Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus in which auxiliary heat exchangers additionally provided in a condenser and an evaporator include: a first inlet pipe connected to a refrigerant pipe to communicate with a switching valve; and a second inlet pipe spaced apart from the first inlet pipe outside a plurality of heat exchange fins and connected to the refrigerant pipe to communicate with the expansion valve, and the overall diameter of the first inlet pipe is set larger than the overall diameter of the second inlet pipe.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a commercial garment treatment device capable of performing at least one of a washing cycle of removing foreign substances from garments using detergent and a drying cycle of sterilizing, removing wrinkles, deodorizing, and drying the garments by supplying steam or hot air to the garments.

[0002] In general, a garment treatment device performs any course of processing garments, and may include a washing machine that performs a washing cycle and a dryer that performs a drying cycle.

[0003] Normally, washing machines and dryers can be installed separately, but to overcome space constraints and provide convenience to users, a clothing treatment device that can perform washing and drying operations simultaneously has emerged.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional clothing treatment device capable of performing both washing and drying operations.

[0005] A conventional clothing treatment device could have a configuration of a washing machine that performs a washing cycle, including a cabinet (1), a tub (2) that receives water, a drum (3) that receives and rotates clothing, a driving unit (4) that is fixed to the tub (2) and rotates the drum (3), a support unit (5) that supports the tub (2), a water supply unit (6) that supplies water to the tub (2), and a drain unit (7) that drains water from the tub (2).

[0006] Additionally, the conventional clothing treatment device could additionally be equipped with a circulation unit (8) for circulating air from the tub (2) outside the tub (2) and a heating unit (9) installed in the circulation unit (8) to heat the air. Accordingly, by supplying hot air to the tub (2), a configuration of a dryer that performs a drying process could also be provided.

[0007] In particular, in order to avoid interference with the drainage section (7) and to secure sufficient volume for the circulation section (8) and heating section (9), the conventional clothing treatment device has the dryer component installed on top of the tub (2). As a result, the tub (2) is provided to support the dryer component, and as a result, stability in terms of vibration can be secured as if a load balancer such as cement was added to the tub (2).

[0008] In this way, the conventional clothing treatment device had the advantage of being able to selectively perform the washing and drying cycles according to the user's convenience by installing the entire configuration of the washing machine and the dryer inside the cabinet (1).

[0009] However, in the case of commercial clothing treatment equipment, it is common for it to be equipped to process a larger quantity of clothing than a home clothing treatment equipment or to process heavy clothing such as blankets.

[0010] Therefore, there was a problem that commercial garment processing equipment had to be larger than household garment processing equipment in order to accommodate heavy and bulky garments at once.

[0011] In this situation, if both the washing machine configuration and the dryer configuration were installed inside the cabinet of a commercial clothing handling device, there was a fundamental problem that the limited cabinet size could not secure a clothing capacity suitable for commercial use, or the cabinet restrictions were lifted, resulting in excessive volume and weight, making transportation and installation difficult.

[0012] In particular, commercial dryers must be made of bulky metal to accommodate the large volume of water required to process heavy, bulky clothes and to withstand the enormous vibrations generated when the drum rotates.

[0013] In a situation where the weight of the tub itself can be very heavy, if a dryer component such as a household clothes dryer is installed on top of the tub, there is a high possibility that the tub will not be stably supported.

[0014] Therefore, in the case of commercial clothes treatment equipment, it was necessary to change the way the dryer was arranged or combined with the washing machine configuration, unlike the conventional household clothes treatment equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, installing both a washing machine and a dryer in a commercial garment processing unit can lead to excessive bulkiness. However, locating the washing machine and dryer separately can result in space constraints due to the bulky units, and users have to move large quantities of clothing after washing them, which can be a hassle. Consequently, it's difficult to integrate a dryer into a washing machine in a commercial garment processing unit, and omitting a dryer from a washing machine is also undesirable.

[0016] Meanwhile, commercial garment processing equipment equipped with a dryer function is designed to dry a greater volume of clothing than household equipment. However, commercial garment processing equipment often takes too long to completely dry a large quantity of clothing, and at the beginning of the drying cycle, it often lacks sufficient energy to dry a large quantity of clothing. At the end of the drying cycle, a large amount of hot air is continuously supplied, but the amount of moisture being dried decreases rapidly, causing the refrigerant to overheat.

[0017] To address this, commercial garment treatment equipment could be equipped with an auxiliary heat exchanger in addition to the evaporator and condenser. Conventional commercial garment treatment equipment used the auxiliary heat exchanger as an evaporator at the beginning of the drying cycle to supply sufficient energy to the refrigerant, and as a condenser at the end of the drying cycle to prevent refrigerant overheating.

[0018] However, since the auxiliary heat exchanger is placed apart from the evaporator and condenser, there is a problem that the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator or condenser experiences an additional pressure drop in the process of passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0019] In particular, when an auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, if a pressure drop occurs in the auxiliary heat exchanger, the amount of energy absorbed by the auxiliary heat exchanger and the entire evaporator is low, excessive load occurs in the process of the compressor compressing the refrigerant to sufficient temperature and pressure, and the work (energy) required to perform the entire refrigerant cycle increases, which causes a problem of a significant decrease in the coefficient of performance.

[0020] Therefore, conventional commercial clothing treatment equipment had a fundamental problem of not being able to fully utilize the effects of using an auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of selectively installing a drying device for performing a drying cycle for drying clothes in a washing machine for performing a washing cycle.

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a clothes treatment device that can minimize the pressure drop occurring in an auxiliary heat exchanger when an auxiliary heat exchanger is additionally provided in addition to an evaporator and a condenser.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a clothes treatment device capable of maintaining the performance of an evaporator to absorb heat when an auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a clothes treatment device capable of preventing compressor overload when an auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0025] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a clothes treatment device capable of preventing pressure drop in an auxiliary heat exchanger even when the auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0026] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a clothes treatment device including a cabinet having an opening at the front through which clothes are introduced, a main body module including a drum disposed inside the cabinet in which clothes are stored, a case, a flow path forming part configured to form a flow path for guiding air received inside the case and discharged outside the cabinet back into the cabinet, an evaporator disposed inside the flow path forming part for cooling the air, a condenser for heating the air passing through the evaporator, a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the condenser, an auxiliary heat exchanger disposed outside the flow path forming part for receiving the refrigerant passing through the condenser, an expansion valve for cooling the refrigerant passing through the condenser, and a switching valve for determining whether to selectively supply the refrigerant passing through the condenser to the expansion valve and the auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0027] The auxiliary heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange fins through which air outside the flow path forming part passes, a refrigerant pipe provided to pass through the plurality of heat exchange fins and through which refrigerant transferred from the switching valve or the expansion valve moves, a first inlet / outlet pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe outside the plurality of heat exchange fins and communicating with the switching valve, and a second inlet / outlet pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe spaced apart from the first inlet / outlet pipe outside the plurality of heat exchange fins and communicating with the expansion valve, and the overall diameter of the first inlet / outlet pipe may be set larger than the overall diameter of the second inlet / outlet pipe.

[0028] The number of the above first entrances and exits may be set to be greater than the number of the above second entrances and exits.

[0029] A plurality of the above first inlet and outlet pipes can be branched from one of the above refrigerant pipes and joined together.

[0030] A plurality of the above first inlet and outlet pipes can be respectively connected to a plurality of the above refrigerant pipes.

[0031] The first entrance and exit pipes and the second entrance and exit pipes are provided in the same number, and the diameter of the first entrance and exit pipe may be provided to be larger than the diameter of the second entrance and exit pipe.

[0032] The auxiliary heat exchanger further includes an exchange duct having an inlet portion for accommodating the heat exchange fins and guiding the air to the heat exchange fins and an outlet portion for discharging the air that has passed through the heat exchange fins, and the first inlet and outlet pipe may be arranged closer to the outlet portion than the second inlet and outlet pipe.

[0033] The above auxiliary heat exchanger further includes an exchange duct having an inlet portion for accommodating the heat exchange fins and guiding the air to the heat exchange fins and an outlet portion for discharging the air that has passed through the heat exchange fins, and an auxiliary fan coupled to the exchange duct for moving the air from the inlet portion to the outlet portion, wherein the first inlet pipe may be arranged closer to the auxiliary fan than the second inlet pipe.

[0034] The case further includes a moving pipe for moving the refrigerant discharged from the first inlet / outlet pipe to the switching valve, and the diameter of the first inlet / outlet pipe may be set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the moving pipe.

[0035] The above switching valve may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the expansion valve when the compressor starts to operate, and the second inlet and outlet pipe may be provided so that the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve is introduced, and the first inlet and outlet pipe may be provided so that the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchange fin is discharged.

[0036] The above switching valve may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the expansion valve until the compressor reaches or maintains the maximum RPM during operation.

[0037] The above switching valve may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe at least once during the process in which the compressor is decelerated from the maximum RPM.

[0038] The above switching valve may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe when the compressor is kept running at a low RPM lower than the maximum RPM.

[0039] The present invention has the effect of selectively installing a drying device that performs a drying cycle for drying clothes in a washing machine that performs a washing cycle.

[0040] The present invention has the effect of minimizing the pressure drop occurring in the auxiliary heat exchanger when an auxiliary heat exchanger is additionally provided in addition to the evaporator and condenser.

[0041] The present invention has the effect of enabling the evaporator to maintain its heat absorption performance when the auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0042] The present invention has the effect of preventing compressor overload when an auxiliary heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional clothing treatment device capable of performing both washing and drying operations.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention is separated / combined.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates the washing machine body of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates a structure in which a door can be installed in a tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 illustrates the door structure of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 illustrates the internal structure of the tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 illustrates the drum appearance of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 9 illustrates the back of the drum of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 10 illustrates the combined structure of the drum and tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates the rear of the tub of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 12 illustrates the support structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 13 illustrates the detailed structure of the support part of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 14 illustrates the joint structure of the tub and support of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 15 illustrates the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 illustrates a detailed example of the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 illustrates the structure of the bearing housing.

[0060] Figure 18 illustrates a water supply unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 19 illustrates the drainage section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 20 illustrates the relationship between the drainage section and the circulation section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 21 illustrates the circulation section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 22 illustrates the drying module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 23 illustrates the structure of the euro-forming part of the drying module of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 24 illustrates a refrigerant circuit including an auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 25 illustrates the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment in which the auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention operates.

[0069] Figure 27 illustrates a specific structural example of the front panel.

[0070] Figure 28 illustrates a structure for moving air introduced into the case of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 29 illustrates the flow path relationship between the front panel and the auxiliary heat exchanger blower fan.

[0072] Figure 30 illustrates the difference in performance between the case where the auxiliary heat exchanger is omitted and the case where the auxiliary heat exchanger is provided in the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 31 illustrates a case where a pressure drop occurs in an auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0074] Figures 32 and 33 illustrate an embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0075] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate another embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 36 illustrates another embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 37 illustrates an example of changing the settings of an auxiliary heat exchanger according to the drying process.

[0078] Figure 38 illustrates a case where the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a commercial dryer.

[0079] Figure 39 illustrates a detailed structural example in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a commercial dryer.

[0080] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical or similar components are given identical or similar reference numerals even in different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced with the first description. The singular expression used in this specification includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification should not be construed as being limited by the attached drawings.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 2(a), the garment treatment device (10) of the present invention may include a main body module (100) for treating garments. The main body module (100) may be equipped to perform a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from the garments using water and detergent.

[0083] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a drying module (1000) coupled to the main body module (100). The drying module (1000) may be provided to supply hot air into the interior of the main body module (100).

[0084] The above main body module (100) may be equipped to perform a drying process capable of removing moisture from the clothing when the above drying module (1000) is combined.

[0085] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can utilize the main body module (100) as a washing machine when the main body module (100) is independently provided, and can utilize the main body module (100) as both a washing machine and a dryer when the main body module (100) and the drying module (1000) are provided together.

[0086] As a result, depending on the user's situation and choice, only the main body module (100) may be installed, or the drying module (1000) may be installed by combining it with the main body module (100).

[0087] In particular, when the main body module (100) is equipped to process a large amount of clothes, such as a commercial clothes treatment device, and thus has a larger overall volume than a home clothes treatment device, the option to selectively combine the drying module (1000) may be more useful to any user who may have installation space constraints.

[0088] In addition, since the drying module (1000) is provided separately from the main body module (100), the size, volume, and weight of the main body module (100) can be prevented from becoming excessive, and the process of manufacturing the main body module (100) and the drying module (1000) and the process of installing or transporting the main body module (100) and the drying module (1000) can also be facilitated.

[0089] The above main body module (100) may be coupled with a control panel (140) that receives a command to process clothes or displays a status. The control panel (140) may be provided to receive an arbitrary course that allows the main body module (100) to perform a washing or drying process.

[0090] The above control panel (140) may be equipped with a touch panel or a rotary knob, and may be equipped with any configuration as long as it can receive commands from the user or display the status of the main body module (100) to the user.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 2(b), the main body module (100) may include a cabinet (110) forming the exterior.

[0092] The above cabinet (110) may include a front panel (111) that forms at least a portion of the front of the main body module (100) and forms an opening through which clothes are taken in and out, and a door (120) that opens and closes the opening.

[0093] Meanwhile, various electrical appliances capable of processing clothes may be accommodated within the cabinet (110). Therefore, in order to easily repair or replace the electrical appliances, the clothes processing device of the present invention may further include a cover panel (112) positioned lower than the front panel (111) and forming a portion of the front of the cabinet (100). The cover panel (112) may be detachably provided lower than the door (120).

[0094] Accordingly, even if a wall or other home appliance is placed on the side of the cabinet (110), the cover panel (112) can be separated and attached without being affected by this. When the cover panel (112) is separated, the components placed inside the cabinet (100) can be checked, repaired, and replaced even without separating the door (120).

[0095] The above drying module (1000) is mounted and provided in the cabinet (110) and may include a case (1100) forming an exterior.

[0096] The above case (1100) can be mounted on the upper part of the cabinet (110).

[0097] The case (1100) above can accommodate a passage through which air inside the main body module (100) can circulate, and an electrical component that heats the air.

[0098] The above case (1100) may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, and a front door (1150) that is rotatably provided on the front panel (1110) to expose the front panel (1110) or the inside of the case (1100).

[0099] The above front door (1150) not only serves to protect the internal components of the case (1100), such as the control panel installed on the front panel (1110), but is also made of the same material as the cabinet (110) to provide a sense of unity with the main body module (100).

[0100] The above cabinet (110) may be provided to support the above drying module (1000).

[0101] The cabinet (110) may be provided to support the entire load of the drying module (1000). Accordingly, the main body module (100) can prevent the load of the drying module (1000) from being applied to components within the cabinet (110), and can also block vibrations generated within the cabinet (110) from being transmitted to the drying module (1000).

[0102] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention is separated / combined.

[0103] The above drying module (1000) can be detachably coupled to the cabinet (110). As a result, the drying module (1000) can be coupled to or separated from the cabinet (110) as needed.

[0104] When the drying module (1000) is separated from the cabinet (110), the main body module (100) can fully perform the function of a washing machine, and when the drying module (100) is combined with the cabinet (110), the main body module (100) can also perform the function of a dryer.

[0105] The above cabinet (110) may further include a side panel (113) that is coupled to the rear of the front panel (111) and extends rearward to form a side, and a rear panel (114) that is coupled to the back surface of the side panel (113) to form a back surface.

[0106] The above cabinet (110) may further include a fixed frame (116) capable of fixing the positions of two side panels (113).

[0107] The above fixed frame (116) is arranged on the upper front side of the side panel (113) and is connected to the side panel (113) on both sides, thereby fixing the side panel (113).

[0108] The above fixed frame (116) provides an area in the front where the front panel (111) can be fixed, and a configuration to which the front panel (111) can be combined can be installed.

[0109] The above fixed frame (116) may be provided to support components that must be exposed on the front of the cabinet (110), such as a detergent box, a control panel, and a coin slot.

[0110] The front panel (111) can be detachably provided on at least one of the fixed frame (116) and the side panel (113).

