Clothing treatment apparatus

The garment treatment device addresses the challenge of accommodating large volumes of clothing by integrating a compact design with a reinforced drum and detachable air supply system, achieving efficient and cost-effective operation.

WO2025136030A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-26LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/097070
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-10-15
Filing Date
2024-12-17
Publication Date
2025-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional clothing treatment devices face challenges in accommodating large volumes of heavy and bulky clothing, and in efficiently integrating washing and drying functions within a limited cabinet space, which is particularly problematic for commercial use.

Method used

The garment treatment device features a first treatment device with a drum that provides a washing or drying space, and a second treatment device that is detachably mounted to supply air to the treatment target. This design efficiently arranges the flow path and heat exchanger in the second treatment device to reduce volume, while reinforcing the drum to prevent deformation and imbalance during rotation.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables a compact clothing treatment device that can efficiently handle large volumes of clothing, improve the installation of a balancer to compensate for treatment target imbalance, and reduce manufacturing costs by using a smaller press mold for the drum.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a first treatment device provided with a first cabinet, a tub provided inside the first cabinet to provide a space in which water is stored, and a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, having a balancer provided at the front or rear thereof, accommodating an object to be treated, and having a plurality of lifters installed to assist the movement of the object to be treated, the drum comprising: a drum body formed by press-processing a sheet material into a cylindrical shape to form the outer circumferential surface of the drum, and having a plurality of installation holes where the lifters are installed, a through hole through which the water is discharged, and a fastening hole for fixing the balancer; a front drum plate having an inlet formed for inputting the object to be treated and fastened to the front of the drum body; and a rear drum plate connected to a drum shaft, which is connected to a driving unit, and fastened to the rear of the drum body, wherein the through holes in the drum body are formed by means of a plurality of press forming operations in a space between an adjacent pair of installation holes, on the basis of the plurality of installation holes.
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Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device, and more specifically, to a garment treatment device having an improved structure of a drum into which garments are fed.

[0002] A garment treatment device refers to a washing machine, which washes items like clothing through a washing cycle, and a dryer, which dries items through a drying cycle. While washing machines and dryers are typically installed as separate units, there are garment treatment devices that can perform both washing and drying simultaneously to overcome space constraints and enhance user convenience.

[0003] In order to execute the washing process, the clothing treatment device is provided with a cabinet, a tub for storing water, a drum providing a space for accommodating the subject of treatment, a driving unit fixed to the tub and rotating the drum, a support unit for supporting the tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the tub, and a drain unit for draining water from the tub.

[0004] Meanwhile, in order to execute the drying process, the clothing treatment device is equipped with a flow path for extracting air from inside the tub and resupplying it to the tub, and a heat exchanger provided in the flow path for sequentially performing dehumidification and heating of the air.

[0005] That is, among the conventional clothing treatment devices, there were some that were all installed with devices for both the washing cycle and the drying cycle inside the cabinet, so that the user could selectively perform the washing cycle and the drying cycle according to his or her convenience.

[0006] Conventional garment treatment devices with the aforementioned structure have difficulties in applying them to commercial garment treatment devices that require frequent and rapid processing of large volumes of items. Specifically, commercial garment treatment devices require processing space capable of accommodating heavy and bulky garments, as well as a heat exchanger for rapid washing and drying. Therefore, it has been difficult to install both washing and drying devices in a cabinet with limited space. While it is possible to install both washing and drying devices by designing the cabinet to be larger, this approach presents challenges in terms of manufacturing and transport. Therefore, the coupling and arrangement of washing and drying devices has been a critical design consideration for commercial garment treatment devices.

[0007] Meanwhile, in the case of drums that provide a space for receiving the objects to be processed in existing commercial clothing processing equipment, drums of relatively larger sizes are used compared to those used in home clothing processing equipment, and a structure that can reinforce the strength of such drums is required.

[0008] In addition, in the case of drums of existing commercial clothing processing equipment, they are manufactured by pressing metal plates of a certain thickness, and processing is performed using a large press mold corresponding to the plate forming the drum. However, a relatively large cost is consumed in manufacturing the press mold, and a manufacturing method that can reduce the cost required for the press mold for processing such drums is required.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a clothing treatment device having a first treatment device that provides a washing space or drying space for a treatment target, and a second treatment device that is detachably mounted on the first treatment device and supplies air to the treatment target.

[0010] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a clothing treatment device capable of reducing volume by efficiently arranging a flow path and a heat exchanger in a second treatment device.

[0011] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a clothing treatment device including a drum that can prevent deformation and impact due to imbalance that may occur when the drum rotates by reinforcing the strength of the drum.

[0012] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a garment treatment device including a drum capable of improving the installation of a balancer for compensating for imbalance due to a treatment object that occurs when the drum rotates.

[0013] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a garment treatment device including a drum in which the balancer fastening structure of the drum is improved in order to install the same balancer at the front and rear of the drum.

[0014] Meanwhile, the purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first treatment device having a first cabinet, a tub provided inside the first cabinet to provide a space for storing water, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and having a balancer provided at the front or rear to receive a treatment object and a plurality of lifters installed to assist the movement of the treatment object.

[0016] Here, the drum includes a drum body in which a plate is pressed into a cylindrical shape to form an outer surface of the drum, a plurality of installation holes in which the lifter is installed, a through hole through which the water is discharged, and a fastening hole for fixing the balancer are formed, a front drum plate in which an inlet for the processing object is formed and fastened to the front of the drum body, and a drum shaft connected to the driving unit is connected and a rear drum plate fastened to the rear of the drum body, and it is preferable that the drum body has the through holes formed through a plurality of press forming in a space between a pair of adjacent installation holes based on the plurality of installation holes.

