Clothes care apparatus

Abstract

A clothes care apparatus is disclosed. The clothes care apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: a cabinet; a treatment compartment provided inside the cabinet so that clothes can be accommodated therein; and a machine room provided at one side of the treatment compartment, wherein the machine room includes: a heat exchanger for dehumidifying and heating air in the treatment compartment; a steam generator for generating steam sprayed into the treatment compartment; a water collection duct capable of storing condensate water generated when the air is dehumidified and heated; and a water supply and drain unit for supplying water from an external water supply source to the steam generator or discharging the condensate water stored in the water collection duct to an external space of the clothes care apparatus.

Description

Clothing management device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing care device capable of selecting a water supply and drainage method.

[0002] Thanks to advancements in electronic technology, various types of devices are now being used in everyday households. A prime example is a clothing care device. A clothing care device performs various maintenance tasks on clothing, such as removing moisture and dust from clothing while it is being stored, or smoothing out wrinkles.

[0003] A clothing management device can dry wet clothing by lowering the humidity in the space where the clothing is stored. To achieve this, the clothing management device may be equipped with a heat exchanger such as an evaporator, condenser, or compressor.

[0004] In particular, a garment care device can remove wrinkles or odors from clothing by spraying high-temperature steam onto the clothing stored in the device and then evaporating the steam. To generate such high-temperature steam, the garment care device may be equipped with a steam generator.

[0005] The garment care device must discharge condensate generated during the operation of the heat exchanger and steam generator, and must be supplied with water for steam generation. To achieve this, the user must either empty the drain or supply water to the water supply tank.

[0006] If the user fails to empty the drain tank even when the condensate level has reached a certain level, the accumulated condensate may overflow. Furthermore, if the user fails to supply water to the water tank, the steam generator will not generate steam, preventing the garment care device from operating properly.

[0007] Accordingly, the need for a structure capable of automatically supplying water from a water source outside the clothing management device or automatically discharging condensate has arisen.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing management device may include a cabinet, a processing room provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing, and a machine room provided below the processing room.

[0009] The machine room may include a heat exchanger for dehumidifying and heating air in the treatment room, a steam generator for generating steam to be injected into the treatment room, a collection duct for storing condensate generated during the process of dehumidifying and heating the air, and a water supply / drainage unit for supplying water from an external water source to the steam generator or discharging the condensate stored in the collection duct to an external space of the clothing management device.

[0010] The above steam generator may be provided on one side of the collection duct.

[0011] The above heat exchanger may include an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor.

[0012] The above evaporator and the above condenser may be provided inside the above collection duct so as to be supported by the above collection duct.

[0013] The above collection duct may include a sump provided at the bottom of the collection duct to store water discharged from the treatment room and the condensate.

[0014] The above water supply and drainage unit may further include a water supply pipe connected to the external water supply source, a water supply control valve provided in the water supply pipe to control whether the water is supplied, a water supply check valve provided in the water supply pipe to prevent backflow of the water within the water supply pipe, a drain pipe communicating with the external space, and a drainage pump provided in the drain pipe to discharge the condensed water within the drain pipe to the external space.

[0015] The above water supply and drainage unit may further include a mounting portion on which the water supply control valve and the drainage pump are mounted.

[0016] The above-mentioned mounting portion may include a mounting plate that supports the water supply control valve and the drainage pump, a side wall that is bent and extended from the mounting plate, and a connector provided on the side wall to support the water supply pipe and the drainage pipe.

[0017] The above water supply pipe may include a first water supply pipe provided to connect the external water supply source and the water supply control valve, a second water supply pipe provided to connect the water supply control valve and the water supply check valve, and a third water supply pipe provided to connect the water supply check valve and the steam generator.

[0018] The above drain pipe may include a first drain pipe provided to connect the external space and the drain pump, and a second drain pipe provided to connect the drain pump and the sump.

[0019] The above steam generator may further include a mounting hole to which the third water supply pipe can be connected.

[0020] The above water supply unit may further include a water pump provided in the second water supply pipe to provide power to the water in the water supply pipe.

[0021] The above-mentioned water supply and drainage unit may further include a drainage tank provided separably from the machine room on one side of the machine room to receive and store the condensate stored in the sump, and a water supply tank provided parallel to the drainage tank and separably from the machine room to store water supplied to the steam generator.

[0022] The above water supply unit may further include a manual water supply pump provided at the bottom of the water supply tank to supply water from the water supply tank to the steam generator.