[0111] An upper panel forming the upper surface of the cabinet (110) can be combined on the upper portions of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

[0112] The upper panel can be detachably connected to the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

[0113] The upper panel can be connected to the upper portion of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114) when the drying module (1000) is not installed in the cabinet (110) to prevent the interior of the cabinet (110) from being exposed to the outside.

[0114] In addition, when the upper panel is separated from the cabinet (110), a space in which the drying module (1000) is installed can be formed on the upper portion of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

[0115] The cabinet (110) may have an upper step (H3) formed on the upper side so that the upper panel and the drying module (1000) can be stably installed.

[0116] When the upper panel or the drying module (1000) is installed on the upper part of the cabinet (110), it can be supported by the upper step (H3) and prevented from being detached from the cabinet (110).

[0117] The above upper step (H3) may be provided to protrude more than other parts on the upper periphery of the cabinet (110).

[0118] Alternatively, the upper step (H3) may be provided to be sunken more than other parts of the upper periphery of the cabinet (110).

[0119] For example, when the front panel (111) is coupled to the front of the side panel (113), the upper end of the front panel (111) may be coupled higher than the upper end of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3).

[0120] When the upper part of the front panel (111) forms an upper step (H3), the upper part of the fixed frame (116) can also be formed higher than the upper part of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3).

[0121] Even if the height of the front panel (111) is shorter than the height (H2) of the side panel (113), it can be joined to at least one of the side panel (113) and the fixed frame (116) at a position higher than the upper end of the side panel (113) to form the upper step (H3).

[0122] As a result, the sum (H1) of the height of the front panel (111) and the height of the cover panel (112) can be provided to be longer than the height (H2) of the side panel (113) by the length of the upper step (H3).

[0123] In addition, the height (H1) of the rear panel (114) may be provided to be longer than the height (H2) of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3). That is, the height (H1) of the rear panel (114) may be provided to be longer than the height of the side panel (H2) by the upper step (H3).

[0124] Accordingly, the upper portion of the front panel (111) and the upper portion of the rear panel (114) can form the upper step (H3). As a result, the upper portion of the front panel (111) and the upper portion of the rear panel (114) can support the upper panel or the front and rear portions of the lower portion of the case (1100).

[0125] This is only an example, and the upper step (H3) may be provided in any shape and any position as long as it can stably fix at least one of the case (1100) and the upper panel. For example, the upper step (H3) may be formed by the upper end of the front panel (111) and the upper end of the rear panel (114) being provided lower than the upper end of the side panel (113). In this case, the upper step (H3) may be provided by being recessed at the upper periphery of the cabinet (110).

[0126] The case (1100) of the above drying module may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, side panels (1120) extending rearward from both ends of the front panel (1110), a rear panel (1130) provided to connect the back surfaces of the side panels (1120) to each other, and an upper panel (1140) coupled to the upper surfaces of the front panel (1110), the side panels (1120), and the rear panel (1130).

[0127] The width of the front panel (1110) may be provided to correspond to the width of the front panel (110), the length of the side panel (1120) may be provided to correspond to the length of the side panel (113), and the width of the rear panel (1130) may be provided to correspond to the width of the rear panel (114).

[0128] The lower surface of the case (1100) and the upper surface of the cabinet (110) can be combined without any space separating them in the upper, lower, left, and right directions.

[0129] For example, the lower part of the case (1100) and the upper part of the cabinet (110) may be provided in a shape that can be combined or interlocked with each other.

[0130] For example, when the case (1100) is installed in the cabinet (110), the cabinet (110) and the case (1100) can be arranged in parallel as one plane without any steps in the height direction, and an effect similar to that of the case (1100) extending vertically from the cabinet (110) can be produced.

[0131] Additionally, moisture or external air can be prevented from entering through the area where the case (1100) and the cabinet (110) are combined.

[0132] The above case (1100) may be provided with a lower step (H5) on the lower surface that can be installed on the upper step (H3) of the cabinet (110).

[0133] The above lower step (H5) may be provided in a shape that can be engaged with the upper step (H3) of the commercial building.

[0134] When the case (1100) is mounted on the cabinet (110), the lower step (H5) can be supported by the upper step (H3). For example, the lower step (H5) can be provided to contact or engage with both ends of the upper step (H3).

[0135] If the upper step (H3) is provided so as to protrude, the lower step (H5) may be provided so as to be recessed by the length by which the upper step (H3) protrudes. Alternatively, if the upper step (H3) is provided so as to be recessed, the lower step (H5) may be provided so as to be recessed by the depth by which the upper step (H3) is recessed.

[0136] For example, the lower step (H5) may be formed and provided such that the lower end of the front panel (1110) is positioned higher than the lower end of the side panel (1120).

[0137] The height (H3) of the front panel (1110) may be provided to be shorter than the height (H4) of the side panel (1120) by a lower step (H5). In addition, the height (H6) of the rear panel (1130) may be provided to be shorter than the height (H4) of the side panel (1120) by a lower step (H5). As a result, the lower step (H5) may be formed at the front lower portion and the rear lower portion of the case (1100), respectively.

[0138] When the case (1100) is installed in the cabinet (110), the upper step (H3) and the lower step (H5) are engaged, so that the upper step (H3) is supported between the side panels (1120) of the case (1100), and the case (1100) can be prevented from falling over.

[0139] Meanwhile, the thickness of the upper step (H3) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the thickness of the upper panel.

[0140] The front panel (1110) may be provided with a filter communication hole (1111) that communicates with the inside of the case (11000). The filter communication hole (1111) may be provided so that a filter provided inside the drying module (1000) may be introduced or removed.

[0141] The front panel (1110) may further include a filter door (1113) that opens and closes the filter communication hole (1111). The filter door (1113) is rotatably coupled to one side of the filter communication hole (1111) to selectively open the filter communication hole (1111).

[0142] The front panel (1110) may further include an internal ventilation hole (1112) capable of sucking in external air. The internal ventilation hole (1112) may be provided so as to penetrate the front panel (1110) and be spaced apart from the filter ventilation hole (1111). The internal ventilation hole (1112) may be provided so as to introduce external air into the case (1100).

[0143] The above case (1100) may include a front door (1150) that is placed in front of the front panel (1110) and covers the front panel (1100).

[0144] The above front door (1150) can be rotatably coupled to the upper panel (1140) or the front panel (1110) to prevent components such as the internal communication hole (1112) and the filter door (1113) arranged on the front panel (1110) from being exposed to the outside.

[0145] The front panel (1110) may further include a control communication hole (1115) that is spaced apart from the internal communication hole (1112) and the filter communication hole (1111) to communicate the interior, and a rotating body (1114) that opens and closes the control communication hole (1115).

[0146] The above front door (1150) may be provided with an area equal to or larger than the area of ​​the front panel (1110).

[0147] The front door (1150) may be rotatably provided in front of the upper panel (1140) or on the upper portion of the front panel (1110). Thus, in the absence of external force, the front panel (1110) is automatically shielded, thereby preventing the front panel (1110) from being arbitrarily exposed to the outside.

[0148] Figure 4 illustrates the washing machine body of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0149] The above main body module (100) may include a tub (200) accommodated inside the cabinet (110) to store water, a support member (300) that supports the tub (200) inside the cabinet (110), a drum (400) accommodated inside the tub (200) to accommodate clothes, a driving member (500) coupled to the tub (200) or the support member (300) to rotate the drum (400), a water supply member (600) that supplies water to the tub (200), and a drain member (700) that drains water accommodated in the tub (200) to the outside of the cabinet (110).

[0150] The above tub (200) is provided in a cylindrical shape, and may be provided with a material having greater rigidity than resin so as to be able to withstand the weight and vibration of a large amount of clothing and water. For example, it may be provided with a metal material.

[0151] It can be provided in a cylindrical shape to be accommodated in the tub (200) between the above drums (400).

[0152] The above drum (400) may also be made of metal so as to stably rotate a large amount of clothing while containing a large amount of water.

[0153] When the drum (400) rotates, the vibration generated can be transmitted to the tub (200) due to the water and clothing. At this time, since the tub (200) itself is made of a metal material, it is heavier than when it is made of a resin series, and therefore the vibration amplitude or vibration energy generated by the tub (200) can be greater than that of a home clothing treatment device.

[0154] Accordingly, the support member (300) may be provided to support the lower part of the tub (200) so that the tub (200) can be stably supported inside the cabinet (110) even when the tub (200) vibrates, as well as to support the heavy tub (200).

[0155] The above support member (300) can support the above tub (200) by fixing it thereon.

[0156] For example, the support member (300) may be provided to contact the periphery of the lower surface of the tub (200) and support the tub (200), and may be provided to support the tub (200) while receiving at least a portion of the lower portion of the tub (200).

[0157] The above support member (300) may be provided to support the lower part of the tub (200) in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0158] The support member (300) may be coupled or fixed to the tub (200) at a portion where the tub (200) is mounted. As a result, the support member (300) may vibrate and move together with the tub (200).

[0159] The above body module (100) may further include a load member (800) that can reduce the amplitude of vibration occurring in the tub (200) or attenuate vibration. The load member (800) may be installed on the support member (300).

[0160] Accordingly, the load member (800) can be provided with sufficient area and volume to secure a large load without being limited by the shape or size of the tub (200). As a result, the load member (800) can effectively dampen vibrations generated in the tub (200) by adding a heavier weight to the tub (200) and the support member (300).

[0161] When the above main body module (100) is combined with the above drying module (1000), it may further include a communication part (2000) that connects the inside of the drying module (1000) and the tub (200).

[0162] The above-mentioned communication part (2000) may be coupled to the tub (200) and may be provided to guide hot air generated in the drying module (1000) into the inside of the tub (200).

[0163] The above-mentioned connecting portion (2000) can protrude further toward the upper portion of the cabinet (110) when coupled to the tub (200). As a result, it can be easily coupled to the flow path forming portion (1200) formed inside the case (1100).

[0164] The above-mentioned communication part (2000) can be detachably provided on the tub (200). Accordingly, when the drying module (1000) is not installed on the main body module (100), the communication part (2000) can be separated and removed from the tub (200).

[0165] The above main body module (100) can install a door (120) that opens and closes the inlet of the tub (200) in the tub (200).

[0166] When the door (120) is coupled to the cabinet (110) to open and close the inlet of the tub (200), vibration generated in the tub (200) may be transmitted to the door (120) and the cabinet (110). In this case, since the tub (200) is made of a metal material and is heavy in itself, and a large amount of water and clothing is stored in the tub (200), there is a risk that the door (120) and the cabinet (110) may not be able to stably support the shock or vibration transmitted from the tub (200) or may be damaged.

[0167] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can install the door (120) in the tub (200). As a result, the door (120) can move integrally with the tub (200), and as a result, the door (120) can be prevented from being arbitrarily separated from the tub (200) or the door (120) from being damaged by the tub (200).

[0168] In addition, since the position where the door (120) opens and closes the inlet of the tub (200) is always maintained, even if the tub (200) vibrates excessively, the door (120) can stably seal the inlet of the tub (200).

[0169] Figure 5 illustrates a structure in which a door can be installed in a tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0170] The above tub (200) may include a cylindrical tub body (210) that is mounted on the support (300) to store water, and a front body (220) that is provided at the front of the tub body (210) to form an inlet (221).

[0171] Not only the above tub body (210), but also the front body (220) is made of metal to ensure rigidity that can stably support the door (120).

[0172] The front body (220) may be formed by having an inlet (221) pass through it. The front body (220) may be provided in the shape of a ring or disc with a diameter corresponding to that of the tub body (210).

[0173] The front body (220) and the tub body (210) can be connected through a tub coupling part (280). The tub coupling part (280) can include a tub strap (281) arranged along the circumference of the tub body (210) and the front body (220), and an adjustment part (282) that can apply tensile force to both ends of the tub strap (281).

[0174] When the outer surface of the front body (220) and the outer surface of the tub body (210) are placed in close contact with each other, the tub strap (281) can be placed along the overlapping portion of the front body (220) and the tub body (210), and the adjusting part (282) can tighten both ends of the tub strap (281) to compress the front body (220) and the tub body (210). As a result, the bonding force between the front body (220) and the tub body (210) can be maintained.

[0175] The above tub strap (281) may be made of a metal material to maintain rigidity and durability, and may be provided in multiple pieces. The above adjustment part (282) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of tub straps (281) so as to apply tensile force to the tub strap (281) by connecting both ends of the tub strap (281).

[0176] Meanwhile, in the case where the front body (220) is provided with a structure that is coupled to the tub body (210), it may be difficult to form an additional structure for installing the door (120) on the front body (220). In addition, even if the front body (220) is provided with a metal material, in order to support the load of the door (120) and vibration or external force transmitted from the door (120), the front body (220) may need to be provided with an excessive thickness or be provided with a material having greater rigidity than the tub body (210).

[0177] In consideration of this, the tub (200) may further include a door holder (240) that is coupled to the front body (220) and can support the door (120).

[0178] The door holder (240) may be provided separately from the front body (220) and may be designed to have a structure capable of withstanding vibrations or external forces transmitted from the door (120). In addition, the door holder (240) may be provided with a material having greater rigidity or thickness than the front body (220).

[0179] The above door holder (240) may include a holder body (241) that provides an area in which the door (120) is coupled and supported, and one or more fixed ribs (245) that extend from the holder body (241) and are coupled to the front body (220).

[0180] The above holder body (241) may be provided with a holder insertion port (244) in the center that communicates with the insertion port (221).

[0181] The holder body (241) above is provided with a hinge installation part (249) on one side of the holder insertion port (244) in which a hinge for rotatably connecting the door (120) can be installed, and on the other side, at least one of a fastening hole (242) through which a hook for temporarily fixing the door (120) passes, or a locking hole (243) through which a hook for locking the door (120) to prevent it from being opened can be arranged.

[0182] Accordingly, the door (120) can be detachably connected to the holder body (241). That is, the door (120) is rotatably provided on the tub (200), and can open and close the inlet (221) while being detachably connected to the door holder (240).

[0183] The above holder body (241) may be provided with a thickness such that the hinge that fixes the door (120) can make surface contact.

[0184] The above fixed rib (245) can be formed integrally with the holder body (241).

[0185] The above fixed rib (245) can be formed by bending on the outer surface of the holder body (241).

[0186] The above fixed rib (245) can be bent from the holder body (241) and joined to the front of the front body (220).

[0187] If the above-mentioned fixed rib (245) can fix the holder body (241) to the front body (220), the above-mentioned fixed rib (245) may be bent at any angle on the outer surface of the holder body (241). For example, the above-mentioned fixed rib (245) may extend vertically from the holder body (241).

[0188] As a result, the fixed rib (245) can be extended in a direction different from one side of the holder body (241), so that the door holder (240) can be formed into a three-dimensional structure. In addition, the fixed rib (245) can dampen vibrations like a cantilever. As a result, the door holder (240) can buffer vibrations or external forces transmitted from the door (120) or from the tub (200) to the door (120), and the supporting force capable of supporting vibrations and external forces can be strengthened.

[0189] The holder body (241) may have an outer surface formed in a polygonal shape to facilitate the bending of the fixing rib (245). For example, the holder body (241) may be formed in a hexagonal or octagonal shape. The fixing rib (245) may be formed in a rectangular shape extending from each corner of the holder body (241).

[0190] The above door holder (240) may include an upper surface (246) through which a communication portion (2000) to be described later passes, on the upper portion of the holder body (241). The above door holder (240) may include a lower surface (247) through which a portion of a circulation portion (650) or a drain portion (700) to be described later passes.

[0191] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a door lock (130) that locks the door (120) to prevent the door from being opened arbitrarily. The door holder (240) may further include an installation space (248) on the back surface of the holder body (241) where the door lock (130) is installed.

[0192] The above fixed rib (245) is arranged along the perimeter of the holder body (241), but installation may be omitted in a portion corresponding to one or more of the upper opening (246), the lower opening (247), and the installation space (248).

[0193] The above-mentioned inlet (221) may be provided as a through hole penetrating the front body (220). Alternatively, the inlet (221), as illustrated, may be provided in a cylindrical or ring shape protruding forward from the front body (220). Accordingly, the area facing the door (120) and the inlet (221) can be increased, thereby preventing water or clothing from leaking out of the inlet (221).

[0194] An air inlet or inlet (260) through which air can flow into the inside of the tub (200) may be formed by cutting into the upper portion of the above inlet (221).