[0017] Here, it is preferable that the fastening hole is formed at a constant first interval between the pair of installation holes based on the installation hole.

[0018] Here, it is preferable that the interval between the fastening holes formed between another pair of installation holes adjacent to the pair of installation holes is formed at a second interval different from the first interval.

[0019] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the second interval be formed larger than the first interval.

[0020] In addition, the balancer is preferably formed with a plurality of fastening portions corresponding to the fastening holes on one surface, and the fastening portions are preferably formed repeatedly at the first interval and the second interval along the circumference of the balancer.

[0021] Here, the installation holes formed in the drum body are formed at 120-degree intervals based on the center of the drum body, and it is preferable that the first interval is formed at a constant interval between the pair of installation holes.

[0022] In addition, the number of fastening holes formed between the pair of installation holes is three, and it is preferable that the interval between the fastening holes located in the center of the three fastening holes between each installation hole is formed at an interval of 120 degrees.

[0023] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the interval between a pair of fastening holes arranged with the installation hole between each of the three fastening holes between the pair of installation holes be wider than the interval between the fastening holes between the pair of installation holes.

[0024] In addition, the installation holes are formed at regular intervals along the inner surface of the drum body, and the fastening holes are preferably spaced apart from the installation holes and spaced apart at regular intervals between the pair of installation holes.

[0025] In addition, a front curling portion and a rear curling portion are formed at the front and rear of the drum body, and it is preferable that the fastening hole is formed adjacent to the front curling portion and the rear curling portion.

[0026] Here, it is preferable that the front drum plate has a front plate curling portion formed on the outer surface thereof that is curlingly coupled to the front curling portion, and that the rear drum plate has a rear plate curling portion formed on the outer surface thereof that is curlingly coupled to the rear curling portion.

[0027] Meanwhile, the drum is provided with a drum shaft that receives the rotational force of the driving unit, and it is preferable that the rear drum plate is recessed into the inside of the drum and has a rear inclined surface formed in the center to which the drum shaft is fastened.

[0028] Here, in the 11th paragraph, it is preferable that a reinforcing plate is further provided on the outer side of the rear slope to reinforce the strength of the rear drum plate by being coupled to the rear drum plate.

[0029] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the mold for forming the drum body be formed smaller than the space between the adjacent pair of installation holes.

[0030] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the first treatment device further includes a mounting space provided on one side of the first cabinet to connect the inside of the first cabinet with the outside, a tub air supply unit capable of supplying air to the tub, and a tub exhaust unit capable of exhausting air inside the tub, and further includes a second treatment device that is detachably fixed to the first cabinet through the mounting space and supplies air to the tub to dry the treatment target inside the drum.

[0031] Here, the second treatment device preferably includes a flow path section having an exhaust duct connected to the tub exhaust section, an air supply duct connected to the tub air supply section, a heat exchange duct connected to the exhaust duct, and a blower duct having a fan for moving air and connecting the heat exchange duct and the air supply duct; a heat exchange section having a first heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange duct to dehumidify air, a second heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange duct to heat air, a refrigerant pipe forming a circulation path of refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a compressor for moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe; and a second cabinet having a support frame mounted on the first cabinet, a communication space provided on one surface of the support frame and communicating with the mounting space, and a support panel fixed to the support frame to divide the communication space into an open surface and a closed surface and provide a space to which at least one of the heat exchange duct and the blower duct is fixed.

[0032] According to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a garment treatment device including a first treatment device that provides a washing space or drying space for a treatment target, and a second treatment device that is detachably mounted on the first treatment device and supplies air to the treatment target.

[0033] In addition, according to the clothing treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a clothing treatment device that can reduce volume by efficiently arranging the flow path and heat exchanger in the second treatment device.

[0034] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a garment treatment device including a drum that can prevent deformation and impact due to imbalance that may occur when the drum rotates by reinforcing the strength of the drum.

[0035] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a garment treatment device including a drum that can improve the installation of a balancer for compensating for imbalance due to a treatment object that occurs when the drum rotates.

[0036] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of being able to provide a garment treatment device including a drum in which the balancer fastening structure of the drum is improved in order to install the same balancer at the front and rear of the drum.

[0037] Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a first processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a side perspective view showing a first processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view showing the main configuration of a first processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing the internal configuration of a first processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a second processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the internal structure of a second processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the main configuration of a second processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 is a simplified diagram showing the combination of a first processing device and a second processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a drum of a first processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a drum according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a fastening structure of a drum according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing structure of a drum lifter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the fastening of a rear balancer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the fastening of a front balancer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 17 is a development view showing a drum body according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 18 is a front view showing the position of a fastening part of a balancer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The configuration or control method of the device described below is only for explaining an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and reference numbers used identically throughout the specification represent identical components.

[0057] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise," "include," or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and therefore, unless specifically defined, do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0058] Expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "in which direction", "along which direction", "parallel", "perpendicularly", "centered", "concentric" or "coaxial", not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance such that tolerance or the same function is obtained.

[0059] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components; however, these components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0060] In addition, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front end,” “rear end,” “top,” and “bottom” used in this specification are defined based on the drawings or defined based on the configuration or arrangement / arrangement state between configurations, and the shape and position of each configuration are not limited by these terms.

[0061] Below, a preferred embodiment of a garment treatment device is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothing treatment device (100) may be provided to include a first treatment device (100a, treatment module, washing module) that provides a space for washing or drying a treatment target such as clothing, and a second treatment device (100b) that is detachably coupled to the first treatment device (100a, drying module, heat exchange module, detachable module) for drying a treatment target put into the first treatment device.