[0023] The above-mentioned drainage unit may further include a drainage control valve provided in the drain pipe to control whether the condensate is drained from the sump to the drain pipe.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a clothing management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2b is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a sump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a duct cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a water supply and drainage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining a water supply pipe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5b is an enlarged view illustrating a mounting hole of a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a drain pipe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a manual watering method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a manual drainage method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a water supply and drainage unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a water supply pipe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a drain pipe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining that a water supply pipe and a drain pipe are supported by a cabinet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0040] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0043] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0044] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0046] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0047] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0048] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0049] Hereinafter, a clothing management device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the clothing management device (100) includes a cabinet (110), a door (111), a steam hole (112), a first drain (113), a second drain (114), a treatment room (120), a machine room (130), a drain (180), and a water tank (190).

[0052] The cabinet (110) is a component that forms the exterior of the clothing management device (100). The cabinet (110) may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the cabinet (110) may be a surface that comes into contact with the external environment of the clothing management device (100), and the inner surface may be a surface that divides the internal space of the clothing management device (100). The cabinet (110) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front side.

[0053] The door (111) is configured to open or close the open front of the cabinet (110). The door (111) may be hinge-coupled to the cabinet (110) so as to be rotatable. The door (111) may include an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the door (111) may be in contact with the treatment room (120). The outer surface of the door (111) may be a surface in contact with the external space. A UI (User Interaction) means (not shown) such as a display unit, a touch pad, or a button may be provided on the outer surface of the door (111). The user may operate the clothing management device (100) through the UI means provided on the door (111).

[0054] The steam hole (112) is configured to supply steam generated from a steam generator (150, see FIG. 2a) placed inside the machine room (130) into the treatment room (120). The steam hole (112) may be provided in one area of ​​the second drain (114).

[0055] The treatment room (120) is a space where clothing can be accommodated and managed. The treatment room (120) may be provided inside the cabinet (110). The treatment room (120) may be opened or closed by a door (111). A user may open the door (111) to place clothing into the treatment room (120) or take clothing out of the treatment room (120).

[0056] The machine room (130) is a space where a configuration for managing the air within the treatment room (120) can be placed. The machine room (130) can be partitioned from the treatment room (120) within the cabinet (110) by an inner cover (115). The machine room (130) can be provided at the lower side of the treatment room (120).

[0057] The inner cover (115) may include first and second drain ports (113, 114) that connect the treatment room (120) and the machine room (130). The first and second drain ports (113, 114) may be provided to face each other on both sides of the inner cover (115). The first and second drain ports (113, 114) are configured to discharge condensate generated within the treatment room (120) toward the machine room (120). More specifically, the first drain port (113) may be provided on the upper side of the drain tank (180) and the water collection tank (1702) adjacent to the door (111) on the lower surface of the treatment room (120). The second drain port (114) may be provided on the inner surface of the cabinet (110) forming the rear surface of the treatment room (120).

[0058] Meanwhile, a drain tank (180) and a water supply tank (190) may be provided on one side of the machine room (130). The drain tank (180) is configured to collect condensate generated in the treatment room (120). The water supply tank (190) is configured to store water required to generate steam in the steam generator (150, see FIG. 2a). The drain tank (180) and the water supply tank (190) may each be provided to be detachable from the machine room. Accordingly, a user can easily detach the drain tank (180) and the water supply tank (190) from the cabinet (110) and then reattach them. A detailed description of the flow of water in the drain tank (180) and the water supply tank (190) will be described later.

[0059] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a garment management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2A, the garment management device (100) may be divided into a processing room (120) capable of accommodating and managing garments and a machine room (130) by an inner cover (115). The inner cover (115) may be the inner case of a cabinet (110).

[0060] The machine room (130) may include a heat exchanger (140), a steam generator (150), a collection duct (160), and a water supply and drainage unit (170). The heat exchanger (140) is configured to dehumidify and heat the air within the treatment room (120).

[0061] The heat exchanger (140) may include an evaporator (141), a condenser (142), and a compressor (143). The evaporator (141), the condenser (142), and the compressor (143) may be connected by a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows.

[0062] The compressor (143) can compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The refrigerant in a compressed gaseous state can flow to the condenser (142) along a plurality of pipes.

[0063] The condenser (142) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state. During this process, latent heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the air surrounding the condenser (142), thereby heating the surrounding air. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant can then flow from the condenser (142) to the evaporator (141) through multiple pipes.

[0064] In the evaporator (141), the liquid refrigerant vaporizes into a low-pressure gas, absorbing latent heat from the surrounding air. During this process, as the dew point and saturated water vapor content of the surrounding air decrease, the water vapor contained in the surrounding air may condense into water.