[0195] The upper surface (246) may be provided so as to expose the inlet (260) upward.

[0196] The front body (220), the inlet (221), and the door holder (240) are all made of metal, and since the structure that connects them is sharp or there is a possibility of current leakage, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a door cover (250) that can shield the door holder (240) and the front body (220) from the front.

[0197] The above door cover (250) may be made of a different material from the door holder (240) and the front body (220). For example, it may be made of a resin series or an insulating material.

[0198] The above door cover (250) is placed in front of the door holder (240) and may be provided as a ring-shaped plate that exposes the inside of the input port (221).

[0199] The above door cover (250) may be provided with a diameter larger than that of the door holder (240). This prevents not only the door holder (240) but also all components positioned behind the door holder (240) from being exposed to the outside of the front panel (111).

[0200] The above door cover (250) may include a cover body (251) having a ring shape and shielding the door holder (240), and a cover inlet (254) positioned at the center of the cover body (251) and communicating with the inlet (221).

[0201] The cover body (251) may be formed on one side of the cover insertion port (254) with a cover fastening hole (252) through which a fastening member fastened to the door holder (240) passes, and a cover locking hole (253) through which a locking member fastened to the door lock (130) passes.

[0202] In addition, the cover body (251) may be provided with a mounting portion (255) on which a hinge (129) coupled to the door holder (240) is mounted based on the cover insertion port (254).

[0203] The above hinge (129) is connected to the fixing member (255) through a fastening member, and can be supported and fixed to the hinge installation part (249) provided in the door holder (240).

[0204] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a control unit (150) mounted on the rear panel (114) and capable of controlling at least one of the main body module (100) and the drying module (1000). The control unit (150) may be provided to receive power from an external power source and send commands to the electrical components so that the main body module (100) performs a washing cycle capable of washing clothes and a drying cycle capable of drying clothes.

[0205] The above control unit (150) can also recognize whether the drying module (1000) is coupled to the main body module (100).

[0206] Meanwhile, the tub (200) may further include an air outlet or outlet (270) provided in the tub body (210) to discharge air.

[0207] The above outlet (270) may be positioned further back than the above inlet (260).

[0208] The outlet (270) may be positioned closer to the rear of the drum (400) than to the front. For example, the outlet (270) may be positioned rearward of the drum (400), and may be positioned so that at least a portion of it faces the rear of the drum (400). Accordingly, air drawn in through the inlet (260) may pass through the drum (400) and be discharged through the outlet (270).

[0209] Figure 6 illustrates the door structure of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0210] The door (120) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may include an outer frame (121) that is formed to be larger than the area of ​​the inlet (221) and is exposed to the outside, an inner frame (122) that is coupled to the outer frame (122) to open and close the inlet (221), and a hinge part (129) that is coupled to either the inner frame or the outer frame to rotate the door (120) with respect to the tub (200).

[0211] The inner frame (122) and the outer frame (121) may have a through hole formed through the center to expose the inside of the inlet (221), and the door (120) may further include an inner glass (124) that is coupled between the inner frame (122) and the outer frame (121) to shield the through hole but allow light to pass through.

[0212] The inner glass (124) may be provided in a form that protrudes rearward so that it can be inserted into the input port (221) to move the clothes moving toward the input port (221) back into the drum (400).

[0213] The above door (120) is placed in front of the outer frame (121) so as to shield the internal space of the inner glass (124) and may further include a window (123) through which light can pass.

[0214] The door (120) may further include a frame coupling portion (126) that is coupled to the outer surface of the outer frame (121), the inner frame (122), and the window (123) to couple the outer frame (121), the inner frame (122), and the window (123). The frame coupling portion (126) may be provided in a ring shape, and may be provided so as to accommodate the outer surface of the outer frame (121), the inner frame (122), and the window (123).

[0215] The inner frame (122) may include at least one of a fastening hook (128) that protrudes rearward and fixes the door (120) to the inlet (221), and a locking hook (129) that fixes the door (120) to the door lock (130).

[0216] The inner frame (122) may further be provided with a handle that can be gripped by a user's hand by having one side of the outer surface sunken toward the outer frame (121).

[0217] The above door (120) may include a sealing portion (125) that is installed on the inner surface of the inner frame (122) and is provided so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the inlet (221) to prevent water and clothing from leaking out of the inlet (221). The sealing portion (125) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the inlet (221).

[0218] The inner frame (122) may be provided with a protrusion on the inner surface to be inserted at least partially into the inner surface of the opening (1111), and the sealing portion (125) may be provided with an elastic material that is combined to surround the circumference of the protrusion.

[0219] Accordingly, the door (120) is fixed to the tub (200) based on the hinge portion (129), and can be detachably fixed to the tub (200) by one or more of the fastening hook (128) and the locking hook (129).

[0220] Figure 7 illustrates the internal structure of the tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0221] The above tub (200) may be provided to be mounted on the upper portion of the support member (300) and accommodate the drum (400).

[0222] The drum (400) may include a drum body (410) that is provided in a cylindrical shape that is rotatable inside the tub (200) and provides a space for storing clothes, a drum back surface (430) that is coupled to the rear of the drum body (410) and connected to a driving unit (500) described later, a drum front surface (420) that is coupled to the front of the drum body (410) and has a drum inlet that communicates with the inlet (221), and a lifter (440) that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the drum body (410) and lifts the clothes.

[0223] The above lifter (440) can be stably fixed to the drum body (410) even when supporting a large amount of clothing, so that both ends can be connected to the front surface (420) of the drum and the back surface (430) of the drum.

[0224] Accordingly, the lifter (440) can be fixed to the drum front (420) and the drum back (430) by means of a bolt-like connecting member (443) at both ends. Accordingly, not only can the lifter (440) be firmly fixed to the drum (400), but the bonding strength between the drum body (410), the drum front (420), and the drum back (430) can also be strengthened.

[0225] Since the drum (400) can rotate with a large amount of clothing loaded inside the tub (200), excessive vibration may occur during rotation. Therefore, the drum (400) may further include a balancer (460) capable of damping the vibration.

[0226] The above balancer (460) may be provided in a ring shape and may be provided to accommodate a ball / fluid, etc. that can compensate for the eccentricity of the clothing.

[0227] Figure 8 illustrates the drum appearance of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0228] The above drum body (410) may be provided with a through hole along the circumference so that water contained in the tub (200) can flow into it.

[0229] The drum front (420) may include a mounting surface (422) coupled to the inner surface of the drum body (410), a protruding surface (421) protruding forward from the mounting surface (422), and a drum inlet (423) provided on the inner surface of the protruding surface (421) and communicating with the inlet (221).

[0230] The front surface of the drum (420) may be provided to be sunken or protruded into the mounting surface (422) to which the coupling member (443) is coupled or may include a fastening portion (424) that can be coupled with the balancer (460).

[0231] The above-mentioned settling surface (422) provides a space in which the balancer (460) can be settling, and may be provided with a thickness that prevents the clothing from flowing out of the drum (400).

[0232] The above protruding surface (421) is arranged to face the inlet (221) and may have a diameter smaller than the inlet (221). The protruding surface (421) may be arranged so that at least a portion of it is accommodated within the inlet (221). As a result, even if the clothing is taken out from the drum inlet (423), it can be prevented from flowing out between the inlet (221) and the drum inlet (423).

[0233] The above balancer (460) may be provided to have a diameter that is larger than the inner surface of the mounting surface (422) and equal to or smaller than the outer surface of the mounting surface (422) or the inner surface of the drum body (410).

[0234] The above balancer (460) may include a front balancer (461) mounted on the front surface (420) of the drum, and a rear balancer (462) mounted on the back surface (430) of the drum. The front balancer (461) and the rear balancer (462) may be provided in the same form.

[0235] Figure 9 illustrates the back of the drum of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0236] Referring to Fig. 9(a), the drum back surface (430) can be connected to a driving unit (500) provided to rotate the drum (400).

[0237] The above driving unit (500) may include a rotation shaft (540) that rotates the drum (400), and the rotation shaft (540) may be coupled to the center of the back surface (430) of the drum.

[0238] The drum back surface (430) may be provided with a center that is sunken more than the rim. Accordingly, even if the rotational axis (540) is coupled to the center of the drum back surface (430), the drum back surface (430) can secure rigidity to support the rotational axis (540).

[0239] The drum back surface (430) may include a central portion (431) to which the rotation shaft (540) is coupled, a peripheral portion (432) provided on the outer surface of the central portion (431) to form the outer surface of the drum back surface (430), a rim (433) extending from the peripheral portion (432) and coupled to the drum body (410), a balancer fastening portion (434) provided in a recessed manner in the peripheral portion (432) and coupled to the balancer (460), and a lifter fixing portion (435) provided in the peripheral portion (432) to which the lifter (440) is fixed.

[0240] The central portion (431) may extend from the peripheral portion (432) to the rotation axis (540).

[0241] The above circumference (432) may be provided as a ring-shaped plate and may be provided with a width in which the balancer (460) can be installed.

[0242] The above-mentioned border (433) may be provided by being bent from the circumference (432) and extending toward the rear or side of the circumference (432). The border (433) is configured to be coupled to the drum body (410), and may increase the area where the drum body (410) and the drum back surface (430) are coupled.

[0243] The above balancer fastening portion (434) can be sunken or protruded into the circumference (432) to form a space in which the fastening structure of the balancer (460) can be installed.

[0244] The above lifter fixing part (435) can be connected by passing a fixing bolt (443) through it, and can be provided in a shape that can make surface contact with the end of the lifter (440).

[0245] Referring to Fig. 9(b), since the main body module (100) of the present invention is equipped as a commercial clothing treatment device, a large amount of clothing or heavy clothing can be accommodated in the drum (400).

[0246] Accordingly, the rotation shaft (540) may be provided with a large diameter to transmit sufficient rotational force to the drum (400), and the drum back surface (430) must be provided to be able to handle the rotational force transmitted from the rotation shaft (540).

[0247] The drum (400) above is provided with a relatively large diameter to accommodate a large amount of clothing or heavy clothing, and the diameter of the drum back surface (430) can also be formed to be larger than that of a drum applied to a general household dryer.

[0248] Even if the drum back surface (430) is made of metal, it may be difficult to support the rotational shaft (540) and the rotational force transmitted from the rotational shaft (540).

[0249] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a disk (450) that is coupled to the drum back surface (430) to further support the rotation shaft (540) in order to reinforce the rigidity of the drum back surface (430) and stably support the rotation shaft (540).

[0250] The above disk (450) may be provided in a circular shape, and may have a hole through which a rotation axis (540) passes through the center and which can be in surface contact with the outer surface of the rotation axis (540).

[0251] The disk (450) can have an outer circumferential surface that can be joined to the peripheral portion (432) and can be spaced apart from the central portion (431) because it is provided in a flat shape. Accordingly, the rotational shaft (540) can be supported in different areas by the central portion (541) and the disk (450). One end of the rotational shaft (540) can be joined to and supported by the central portion (451), and an area between one end and an end of the rotational shaft (540) can be supported by being in contact with the disk (450).

[0252] In addition, the central portion (431) and the disk (450) can distribute and transmit the rotational force transmitted from the rotational axis (540) to the back surface (430) of the drum.

[0253] The above disk (450) may be made of a material having greater rigidity or having a thicker thickness than the drum back surface (430). As a result, the disk (450) can further reinforce the rigidity of the drum back surface (430) while stably supporting the rotational shaft (540).

[0254] The above disk (450) may further include a disk body (451) that can be coupled to the circumference (431) while supporting the rotation axis (540), and a disk penetration hole (452) that communicates with the lifter fixing part (435) and through which a fixing bolt (443) can pass.

[0255] The above disk body (451) may be provided with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the circumference (431).

[0256] The above disk body (451) may be coupled so that at least a portion thereof is in surface contact with the circumference (432). Alternatively, the disk body (451) may be coupled to the lifter (440) and the lifter fixing member (435) by a fastening member when the lifter (440) is coupled to the drum rear surface (430).

[0257] Figure 10 illustrates the combined structure of the drum and tub of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0258] The drum front (420) and the front balancer (461) may be combined on the front side of the drum body (410), and the drum back (430), the disk (450), and the rear balancer (462) may be combined on the rear side of the drum body.

[0259] The above rotation shaft (540) can be coupled to the drum back surface (430) and the disk (450) and extend to the rear of the drum (400).

[0260] The above rotation axis (540) may be provided with a length longer than its diameter.

[0261] The above tub (200) and the above drum (400) can be assembled by inserting the drum (400) in a state where the front body (220) is separated from the tub body (210) and the rotary shaft (540) is connected.

[0262] With the above tub (200) secured to the support member (300), the drum (400) can be assembled by being inserted from the front to the rear inside the tub (200).

[0263] The above driving unit (500) may include a motor (510) mounted on the support unit (300) to rotate the rotation shaft (540), a bearing (570) coupled to the rear body (230) of the tub (200) to rotatably support the rotation shaft (540), a bearing housing (550) that rotatably supports the bearing (570) and provides a space in which the bearing (570) is installed, and a bearing support unit (560) that fixes the bearing housing (550) to the tub (200). (See FIG. 15)

[0264] The bearing support member (560) may be fixedly coupled to the back surface of the rear body (230), and may extend from the center of the central portion (431) where the rotation shaft (540) is coupled toward the edge (433). For example, the bearing support member (560) may extend from the center through which the rotation shaft (540) passes in the tub (200) to the inner circumference of the rear body (230), and may be supported on the inner circumference of the rear body (230). Accordingly, the bearing support member (560) may not only support the load of the rotation shaft (540) and the bearing housing (550), but may also radially disperse the external force transmitted from the rotation shaft (540) in the rear body (230). In addition, the bearing support member (560) can stably support the rotation shaft (540) even when the rotation shaft (540) rotates with a strong torque or changes the rotation direction frequently so as to rotate the heavy drum (400), thereby preventing the tub (200) from being damaged or the rotation shaft (540) and the bearing housing (550) from being twisted.

[0265] Figure 11 illustrates the rear of the tub of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0266] The rear body (230) may include a shaft through hole (231) through which the rotation shaft (540) passes, and a mounting body (234) forming the outer surface of the back surface of the tub (200) or the outer surface of the rear body (230). The rear body (230) may include a mounting body (232) extending from the outer surface of the shaft through hole (231) toward the mounting body (234), and an extension body (233) extending from the outer surface of the mounting body (232) toward the mounting body (234).

[0267] The above-described mounting body (232) can form a space in which the center of the bearing housing (550) is mounted. The extension body (233) can extend obliquely from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body (232). For example, the extension body (233) can extend rearward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body (232). Accordingly, the mounting body (232) and the shaft through hole (231) are formed by being recessed in the rear body (230), so that rigidity capable of supporting the bearing support portion (560) can be secured, and the extension body (233) protrudes from the rear body (230) toward the outer circumferential surface, so that the volume of the tub (200) can be expanded.

[0268] The above mounting body (234) can be arranged in a ring shape along the outer circumference of the extension body (233), and can be provided so that the end of the bearing support part (560) can be supported.

[0269] The above rear body (230) may further include a support body (235) that is bent rearwardly from the mounting body (234) and further extended, or that is coupled to the outer surface of the mounting body (234) and extended rearwardly. The support body (235) may provide an area where the end of the bearing support part (560) can be mounted.

[0270] The above support member (300) may be provided to support the above tub (200).

[0271] The above support member (300) may include a base (310) supported on the ground, an elastic member (370) that supports the load of the tub (200) while buffering vibration of the tub (200), and a damper member (360) that attenuates vibration generated in the tub (200).

[0272] However, since the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a commercial garment treatment device, the diameter and volume of the tub (200) are very large, and the vibration energy and direction of vibration generated from the tub (200) may also vary. Therefore, directly supporting the tub (200) with the elastic member (370) and the damper member (360) may be unstable.

[0273] To this end, the support part (300) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include an upper support part (330) on which the tub (200) is mounted and which is supported by the elastic part (370) and the damper part (360).

[0274] The length (L) of the upper support portion (330) may be provided to be longer than or equal to the length (l) of the tub (200), and the width (D) of the upper support portion (330) may be provided to be equal to or smaller than the width (d) of the tub (200). The width (d) of the upper support portion (330) may be set to be larger than half of the total diameter (d) of the tub (200). As a result, the upper support portion (330) can secure an area capable of accommodating and supporting at least a portion of the tub (200).