[0064] The first treatment device (100a) may be provided to include a first cabinet (1), and the second treatment device (100b) may be provided to include a second cabinet (6). As shown in the drawing, the second treatment device (100b) may be provided to be positioned above the first treatment device (100a), and in this case, the exterior of the clothing treatment device (100) may be formed by a combination of the first cabinet (1) and the second cabinet (6).

[0065] The first cabinet (1) may be provided to include a front panel (11, first front panel) forming the front surface of the first processing device (100a), a side panel (12, first side panel) connected to the first front panel (11) to form a side surface of the first processing device (100a), and a rear panel (13, first rear panel) provided at a position facing the first front panel (11) to form the rear surface of the first processing device (100a).

[0066] The first front panel (11) may be provided with a control panel (112) for controlling the garment treatment device (100). The control panel (112) may be provided to control only one of the first treatment device (100a) and the second treatment device (100b), or may be provided to control both the first treatment device (100a) and the second treatment device (100b). The control panel (112) may be provided with a display unit for displaying control commands selectable by the user, and an input unit for receiving control commands from the user.

[0067] A detergent storage unit (41) forming a space for storing detergent may be provided on one side of the first front panel (11) (specifically, one side of the control panel (112)). The detergent storage unit (41) may be formed in a drawer shape and may be provided so as to be withdrawable to the front of the first front panel (11).

[0068] The first front panel (11) may be provided with a first panel body (113) and a second panel body (114). The first panel body (113) may be provided as a panel fixed to the first treatment device (100a) to form a mounting space for the control panel (112) and the detergent storage unit (41), and the second panel body (114) may be provided as a panel detachable from the first treatment device (100a).

[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the first panel body (113) forms the upper region of the first front panel (11) and the second panel body (114) forms the lower region of the first front panel (11).

[0070] The first side panel (12) may be provided to include a left panel (121, first left panel) forming the left side of the first processing device (100a) (part of the left side of the garment processing device), and a right panel (122, first right panel) forming the right side of the first processing device (100a) (part of the right side of the garment processing device).

[0071] The first panel body (113) is provided to include a cabinet penetration hole (111) that communicates with the inside of the first processing device (100a), and the second panel body (114) can be provided at a position where at least some of the components provided inside the first processing device (100a) can be exposed to the outside of the first processing device (100a).

[0072] The second processing device (100b) may be provided to include a second cabinet (6), a flow path (7, 8, see FIG. 7) provided inside the second cabinet (6), and a heat exchanger (9, see FIG. 7) provided in the flow path to remove moisture from the air (dehumidify) or heat the air.

[0073] The second cabinet (6) may include a front panel (67, second front panel) forming the front surface of the second cabinet (6), a side panel (65, second side panel) forming the side surface of the second cabinet (6), a rear panel (64, second rear panel) forming the rear surface of the second cabinet (6), and an upper panel (66) forming the upper surface of the second cabinet (6).

[0074] An outside air supply port (81) through which outside air is introduced into the inside of the second cabinet (6) may be provided on the upper portion of the second front panel (67). The outside air supply port (81) may be provided on the side of the second front panel (67) or on the lower surface of the second front panel (67).

[0075] The first processing device (100a) may be provided with a mounting space (15) to which the second processing device (100b) is fixed, as shown in Fig. 2. The mounting space (15) may be provided as an open space formed on the upper surface of the first cabinet (1).

[0076] Here, FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the mounting space (15) is formed by the upper portion of the first front panel (11), the upper portion of the first left panel (121), the upper portion of the first right panel (122), and the upper portion of the first rear panel (13).

[0077] The height of the first front panel (11) and the height of the first rear panel (13) can be set higher (H1) than the height of the first left panel (121) and the height of the first right panel (122). When the heights of the first front panel (11) and the first rear panel (13) are set higher than the side panels (121, 122), not only is it advantageous for positioning and fixing the second treatment device (100b) when mounting it in the mounting space (15), but there is also an effect of reducing the height of the entire garment treatment device (100).

[0078] In addition, if the first front panel (11) is set higher than the side panels (121, 122), it will be possible to create a space in which other devices (such as a detergent storage unit) can be installed in the first front panel (11) while minimizing the increase in the height of the clothing treatment device (100). The first front panel (11) may be set to the same height as the first rear panel (13), or may be provided at a different height from the first rear panel (13).

[0079] A first control unit (19) for controlling at least one of the first processing device (100a) and the second processing device (100a) may be provided inside the first cabinet (1). The first control unit (19) may be provided to receive a control signal from an input unit of the control panel (112) or to transmit a control signal requesting the display of information on a display unit of the control panel (112). The first control unit (19) may be fixed to the first rear panel (13) and positioned inside the first cabinet (1).

[0080] A receiving portion (2) forming a washing space or drying space for the subject matter may be provided within the first cabinet (1). The receiving portion (2) may be provided with a tub (2a) forming a space for water and a path for air movement, and a drum (2b) rotatably provided within the tub to form a processing space in which the subject matter is received.

[0081] The above tub (2a) may be provided to include a tub body (21) that provides a space for storing water and is fixed inside the first cabinet (1) via a tub support member (23).

[0082] The above tub body (21) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior. The tub body (21) may be provided to include a tub front surface (21a) provided in a direction facing the first front panel (11), a tub rear surface (21b) provided in a direction facing the first rear panel (13), and a tub circumference (21c) connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the tub body.

[0083] The front surface (21a) of the tub may be provided with an inlet (211) communicating with the inside of the drum (2b), and a mounting pipe (212) that is provided in a shape that surrounds the inlet (211) and protrudes from the front surface (21a) of the tub toward the cabinet penetration hole (111).

[0084] That is, the mounting pipe (212) is provided as a cylinder protruding from the front surface (21a) of the tub toward the first front panel (11), and the inlet (211) is provided as a hole penetrating the front surface (21a) of the tub, but may be provided so as to be located inside the mounting pipe (212).