[0065] In this way, water generated from the surrounding air by the refrigerant passing through the evaporator (141) is called condensate.

[0066] Condensate can flow to the lower side of the treatment room (120) by gravity. The condensate that has flowed to the lower side of the treatment room (120) can flow to the upper surface of the duct cover (162) through the first drain port (113) and / or the second drain port (114) provided in the inner cover (115).

[0067] The duct cover (162) is configured to cover the upper part of the collection duct (160) so as to cover the collection duct (160).

[0068] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a duct cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the duct cover (162) may include a first collection port (1621) and a second collection port (1622). The first collection port (1621) may be provided on the lower side of the first drain port (113) so as to correspond to the first drain port (113) of the inner cover (115). Condensate generated in the treatment room (120) may pass through the first drain port (113) and flow into the collection duct (160) through the first collection port (1621). A description of the second collection port (1622) will be provided later.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the lower surface of the collection duct (160) may be a duct base (163). The duct base (163) may be provided with a U-shape protruding toward the ground to store condensate within the collection duct (160). Accordingly, the condensate may flow to the lowermost surface of the duct base (163) by gravity.

[0071] The duct base (163) may be provided so that the lowermost area has a slope that faces from the collection duct (160) toward the lower part of the sump (161) to guide the condensate inside the collection duct (160) to the sump (161).

[0072] Due to this, the condensate stored in the collection duct (160) can flow to the sump (161). A detailed description of the sump (161) will be described later.

[0073] The evaporator (141) and the condenser (142) may be provided inside the collection duct (160). The evaporator (141) and the condenser (142) may be supported by the duct base (163) of the collection duct (160).

[0074] Accordingly, condensate generated from the surrounding air by evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant in the evaporator (141) and condenser (142) inside the collection duct (160) can be collected directly in the collection duct (160).

[0075] Meanwhile, a steam generator (150) may be provided in the machine room (130). The steam generator (150) may be placed adjacent to the side of the water collection duct (160). The steam generator (150) is configured to generate steam, which is high-temperature water vapor, by evaporating and heating water supplied from a water supply tank (190) or an external water source.

[0076] The steam generator (150) may include a steam supply pipe (152) and a steam port (153) communicating with the treatment room (120) to supply steam into the treatment room (120). Steam generated in the steam generator (150) may flow along the steam supply pipe (152) and into the treatment room (120) through the steam port (153).

[0077] The steam supply pipe (152) can be connected at one end to a steam generator (150) and at the other end to a steam port (153). The steam port (153) can be coupled to a steam hole (112). Since the steam hole (112) is as described in Fig. 1, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0078] High-temperature steam flows into the treatment room (120) and, upon contact with clothing contained therein, can be condensed into water through heat exchange resulting from refrigerant circulation in the heat exchanger (140). During this process, contaminants such as dust and odor molecules attached to the clothing are condensed, thereby removing contamination from the clothing. Furthermore, wrinkle resistance of the clothing can be improved.

[0079] The condensate generated during the process in which steam generated from the steam generator (150) flows to the treatment room (120) or during the process in which steam is attached to clothing in the treatment room (120) and then condenses can flow toward the machine room (120) through the second drain (114) provided at the rear of the treatment room (120).

[0080] More specifically, the second drain (114) may be extended upwardly from the inner cover (115) and provided on the inner rear surface of the cabinet (110) that partitions the treatment room (120).

[0081] Condensate generated by the steam generator (150) and heat exchanger (140) within the treatment room (120) flows downwards of the treatment room (120) by gravity and can flow into the internal space of the collection duct (160) through the second drain (114) and the second collection port (1622) of the duct cover (162). The second collection port (1622) can be provided at a position corresponding to the second drain (114).

[0082] In this way, condensate generated within the treatment room (120) can pass through the first drain (113) and the second drain (114) and be collected inside the collection duct (160) through the first collection port (1621) and the second collection port (1622).

[0083] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a sump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2B, a sump (161) may be provided at the lower portion of a collection duct (160). The sump (161) is configured to store condensate guided into the collection duct (160).

[0084] The sump (161) may be formed to protrude from the inside of the collection duct (160) toward the lower surface of the clothing management device (100). Accordingly, the condensate guided into the inside of the collection duct (160) may flow to the sump (161) by gravity and be stored.

[0085] A sensor unit (1611) may be provided at the bottom of the sump (161). The sensor unit (1611) may be implemented as a level sensor for detecting the water level of water stored in the sump (161). For example, the sensor unit (1611) may include a floating magnet (16111) and a sensor (16112). The floating magnet (16111) is a structure designed to float on water while including a magnetic object. The sensor (16112) may be a magnetic sensor that outputs a sensing value of a variable size depending on the distance from the floating magnet (16111).