[0275] The upper surface of the upper support member (330) may be provided with a shape corresponding to the lower curved surface of the tub (200), and the tub (200) may be supported by being seated on the upper portion of the upper support member (330). Accordingly, the upper support member (330) may support the tub (200) while preventing the tub (200) from being dislodged in the radial direction.

[0276] The above damper part (360) and the above elastic part (370) are coupled to the lower part of the upper support part (330) to buffer and attenuate vibration transmitted to the upper support part (330) and to buffer and attenuate vibration of the tub (200).

[0277] The above support member (300) may further include a lower support member (320) to stably transmit vibration and load transmitted from the damper (360) and the elastic member (370) to the base (310) and to secure a structure in which the damper member (360) and the elastic member (370) can be stably installed.

[0278] The lower support part (320) is positioned lower than the upper support part (330), thereby securing an area where the damper (360) and the elastic part (370) can be mounted.

[0279] The above lower support part (320) can be placed and secured to the base (310).

[0280] Since a damper part (360) and an elastic part (370) are installed on the lower support part (320) and a part of the lower support part (320) extends in the width direction, the shape of the base (310) can be freely designed.

[0281] For example, the base (310) may include a base body (312) having a U-shaped cross-section, extending in the front-back direction, and arranged on the left and right in multiple numbers, and a leg (311) that is coupled to the lower surface of the base body (312) to support the main body module (100).

[0282] Accordingly, the base (310) can stably support the main body module (100) with a small volume, and a space can be secured between the bases (310) into which a stand for transport equipment for transporting the garment treatment device can be inserted.

[0283] The above driving unit (500) can be mounted on either the upper support unit (320) or the lower support unit (330).

[0284] For example, the motor (510) of the driving unit (500) may be mounted on the upper support unit (320). The driving unit (500) may function as a load unit that applies an additional load to the upper support unit (320). As a result, the upper weight of the damper unit (360) and the elastic unit (370) becomes heavier, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude of the entire tub (200) and the upper support unit (330).

[0285] Figure 12 illustrates the support structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0286] The upper support member (330) may include a mounting plate (331) that can be supported by the elastic member (370).

[0287] The above-mentioned fixing plate (331) may be provided to transmit the load transmitted from the tub (200) to the elastic member (370).

[0288] The elastic members (370) may be arranged in multiple numbers to stably support the tub (200). The elastic members (370) may be arranged spaced apart in the width direction to support both sides of the tub (200). In addition, the elastic members (370) may be arranged spaced apart in the length direction to stably support the front and rear of the tub (200).

[0289] The above-mentioned settling plate (331) may be provided as a single plate so that it can be settling on the top of all elastic parts (370) provided in multiple pieces.

[0290] Alternatively, as illustrated, in order to reduce the weight of the mounting plate (331) itself and ensure the durability of the mounting plate (331) itself, the mounting plates (331) may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0291] A plurality of the above-described settling plates (331) may be arranged spaced apart from the center of the tub to the left and right, respectively, and the elastic member (370) arranged on the left may be provided to support the settling plate (331) arranged on the left, and the elastic member (370) arranged on the right may be provided to support the settling plate (331) arranged on the right.

[0292] The upper support member (330) may include a support plate (333) that is positioned on the upper portion of the mounting plate (331) and supports the tub (200) by making line or surface contact.

[0293] The above support plate (333) may be provided to support the lower portion of the tub (200). The tub (200) may be mounted on the upper portion of the support plate (333).

[0294] The support plate (333) may have an upper surface with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the tub body (210) so that the tub (200) on which it is installed does not come off due to vibration or separate from the tub (200). Accordingly, at least a portion of the lower portion of the tub body (210) can be accommodated in the upper portion of the support plate (333), and the support plate (333) can support at least a portion of the lower surface of the tub body (210) extending left and right from the lowermost portion as well as the lowermost portion of the tub body (210).

[0295] The above support plate (333) may be formed so that the upper center is positioned lowest and the upper ends are positioned highest. Accordingly, the support plate (333) can stably support the tub (210) in the width direction.

[0296] The above support plate (333) may be provided in a plate shape that extends in the width direction from the above mounting plate (331). The above support plates (333) may be provided in multiple pieces and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the tub body (210) or the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate (331) to support the tub body (210) from the front and rear, respectively.

[0297] Accordingly, even if the thickness of the support plate (333) is small, the tub body (210) can be stably supported in the front-rear direction.

[0298] The above support plate (333) is mounted on the above mounting plate (331), but may be arranged in a different number at the front than at the rear. For example, the support plates (333) may be arranged in greater numbers at the rear than at the front. Accordingly, the support plate (333) can stably support the load of the driving unit (500), such as the bearing housing (550) coupled to the rear of the tub (200).

[0299] The upper support portion (330) may include an extension plate (332) that extends upward from the outermost edge of the mounting plate (331) and supports both ends of the support plate (333).

[0300] The above extension plate (332) may extend upward from the outer surface of the above mounting plate (331). When the above mounting plates (331) are provided in multiple pieces, the number of extension plates (332) may also correspond to the number of mounting plates (331).

[0301] The above extension plate (332) can support both ends of the support plate (333) mounted on the upper portion of the above mounting plate (331), thereby preventing the support plate (333) from being dislodged to the left or right or from being deformed. In addition, when the support plates (333) are provided in multiple pieces, the multiple support plates (333) can be arranged so as not to be twisted in the front-back direction. As a result, the tub body (210) can be prevented from being twisted when mounted on the support plate (333).

[0302] The above extension plate (332) can be manufactured as one piece with the above mounting plate (331) and formed by being bent upward from the mounting plate (331).

[0303] The above lower plate (320) is positioned lower than the upper support part (330).

[0304] It may include an installation frame (324) that supports the lower end of the elastic member (370).

[0305] The above installation frame (324) can be provided to support all elastic parts (370).

[0306] Alternatively, as illustrated, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the installation frame (324) and ensure the durability of the installation frame (324), the installation frame (324) may be provided in multiple pieces.

[0307] For example, the above installation frame (324) may be arranged to be spaced to the left and right from the center of the tub, and the elastic member (370) arranged on the left may be supported by the installation frame (324) arranged on the left, and the elastic member (370) arranged on the right may be supported by the installation frame (324) arranged on the right.

[0308] The above installation frame (324) may be arranged to face the support plate (331). The length of the above installation frame (324) may be provided to correspond to the length of the support plate (331).

[0309] Since the load of the upper support part (330) and the tub (200) is supported by the installation frame (324) rather than the support plate (331), the width of the installation frame (324) is provided to be shorter than the width of the support plate (331) to ensure durability and rigidity.

[0310] The lower support member (320) may further include an extension frame (322) that extends downward from one side of the installation frame (324) and is supported by the base (310) so as to allow the installation frame (324) to be spaced higher than the base (310).

[0311] Due to the extension frame (322), the installation frame (324) can be positioned higher than the base (310). As a result, the length of the elastic member (370) is prevented from becoming excessively long, and the elastic member (370) can support the load of the upper support member (330) and the tub (200) with stronger rigidity and elasticity.

[0312] The above extension frame (332) may be arranged parallel to the outer surface of the base body (312) or may be arranged further outward.

[0313] The lower support member (320) may further include a support frame (321) that extends from the extension frame (322) and is secured to the base (310) in the width direction so as to stably support the extension frame (322).

[0314] The above support frame (321) may be provided to be the same width as or wider than the base body (312). As a result, the support frame (321) is not only stably supported by the base body (312), but also an area supported by a mounting portion of a transportation means inserted between a plurality of the base bodies (312) can be secured.

[0315] The above lower support member (320) may further include a connecting frame (323) that connects at least one of the installation frame (324), extension frame (322), and support frame (321) in the width direction, which are arranged spaced apart from each other on both sides.

[0316] The above connecting frame (323) can be connected to at least one of the front and rear ends of the installation frame (324), the extension frame (322), and the support frame (321) to reinforce the rigidity of the lower support part (320).

[0317] The above connecting frame (323) is placed at the front and rear ends of the installation frame (324), the extension frame (322), and the support frame (321), respectively, and can extend in the width direction.

[0318] The side surface of the above connecting frame (323) is arranged to face the front and rear surfaces of the extension frame (322), and the lower surface of the above connecting frame (323) can be arranged to face either the front or rear surfaces of the support frame (321).

[0319] Both ends of the above connecting frame (323) may be provided with a height thicker than the center.

[0320] The above damper part (360) may be provided so that it can be joined to the lower support part (320) and fixed to the upper support part (330).

[0321] The above damper part (360) may include at least one of a support damper (361) that supports both front and rear sides of the tub (200) and a buffer damper (362) that attenuates vibration in the front and rear direction of the tub (200).

[0322] The above support dampers (361) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be placed in front and rear of the lower support part (320) and the upper support part (330), respectively.

[0323] The above support damper (361) is connected at one end to the front or rear of the lower support part (320) and at the front or rear of the upper support part (330) to support the load of the tub (200) and damp vibration.

[0324] The above support damper (361) can be connected at one end to both sides of the connecting frame (323), and the other end can be connected to the mounting plate (321). As a result, the vibration of the tub (200) can be distributed to both sides and effectively attenuated.

[0325] The above support dampers (361) can be installed two or more on one side of the above connecting frame (323) and two or more on the other side.

[0326] The upper support member (330) may further include a damper support member (335) that is coupled or extended to the front and rear of the mounting plate (331) to which the upper end of the support damper (361) can be coupled.

[0327] The lower support part (320) may further include a damper installation part (325) that is positioned on the upper part of the installation frame (324) and to which one end of the buffer damper (362) can be coupled.

[0328] The above damper installation part (325) can be positioned spaced apart from both ends of the installation frame (324). This can prevent the damper installation part (325) from interfering with the elastic part (370).

[0329] The above damper installation part (325) may be placed in the central area of ​​the installation frame (324). The above damper installation part (325) may be fixed by being coupled to the installation frame (324), or may be formed by cutting a portion of the installation frame (324) upward.

[0330] The above buffer damper (362) can have one end coupled to the damper installation part (325) and the other end coupled to the extension plate (322).

[0331] The above buffer damper (362) may be provided in multiple units. Accordingly, one end of all buffer dampers (362) is connected to the damper installation part (325), but the other end of one buffer damper (362) may be positioned further back than the other end of another buffer damper (362).

[0332] That is, the plurality of buffer dampers (362) may be arranged so that their lower ends are all fixed to the damper installation portion (325), but their upper ends are spaced apart in the forward and rearward directions, respectively. Since the plurality of buffer dampers (362) are arranged so as to be inclined in the forward and rearward directions with respect to the damper installation portion (325), the vibration of the tub (200) in the front-back direction can be effectively attenuated.

[0333] The above motor (510) can be fixed by being coupled to the upper support member (320). The upper support member (330) can further include a motor support member (334) that connects the plurality of fixing plates (331) and supports the motor (510).

[0334] The above motor support member (334) can be connected at both ends to a plurality of mounting plates (331) spaced apart from each other. As a result, not only is the rigidity of the upper support member (320) reinforced, but an area in which the motor (510) can be mounted can be secured.

[0335] The above motor support member (334) can be arranged to be coupled to the mounting plate (331) and extend downward. As a result, the motor (510) can be arranged lower than the mounting plate (331) to prevent interference with the configuration of the tub (200), etc.

[0336] Figure 13 illustrates the detailed structure of the support part of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0337] The above elastic member (370) may include a spring (372) that supports the load of the tub (200) and buffers vibration of the tub (200), and a spring support member (371) that connects the upper and lower ends of the spring to the support member (300).

[0338] The spring support portion (371) can be positioned on both front and rear sides of the lower support portion (320). In addition, the spring support portion (371) can be positioned on both front and rear sides of the upper support portion (330).

[0339] The lower support portion (320) may further include a support hole (326) provided through the extension frame (322). The support holes (326) may be provided in multiple numbers and spaced apart from each other along the length of the extension frame (322) in the front-rear direction. As a result, the rigidity of the extension frame (322) may be further secured.

[0340] The above load member (800) can be mounted on the upper support member (330). This further increases the weight supported by the elastic member (370) and the damper member (360), thereby significantly reducing the amount or amplitude of vibration of the tub (200).

[0341] The above load member (800) can be fixed by being connected to the support plate (333).

[0342] Meanwhile, the support plate (333) may be positioned spaced inward from the front and rear ends of the mounting plate (331). As a result, a space in which the load member (800) can be installed can be secured between the front and rear ends of the support plate (333) and the mounting plate (331).

[0343] The above load member (800) may be supported by the above fixing plate (331) and the above extension plate (332).

[0344] The above load portion (800) may be provided in multiple units and may be connected to each end of the support plate (333). As a result, the area of ​​the load portion (800) is sufficiently secured, so that the load portion (800) can have sufficient weight, and a load can be effectively applied to the elastic portion (370) and damper portion (360) arranged at both ends of the support plate (333).

[0345] Figure 14 illustrates the joint structure of the tub and support of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0346] The above tub (200) can be mounted on the upper support member (330) and supported inside the cabinet (110).

[0347] However, even if strong vibration occurs inside the drum (400) or the main body module (100) tilts while being transported, the tub (200) needs to be stably fixed to the upper support member (330).

[0348] Accordingly, the support member (300) may further include a strap (380) that can firmly fix the tub (200) to the upper support member (330).

[0349] The above strap (380) may be provided to press the upper portion of the tub (200) against the upper support portion (330).

[0350] For example, the strap (380) may be provided in the form of a string whose length is longer than its width and which is attached to the outer surface of the tub body (210) exposed to the outside of the upper support member (330) and whose end is fixed to the upper support member (330).

[0351] The above strap (380) may be made of a metal material so as to firmly fix the tub (200) to the upper support member (330).

[0352] The above strap (380) may include a folded portion (381) arranged along the outer surface of the tub body (210) and wrapping the outer surface of the tub body (210), and a coupling surface (382) provided at the end of the folded portion (381) and coupled to the upper support portion (300).

[0353] The above strap (380) is provided in a single piece and can be connected to the upper support part (330) while wrapping around the upper part of the outer circumference of the tub body (210).

[0354] However, the tensile strength of the strap (380) may vary depending on the temperature and material. Therefore, in order to adjust the tension that presses the tub body (210) to the upper support part (330), a plurality of straps may be provided and placed on the left and right sides of the tub body (210).

[0355] Specifically, each strap (380) may be arranged so that the coupling surfaces (382) are coupled to both sides of the upper support member (330), and each of the bending portions (381) extend upward along the outer circumference of the tub body (210) and the ends face each other.

[0356] The above support member (330) may further include a strap coupling member (390) that couples the plurality of straps (380) to each other.

[0357] The above strap coupling portion (390) can adjust the force with which the plurality of straps (380) press the tub body (210) by adjusting the spacing between the facing bending portions (381).

[0358] The above strap (380) may be provided so as to fix the front and rear of the tub body (210) to the upper support member (330), respectively.

[0359] For example, the strap (380) may include a front strap (380a) that secures the tub body (210) to the upper support member (330), and a rear strap (380b) that is positioned rearward of the front strap (380b) and secures the tub body (210) to the upper support member (330).

[0360] The front strap (380a) and the rear strap (380b) may have the same thickness, length, and material, or may have different thicknesses. However, both the front strap (380a) and the rear strap (380b) may include a folded portion (381) that surrounds the tub body (210) and a connecting surface (382) that extends from the folded portion (381) to both sides of the upper support portion (330) to secure the folded portion (381).

[0361] The front strap (380a) may be positioned so as to be offset from the front end of the tub body (210), and the rear strap (380b) may be positioned so as to be offset from the rear end of the tub body (210). As a result, the tub body (210) may be prevented from being separated or separated from the upper support (330) from the front to the rear.

[0362] The above front strap (380a) can be positioned spaced rearward from the front end of the tub body (210) and can be positioned facing the elastic part (370) vertically.

[0363] The above rear strap (380b) can be positioned spaced apart from the rear end of the tub body (210) and can be positioned facing the elastic part (370) vertically.

[0364] The above strap (380) may further include a strap fastening member (385) that secures the above joining surface (382) to the upper support member (330).