[0085] The above-mentioned mounting pipe (212) not only provides a mounting space for the injection unit or the tub air supply unit to be described later, but can also be a means for guiding the treatment target fed into the drum (2b) through the cabinet penetration hole (111) to the input port (211).

[0086] The above-mentioned inlet (211) can be opened and closed by a door (22) rotatably fixed to the front surface (21a) of the tub. Since the door (22) is not rotatably fixed to the first front panel (11) but is rotatably fixed to the tub body (21), it is preferable that the cabinet penetration hole (111) be provided in a size and position that does not interfere with the rotation of the door (22) (rotation for opening or closing the inlet).

[0087] That is, when the input port (211) is closed, the door (22) remains exposed to the outside of the first cabinet (1) through the cabinet penetration hole (111). However, when the input port (211) is opened, the door (22) can rotate toward the outside of the first cabinet (1) through the cabinet penetration hole (111).

[0088] In addition, the second processing device (100b) may be provided with a frame panel (62) on the inside of the front panel (67, second front panel) forming the front surface of the second cabinet (6). The frame panel (62) may be provided to form a space in which a portion of the duct section (7, 8, see FIG. 7) is supported.

[0089] The second front panel (67) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the frame panel (62) so that the frame panel (62) is not exposed to the outside. In addition, the second front panel (67) may be rotatably fixed to the support frame (61), the frame panel (62), or the upper panel (66) so that the user can easily access the frame panel (62).

[0090] The above frame panel (62) may be provided with a first panel door (624) and a second panel door (626) that are rotatably fixed to the frame panel (62) and open and close to connect the inside of the second cabinet (6) with the outside.

[0091] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a first processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a side perspective view showing a first processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tub (2a) can be supported by a first support body (231) forming the bottom surface of the garment treatment device (100), a second support body (235) to which the tub body (21) is fixed and positioned above the first support body (23), and a damper (236) and a spring (237) arranged between the first support body (231) and the second support body (235).

[0093] The above tub (2a) may be provided with a door mounting portion (224) for fixing the door (22) to the front surface (21a) of the tub. The door mounting portion (224) may be provided to include a first mounting cover (225) that is fixed to the front surface (21a) of the tub and surrounds the mounting pipe (212), and a second mounting cover (226) that is fixed to the first mounting cover (225) and provides a space for fixing a hinge (227) of the door. To prevent the inlet (211) from being closed by the door mounting portion (224), the door mounting portion (224) may be provided with an inlet communication hole (228).

[0094] The above tub (2a) can be connected to the second treatment device (100b) via the tub air supply part (24) and the tub exhaust part (25). That is, the second treatment device (100b) can be detachably connected to the tub air supply part (24) and the tub exhaust part (25).

[0095] The above tub air supply unit (24) may be provided to supply air into the inside of the tub body (21) through the mounting pipe (212), and the above tub exhaust unit (25) may be provided to discharge air inside the tub body (21) to the outside of the tub (2a) through the tub circumference (21c).

[0096] The above tub air supply unit (24) may be provided to include a first air supply hole (241) and a second air supply hole (242) provided in the mounting pipe (212), and a distribution pipe (243) that guides air to each of the air supply holes (241, 242).

[0097] The first air supply hole (241) and the second air supply hole (242) may be provided to pass through the mounting pipe (212) and communicate with the inlet (211). The distribution pipe (243) may be provided to include a connection pipe (243a) connected to the second treatment device (100b), a first branch pipe (243b) that guides some of the air introduced into the connection pipe to the first air supply hole (241), and a second branch pipe (243c) that guides some of the air introduced into the connection pipe to the second air supply hole (242).

[0098] In order for the above-mentioned clothing treatment device (100) to perform washing or drying of a large number of items to be treated, the volume of the tub body (21) and the volume of the drum (2b) need to be designed to be large. Since the drum (2b) must be supported by the rear surface (21b) of the tub and be rotatable within the body (21), the durability of the tub body (21) is important in order to design the volume of the drum (2b) to be large. Therefore, the tub body (21) may be formed of a metal material.

[0099] When the tub body (21) is made of a metal material, it is preferable that the mounting pipe (212) is also made of a metal material, but the distribution pipe (243) may be made of a different material from the mounting pipe (212). The distribution pipe (243) provided with the first branch pipe (243b) and the second branch pipe (243c) described above may be advantageous in terms of cost and time to be formed of a material such as plastic rather than metal. Therefore, when the distribution pipe (243) and the mounting pipe (212) are made of different materials, the first treatment device (100a) may further include a bracket (244) that connects the distribution pipe (243) to the mounting pipe (212).

[0100] The above distribution pipe (243) may be provided as a flow path protruding from the above mounting pipe (212) toward the second processing device (100b). Meanwhile, the free end (the portion to which the second processing device is connected) of the above connection pipe (243a) may be provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the first processing device (100a) through the mounting space (15) of the first cabinet (1).

[0101] That is, the free end of the connecting pipe (243a) may be positioned at a point higher than at least one of the upper end of the first front panel (11), the upper end of the first rear panel (13), and the upper end of the first side panel (121, 122). This is to facilitate the coupling of the first processing device (100a) and the second processing device (100b).

[0102] The above tub exhaust part (25) may be provided as an exhaust pipe protruding from the tub circumference (21c) toward the second processing device (100b). That is, the above tub exhaust part (25) may be provided as an exhaust pipe protruding toward the mounting space (15) formed on the upper surface of the above first processing device (100a).

[0103] The free end of the above tub exhaust section (25) (the portion to which the second treatment device (100b) is connected) may be positioned at a point higher than at least one of the upper end of the first front panel (11), the upper end of the first rear panel (13), and the upper end of the first side panel (121, 122). This is to facilitate the coupling of the first treatment device (100a) and the second treatment device (100b).