[0086] The position of the floating magnet (16111) may change depending on the level of condensate stored inside the sump (161). The sensor (16112) may output a sensing value having a variable size depending on the changed position of the floating magnet (16111).

[0087] However, examples of the sensor unit (1611) are not limited thereto, and may be implemented as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of water stored in the sump (161) and estimates the amount, or a capacitance sensor that measures capacitance that changes according to the amount of water.

[0088] The clothing management device (100) may further include a processor (not shown) and memory (not shown). The memory may store various programs, commands, and data necessary for the operation of the clothing management device (100). For example, the memory may store data regarding a preset threshold value for the water level within the sump (161).

[0089] The processor can control the overall operation of the clothing management device (100) based on various programs, commands, and data stored in the memory. For example, the processor can identify the level of condensate inside the sump (161) based on the sensing value of the sensor unit (1611). If the identified level corresponds to a threshold value stored in the memory, the processor can operate the manual drain pump (182, see FIG. 8). The manual drain pump (182) is a configuration that provides power to discharge the condensate inside the sump (161) into the drain tank (180) using electric energy. The drain pump (182) can be provided adjacent to the lower end of the sump (161).

[0090] Meanwhile, the condensate stored in the sump (161) can be discharged to the outside through a drain pipe (174, see FIG. 4) that communicates with the outside of the clothing management device (100) without using a manual drain pump (182). A detailed description of this will be provided later.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a water supply and drainage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The water supply and drainage unit (170) is configured to allow condensate generated within the treatment room (120) to be discharged to the outside of the clothing management device (100) without passing through the drain (180), and to allow water required to generate steam in the steam generator (150) to be supplied directly from an external water source without passing through the water supply tank (190).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, the water supply and drainage unit (170) may include a water supply pipe (171), a water supply control valve (172), a water supply check valve (173), a drain pipe (174), a drain pump (175), and a mounting portion (176).

[0094] The water supply pipe (171) is configured to supply water to the steam generator (150) from an external water source. Since the water supply pipe (171) is configured to be directly connected to the external water source, it may also be referred to in various ways, such as a direct water supply pipe or an externally connected water supply pipe.

[0095] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a water supply pipe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5A, the water supply pipe (171) may include a first water supply pipe (1711), a second water supply pipe (1712), and a third water supply pipe (1713).

[0096] The first water supply pipe (1711) is configured to receive water from an external water source. The first water supply pipe (1711) can connect the external water source and the water supply control valve (172). That is, one end of the first water supply pipe (1711) can be connected to the external water source, and the other end can be connected to the water supply control valve (172). The water supply control valve (172) can be connected to the second water supply pipe (1712) in an area opposite to the area where the first water supply pipe (1711) is connected.

[0097] The water supply control valve (172) is a configuration that can control whether water is supplied from an external water source. The water supply control valve (172) can be turned on / off by an electronic signal.

[0098] When the water supply control valve (172) is in the on state, the water supply control valve (172) is opened so that water flowing into the first water supply pipe (1711) from an external water source can flow into the second water supply pipe (1712). Conversely, when the water supply control valve (172) is in the off state, the water supply control valve (172) is closed so that water cannot flow into the second water supply pipe (1712).

[0099] When using water stored in a water tank (190) rather than receiving water from an external water source through a water supply pipe (171), the water supply control valve (172) can be turned off. Conversely, when the water stored in the water tank (190) is insufficient or when water is to be supplied directly from an external water source without using the water tank (190), the water supply control valve (172) can be turned on.

[0100] The second water supply pipe (1712) can be connected to the water supply check valve (173) at the other end that is not connected to the water supply control valve (172).

[0101] The water supply check valve (173) is configured to prevent water flowing into the third water supply pipe (1713) from flowing back into the second water supply pipe (1712). The water supply check valve (173) can be connected to the third water supply pipe (1713) in an area opposite to the area connected to the second water supply pipe (1712).

[0102] Among the two ends of the third water supply pipe (1713), the other end not connected to the water supply check valve (173) can be connected to the steam generator (150). More specifically, one end of the third water supply pipe (1713) can be connected to the mounting hole (151) of the steam generator (150).

[0103] FIG. 5b is an enlarged view illustrating a mounting hole of a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5b, the mounting hole (151) is configured separately from the internal water supply hole (154) to directly receive water from an external water source.