[0365] The above strap fastening member (385) is provided with a bolt or the like to fix the joining surface (382) to the extension plate (332) of the upper support member (330).

[0366] Meanwhile, the strap coupling part may include a front strap coupling part (390a) that adjusts the spacing between the folded parts (381) of the front strap (380a), and a rear strap coupling part (390b) that adjusts the spacing between the folded parts (381) of the rear strap (380b).

[0367] The above load portion (800) may include an upper load portion (810) that directly applies a load to the tub body (210).

[0368] The upper load portion (810) may be provided to apply a load to the front upper portion of the tub body (210) and may be provided to reduce the width of vibration of the front portion of the tub body (210).

[0369] The above upper load portion (810) may be provided to be coupled to the strap (380).

[0370] The upper load member (810) may be positioned and secured to the upper portion of the front strap (380a). As a result, even if the driving member (500) is supported at the rear of the tub body (210), the front of the tub body (210) may be prevented from being lifted upward or the front of the tub body (210) may be prevented from vibrating with respect to the driving member (500).

[0371] Figure 15 illustrates the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0372] The above driving unit (500) may include a motor unit (510) that provides power to rotate the rotation shaft (540), a belt (520) that transmits the power of the motor unit (510), a pulley (530) that rotates by the belt (520), a rotation shaft (540) that is coupled to the pulley (530) and rotates to rotate the drum (400), a bearing (570) that rotatably supports the rotation shaft (540), a bearing housing (550) that is coupled to the tub (200) to accommodate the bearing (570) and support the rotation shaft (540), and a bearing support unit (560) that fixes the bearing housing (560) to the tub (200).

[0373] The above motor unit (510) can be placed at the rear of the upper support unit (330) and can be fixed to the lower portion of the upper support unit (330). Accordingly, the motor unit (510) can also function as a load unit that additionally applies a load to the tub (200).

[0374] The above pulley (530) may include a power pulley (531) coupled to the drive shaft of the motor unit (510) and a rotary pulley (532) coupled to the rotary shaft (540).

[0375] The above-mentioned rotary pulley (532) may be provided with a diameter larger than that of the above-mentioned power pulley (531). Accordingly, even if the motor unit (510) rotates at a very high speed rpm to provide strong output, the rotary pulley (532) can be decelerated to an appropriate rpm lower than the high speed rpm to stably rotate the drum (400).

[0376] The above belt (520) may be provided to wrap around the outer circumference of the power pulley (531) and the rotation pulley (532) so as to rotate the rotation pulley (532) according to the rotation of the power pulley (531).

[0377] The above-mentioned rotation shaft (540) may have one end coupled to the back surface of the drum (400) and the other end coupled to the center of the rotation pulley (532). The above-mentioned rotation shaft (540) may rotate simultaneously with the above-mentioned rotation pulley (532).

[0378] The bearing (570) may be configured so that even when the inner surface is coupled to the outer surface of the rotational shaft (540) and rotates, the outer surface remains stationary. Accordingly, the outer surface of the bearing (570) may be coupled to the tub (200) to support the rotational shaft (540) to the tub (200).

[0379] The above bearing (570) can be directly coupled to the shaft through hole (231) of the rear body (230).

[0380] However, the bearing housing (550) can secure a space in which the bearing (570) is installed, and the bearing support member (560) can directly support or disperse external force or vibration by fixing and supporting the bearing housing (550) to the rear of the tub (200).

[0381] In this way, damage to the tub (200) can be prevented due to the load or vibration of the drum (400) transmitted through the bearing (570) or the output of the driving unit (500).

[0382] The above bearing support member (560) extends from the center of the rear body (230) to the inner circumference of the tub body (210), and can radially disperse the external force transmitted from the bearing (570) and prevent the position of the bearing (570) from changing.

[0383] The above driving unit (500) can stably support the rotation shaft (540) by having a plurality of bearings (570). The bearing housing (550) can be provided to seat a plurality of bearings (570) on the bearing support unit (560).

[0384] Figure 16 illustrates a detailed example of the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0385] The above motor unit (510) may be provided as an inner rotor type. Accordingly, the diameter and volume of the motor unit (510) can be relatively reduced, thereby increasing the volume of the tub (200).

[0386] The above motor unit (510) may include a stator (511) that forms a rotating magnetic field, a rotor (512) that rotates by the stator (511), and a drive shaft (513) that rotates together with the rotor (512) and rotates the power pulley (531).

[0387] The bearing support part (560) may include a housing installation hole (561) that is positioned at the center of the rear body (230) to accommodate the rotation shaft (540) and support the bearing (570) or the bearing housing (550), a spider (562) that extends radially from the housing installation hole (561), and an end portion (563) that is provided at the end of the spider (562) and is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the rear body (230).

[0388] The above housing installation hole (561) may be provided in a ring shape and may be provided with a thickness that allows a bearing (570) to be installed inside.

[0389] The above spider (562) may be provided in multiple numbers and may extend from the housing installation hole (561) to the support body (235). The spider (562) may be provided so that its front surface corresponds to the shape of the rear body (230), and may be provided so as to be in surface contact with the rear body (230).

[0390] The above-described terminal portion (563) can be fixed by being joined to the support body (235). The terminal portion (563) can be provided with a thickness that is thicker in the radial direction than the spider (562). As a result, the bonding strength between the terminal portion (563) and the rear body (230) can be increased, while an area where a fastening member can be joined can be secured.

[0391] A large quantity of clothing, such as a large number of blankets, can be placed inside the drum (400), and the rotation shaft (540) must be provided to stably support the drum (400) within the tub (200) while rotating the drum (400). For this purpose, the rotation shaft (540) may be provided to have a very thick thickness.

[0392] However, the rotation shaft (540) needs to be secured with sufficient length so that it can pass through the rear body (230) and the bearing housing (550) on the back surface of the drum (430) and be coupled to the rotation pulley (532).

[0393] In this case, if the rotation shaft (540) is even slightly misaligned, the drum (400) may be misaligned from the tub (200) and may rotate eccentrically or collide with the tub (200), and the angle between the rotation pulley (532) and the power pulley (531) may be misaligned, causing the valve part (520) to be separated.

[0394] To prevent this, the garment treatment device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of bearings (570) that support the rotation shaft (540), so that the rotation shaft (540) can be supported at at least two points along the axial direction. As a result, the rotation shaft (540) can be supported at two points in the axial direction by the bearings (570), thereby preventing it from being twisted.

[0395] To this end, one bearing (570) can be directly mounted to the housing installation hole (561) or the rear body (230) to support the rotation shaft (540). The additional bearing (570) should be spaced further axially or rearwardly than the bearing (570) supported in the housing installation hole (561) to effectively prevent the rotation shaft (540) from being twisted.

[0396] However, there may be insufficient space to install two bearings (570) inside the housing installation hole (561), and it may be inefficient to increase the thickness to a level where the two bearings (570) can be spaced apart by a sufficient distance.

[0397] To this end, the bearing housing (550) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may be provided to provide a space for installing an additional bearing at a rearward position relative to the bearing support member (560).

[0398] The above bearing housing (550) may be installed in the housing installation hole (561) and may be provided in a cylindrical shape that protrudes and extends toward the rear of the housing installation hole (561) along the axial direction.

[0399] The bearing housing (550) may be provided with a length that is longer than the length inserted into the housing installation hole (561) and exposed to the outside of the housing installation hole (561). As a result, the bearing (570) can stably support the rotation shaft (570) in an area positioned further rearward than the housing installation hole (561).

[0400] The above bearing housing (550) can extend to an area facing the front of the above rotary pulley (532).

[0401] For example, the bearing housing (550) provides a space in which the bearing (570) can be installed inside the housing installation hole (561) at one end, and can secure a space in which the bearing (570) can be installed outside the housing installation hole (561) at the end along the axial direction.

[0402] Figure 17 illustrates the structure of the bearing housing (550).

[0403] The above bearing housing (550) may include a cylindrical installation body (551) that is inserted into the housing installation hole (561) and extends rearward along the axial direction, and a fixed body (552) that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the installation body (561) and can be fixed to the housing installation hole (561).

[0404] The above installation body (551) may be provided with a length extending rearward from the fixed body (552) along the rotation axis (540) longer than the length extending from the fixed body (552) toward the housing installation hole (561) or the drum (400). That is, the fixed body (552) may be positioned further forward than the center of the installation body (551).

[0405] The above bearing housing (550) may include a front body (555) in which a first bearing (571) protrudes from the inner surface of the installation body (551) and supports the rotation shaft (540) inside the housing installation hole (561) and is seated, and a rear body (554) in which a second bearing (572) protrudes from the inner surface of the installation body (551) and supports the rotation shaft (540) outside the housing installation hole (561) and is seated.

[0406] The front body (556) and the rear body (554) may be provided to prevent the first bearing (571) and the second bearing (572) from moving toward the center of the installation body (561), and may be formed to be spaced apart from the front and rear ends of the installation body (551) toward the center by a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the first bearing (571) and the second bearing (572).

[0407] The first bearing (571) may be placed inside the front end of the installation body (551), and the second bearing (572) may be placed inside the rear end of the installation body (551). Accordingly, the first bearing (571) and the second bearing (572) may be placed furthest from the installation body (551) to support the rotation shaft (540).

[0408] Of course, in order to stably support the rotation shaft (540), the bearing (570) may further include an additional bearing, and the additional bearing may be placed between the first bearing (571) and the second bearing (572) inside the installation body (551).

[0409] Figure 18 illustrates a water supply unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0410] The above water supply unit (600) may include a water supply valve (610) that is fixed to the rear panel (114) or the like and supplies water from an external water source, a water supply pipe (620) that moves water supplied from the water supply valve (610), and a detergent box (630) that is connected to the water supply pipe (620) and supplies water and guides detergent to the tub (200).

[0411] The above water supply pipe (620) may include a first water supply pipe (620) that guides water from the water supply valve (610) to the detergent box (630), and a second water supply pipe (630) that guides water and detergent from the detergent box (630) to the tub (200).

[0412] Meanwhile, since the garment treatment device of the present invention can be equipped as a commercial garment treatment device, a large amount of water needs to be supplied to process a large amount of garments. Accordingly, the water supply valve (610), the detergent box (630), and the water supply pipe (620) can be equipped to supply a large amount of water. In addition, the external water supply source can be designed to supply a sufficient amount of water to the water supply valve (610), the detergent box (630), and the water supply pipe (620). However, if the water supplied from the external water supply source has a large amount of water or a high pressure, the water may exceed the limits of the water supply valve (610), the detergent box (630), and the water supply pipe (620), or the water that the tub (200) can accommodate may be supplied, causing a backflow.

[0413] To this end, the water supply unit (600) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may include a communication case (640) that can temporarily store or receive water supplied through the second water supply pipe (622) before water is supplied to the tub (200).

[0414] The above-mentioned communication case (640) may be provided to temporarily accommodate a certain amount of water, and may also be provided to be connected to a drainage unit (700) described later so that excessively supplied or reversely flowing water may be directly discharged to the drainage unit (700).

[0415] The above-mentioned communication case (640) may further include a bypass pipe (640) extending from the bottom and capable of delivering water to the drainage unit (700).

[0416] Since the above-mentioned communication case (640) can discharge water to the drainage unit (700) even when a large amount of water is supplied, air can always remain inside. Therefore, the water supply unit (600) may further include a communication pipe (660) connecting the inside of the tub (200) and the communication case (640). The communication pipe (660) may be connected to a position higher than the full water level in the rear body (230) and may extend to the communication case (640).

[0417] In this way, air is always supplied to the inside of the tub (200) through the communication case (640), thereby preventing the inside of the tub (200) from being sealed.

[0418] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned water supply case (640) may be provided to additionally receive water from an external water source or a water supply valve (610). Accordingly, the water supply unit (600) can quickly supply water to the tub (200) through the above-mentioned water supply case (640) without passing through the above-mentioned detergent box (630).

[0419] The above water supply unit (600) may include a third water supply pipe (623) that extends from the lower portion of the communication case (640) and supplies water to the tub (200). The third water supply pipe (623) may be provided with a larger diameter than the first water supply pipe (621) and the second water supply pipe (622) so as to be able to supply a large amount of water.

[0420] The above-mentioned communication case (640) may be provided such that the portion where the third water supply pipe (623) is connected and the portion where the bypass pipe (660) is connected are separate from each other. For example, the communication case (640) may include a partition wall on the inner lower surface that is arranged between the third water supply pipe (623) and the bypass pipe (660), but is spaced apart from the upper surface of the communication case (640).

[0421] Accordingly, among the water supplied from the water supply valve (610), only the water that passes over the bulkhead and cannot be discharged directly to the third water supply pipe (623) can be discharged to the drainage unit (700).

[0422] Figure 19 illustrates the drainage section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0423] The above drainage unit (700) may include a drain pipe (710) that communicates with the lower part of the tub body (210) to drain water, a drain valve (720) that selectively opens and closes the drain pipe (710), and a discharge pipe (730) that is coupled to the drain valve (720) and guides water passing through the drain valve (720) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0424] The above drain valve (720) can be mounted on the lower support member (320), and the drain pipe (710) can extend from the lower portion of the outer surface of the tub body (210) to the drain valve (720).

[0425] The above drain valve (720) may be replaced with a pump that discharges water inside the tub (200) to the outside.

[0426] The drain valve (720) may be positioned closer to the front than the rear of the tub (200). The drain valve (720) may be located on the back of the cover panel (112). Accordingly, the drain valve (720) may be easily maintained even when other home appliances are placed on both sides of the cabinet (100).

[0427] The above drain pipe (730) may be connected at one end to the drain valve (720) and extend toward the rear panel (114).

[0428] The end of the above drain pipe (730) can be placed at a lower position.

[0429] The above drainage unit (700) may include a joint pipe (750) that connects the drainage pipe (730) and the bypass pipe (650).

[0430] The above-mentioned joint pipe (750) may be connected to the end of the drain pipe (730) and the end of the bypass pipe (650), respectively, and may be provided to discharge water supplied from the drain pipe (730) and the bypass pipe (650) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0431] Figure 20 illustrates the relationship between the drainage section and the circulation section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0432] The main body module (100) of the present invention may further include a circulation unit (650) that circulates water discharged through the drain unit (700) back to the tub (200).

[0433] The above circulation unit (650) may be provided to resupply detergent or water accumulated on the bottom of the tub (200) to a high water level inside the tub (200) to increase washing performance.

[0434] The above circulation unit (650) may include a circulation pump (651) that provides power to circulate water contained in the tub (200) back into the tub (200), a supply hose (652) that is connected to the drain valve (720) or the drain pipe (710) and guides water discharged from the drain pipe (710) to the circulation pump (651), and a circulation hose (653) that supplies water discharged from the circulation pump (651) toward the tub (200).

[0435] The above circulation pump (651) may be installed at the same height as the drain valve (720) to prevent backflow of water discharged to the drain valve (720). The above circulation pump (651) may also be supported on the lower support member (320) on one side of the drain valve (720).

[0436] The above circulation hose (653) extends upward to guide water discharged from the circulation pump (651) into the inside of the tub (200). The circulation unit (650) may further include a Euro connector (654) capable of fixing the circulation hose (653). The Euro connector (654) may be fixed to the upper support unit (630).

[0437] The above circulation unit (650) may be provided to resupply the detergent and water contained in the tub (200) to the clothes contained inside the drum (400). To this end, the circulation unit (650) may be provided to supply water to the inlet (221). Accordingly, water discharged from the tub (200) may be supplied into the drum inlet (423) connected to the inlet (221) without being obstructed by the tub (200).

[0438] To this end, the circulation part (650) can be placed close to the front end of the lower support part (320), and the euro connector (654) can be exposed to the front and coupled to the upper support part (330).

[0439] The above Euro connector (654) can be placed between the load members (800).

[0440] The lower support part (320) may further include a drainage installation part (325) that is coupled to or extended from the connecting frame (333) to fix the drain valve (720), and a circulation installation part (326) that is spaced apart from the drainage installation part (352) and coupled to or extended from the connecting frame (333) to fix the circulation pump (651).

[0441] Figure 21 illustrates the circulation section of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0442] The above circulation unit (650) is connected to the inlet (221) and can discharge water into the inside of the drum inlet (423).