[0104] Unlike the above, the free end of the tub exhaust part (25) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the side panel (12). This is to reduce the height of the garment treatment device (100).

[0105] The above door (22) may be provided to include a door frame (221) rotatably fixed to the hinge (227), a door frame penetration hole (222) provided to penetrate the door frame, and a door window (223) fixed to the door frame (221) to close the door frame penetration hole.

[0106] The above door frame penetration hole (222) is provided at a position corresponding to the input port (211) (a position connected to the input port), and the door window (223) may be provided with a light-transmitting material. In this case, the user will be able to check the inside of the drum (2b) from the outside of the first processing device (100a).

[0107] The above door window (223) may be provided to include a first window (223a) fixed to the door frame (221) so as to be exposed to the outside through the cabinet penetration hole (111), and a second window (223b) fixed to the door frame (221) so as to be located inside the mounting pipe (212).

[0108] The first window (223a) may be provided with glass that is positioned in the cabinet penetration hole (111) and forms a part of the first front panel (11), and the second window (223b) may be provided with glass that protrudes from the door frame (221) toward the inlet (211).

[0109] The above tub body (21) is supplied with water through the water supply unit (4), and the water inside the tub body (21) can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (100) through the drain unit (28).

[0110] The above drainage unit (28) may be provided to include a drainage pipe (281) that guides water inside the tub body (21) to the outside of the first cabinet (1). The drainage pipe (281) may be provided with one end fixed to the lower space of the tub circumference (21c) (an area of ​​the tub circumference located below a horizontal line passing through the center of the inlet) and the other end as a hose that penetrates the first rear panel (13).

[0111] The above drain pipe (281) may be provided to discharge water inside the tub body (21) to the outside of the first cabinet (1) using gravity, or may be provided to discharge water inside the tub body (21) to the outside of the first cabinet (1) through a drain pump. Fig. 4 illustrates the former case as an example, and in this case, the drain unit (28) may further be provided with a drain valve (282) that controls the opening and closing of the drain pipe (281) according to a control signal of the first control unit (19).

[0112] The above drainage unit (28) may further be equipped with a drainage filter that filters water flowing into the drainage pipe (281), and the drainage filter may be provided so as to be detachable from the drainage pipe (281). The drainage valve (282) and the drainage filter may be provided at a location exposed to the outside when the second panel body (114) is separated from the first treatment device (100a).

[0113] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view showing the main configuration of a first processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing the internal configuration of the first processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drum (2b) is provided in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior. The drum (2b) may include a front drum plate (26b) forming the front of the drum (2b), a drum body (26a) forming the outer circumference of the drum (2b), a rear drum plate (26c) forming the rear of the drum (2b), and a reinforcing plate (26d) for reinforcing the strength of the rear drum plate (26c).

[0115] The front drum plate (26b) may be formed with a drum inlet (261b) that communicates with the inlet (211), and a plurality of drum penetration holes (263a) that communicate the inside of the drum body (26a) with the inside of the tub body (21) may be formed on the circumference of the drum body (26a), and a drum shaft (260a) that is connected to a driving unit (27) to be described later may be connected to the rear drum plate (26c).

[0116] In addition, a plurality of lifters (26e) may be provided inside the drum body (26a) so that the object to be treated can be repeatedly raised and lowered inside the drum body (26a) when the drum body (26a) rotates (so that the washing power can be increased).

[0117] The drum body (26a) can be rotated by a drum shaft (260a) and a driving unit (27). The drum shaft (260a) is fixed to the rear surface of the drum body (26a) and is provided to penetrate the rear surface (21b) of the tub, and the driving unit (27) can be provided to be positioned on the outside of the tub body (21) and to rotate the drum shaft (260a).

[0118] In addition, a front balancer (26f) and a rear balancer (26f) may be provided on the outer side of the front drum plate (26b) and the outer side of the rear drum plate (26c) to compensate for unbalance caused by eccentricity of the processing target when the drum (2b) rotates.

[0119] Meanwhile, the detailed structure and combination of the drum (2b) and front / rear balancer (26f) described above will be described in detail with reference to a separate drawing after the description of the first processing device (100a) and the second processing device (100b) is completed.

[0120] The above tub (2a) forms a space in which water is stored and at the same time forms a space in which the drum (2b) can be rotatably installed inside. The above tub (2a) may include a tub body (21) fixed to the inside of the first cabinet (1) via a tub support member (23), a tub front surface (21a) provided in a direction facing the first front panel (11), a tub rear surface (21b) provided in a direction facing the first rear panel (13), and a tub circumference (21c) connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the tub body.

[0121] The front surface (21a) of the tub may be formed with an inlet (211) communicating with the inside of the drum (2b) and a mounting pipe (212) on which a door (22) for opening and closing the inlet (211) is mounted. The rear surface (21b) of the tub may be provided with a bearing housing (272) that rotatably fixes the drum shaft (260a) to the tub body (21), a motor (273) that is fixed to the tub support (23) and controlled by the first control unit (19), and a power transmission unit that transmits the power of the motor (273) to the drum shaft (260a).

[0122] The above bearing housing (272) can be fixed to the rear surface (21b) of the tub via a driving unit support body (271). The driving unit support body (271) can be provided to include a hub to which the bearing housing (272) is fixed, and a plurality of hub fixing bars radially arranged from the hub.

[0123] The rear surface (21b) of the above tub is provided with a tub rear surface through hole, and the hub is provided with a hub through hole connected to the tub rear surface through hole. The drum shaft (260a) is exposed to the outside of the tub body (21) through the tub rear surface through hole and the hub through hole, and the drum shaft (260a) exposed to the outside of the tub body (21) can be rotatably fixed to the hub through the bearing housing (282).