[0104] The mounting hole (151) can be opened and closed by a lid or a cap. For example, in the case of a clothing care device (100) in which a water supply pipe (171) is not installed, the steam generator (150) can be used by supplying water stored in a water tank (190) by the user through the internal water supply hole (154) without receiving water from an external water source. In this way, in the case in which a water supply pipe (171) is not installed, the mounting hole (151) of the steam generator (150) can be closed by a lid or a cap.

[0105] Referring again to FIG. 5a, the steam generator (150) may include a steam supply pipe (152) and a steam port (153) to supply steam into the treatment room (120).

[0106] A steam supply pipe (152) may be connected to the upper side of a steam generator (150). Steam generated in the steam generator (150) may flow to the upper side of the steam generator (150) due to a pressure difference and may flow toward the treatment room (120) along the steam supply pipe (152). One end of the steam supply pipe (152) may be connected to the steam generator (150) and the other end may be connected to a steam port (153).

[0107] The steam port (153) is configured to uniformly spray steam flowing from the steam generator (150) into the treatment room (120). The steam port (153) may be provided so as to be coupled to a steam hole (112, see FIGS. 1 and 2a).

[0108] Meanwhile, the water supply pipe (171) may be connected to a water supply pump (not shown). The water supply pump may be provided in place of the check valve or may be provided inside the machine room separately from the check valve.

[0109] The feed water pump is configured to effectively supply water from an external water source to the steam generator (150). The feed water pump can use electrical energy to create a pressure difference within the water supply pipe (171). Accordingly, even when the water pressure of the external water source is low, water can be effectively supplied from the external water source to the steam generator (150). The feed water pump may be installed in the first water supply pipe (1711), but the placement of the feed water pump is not limited thereto.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a drain pipe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the drain pipe (174) may include a first drain pipe (1741) and a second drain pipe (1742). The drain pipe (174) is configured to be directly connected to the exterior of the clothing management device (100), and may also be referred to as a direct drain pipe, an externally connected drain pipe, etc.

[0111] The first drain pipe (1741) is configured to connect the outside of the clothing management device (100) and the water collection duct (160). One end of the first drain pipe (1741) can be opened toward the outside of the clothing management device (100), and the other end can be connected to a drain pump (175).

[0112] The drain pump (175) is configured to discharge condensate stored in the collection duct (160) to the outside of the clothing care device (100). The drain pump (175) can use electric energy to lower the pressure inside the pump, suck in condensate stored in the collection duct (160), compress it, and then discharge it to the outside of the clothing care device (100).

[0113] The drain pump (175) can be connected to the second drain pipe (1742) in an area opposite to the area connected to the first drain pipe (1741).

[0114] The second drain pipe (1742) can be connected at one end to a drain pump (175) and at the other end to a collection duct (160).

[0115] Specifically, the second drain pipe (1742) may be connected to the lower end of the sump (161) of the collection duct (160). When the drain pump (175) operates, the condensate stored in the sump (161) due to the lowered pressure inside the pump may flow into the drain pump (175) through the second drain pipe (1742). Thereafter, the condensate may be discharged from the inside of the drain pump (175) to the external space of the clothing care device (100) through the first drain pipe (1741).

[0116] Meanwhile, the first drain pipe (1741) may be a bar-shaped pipe, but its shape is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the first drain pipe (1741) may be formed in a curved shape with a certain curvature.

[0117] That is, the first drain pipe (1741) can be provided in various shapes depending on the volume of the usable space inside the machine room (130). The first drain pipe (1741) can be provided to have various shapes during the design or manufacturing process of the clothing management device (100).

[0118] The second drain pipe (1742) and the water supply pipe (171) are also not limited in shape, and like the first drain pipe (1741), they can be provided in various shapes in consideration of the volume of the usable space inside the machine room (130) and the positional relationship between the configurations, so a description of the same content will be omitted.

[0119] Meanwhile, the drain pipe (174) may include a drain control valve (not shown). The drain control valve is configured to control whether or not to discharge condensate through the drain pipe (174). The drain control valve may be turned on / off by an electronic signal. When the drain control valve is in the on state, the drain control valve is opened so that condensate can be discharged from the sump (161) to the outside of the clothing care device (100) through the second drain pipe (1742) and the first drain pipe (1741). Conversely, when the drain control valve is in the off state, the drain control valve is closed so that condensate cannot be discharged to the outside of the clothing care device (100) through the drain pipe (174).

[0120] The user can determine the on / off status of the drain control valve depending on whether to store the condensate in the drain tank (180) for disposal or discharge it to the outside through the drain pipe (174).