[0443] The above circulation unit (650) can discharge water supplied from the circulation pump (651) to the inlet (221) through the circulation hose (653).

[0444] However, since the tub (200) is positioned and secured to the upper support member (330), the length between the circulation pump (651) secured to the lower support member (320) and the inlet (221) is relatively long, and thus, it may be disadvantageous for durability for the circulation hose (653) to extend from the circulation pump (651) to the inlet (221).

[0445] In addition, since the lower support part (320) and the upper support part (330) vibrate differently from each other, if the circulation hose (653) directly connects the circulation pump (651) and the inlet (221), the upper and lower parts of the circulation hose (653) vibrate differently, which may be detrimental to stability.

[0446] Accordingly, the circulation part (650) of the main body module (100) of the present invention may further include a guide hose (655) that connects the circulation hose (653) to the Euro connector (654) coupled to the upper support part (330) and extends from the Euro connector (654) to the inlet (221) to deliver water.

[0447] The above guide hose (655) can have one end connected to the Euro connector (654) and the other end connected to the inlet (221). As a result, the entire guide hose (655) can vibrate together with the upper support member (330) and the tub (200), thereby improving durability and stability.

[0448] The above guide hose (655) can distribute and supply water supplied through the Euro connector (654) to both sides of the inlet (221).

[0449] The above circulation part (650) may further include a circulation nozzle (656) that is coupled to the inner surface of the inlet (221) and sprays water supplied from the guide hose (655) into the inside of the drum inlet (423).

[0450] The above circulation nozzle (656) may be provided to change the direction of water supplied in the thickness direction or radial direction of the inlet (221) toward the drum inlet (423).

[0451] The above circulation nozzle (656) is fixed to the inner surface of the inlet (221), but the inlet can penetrate the inlet (221) and be exposed to the outer surface of the inlet (221). The guide hose (655) can be connected to the circulation nozzle (656) exposed to the outer surface of the inlet (221).

[0452] The above guide hose (655) may include a first guide hose (6551) having one end connected to the Euro connector (654) and the other end extending to one side of the inlet (221), and a second guide hose (6552) having one end connected to the Euro connector (654) and the other end extending to the other side of the inlet (221).

[0453] The above circulation nozzle (656) is provided in multiple numbers and can be fixed to the inner surface of the injection port (221) by being connected to the first guide hose (6551) and the second guide hose (6552), respectively.

[0454] The inlet (260) of the above tub (200) can be formed by penetrating the upper end of the inlet (221), and the inlet (260) can be placed between the first guide hose (6551) and the second guide hose (6552).

[0455] The communication part (2000) described below is provided at the upper part of the main body module (100) to supply hot air into the tub (200). The communication part (2000) can be fixed by being connected to the inlet (260) positioned between the first guide hose (6551) and the second guide hose (6552).

[0456] Figure 22 illustrates the drying module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0457] The above drying module (1000) may be detachably installed on the upper portion of the main body module (100) and may be installed to supply hot air into the inside of the tub (200).

[0458] The case (1100) forming the exterior of the above drying module (1000) may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, side panels (1120) extending rearward from both sides of the front panel (1100), a rear panel (1130) connecting the rears of the side panels (1120) or positioned to face the front panel (1110), and an upper panel (1140) positioned above the front panel (1110), the side panels (1120), and the rear panel (1130) to prevent the internal configuration of the case (1100) from being exposed to the outside.

[0459] The above side panel (1120) may include one side panel (1121) and the other side panel (1122) arranged to face the one side panel.

[0460] The case (1100) may omit components such as a lower panel that shields the lower portion. This allows communication between the inside of the case (1100) and the tub (200) to be unobstructed.

[0461] The above case (1100) may further include a case frame (1190) that supports the front panel (1110), side panel (1120), rear panel (1130), and top panel (1140) by being combined, and maintains the shape.

[0462] The above case frame (1190) is provided along the corner shape of a rectangular solid, so that the case (1100) can be supported on the cabinet (110) of the main body module (100) and can support the load of the internal configuration of the drying module (1000).

[0463] Since the above drying module (1000) can be provided independently from the main body module (100), it can additionally include a control panel (1180) that can control the electrical components inside the drying module (1000).

[0464] The above control panel (1180) is installed on the front panel (1110) so that it can be easily exposed to users and workers even when the drying module (1000) is installed on the main body module (100).

[0465] The control panel (1180) is fixed to the back surface of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) and can be rotatably coupled to the front panel (1110) in a forward direction. When the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) is rotated on the front panel (1110), the control panel (1180) can be selectively exposed.

[0466] The above-mentioned rotary body (1114) can be rotatably coupled to the front of the front panel (1110) at the bottom of the control communication hole (1115). Accordingly, the rotary body (1114) is opened so that the back surface faces upward when rotated, so that the control panel (1180) positioned above the main body module (100) can be easily installed, repaired, and replaced.

[0467] The above drying module (1000) may include a flow-forming part (1200) that is accommodated inside the case (1100) and can move air inside the tub (200).

[0468] The above-mentioned euro-forming part (1200) may be provided as a circulation duct so that the air in the tub (200) can be introduced and guided back toward the tub (200).

[0469] The garment treatment device of the present invention can maximize the volume that the tub (200) can occupy inside the main body module (100) by installing the flow path forming part (1200) capable of circulating the air inside the tub (200) outside the cabinet (110) to be suitable for a commercial garment treatment device.

[0470] Figure 23 illustrates the structure of the euro-forming part of the drying module of the present invention.

[0471] The above-mentioned flow path forming part (1200) can form a flow path through which air contained inside the tub (200) can be introduced, move from the outside of the tub (200), and then be introduced back into the tub (200). The above-mentioned flow path forming part (1200) is connected to the outlet (270) of the tub (200) and includes an inlet pipe (1210) through which air inside the tub (200) is introduced, a filter duct (1220) connected to the end of the inlet pipe (1210) and providing a flow path through which air introduced from the tub (200) moves, a moving duct (1230) arranged at the end of the filter duct (1220) and through which air introduced from the filter duct (1220) exchanges heat, a fan housing (1240) connected to the end of the moving duct (1230) and having a blower fan that moves the air, an exhaust duct (1250) connected to the end of the fan housing (1240) and extending through which the heat-exchanged air moves, and an exhaust duct (1250) connected to the end of the exhaust duct (1250) and providing a flow path through which air introduced from the tub (200) moves. It may include an exhaust pipe (1260) for discharging air toward the inlet (260).

[0472] The above inlet pipe (1210) and the exhaust pipe (1260) are made of an elastic material such as a corrugated pipe, so that the tub (200) can be prevented from being broken or damaged even if it vibrates independently of the drying module (1000).

[0473] The above inlet pipe (1210) can have one end connected to the outlet (270) and the other end connected to the filter duct (1220).

[0474] The above filter duct (1220) may be equipped with a filter capable of filtering air flowing in from the tub (200). Accordingly, the filter duct (1220) may have its inlet positioned in front of the inlet pipe (1210) so that the filter can be easily attached, detached, and replaced.

[0475] The above filter duct (1220) can be exposed on the front of the case (1100).

[0476] The above filter duct (1220) may include an inlet surface (1223) that is open at the front so that a filter can be taken out and inserted.

[0477] The above-mentioned injection surface (1223) may be provided in communication with the filter communication hole (1111).

[0478] The above inlet pipe (1210) can be connected closer to the front than the rear of the filter duct (1220).

[0479] The above filter duct (1220) may be positioned above the inlet pipe (1210), and the front of the lower surface of the filter duct (1220) may be provided to communicate with the end of the inlet pipe (1210).

[0480] Accordingly, the entire configuration of the flow path forming part (1200) extending from the end or rear of the filter duct (1220) can be arranged at a height corresponding to the filter duct (1220), thereby preventing interference with the inlet pipe (1210) and the outlet (270).

[0481] A heat exchange unit (1500) described later, which can exchange heat with air passing through the filter duct (1220), may be installed inside the above-described moving duct (1230).

[0482] The above moving duct (1230) may include an evaporation duct (1231) through which the air is cooled as it passes and the contained moisture is condensed, and a condensation duct (1233) through which the air is heated as it passes and converted into hot air.

[0483] Meanwhile, the moving duct (1230) may further include a connecting duct (1232) that is arranged between the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233) and connects the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233).

[0484] The above connecting duct (1232) separates the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233), thereby preventing the air passing through the evaporation duct (1231) from being sufficiently cooled or the air passing through the condensation duct (1233) from being sufficiently heated.

[0485] The fan housing (1240) is coupled to the end of the condensation duct (1233) to move air from the inlet pipe (1210) to the condensation duct (1233) at negative pressure. Accordingly, even if the inlet pipe (1210), the filter duct (1210), and the moving duct (1230) are not arranged in a straight line, air can move evenly along the inlet pipe (1210), the filter duct (1210), and the moving duct (1230).

[0486] The above exhaust duct (1250) can provide a path through which the air discharged from the fan housing (1240) can be concentrated and moved to the inlet (260) of the tub (200).

[0487] The above exhaust pipe (1260) may extend downward from the end of the exhaust duct (1250) and may extend toward an inlet (260) positioned lower than the exhaust duct (1250).

[0488] Meanwhile, when the drying module (1000) is coupled to the main body module (100), a communication part (2000) that connects the exhaust pipe (1260) and the inlet (260) to each other may be additionally installed.

[0489] The inlet (260) of the above tub (200) is provided in the inlet (221), and a nozzle or various sensors may be arranged in the inlet (221). Therefore, the exhaust pipe (1260) may be difficult to properly connect to the inlet (260) arranged on the outer surface of the inlet (221), and may interfere with the nozzle or sensor.

[0490] Therefore, the above-mentioned communication part (2000) is arranged to maintain communication between the exhaust pipe (1260) and the inlet (260), so that air discharged from the exhaust pipe (1260) can be guided to completely flow into the inlet (260).

[0491] The lower portion of the above-mentioned connecting portion (2000) can be attached to the inlet (210) and tightly coupled to the inlet (260), and the upper portion can be attached to the end of the exhaust pipe (1260).

[0492] The front-back width of the above inlet (260) may be formed narrower than the diameter of the exhaust duct (1250) or the exhaust pipe (1260).

[0493] Accordingly, the communication portion (2000) may be formed so that the width in the front-back direction of the lower portion is narrower than the width in the front-back direction of the upper portion. However, the inlet (260) may be formed so that the width in the left-right direction is larger than the diameter of the exhaust duct (1250) or the exhaust pipe (1260). Accordingly, the air supplied from the flow path forming portion (1200) may be prevented from accumulating in the inlet (260). The communication portion (2000) may be formed so that the width in the left-right direction of the lower portion is longer than the width in the left-right direction of the upper portion.

[0494] The above-mentioned communication part (2000) may include an assembly duct (2200) that is installed in the inlet (221), and a communication duct (2100) that is supported by the assembly duct (2200) and connected to the exhaust pipe (1260).

[0495] The above-mentioned communication duct (2100) may be formed by branching out so that the lower region that is installed in the above-mentioned assembly duct (2200) avoids the upper end of the inlet (221), and may be formed to be narrower and wider than the upper region that is connected to the exhaust pipe (1260).

[0496] The above assembly duct (2200) is provided with a flame retardant material or other heat-resistant material, so that durability and stability can be guaranteed even if the tub (200) is overheated or a fire occurs in the tub (200).

[0497] When the blower fan housed in the fan housing (1240) rotates, air that may contain moisture may be discharged from the tub (200) through the outlet (270) and introduced into the inlet pipe (1210). (No. 1) The air introduced into the inlet pipe (1210) may be filtered by the filter while passing through the filter duct (1220). (No. 2) The air filtered by the filter may move to the moving duct (1230). (No. 3)

[0498] The air passing through the above moving duct (1230) is cooled, the moisture contained in it is condensed and removed, and as it is heated, it changes into high-temperature dry hot air and can move to the fan housing (1240). (No. 4)

[0499] The air introduced into the fan housing (1240) can be discharged at high pressure by a blower fan (No. 5). The air discharged from the fan housing (1240) can move along the exhaust duct (1250). (No. 6)

[0500] Air passing through the above exhaust duct (1250) can be guided to the above exhaust pipe (1260). (No. 7)

[0501] Air passing through the exhaust pipe (1260) can move along the communication part (2000) and be introduced into the inlet (260). (No. 8) The air introduced into the inlet (260) can dry clothes contained inside the drum (400) and then be discharged again through the outlet (270).

[0502] Figure 24 illustrates a refrigerant circuit including an auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0503] The above heat exchange unit (1500) may include an evaporator (1510) installed in the evaporation duct (1231), a condenser (1520) installed in the condensation duct (1233), a compressor (1530) that compresses refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator (1510) and supplies the refrigerant to the condenser (1520), and an expansion valve (1540) that expands and cools the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (1520) and guides it to the evaporator (1510).

[0504] The components of the heat exchange unit (1500), such as the evaporator (1510), the condenser (1520), the compressor (1530), and the expansion valve (1540), can form a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant pipe (1570) through which refrigerant flows.

[0505] Meanwhile, the heat exchange unit (1500) may further include an auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) connected to the condenser (1520) and the evaporator (1510) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air, and a switching valve (1560) that selects whether the refrigerant delivered from the condenser (1520) is to be supplied to either the expansion valve (1540) or the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

[0506] By the operation of the above switching valve (1560), the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can operate as an evaporator that heats the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (1570) or as a condenser that cools the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (1570).

[0507] The above blower fan (1600) is coupled to the fan housing (1240) to move the air of the duct forming part (1200) and exchange heat with the refrigerant of the heat exchange part (1500).

[0508] The air flowing into the filter duct (1220) is air discharged from the tub (200) and may contain foreign substances such as lint separated from clothing. Even if a filter is provided inside the filter duct (1220) to filter out the foreign substances, some of the foreign substances may move toward the evaporator (1510). In particular, since the evaporator (1510) is provided to cool the air, the moisture contained in the air is often condensed and the surface is wet. Therefore, foreign substances passing through the filter duct (1220) may easily come into contact with the surface of the evaporator (1510) and the clumped state may become larger and larger.

[0509] The drying module (1000) of the present invention may further include a washing unit (1400) that is provided to spray water into the evaporator (1510) or the inside of the moving duct (1230) to remove foreign substances attached to the evaporator (1510).

[0510] The above washing unit (1400) may be equipped to receive water from an external water source or receive water from a water supply unit (600) and spray water inside the evaporation duct (1231).

[0511] The above washing unit (1400) may be placed between the evaporation duct (1231) and the filter duct (1220), or may be placed upstream of the evaporator (1510) inside the evaporation duct (1231).

[0512] The above washing unit (1400) may have a nozzle disposed to spray water supplied to the upper surface.

[0513] Figure 25 illustrates the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0514] The above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may include a heat exchange fin (1552) that is provided to allow a refrigerant pipe (1570) to pass through and exchange heat with air introduced into the case (1100), an exchange duct (1553) that accommodates the heat exchange fin (1552) and induces air to move in one direction, and an auxiliary fan (1554) that introduces air into the exchange duct (1553).

[0515] The auxiliary fan (1554) may be placed downstream of the exchange duct (1553) to evenly expose the air inside the case (1100) to the heat exchange fins (1552) through negative pressure.

[0516] The above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may further include an auxiliary duct (1551) coupled upstream of the exchange duct (1553) to receive air inside the case (1100).

[0517] The above auxiliary duct (1551) can be extended closer to the front panel (1110) than the above exchange duct (1553) to induce a more desirable supply of outside air.

[0518] The above auxiliary duct (1551) may be provided with an intake port (1555) communicating with the internal communication hole (1112) at the front.

[0519] For example, the exchange duct (1553) may be extended vertically, and the auxiliary fan (1554) may be mounted on the upper portion of the exchange duct (1553). The heat exchange fin (1552) may be positioned lower than the auxiliary fan (1554) inside the exchange duct (1553). The auxiliary duct (1551) may further extend from the lower portion of the exchange duct (1553) toward the front duct (1110). As a result, outside air may be continuously introduced into the heat exchange fin (1552) through the front duct (1110), which is always exposed to the indoor space, so that the performance of the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be guaranteed.

[0520] Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment in which the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention operates.

