the cabinet and arranged at the bottom of the processing chamber, which controls the heat exchanger; and A fan that cools the components of the above control board and is positioned adjacent to the floor inside the cabinet to disperse the airflow on the floor inside the cabinet. A garment treatment device including:

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the exhaust port of the fan communicates with the outside of the cabinet and discharges the sucked air to the outside of the cabinet.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control board is arranged so that the mounting surface on which the above components are mounted faces downward, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the fan is positioned below the control board.

4. In paragraph 3, A circulation duct is located inside the cabinet and arranged at the bottom of the processing chamber, and includes a circulation duct that forms a circulation path for discharging air drawn in from the processing chamber back into the processing chamber. A garment treatment device characterized in that the above control board is placed below the above circulation duct.

5. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the exhaust port of the fan is in communication with the circulation duct, and the air exhausted from the fan is guided to the circulation duct.

6. In paragraph 1, A heat sink for cooling the intelligent power module (IPM) is placed on the above control board. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the fan is disposed on the heat sink.

7. In paragraph 6, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above fan is provided as a centrifugal blower or a double inlet blower.

8. In paragraph 7, A clothing treatment device in which the exhaust air volume of the above fan is 0.1 m3 / min or more and 0.16 m3 / min or less.

9. In paragraph 7, The above heat sink, A plurality of pins arranged along the first direction, the distance between the first pin and the last pin along the arrangement direction being smaller than the first length, The above plurality of pins extend a second length along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The above first length is smaller than the diameter of the intake port of the fan, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the second length is larger than the diameter of the suction port of the fan.

10. In paragraph 7, The above control board A clothing treatment device in which the heat sink is positioned on the far side with respect to the compressor constituting the above heat treatment device in the front-rear direction.

11. In paragraph 4, Further comprising a steam generator for generating steam from the supplied water, The above steam generator, A clothing treatment device positioned above the above circulation duct.

12. In paragraph 4, It further includes an outdoor air duct that connects the outside of the cabinet and the circulation duct, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the exhaust port of the fan is connected to the outdoor air duct so that air discharged from the fan is guided to the outdoor air duct.

13. In paragraph 11, The above circulation duct, A chamber-side inlet that is connected to the above processing chamber and is openable; and It includes an outside air inlet port that is connected to the above outside air duct and is openable, With the above outside air inlet closed, the air discharged from the fan is guided to the outside of the cabinet. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the air discharged from the fan is guided to the circulation duct while the chamber side inlet is closed and the outside side inlet is open.

14. In paragraph 13, It further includes a circulation fan that forms air pressure so that the air flow inside the circulation duct is directed from upstream to downstream, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the air discharged from the fan is guided to the circulation duct by the air pressure while the chamber side inlet is closed and the outside side inlet is open.

15. In paragraph 14, In the above door, A first flow path connecting the outside air duct and the outside of the clothing treatment device at a position where the door closes the processing chamber; and At a position where the door closes the processing chamber, a second passage is provided that connects the processing chamber and the outside of the garment processing device, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the air discharged from the fan while the chamber side inlet is closed and the outside side inlet is open is guided to the circulation duct by the air pressure, flows into the processing chamber, and is then discharged to the outside of the cabinet through the second flow path.

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