[0121] In the case of a clothing management device (100) including a water supply pipe (171) and a drain pipe (174) according to the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6, the condensate stored in the collection duct (160) can be directly drained to the outside of the clothing management device (100), so that normal condensate treatment can be possible without the user having to separate the drain tank (180) from the machine room (120) and empty the condensate stored inside.

[0122] In addition, since the water required for steam generation in the steam generator (150) can be directly supplied from an external water source, the steam generator (150) can operate normally without the user having to separate the water tank (190) from the machine room (120) and fill it with water. Accordingly, the convenience of the user can be ensured when using the clothing management device (100).

[0123] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a manual water supply method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, in order to supply water to a steam generator (150) according to the manual water supply method, the machine room (130) may include a water supply tank (190), a manual water supply pipe (191), a manual water supply pump (192), and a manual water supply check valve (193).

[0124] The water tank (190) is configured to store water to be supplied to the steam generator (150), and the details described in FIG. 1 will be omitted. The water tank (190) may be provided so as to be detachable from the machine room (130). A user may detach the water tank (190) from the machine room (130), fill it with water, and then reattach it to the machine room (130).

[0125] Water stored in the water tank (190) can flow to the steam generator (150) along the manual water supply pipe (191) by the manual water supply pump (192). The manual water supply pump (192) can lower the internal pressure with electric energy to suck in water from the water tank (190) side, and then raise the internal pressure again to discharge water toward the steam generator (150).

[0126] Meanwhile, a manual water supply check valve (193) may be provided in the manual water supply pipe (191). The manual water supply check valve (193) is configured to prevent water from flowing in the opposite direction to the steam generator (150) within the manual water supply pipe (191). In the drawing, one manual water supply check valve (193) is provided, but the number of manual water supply check valves (193) is not limited thereto, and multiple manual water supply check valves (193) may be provided as needed.

[0127] The manual water supply pipe (191) can be connected to the lower side of the mounting hole (151) of the steam generator (150).

[0128] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a manual drainage method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, in order to discharge condensate from the clothing management device (100) to an external space according to the manual drainage method, the machine room (130) may include a manual drainage pipe (181) and a manual drainage pump (182).

[0129] The manual drain pipe (181) may be connected at one end to the collection duct (160) and at the other end to the drain tank (180). Specifically, the manual drain pipe (181) may be connected at one end to the lower end of the sump (161) of the collection duct (160).

[0130] A manual drain pump (182) may be provided in the manual drain pipe (181) to transfer condensate from the lower part of the sump (161) to the drain tank (180). The manual drain pump (182) may use electric energy to flow the condensate stored in the sump (161) along the manual drain pipe (181) to the drain tank (180).

[0131] Meanwhile, the drain tank (180) and the water supply tank (190) may have the same volume, but the locations of the areas where they are connected to the manual drain pipe (181) and the manual water supply pipe (191) may be different.

[0132] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the water supply and drainage unit (170) may include a mounting portion (176). The mounting portion (176) is configured to stably secure the water supply control valve (172) and the drainage pump (175).

[0133] A mounting plate (1761) may be provided on the mounting portion (176) so that a water supply control valve (172) and a drainage pump (175) can be mounted. The mounting plate (1761) may be provided parallel to the ground.

[0134] The water supply control valve (172) and the drain pump (175) may be mounted on the upper surface of the mounting plate (1761) so that their lower surfaces are in contact with the mounting plate (1761). The water supply control valve (172) and the drain pump (175) may be mounted on the mounting plate (1761) using bolts / nuts or clamps, but are not limited thereto.

[0135] The mounting portion (176) can be coupled to the lower surface of the cabinet (110) that partitions the machine room (130). The mounting portion (176) can be provided with a side wall (1762) that is parallel to the side and rear surface of the adjacent cabinet (110).

[0136] The side wall (1762) may be formed by extending upwardly from the mounting plate (1761) in a direction opposite to the ground. The side wall (1762) may be formed by extending to a height equal to or lower than the height of the water supply control valve (172).

[0137] A connector (1763) may be provided on the side wall (1762). The connector (1763) is configured to support a water supply pipe (171) and a drain pipe (174).

[0138] Specifically, the connector (1763) may include coupling holes (17631, 17632) corresponding to the diameters of the first water supply pipe (1711) and the first drain pipe (1741), respectively. The first water supply pipe (1711) and the first drain pipe (1741) may be inserted into the coupling holes (17631, 17632). Accordingly, the self-weight of the first water supply pipe (1711) and the first drain pipe (1741) may be transmitted to the lower surface of the cabinet (110) through the connector (1763) and the mounting portion (176).