[0521] Figure 26 illustrates a state in which the switching valve (1560) uses the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) as an evaporator, but the switching valve (1560) can change the flow path state to a state in which the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) is used as a condenser.

[0522] Using the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) as an evaporator may correspond to a state in which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (1520) passes through the switching valve (1560) and the expansion valve (1540) and is then guided to the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550), and using the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) as a condenser may correspond to a state in which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (1520) is guided directly to the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) through the switching valve (1560).

[0523] Since the garment treatment device of the present invention is designed for use as a commercial garment treatment device, it is necessary to rapidly dry a large quantity of garments. To this end, the garment treatment device of the present invention may consider increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the evaporator (1510) to rapidly supply hot air from the beginning of the drying cycle, and increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the condenser (1520) to supply high-temperature hot air in the middle and end of the drying cycle.

[0524] However, if the area of ​​the evaporator and the condenser is increased excessively, a problem may arise in which the volume of the heat exchange unit (1500) is excessively increased.

[0525] In addition, if the area of ​​the evaporator is increased, it may initially help heat the compressor (1530), but if the compressor (1530) is operating normally, an excessive amount of heat may be supplied to the compressor (1530), causing the compressor (1530) to overheat.

[0526] In addition, if the area of ​​the condenser is increased, it may be helpful in quickly supplying sufficient hot air at the beginning of the drying process, but if the compressor (1530) is operating normally, excessive heat may be supplied to the inside of the drum (400), which may damage clothing, and the temperature may uniformly rise throughout the circulating flow path, which may cause a problem in that the coefficient of performance may decrease.

[0527] To this end, the clothing treatment device of the present invention additionally arranges the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and the switching valve (1560), so that the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can be converted into an evaporator (1510) and a condenser (1520) as needed.

[0528] For example, at the beginning of the drying process, the control panel (280) can control the switching valve (1560) to control the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) to be used as the evaporator (1510). Specifically, the switching valve (1560) can guide the refrigerant delivered from the condenser (1520) to the expansion valve (1540), and the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (1540) can pass through the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and then flow into the evaporator (1510).

[0529] In this process, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outside air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and then flow back into the evaporator (1510) to absorb heat from the air flowing through the flow path forming part (220). As a result, the energy of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (1530) can be further increased, thereby shortening the time it takes for the compressor (1530) to operate normally and increase the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0530] When the compressor (1530) operates normally, such as in the middle or end of the drying cycle, the control panel (1180) can control the switching valve (1560) to control the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) to be used as the condenser (1520). Specifically, the switching valve (1560) can guide the refrigerant delivered from the condenser (1520) directly to the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550), and the refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can pass through the expansion valve (1540) and then flow into the evaporator (1510).

[0531] In this process, the refrigerant is heated by discharging heat from the condenser (1520) to the air flowing through the flow path forming part (1200), and then moves to the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) to discharge some of the remaining heat back to the outside air. Accordingly, the refrigerant can be introduced into the evaporator (1510) with a sufficient temperature and pressure while passing through the expansion valve (1540) in a state where the enthalpy has dropped significantly. As a result, the heat exchange part (240) can be prevented from overheating, and the temperature difference between the evaporator (1510) and the condenser (1520) can be secured to be larger, thereby preventing the coefficient of performance from decreasing.

[0532] Figure 27 illustrates a specific structural example of the front panel.

[0533] Referring to Fig. 27(a), the rotating body (1114) may be provided to be rotatable on the front panel (1110) by a rotating hinge (1117) coupled to the front panel (1110).

[0534] The above rotating body (1114) may be provided to open and close the control communication hole (1115).

[0535] The above-mentioned rotary hinge (1117) can be coupled to the lower part of the rotary body (1114) and can be coupled to the front of the front panel (1110) which is positioned at the lower part of the control communication hole (1115).

[0536] The above rotating body (1114) may further include a fan installation hole (1116) penetrating one surface, and a heat dissipation fan (1185) for cooling a control panel (1180) coupled to the back surface of the above rotating body (1114) may be installed in the fan installation hole (1116).

[0537] The heat dissipation fan (1185) is arranged on the front of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) to draw in outside air placed in front of the front panel (1110), and a control panel (1180) is coupled to the back of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) to be cooled by the drawn-in outside air.

[0538] Referring to Fig. 27(b), the rotating body (1114) may include a heat dissipation support member (1118) that is provided to protrude from the outer surface of the fan installation hole (1116) so as to support or fix the heat dissipation fan (1185).

[0539] The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan (1185) can be installed on the heat dissipation support member (1118) and positioned to face the fan installation hole (1116).

[0540] The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan (1185) may be provided to introduce outside air placed in front of the rotating body (1114) into the back surface of the rotating body (1114) or the inside of the case (1100).

[0541] The above control panel (1180) may include a panel body (1181) facing the back surface of the rotating body (1114), a heat dissipation fin (1183) mounted on the front of the panel body (1181) and arranged to face the fan installation hole (1116) or the heat dissipation fan (1185), and a circuit board (1184) mounted on the panel body (1181) and capable of controlling electrical components inside the case (1100) while being cooled by the heat dissipation fin (1183).

[0542] The above panel body (1181) is provided in a case shape that accommodates the heat dissipation fin (1183), and may be provided with an open groove (1186) that moves air flowing in from the heat dissipation fan (1185) on at least one of the outer surfaces.

[0543] For example, the panel body (1181) may include a mounting rib (1182) that extends from both sides to accommodate the heat dissipation fin (1181) and is coupled to the rotating body (1114). As a result, the mounting rib (1182) and the panel body (1181) may form an open groove (1186) at the upper and lower portions.

[0544] The above open groove (1186) is provided to discharge air introduced through the heat dissipation fan (1185) to the outside of the control panel (1180), so that air can be continuously introduced into the control panel (1180).

[0545] The above drying module (1000) can be used to cool or heat exchange the inside of the case (1000) with the air discharged through the open groove (1186) using the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) or the blower fan (1600).

[0546] Figure 28 illustrates a structure for moving air introduced into the case of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0547] Air introduced into the case (1100) through the heat dissipation fan (1185) can be introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

[0548] The above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be provided so that the auxiliary duct (1151) is positioned at the bottom of the control panel (1180) and communicates with the open groove (1186).

[0549] In addition, the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be formed such that the discharge port (1556) extends rearward from the outer surface of the auxiliary fan (1554). Accordingly, the discharge port (1556) of the auxiliary fan (1554) may be arranged to face the blower fan (1600).

[0550] Accordingly, the outside air discharged through the open groove (1186) can be supplied to the blower fan (1600) after passing through the heat exchange fin (1552).

[0551] Figure 29 illustrates the flow path relationship between the front panel and the auxiliary heat exchanger blower fan.

[0552] The front panel (1110) may be positioned a certain distance apart from the back surface of the front door (1150), and the front door (1150) may have a door hole formed at the top that can communicate with the outside air.

[0553] When the above-mentioned heat dissipation fan (1185) is driven, the outside air existing outside the case (1100) can be introduced into the front of the front panel (1110) and the inside of the front door (1150). (No. 1)

[0554] The air that flows into the front of the front panel (1110) can pass through the front panel (1110) through the fan installation hole (1116) and reach the control panel (1180). (No. 2)

[0555] The outside air introduced into the control panel (1180) can contact the heat dissipation fin (1183) to cool the heat dissipation fin (1183) and can then be discharged through the open groove (1186) by the heat dissipation fan (1185). In addition, the outside air introduced into the control panel (1180) can then be discharged through the open groove (1186) by the heat dissipation fan (1185) and reach the front of the auxiliary duct (1151). In addition, the outside air arranged in front of the front panel (1180) can reach the front of the auxiliary duct (1551) by the outside air communication hole. (No. 3)

[0556] Air that has flowed into the intake port (1555) of the auxiliary duct (1551) can move along the auxiliary duct (1551). (No. 4)

[0557] When the auxiliary fan (1554) is driven, the air flowing into the end of the auxiliary duct (1551) can pass through the heat exchange fin (1552) while moving along the exchange duct (1553). (No. 5) When the heat exchange fin (1552) operates as an evaporator, the outside air can be cooled, and when the heat exchange fin (1552) operates as a condenser, the outside air can be heated. The outside air passing through the auxiliary fan (1554) moves along the discharge port (1556) toward the blower fan (1600), thereby cooling the motor of the blower fan (1600).

[0558] As a result, the outside air of the case (1100) can be continuously introduced into the inside of the case (1100), so that the control panel (1180) and the blower fan (1600) can be cooled, and the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can normally exchange heat with the outside air, so that the performance of the heat exchange unit (1500) can be maintained.

[0559] Figure 30 illustrates the difference in performance between the case where the auxiliary heat exchanger is omitted and the case where the auxiliary heat exchanger is provided in the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0560] Referring to Fig. 30(a), when the blower fan (1600) is driven, the air inside the tub (200) can pass through the flow path forming part (1200). The pressure of the refrigerant injected into the evaporator (1510) may correspond to the first pressure (P1).

[0561] When the compressor (1530) is driven, the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator (1510) can absorb heat from the air as much as the heat of vaporization (Q1) and change phase from a liquid ratio to a refrigerant with a higher gas ratio.

[0562] When a phase change occurs, the pressure of the refrigerant does not increase, so the refrigerant can maintain the first pressure (P1) state. Of course, the pressure may slightly decrease due to flow resistance. However, when a phase change occurs, the gas ratio of the refrigerant increases, so the enthalpy of the refrigerant can increase from the first enthalpy (H1) to the second enthalpy (H2).

[0563] The refrigerant introduced into the compressor (1530) can be compressed into a gas having a higher temperature and higher pressure as it is compressed. The compressor (1530) can increase the enthalpy of the refrigerant to a third enthalpy (H3) higher than the second enthalpy (H2) by applying compression work (W1) to the refrigerant. The compressor (1530) can compress the refrigerant to a second pressure (P2) higher than the first pressure (P1).

[0564] The refrigerant flowing into the condenser (1520) from the compressor (1530) can release heat while heating the cooled refrigerant as it passes through the evaporator (1510), and the enthalpy of the refrigerant can drop from the third enthalpy (H3) to the first enthalpy (H1) as it is converted from a high-temperature gas to a low-temperature gas or at least part of it is converted to a liquid refrigerant.

[0565] The refrigerant passing through the above condenser (1520) may be converted into a refrigerant having a higher liquid ratio while maintaining enthalpy by adiabatically expanding as it passes through the expansion valve (1540). During the adiabatic expansion process, the temperature may be maintained, but the pressure may drop from the second pressure (P2) to the first pressure (P1).

[0566] In this process, in the initial drying cycle, the amount of evaporation heat (Q1) flowing in from the evaporator (1510) must be high to ensure that the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (1530) is completely in a gaseous state, and also to guarantee the refrigerant compression performance of the compressor (1530). However, in the initial drying cycle, since the amount of evaporation of the clothes is low, it may be difficult to supply sufficient evaporation heat (Q1) to the evaporator (1510) with the air flowing through the flow path forming part (1200).

[0567] Referring to FIG. 30(b), when an auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) is additionally arranged outside the flow path forming part (1200) and used as an evaporator by a switching valve (1560), the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be arranged upstream of the evaporator (1510). The auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may absorb the second heat of vaporization (Q2) from the outside air and additionally transfer it to the refrigerant. The enthalpy of the refrigerant may increase from the first enthalpy (H1) to the first increase enthalpy (H11) as the refrigerant absorbs the second heat of vaporization (Q2) and undergoes a phase change into a gas.

[0568] Thereafter, the refrigerant that has passed through the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) flows into the evaporator (1510) and can absorb heat equal to or less than the existing first evaporation heat (Q1) from the air passing through the passage forming part (1200). As a result, the enthalpy of the refrigerant can increase from the first increased enthalpy (H11) to the second increased enthalpy (H21) by adding an enthalpy equal to the difference between the second enthalpy (H1) and the first enthalpy (H1) or by adding an enthalpy smaller than the difference between the second enthalpy (H1) and the first enthalpy (H1). Even if the compression performance of the compressor (1530) is the same, since the compressor (1530) compresses a refrigerant with a higher enthalpy, it can perform additional work (W2) in addition to the compression work (W1), and the enthalpy of the refrigerant flowing into the final condenser (1520) can be increased to a third increased enthalpy (H31) higher than the third enthalpy (H3).

[0569] As a result, with the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) additionally provided, the second evaporation heat (Q2) supplied from the outside air to the refrigerant is additionally supplied, so that the drying performance of the heat exchanger (1500) can be guaranteed and the performance of the compressor can be guaranteed even in the initial cycle of the dryer.

[0570] In addition, the heat exchange unit (1500) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention absorbs more heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger and the evaporator at the beginning of the drying cycle and accordingly discharges more heat to the condenser, thereby drying the clothing more quickly and shortening the drying time.

[0571] Figure 31 illustrates a case where a pressure drop occurs in an auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0572] The auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) is placed outside the flow path forming part (1200) and is separated from the evaporator and condenser. In order to increase heat exchange efficiency, more refrigerant pipes may pass through the heat exchange fins, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the refrigerant.

[0573] As a result, the refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) only undergoes a phase change, so the pressure should be maintained, but in reality, the pressure of the refrigerant may drop. Moreover, since the discharge pipe (1558) through which the refrigerant is discharged has a higher mixing ratio of liquid and gas phases than the inlet pipe (1557) through which the refrigerant is injected into the heat exchange fins (1552), a greater pressure drop may occur in the discharge pipe (1558).

[0574] As a result, the pressure of the refrigerant injected into the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) through the injection pipe (1557) is the first pressure (P1), but the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the discharge pipe (1558) may be reduced to the first reduced pressure (P1A), so that a pressure drop (dP) may occur by the difference between the first pressure and the first reduced pressure (P1A).

[0575] In this case, the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator (1510) is introduced in a low-pressure state, so it is designed to absorb only a smaller amount of vaporization heat even when it changes into a gaseous state. Accordingly, even if the refrigerant is completely in a gaseous state, it can only absorb a first reduced vaporization heat (Q1A) that is smaller than the vaporization heat (Q1). For example, even if the enthalpy of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator (1510) is introduced as a first increased enthalpy (H11), it can be higher than the second enthalpy (H2), but can only increase to a second reduced enthalpy (H22) that is smaller than the second increased enthalpy (H21).

[0576] As a result, the evaporator (1510) cannot absorb heat from the air passing through the flow path forming part (1200) by the first heat loss (Q1B) corresponding to the difference between the second increase enthalpy (H21) and the second decrease enthalpy (H22). Therefore, the drying performance is further reduced compared to when there is no pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

[0577] Meanwhile, the compressor (1530) must perform more work to increase the refrigerant introduced at the second reduced enthalpy (H22) to the target second pressure (P2). For example, the compressor (1530) may have to perform more work (W3) to increase the refrigerant, which has been reduced to the first pressure (P1) and the first reduced pressure (P1A), to the first pressure.

[0578] Of course, the compressor (1530) may additionally apply only a reduced additional work (W2A) that is smaller than the additional work (W2) in the process of compressing the low-enthalpy refrigerant from the first pressure (P1) to the second pressure (P2). However, since the increased work (W3) is much larger than the decrease in the work from the additional work (W2) to the reduced additional work (W2A), the amount of work performed by the compressor (1530) may increase significantly.

[0579] As a result, the compressor (1530) may be overloaded or energy consumption may increase, and the heat absorbed may be reduced, thereby reducing drying efficiency.

[0580] Moreover, if the compression performance of the compressor (1530) is limited, the refrigerant may not be able to rise to the second atmospheric pressure (P2), and thus may not be able to supply a sufficient amount of hot air to the clothing.

[0581] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include an additional structure capable of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

[0582] Specifically, since the pressure drop (dP) of the refrigerant occurs the most when it is discharged from the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) to the discharge pipe (1558), the clothing treatment device of the present invention may be equipped to reduce the flow resistance of the discharge pipe (1558).

[0583] For example, the garment treatment device of the present invention can set the overall diameter (D5) of the discharge pipe (1558) to be larger than the overall diameter (D4) of the input pipe (1557).

[0584] Figures 32 and 33 illustrate an embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0585] As mentioned above, the pressure drop occurring in the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be due to the flow resistance. In this case, the resistance difference due to the difference in the diameter of the refrigerant pipe (1570) may be small for liquid refrigerant or refrigerant having a higher liquid-phase ratio than the gas phase.