[0124] The above tub body (21) can be fixed to the second support body (235) through a tub fixing part (238), and the tub fixing part (238) can be provided to include a first strap (238a, a first strap) and a second strap (238b) that fix the tub circumference (21c) to the second support body (235).

[0125] The first strap (238a) may be provided to fix the front area of ​​the tub circumference (21c) to the second support body (235), and the second strap (238b) may be provided to fix the rear area of ​​the tub circumference (21c) to the second support body (235).

[0126] The above tub (2a) can transmit vibration generated from the drum (2b) according to the rotation of the drum (2b). The tub (2a) and the second support body (235) may further be provided with a tub weight to dampen vibration transmitted from the drum (2b).

[0127] The above tub weight may be provided to include at least one of a first weight (239a) fixed to the second support body (235) and a second weight (239b) fixed to the tub circumference (21c).

[0128] The first weight (239a) may be fixed to the front surface of the second support body (235) (see FIG. 4). Alternatively, the second weight (239b) may be fixed to the first strap (238a) (see FIG. 6). Both the first weight (239a) and the second weight (239b) are positioned in the front area of ​​the tub body (21), taking into account that the driving unit (27) is provided in the rear area of ​​the tub body (21).

[0129] The power transmission unit may be provided to include a first pulley (275) fixed to the rotational axis (274) of the motor, a second pulley (276) fixed to the drum axis (260a), and a belt (277) connecting the two pulleys.

[0130] Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the power transmission unit may be provided with a first gear fixed to the rotational shaft (274) of the motor and a second gear fixed to the drum shaft (260a). Furthermore, the power transmission unit may be provided to further include a third gear that is provided to connect the first gear and the second gear and sets the rotational speed of the drum body (26) (sets the rotational speed of the second gear).

[0131] As mentioned above, the tub body (21) is fixed inside the first cabinet (1) through the tub support (23) and is supplied with water through the water supply unit (4).

[0132] The above water supply unit (4) is a means for guiding water provided from a water source located outside the clothing treatment device (100) to the tub body (21). The water supply unit (4) may be provided as a path that directly connects the water source and the tub body (21), or may be provided as a path that supplies detergent together with water supplied from the water source to the tub body (21).

[0133] The above water supply unit (4) may be provided to include a detergent storage unit (41) forming a space where detergent is stored, a storage unit water supply pipe (42) supplying water supplied from the water source to the detergent storage unit (41), a water supply valve (44, see FIG. 3) controlling the opening and closing of the storage unit water supply pipe (42) according to a control signal of the first control unit (19), and a tub supply pipe (46) supplying liquid (water, or a mixture of water and detergent) discharged from the detergent storage unit (41) to the tub body (21).

[0134] The above first processing device (100a) may be provided with a communication part (29, outside air communication part) that can discharge air inside the tub body (21) to the outside or supply outside air to the tub body (21).

[0135] Water may remain in the above tub body (21) and drum body (26), and the clothing treatment device (100) equipped with the above communication part (29) has the effect of enabling hygienic management of the tub (2a) and the drum (2b) by reducing the possibility of water remaining in the tub body and drum body.

[0136] In addition, the clothing treatment device (100) equipped with the above-mentioned connecting portion (29) can prevent the inside of the tub body (21) from being sealed even when the door (22) closes the inlet (211). Therefore, the clothing treatment device (100) can prevent an accident that may occur due to the tub body (21) being sealed.

[0137] In order to prevent the fluid (water, foam, foreign matter) inside the tub body (21) from being discharged to the outside of the first cabinet (1) through the above-mentioned communication portion (29), the first treatment device (100a) may be provided with a connection portion (5) that connects the flow path formed by the water supply portion (4) and the flow path formed by the communication portion (29).

[0138] The tub supply pipe (46) may be fixed to a region of the tub rear surface (21b) that is higher than the horizontal line (L1) passing through the drum shaft (260a). When water begins to be supplied into the tub body (21), the pressure in the region higher than the horizontal line (L1) will be lower than the pressure in the region lower than the horizontal line (L1) in the internal space of the tub body (21). Therefore, it is preferable that one end of the tub supply pipe (46) be fixed to a point higher than the horizontal line (L1). Since vibration when the drum body (26) rotates may be transmitted to the tub body (21), at least a portion of the tub supply pipe (46) may be provided as a corrugated pipe.

[0139] The first communication pipe (291) may be fixed to an area higher than a horizontal line (L1) passing through the drum shaft (260a) among the rear surface (21b) of the tub to connect the tub body (21) to the exhaust chamber (515), and the second communication pipe (292) may be provided to connect the drain pipe (281) and the connection portion (5).

[0140] The first communication pipe (291) is connected to the internal space of the tub body (21) through the rear surface (21b) of the tub, and the second communication pipe (292) is connected to the drain pipe (281) so that water or foam flowing into the exhaust chamber (515) can be guided to the drain pipe (281) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (100).

[0141] Meanwhile, the air supplied to the tub body (21) through the tub supply part (24) can maintain high drying efficiency when supplied to the second treatment device (100b) through the tub exhaust part (25). In the clothing treatment device (100) equipped with the communication part (29), some of the air inside the tub body (21) can be exhausted to the outside through the first communication pipe (291).

[0142] In order to reduce the above-described phenomenon, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication pipe (291) may be set smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tub exhaust part (25). The cross-sectional area of ​​the second communication pipe (292) may be set equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication pipe (291), or may be set smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication pipe (291).

[0143] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a second processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the second processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the main configuration of the second processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second processing device (100b) may be provided to include a second cabinet (6), a flow path (7, 8) provided inside the second cabinet (6), and a heat exchanger (9) provided in the flow path to remove moisture from the air (dehumidify) or heat the air.