[0139] Meanwhile, the connector (1763) may be provided in an area of ​​the side wall (1762) parallel to the rear of the cabinet (110).

[0140] In this way, as the water supply control valve (172) and the drain pump (175), the first water supply pipe (1711) and the first drain pipe (1741) are connected to the mounting plate (1761) and the connector (1763), and the mounting portion (176) is connected to the cabinet (110), vibration and noise caused by the flow of water and / or condensate supplied from an external water source inside the water supply pipe (171) and the drain pipe (174) can be minimized.

[0141] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a water supply and drainage unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining a water supply pipe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a drawing for explaining a drainage pipe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the water supply pipe (271) may include a first water supply pipe (2711) and a second water supply pipe (2712).

[0143] The first water supply pipe (2711) can be connected at one end to an external water source, and the other end can be connected to a water supply control valve (272).

[0144] The second water supply pipe (2712) can be connected at one end to a water supply control valve (272) and at the other end to a steam generator (150).

[0145] Specifically, the second water supply pipe (2712) can be connected to the mounting hole (151) of the steam generator (150). The mounting hole (151) can be provided in an area where the steam supply pipe (152) is connected to the steam generator (150). Since a specific description of the steam generator (150) and the mounting hole (151) is as described in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a description of the mounting hole (151) in the overlapping range will be omitted.

[0146] Meanwhile, the water supply pipe (271) may include a water supply pump (not shown). The water supply pump is configured to effectively supply water from an external water source to the steam generator (150) even when the water pressure of the external water source is low. The water supply pump may be installed in the first water supply pipe (2711), but the location of the water supply pump is not limited thereto.

[0147] The water supply control valve (272) can be turned on / off by an electric signal, and when the water supply control valve (272) is in the on state, the valve is opened so that water can be supplied from an external water source to the steam generator (150) through the water supply pipe (271). Conversely, when the water supply control valve (272) is in the off state, the valve is closed so that water cannot be supplied from the external water source to the steam generator (150). The user can determine the on / off state of the water supply control valve (272) as needed.

[0148] Meanwhile, the water supply pipe (271) may further include a check valve (not shown). The check valve is configured to prevent water from flowing backward in the opposite direction from the external water source toward the steam generator (150) within the water supply pipe (271).

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the drain pipe (274) may include a first drain pipe (2741) and a second drain pipe (2742).

[0150] The first drain pipe (2741) can have one end open toward the external space of the clothing management device (100) and the other end connected to the drain pump (275).

[0151] The second drain pipe (2742) can be connected at one end to the drain pump (275) and at the other end to the lower end of the sump (161). Since the description of the drain pump (275) is the same as that described above in Fig. 6, description of overlapping content will be omitted.

[0152] Meanwhile, FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining that a water supply pipe and a drain pipe are supported by a cabinet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the water supply pipe (271) and the drain pipe (274) can be fixed to the rear of the cabinet (110) by connectors (277-1, 277-2), respectively.

[0153] Connectors (277-1, 277-2) are configured to support the water supply pipe (271) and the drain pipe (274). Specifically, the connectors (277-1, 277-2) may be provided in an area corresponding to the compressor (143) at the rear of the cabinet (110).

[0154] The connectors (277-1, 277-2) may have a diameter corresponding to the diameters of the first water supply pipe (2711) and the first drain pipe (2741). The first water supply pipe (2711) and the first drain pipe (2741) may be stably fixed to the cabinet (110) by being inserted into the connectors (277-1, 277-2). The first water supply pipe (2711) and the first drain pipe (2741) may extend to the external space of the clothing management device (100) by penetrating the connectors (277-1, 277-2).

[0155] Alternatively, the first water supply pipe (2711) and the first drain pipe (2741) may be connected to connectors (277-1, 277-2), and an extension water supply pipe (2714) and an extension drain pipe (2743) may be provided that extend from the connectors (277-1, 277-2) to the external space of the clothing management device (100).

[0156] The water supply pipe (271) and the drain pipe (274) may be provided in the shape of a curved pipe having a curvature as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, but are not limited thereto. That is, the water supply pipe (271) and the drain pipe (274) may have various shapes depending on the available space within the machine room (130) or the arrangement of the components provided in the machine room (130).