[0586] However, a refrigerant having a higher gaseous content than a liquid or a gaseous refrigerant may have a significant difference in resistance depending on the diameter of the refrigerant pipe (1570) due to mixing and collision with the liquid, eddies, etc.

[0587] Referring to FIG. 32, the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) of the present invention may include a plurality of heat exchange fins (1552) and a refrigerant pipe (1570) that is provided to pass through the plurality of heat exchange fins (1552) and exchange heat with air passing through the heat exchange fins (1552).

[0588] The auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may include a first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) that is connected to the refrigerant pipe (1570) outside the heat exchange fin (1552) and communicates with the switching valve (1560), and a second inlet / outlet pipe (1557) that is connected to the refrigerant pipe (1570) and spaced apart from the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) outside the heat exchange fin (1552) and communicates with the expansion valve (1540).

[0589] When the above switching valve (1560) is set to supply the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (1510) to the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558), the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can operate as a condenser.

[0590] In addition, when the switching valve (1560) is set to guide the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (1510) to the expansion valve (1540) and then supply the refrigerant to the second inlet / outlet pipe (1557), the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can operate as an evaporator.

[0591] When the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) above operates as an evaporator, the second inlet / outlet pipe (1557) may be set as the inlet pipe, and the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) may be set as the discharge pipe.

[0592] The above discharge pipe (1558) is connected to a refrigerant pipe (1570) passing through the heat exchange fin (1552), and can guide the refrigerant that has absorbed the second evaporation heat (Q2) to the switching valve (1560) to the evaporator (1510).

[0593] The diameter of the above discharge pipe (1558) may be provided to be larger than the diameter of the above injection pipe (1557).

[0594] For example, the discharge pipe (1558) and the injection pipe (1557) may be provided as a single unit, or may be provided as a plurality of units and connected to the refrigerant pipe (1570).

[0595] At this time, even if the discharge pipe (1558) and the injection pipe (1557) are provided in multiple numbers, the diameter of each discharge pipe (1558) may be provided to be larger than the diameter of the injection pipe (1557).

[0596] Accordingly, as the resistance of the discharge pipe (1558) is rapidly reduced, the refrigerant flowing into the discharge pipe (1558) can flow into the refrigerant pipe (1570) connecting the discharge pipe (1558) and the switching valve (1560) without a pressure drop.

[0597] Referring to FIG. 33, a heat exchange fin (1552) and a refrigerant pipe (1570) are arranged inside the exchange duct (1553), an auxiliary duct (1551) is arranged at one end of the exchange duct (1553), and an auxiliary fan (1554) is arranged at the other end.

[0598] The above auxiliary duct (1551) can serve as an inlet (1557) of the above exchange duct (1553), and the above auxiliary fan (1554) can serve as an outlet (1558) of the above exchange duct (1553).

[0599] As a result, since the outside air exchanges heat from the inlet (1557) of the exchange duct (1553) toward the outlet (1558), it is preferable that the inlet pipe (1557) be arranged closer to the inlet (1557) than the discharge pipe (1558), and that the discharge pipe (1558) be arranged closer to the outlet (1558) than the inlet pipe (1557).

[0600] Accordingly, the discharge pipe (1558) may be arranged closer to the auxiliary fan (1554) than the input pipe (1557). Accordingly, the inlet pipe closer to the auxiliary fan (1554) may be provided thicker than the inlet pipe that is matched farther away from the auxiliary fan (1554).

[0601] The above exchange duct (1553) may extend in the vertical direction, the auxiliary fan (1554) may be placed on the upper part of the exchange duct (1553), and the auxiliary duct (1551) may be placed on the lower part of the exchange duct (1553).

[0602] Accordingly, the diameter (D5) of the discharge pipe (1558) placed at the top may be thicker than the diameter (D4) of the injection pipe (1557) placed at the bottom.

[0603] Meanwhile, the refrigerant pipe that is arranged outside the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and moves the refrigerant may be defined as a moving pipe (1571) to distinguish it from the refrigerant pipe that is arranged inside the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

[0604] The above moving pipe (1571) may be connected to the end of the discharge pipe (1558) and connected to the switching valve (1560). When the diameter of the discharge pipe (1558) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the input pipe (1557), the diameter of the discharge pipe (1558) may be provided to be larger than or equal to the diameter of the moving pipe (1571).

[0605] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate another embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0606] Referring to FIG. 34, the number of the discharge pipes (1558) can be set to be greater than the number of the input pipes (1557).

[0607] That is, the discharge pipe (1558) and the injection pipe (1557) may be provided with the same diameter and may be provided to be compatible with each other and usable. In this case, the discharge pipes (1558) may be arranged in greater numbers than the injection pipes (1557), so that the overall diameter of the discharge pipes (1558) may be greater than the overall diameter of the injection pipes (1557), thereby achieving an effect.

[0608] Referring to Fig. 35, the basic structure may be the same as the structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger described above.

[0609] The above-mentioned inlet pipe (1557) is connected to a refrigerant pipe (1570) arranged at the lower portion or inlet portion (1557) of the heat exchange fin (1552), and the above-mentioned discharge pipe (1558) can be connected to a refrigerant pipe (1570) arranged at the upper portion or outlet portion (1558) of the heat exchange fin (1552).

[0610] The number of the above discharge pipes (1558) may be set to be greater than the number of the above injection pipes (1557). In this case, the discharge pipes (1558) may be connected to a plurality of discharge pipes (1558) by branching the ends of the refrigerant pipes (1570) exposed to the upper portion of the heat exchange fins (1552) or the outlet portion (1558).

[0611] The refrigerant pipe (1570) positioned on the upper side of the heat exchange fin (1552) has a higher gas ratio than the refrigerant pipe (1570) positioned on the lower side of the heat exchange fin (1552), so when it is supplied in a divided manner to the branched discharge pipe (1558), the flow resistance is lowered, thereby preventing pressure drop.

[0612] The above plurality of discharge pipes (1558) can be extended longer outside the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and their ends can be joined to one of the above moving pipes.

[0613] Figure 36 illustrates another embodiment of preventing pressure drop in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0614] The basic structure may be the same as the structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger described above.

[0615] The above discharge pipe (1558) can be set to be more than the above injection pipe (1557).

[0616] The above refrigerant pipe (1570) can be branched into multiple pipes from the upper portion of the heat exchange fin (1552) and thus can be connected to each of the multiple discharge pipes (1558).

[0617] The refrigerant pipe (1570) arranged on the upper side of the heat exchange fin (1552) has a higher gas ratio than the refrigerant pipe (1570) arranged on the lower side of the heat exchange fin (1552). Therefore, when the refrigerant pipe branched from the upper side of the heat exchange fin (1552) is branched, the refrigerant can be distributed as many times as the number of branched refrigerant pipes (1570), and can be supplied to a plurality of discharge pipes (1558) connected to each of the branched refrigerant pipes (1570).

[0618] That is, the refrigerant pipe (1570) positioned close to the outlet (1558) of the heat exchange fin (1552) has a higher gas ratio than the refrigerant pipe (1570) positioned at the inlet (1557), so that pressure drop can be prevented by distributing from the refrigerant pipe (1570) that is more preferably branched.

[0619] Figure 37 illustrates an example of changing the settings of an auxiliary heat exchanger according to the drying process.

[0620] When the above drying cycle is performed, the garment treatment device of the present invention can perform a heating step (A1) in which the compressor (1530) is driven to heat the refrigerant by driving the driving PRM of the compressor (1530) at the maximum RPM during the drying cycle, a constant rate step (A2) in which the compressor (1530) is driven at a reduced speed until the temperature of the refrigerant reaches a target temperature or the compressor is driven at the maximum RPM for a set time and the temperature inside the drum (400) rises above the set temperature, a deceleration step (A3) in which the compressor (1530) is driven so that the temperature inside the drum (400) rises to the target temperature by maintaining the RPM of the compressor or driving the compressor at a low RPM lower than the maximum RPM, and a cooling step (A4) in which the operation of the compressor (1530) is stopped to lower the temperature inside the drum (400). During the drying cycle, the blower fan (1600) can always be driven.

[0621] The above maximum RPM may not mean the highest RPM of the compressor (1530) output, but may mean the highest RPM during the drying cycle, and the above low RPM may not mean the highest RPM of the compressor output, but may mean the lowest RPM during the drying cycle.

[0622] The above heating step (A1) is a step for increasing the energy of the heat exchange unit (1500), and may correspond to a step for increasing the temperature of the refrigerant to a level where hot air can be generated.

[0623] Accordingly, the switching valve (1560) may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser in the heating step (A1) to the expansion valve (1540). As a result, the refrigerant may be expanded in the expansion valve (1540) and transferred to the second inlet / outlet pipe (1557), and the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may function as an evaporator. As a result, the average energy of the refrigerant circulating in the heat exchange unit (1500) may increase, and the energy of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (1530) may increase.

[0624] The above-mentioned rate step (A2) may correspond to a step in which hot air is supplied to the inside of the drum (400) to evaporate moisture from the clothing. Accordingly, the temperature inside the drum (400) may not be maintained or may not rise to the temperature of the hot air due to the heat of vaporization even if the hot air is supplied.

[0625] In this process, since a sufficiently large amount of heat can be absorbed by the evaporator (1510), the switching valve (1560) can be set and switched to directly transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (1510) to the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558). As a result, the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can be switched to a condenser to discharge the heat of the refrigerant to the outside air, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0626] That is, the switching valve can be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe (1555) at least once during the process in which the compressor is decelerated from the maximum RPM.

[0627] When the above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) is used as a condenser, the evaporator (1510) can absorb a greater amount of energy because more heat energy is discharged to the outside when the pressure drop of the refrigerant occurs, which may be advantageous for drying efficiency and drying performance. Therefore, it may still be advantageous for the diameter of the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) to be larger than the diameter of the second inlet / outlet pipe (1557).

[0628] The above-mentioned reduction step (A3) may correspond to a step in which the temperature inside the drum (400) rises to the temperature of the hot air, as the drying of the clothes is sufficiently performed and the heat of vaporization is reduced. In this process, the hot air is introduced into the evaporator (1510) again without being sufficiently cooled in the drum (400), so the evaporator (1510) can absorb excessive heat and transfer it to the compressor (1530).

[0629] Accordingly, the switching valve (1560) can maintain the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (1510) to be discharged to the first inlet (1555), and the auxiliary fan (1554) can be set to a high driving RPM. As a result, the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can discharge as much heat as possible to the outside, thereby preventing overload of the evaporator (1510) and the compressor (1530), and maintaining the performance of the evaporator (1510) and the compressor (1530).

[0630] That is, the switching valve (1560) may be set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) when the compressor (1530) is maintained to operate at a low RPM lower than the maximum RPM.

[0631] Figure 37 illustrates a case where the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a commercial dryer.

[0632] Even if the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a commercial dryer that cannot perform washing and only performs a drying process, the circuit structure and control method of the heat exchange unit (1500) described above can be applied as is.

[0633] That is, if the clothing treatment device of the present invention additionally includes an auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) and a switching valve (1560) to perform a drying process, the structure of the first inlet / outlet pipe (1558) and the second inlet / outlet pipe (1557) and the control method of the switching valve (1560) described above can be applied as is.

[0634] Even if the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a drying device, it can equally include a main body module (100) having a cabinet (100) that accommodates a drum (400) without a tub (200), and a drying module (1000) that includes a flow path forming part (1200) and a heat exchange part (1500) that are detachably provided on the main body module (100) and communicate with the drum (400).

[0635] That is, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with only a dryer, the main body module (100) and the drying module (1000) can be equipped to perform the same function even though the detailed structure is different when equipped with a washing machine.

[0636] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can detachably place the drying module (1000) at the rear of the cabinet (100), and the flow path forming part (1200) can be placed in the height direction of the drying module (1000). The evaporator (1510) and the condenser (1520) can be placed vertically.

[0637] In the above cabinet (100), a blower fan (1600) that supplies air to the duct forming part (1200) can be formed below the drum (400).

[0638] Figure 38 illustrates a detailed structural example in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a commercial dryer.

[0639] The above drying module (1000) may have a flow-forming part (1200) arranged vertically in a duct shape on one side. The interior of the drying module (1000) may be divided into the inside and outside of the flow-forming part (1200).

[0640] The above drying module (1000) may have an evaporator (1510) and a condenser (1520) spaced apart in the height direction inside the flow-forming part (1200), and a compressor (1530) and an auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) spaced apart in the height direction outside the flow-forming part (1200).

[0641] The auxiliary fan (1554) can be placed on top of the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550), and the expansion valve (1540) and the switching valve (1560) can also be placed outside the flow path forming part (1200).

[0642] The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes elements of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A main body module including a cabinet having an opening in the front through which clothes are inserted, and a drum placed inside the cabinet in which clothes are stored; A drying module including a case, a flow path forming part configured to form a flow path for guiding air accommodated inside the case and discharged outside the cabinet back into the cabinet, an evaporator arranged inside the flow path forming part to cool the air, a condenser arranged to heat the air passing through the evaporator, a compressor arranged to supply refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser, an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged outside the flow path forming part to receive the refrigerant that passed through the condenser, an expansion valve arranged to cool the refrigerant that passed through the condenser, and a switching valve that determines selectively supplying the refrigerant that passed through the condenser to the expansion valve and the auxiliary heat exchanger; The above auxiliary heat exchanger A plurality of heat exchange fins through which air passes outside the above-mentioned euro-forming part, A refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant delivered from the switching valve or the expansion valve moves, which is provided to pass through the plurality of heat exchange fins; A first inlet / outlet pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe outside the plurality of heat exchange fins and connected to the switching valve; A second inlet / outlet pipe is included, which is spaced apart from the first inlet / outlet pipe outside the plurality of heat exchange fins, is connected to the refrigerant pipe, and is connected to the expansion valve. A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the overall diameter of the first entrance / exit pipe is set to be larger than the overall diameter of the second entrance / exit pipe.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the number of the first entrance / exit pipes is set to be greater than the number of the second entrance / exit pipes.

3. In paragraph 2, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the plurality of first inlet and outlet pipes are branched from and connected to one of the refrigerant pipes.

4. In paragraph 2, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that a plurality of the first inlet and outlet pipes are respectively connected to a plurality of the refrigerant pipes.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first entrance and the above second entrance are provided in the same number, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the diameter of the first entrance / exit pipe is larger than the diameter of the second entrance / exit pipe.

6. In paragraph 1, The above auxiliary heat exchanger It further includes an exchange duct having an inlet portion that accommodates the heat exchange fins and guides the air to the heat exchange fins and an outlet portion that discharges the air that has passed through the heat exchange fins. A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first entrance / exit pipe is positioned closer to the exit section than the second entrance / exit pipe.

7. In paragraph 1, The above auxiliary heat exchanger An exchange duct having an inlet port that accommodates the heat exchange fins and guides the air to the heat exchange fins and an outlet port that discharges the air that has passed through the heat exchange fins; Further comprising an auxiliary fan coupled to the above exchange duct to move the air from the inlet to the outlet, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first entrance / exit pipe is positioned closer to the auxiliary fan than the second entrance / exit pipe.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a moving pipe for moving the refrigerant discharged from the first inlet / outlet pipe inside the case to the switching valve; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the diameter of the first entrance / exit pipe is set equal to or larger than the diameter of the moving pipe.

9. In paragraph 1, The above switching valve When the above compressor starts operating, it is set to deliver the refrigerant discharged from the above condenser to the above expansion valve, The above second inlet and outlet pipe is used to introduce refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the first inlet and outlet pipe is provided to discharge refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchange fins.

10. In paragraph 9, The above switching valve A clothes treatment device characterized in that the compressor is set to deliver the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the expansion valve until the compressor reaches or maintains the maximum RPM during the operation process.

11. In paragraph 9, A clothes treatment device, characterized in that the above switching valve is set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe at least once during the process in which the compressor is decelerated from the maximum RPM.

12. In paragraph 11, A clothes treatment device characterized in that the above switching valve is set to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the first inlet / outlet pipe when the compressor is maintained to operate at a low RPM lower than the maximum RPM.

Images