[0145] The second cabinet (6) may include a support frame (61) mounted on the first cabinet (1), a side panel (65, second side panel) fixed to the support frame (61) to form a side surface of the second cabinet, a rear panel (64, second rear panel) fixed to the support frame (61) to form a rear surface of the second cabinet, and an upper panel (66) fixed to the support frame (61) to form an upper surface of the second cabinet.

[0146] The second side panel (65) may be provided with a left panel (651, second left panel) forming the left side of the second cabinet (6), and a right panel (652, second right panel) forming the right side of the second cabinet (6).

[0147] The second rear panel (64) may be provided with a panel exhaust port (641) that connects the interior of the second cabinet (6) with the exterior. Accordingly, through the panel exhaust port (641), air inside the second cabinet (6) can be discharged to the exterior, and outside air can be introduced into the interior of the second cabinet (6).

[0148] A frame panel (62) may be provided on the front surface of the above support frame (61). The frame panel (62) may be provided to form a space in which a portion of the above-described guiding section (7, 8) is supported.

[0149] Furthermore, the support frame (61) may be provided with a front panel (67, second front panel) forming the front surface of the second cabinet (6). The second front panel (67) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the frame panel (62) so that the frame panel (62) is not exposed to the outside. In addition, to allow a user to easily access the frame panel (62), the second front panel (67) may be provided to be rotatably coupled to the support frame (61), the frame panel (62), or the upper panel (66) so as to open and close the frame panel (62).

[0150] The second front panel (67) may be provided to be rotatable toward the upper portion of the second cabinet (6), and the frame panel (62) may be provided to be rotatable toward the lower portion of the second cabinet (6). That is, the rotation axis of the second front panel (67) may be fixed to the upper portion of the upper panel (66) or the support frame (61), and the rotation axis of the frame panel (62) may be fixed to the lower portion of the support frame (61).

[0151] When the second cabinet (6) is mounted on the first cabinet (1), the lower end of the second side panel (651, 652) may be connected in parallel to the upper end of the first side panel (121, 122) of the first processing device (0), and the lower end of the second rear panel (64) may be connected in parallel to the upper end of the first rear panel (13). Meanwhile, when the second cabinet (6) is mounted on the first cabinet (1), the second front panel (67) may be provided to be positioned on the same plane as the first front panel (11).

[0152] The front surface of the support frame (61) is closed by the frame panel (62), both sides of the support frame (61) are closed by the second side panels (651, 652), the upper surface of the support frame (61) is closed by the upper panel (66), and the rear surface of the support frame (61) can be closed by the second rear panel (64).

[0153] The above frame panel (62) may be provided with a first panel through hole (621), a second panel through hole (622), and a third panel through hole (623) that connect the inside of the second cabinet (6) with the outside.

[0154] The panel first door (624) may be rotatably provided on the frame panel (62) through the panel first through hole (621), and the panel second door (626) may be rotatably provided on the frame panel (62) through the panel second through hole (622).

[0155] The first door (624) of the panel may be provided with a space for mounting a second control unit (63) that controls the second processing device (100b). In this case, the first through-hole (621) of the panel may be a control unit outlet that exposes the second control unit (63) to the outside of the second cabinet (6).

[0156] The above-mentioned euro portion (7, 8) may be equipped with a filter for filtering air discharged from the tub body (21), and the second panel through-hole (622) may be a filter outlet for drawing the filter out to the outside of the second cabinet (6).

[0157] The above panel third penetration hole (623) can be a means (panel air inlet) for supplying air from outside the second cabinet (6) to the euro section (7, 8).

[0158] A second flow passage (8) may be provided on the inside of the above support frame (61). The second flow passage (8) serves as a means for introducing outside air into the interior of the second cabinet (6), and may be fixed to the support frame (61) or the second side panel (651, 652).

[0159] The above second euro section (8) can be located in the left or right area of ​​the front space of the second cabinet (6).

[0160] The second cabinet (6) may further be provided with a fixing frame (619) for fixing the second flow path (8). The fixing frame (619) may be provided to connect the lower frame (611) and the upper frame (617) (for reinforcing the strength of the support frame), or may be provided to be fixed to the second side panel (651, 652) and positioned in the front space. In this case, the second flow path (8) may be positioned in a space (corner area of ​​the front space) formed between the second side panel (651, 652), the frame panel (62), and the air supply duct (721) in the front space.

[0161] The internal space of the first cabinet (1) is connected to the outside through the mounting space (15). In order to connect the internal space of the first cabinet (1) and the internal space of the support frame (61), a communication space (612) connected to the mounting space (15) may be provided on the bottom surface of the support frame (61).

[0162] The above support frame (61) may be provided with a support panel (613) that divides the communication space (612) into an open side and a closed side. The closed side refers to an area of ​​the communication space (612) where the support panel (613) is positioned, and the open side may be defined as an area of ​​the communication space (612) where the support panel (613) is not positioned. Since the communication space (612) is connected to the mounting space (15), the mounting space (15) can also be viewed as being divided into an open side and a closed side by the support panel (613).

[0163] The interior of the above support frame (61) can be divided into a front space where the frame panel (62) is positioned and a rear space where the second rear panel (64) is positioned, and the support panel (613) can be fixed to the lower frame (611) and positioned in the rear space.

[0164] The above front space may be defined as a space located above the open surface (a space located above the tub air supply part (24)), and the above rear space may be defined as a space located above the closed surface. The frame panel (62) will form one side of the front space, and the second rear panel (64) will form one side of the rear space.

[0165] The above support panel (613) may be provided to include a support body (614) that supports a part of the configuration of the above-described euro section (7, 8) or a part of the configuration of the above-described heat exchange section (9), and a fixing body (615) that fixes the support body (614) to the above-described lower frame (611) (see FIG. 9).