[0157] As described above, the clothing management device (100) according to the present disclosure can directly receive water from an external water source or directly drain condensate generated during the operation of the clothing management device (100) to the outside. To this end, the clothing management device (100) may include a water supply and drain unit (170). The water supply and drain unit (170) may include a water supply pipe (171) to connect the external water source and the steam generator (150) so as to receive water from the external water source. In addition, the water supply and drain unit (170) may include a drain pipe (174) that communicates the external space of the clothing management device (100) and the water collection duct (160). A water supply control valve (172) and a drain control valve (not shown) capable of opening or closing the valve may be provided in the water supply pipe (171) and the drain pipe (174). When the water supply control valve (172) is closed, water may not be supplied to the clothing care device (100) from an external water source. When the drain control valve is closed, condensate may not be drained to the outside of the clothing care device (100) through the drain pipe (174). That is, the user may open the water supply control valve (172) when he / she wants to supply water to the clothing care device (100) from an external water source, and may close the water supply control valve (172) when he / she wants to store water in the water tank (190) for use. In addition, the user may open the drain control valve when he / she wants to directly drain the condensate to the outside of the clothing care device (100), and may close the drain control valve when he / she wants to store the condensate in the drain tank (180) for use. In this way, the clothing management device (100) according to the present disclosure can coexist with a manual water supply / drainage method and an automatic water supply / drainage method, so the water supply / drainage method can be set manually or automatically according to the user's choice.

[0158] Meanwhile, while various embodiments have been described above with reference to a clothing management device, the above-described embodiments may also be applied to other types of devices that require a configuration for supplying or discharging water. For example, embodiments identical or similar to the above-described embodiments may be applied to shoe management devices that store and manage various types of shoes. Furthermore, embodiments identical or similar to the above-described embodiments may be applied to dehumidifiers that discharge water even without needing to be supplied with water, and humidifiers that require being supplied with water.

[0159] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been individually described above, each embodiment does not necessarily have to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0160] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the clothing management device, cabinet; A processing room provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing; and Including a machine room provided on one side of the above processing room; The above machine room, A heat exchanger for dehumidifying and heating the air within the above treatment room; A steam generator for generating steam that is injected into the above treatment room; A collection duct in which condensate generated during the process of dehumidifying and heating the air can be stored; and A clothing care device, characterized by including a water supply and drainage unit for supplying water to the steam generator from an external water source or discharging the condensate stored in the water collection duct to the outside of the clothing care device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above steam generator, Provided on one side of the above collection duct, The above heat exchanger, Containing an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, The above evaporator and the above condenser are provided inside the above collection duct so as to be supported by the above collection duct, The above collection duct, A clothing management device, comprising a sump provided at the lower portion of the collection duct to store water discharged from the treatment room and the condensate.

3. In paragraph 2, The above water supply unit is, A water supply pipe connected to the above external water source; A water supply control valve provided in the water supply pipe to control whether or not the water is supplied; A water supply check valve provided in the water supply pipe to prevent backflow of the water within the water supply pipe; A drain pipe communicating with the above external space; and A clothing management device further comprising a drain pump provided in the drain pipe so that the condensate within the drain pipe is discharged to the external space.

4. In paragraph 3, The above water supply unit is, It further includes a mounting part on which the above water supply control valve and the above drainage pump are mounted; The above-mentioned anchorage is, A mounting plate supporting the above water supply control valve and the above drain pump; a side wall extending and bending from the above-mentioned mounting plate; and A clothing management device, comprising: a connector provided on the side wall to support the water supply pipe and the drain pipe.

5. In paragraph 3, The above water pipe, A first water supply pipe provided to connect the external water supply source and the water supply control valve; A second water supply pipe provided to connect the above water supply control valve and the above water supply check valve; A clothing management device, comprising a third water supply pipe provided to connect the water supply check valve and the steam generator.

6. In paragraph 3, The above drain pipe, A first drain pipe provided to connect the above external space and the above drain pump; A clothing management device, comprising: a second drain pipe provided to connect the drain pump and the sump.

7. In paragraph 5, The above steam generator, A clothing management device further comprising a mounting hole provided to enable the third water supply pipe to be connected.

8. In paragraph 5, The above water supply unit is, A clothing care device further comprising a water pump provided in the second water supply pipe to provide power to the water in the water supply pipe.

9. In paragraph 3, The above water supply unit is, A drainage tank provided on one side of the machine room so as to be separable from the machine room to receive and store the condensate stored in the sump; and A clothing care device further comprising a water supply tank arranged parallel to the drain tank and separable from the machine room for storing water supplied to the steam generator.

10. In paragraph 9, The above water supply unit is, A clothing care device further comprising a manual water supply pump provided at the lower side of the water supply tank to supply water from the water supply tank to the steam generator.

11. In paragraph 10, The above water supply unit is, A clothing management device further comprising a drain control valve provided in the drain pipe to control whether the condensate is drained from the sump to the drain pipe.

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