[0166] The above support body (614) may be provided to be positioned at a lower point than the lower frame (611). That is, the lowermost end of the support body (614) may be provided to be positioned at a lower point than the bottom surface (communication space, the lowermost end of the lower frame) of the support frame (61). When the second cabinet (6) is mounted on the first cabinet (1), the bottom edge of the support frame (61) will be supported by the panels (11, 12, 13) of the first cabinet forming the mounting space (15), and the support body (614) will be positioned inside the first cabinet (1). That is, when the second cabinet (6) is fixed on the first cabinet (1), the support body (614) will be positioned at a lower point than the upper end of the first side panel (12).

[0167] Since the above support panel (613) is provided to support the above-mentioned euro section (7, 8) or heat exchange section (9), if the above-mentioned support body (614) is provided to be positioned at a lower point than the above-mentioned lower frame (611), the effect of reducing the height of the entire garment treatment device (100) can be expected.

[0168] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flow path may be provided to include a first flow path (7) that is connected to the tub body (21) to form an air circulation path, and a second flow path (8) that forms an outside air movement path.

[0169] The first flow path (7) may be provided to include an exhaust flow path (71) connected to the tub exhaust part (25), an air supply flow path (72) connected to the tub air supply part (24), a heat exchange flow path (73) connected to the exhaust flow path, and a blower flow path (74) equipped with a fan for moving air and connecting the heat exchange flow path (73) and the air supply flow path (72).

[0170] The above exhaust path (71) may be provided as an exhaust duct (711) that is detachably fixed to the tub exhaust section (25) of the first treatment device (100a). In order to reduce vibration of the tub body (21) to the heat exchange path (73), an exhaust path corrugation (712) may be provided in at least a portion of the exhaust duct (711).

[0171] The above-mentioned air supply path (72) may be provided with an air supply duct (721) that is fixed to the air blower path (74) and provides a path for air to travel through the air blower path. In order to reduce the vibration of the tub body (21) from being transmitted to the air supply duct (721), an air supply path fold (722) may be provided in at least a portion of the air supply duct (721) or at one end of the air supply duct (721).

[0172] The above heat exchange path (73) may be provided with a heat exchange duct (73b) fixed to the support panel (613). The heat exchange duct (73b) may be provided to include a first heat exchange duct (734) in which a first heat exchanger (91) provided in the heat exchange unit (9) is mounted, a second heat exchange duct (735) in which a second heat exchanger (92) provided in the heat exchange unit (9) is mounted, and a connecting duct (736) connecting the heat exchange ducts (734, 735).

[0173] The above heat exchange duct (73b) may be fixed to the bottom surface (support body, 614) of the support panel (613), or may be fixed to a duct mounting portion (616) provided on the support panel (613). The duct mounting portion (616) is a means for protruding from the support body (614) toward the heat exchange duct (73b) to maintain a gap between the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct (73b) and the support body (614).

[0174] Since the air that flows into the first heat exchange duct (73b) from the tub body (21) through the exhaust duct (711) is condensed while passing through the first heat exchanger (91), condensate may remain inside the heat exchange duct (73b). In order to discharge the condensate remaining inside the heat exchange duct (73b), the second treatment device (100b) may be provided with a condensate discharge unit (75). The condensate discharge unit (75) may be provided in a space formed between the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct (73b) and the support body (614) by the duct mounting unit (616).

[0175] The above condensate drain pipe (76) may be provided to include a first condensate drain pipe (761) fixed to the support body (614) and connected to the first chamber drain pipe (758), and a second condensate drain pipe (762) fixed to the support body (614) and connected to the second chamber drain pipe (759).

[0176] The above condensate first drain pipe (761) and the above condensate second drain pipe (762) are means for guiding condensate to the outside of the second cabinet (6), and the above condensate first drain pipe (761) and the above condensate second drain pipe (762) can be provided to guide condensate to the drain pipe (281) provided in the above first treatment device (100a).

[0177] The above heat exchange duct (73b) may be provided so as to be directly connected to the exhaust duct (711), or may be provided so as to be connected to the exhaust duct (711) through a filter duct (73a). The filter duct (73a) is a space in which a filter (733) for filtering the air supplied to the exhaust duct (711) is installed.

[0178] A filter outlet (731) communicating with the second panel penetration hole (622) may be provided on one side of the filter duct (73a), and an exhaust duct connection portion (732) connected to the exhaust duct (711) may be provided on the other side of the filter duct (73a). The filter outlet (731) is provided on the front side (the side facing the frame panel) of the filter duct (73a), and the exhaust duct connection portion (732) is provided on the bottom side of the filter duct (73a), as an example.

[0179] The above-mentioned airflow path (74) may be provided to include a blower duct (74a) that is fixed to the support panel (613) and connects the heat exchange duct (73b) and the air supply duct (721), and a blower fan (first flow fan, 74b) that moves air along the first flow path (7).

[0180] The second flow path (8) may be provided to include a first outside air duct (82) provided inside the second cabinet (6) and through which outside air is introduced, a second outside air duct (83) connected to the first outside air duct (82) and equipped with a third heat exchanger (93) provided in the heat exchanger (9), and a second flow fan (84) for moving air.

[0181] The first external air duct (82) is formed to be connected to the panel supply hole (623) provided in the frame panel (62). The first external air duct (83) is provided as a flow path extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second cabinet.

[0182] The second external air duct (83) may be provided as a flow path extending along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the second cabinet. The second external air duct (83) is provided in a shape extending along the height direction of the second cabinet (6), and the second flow fan (84) is provided in the second external air duct (83) to reduce the possibility of the second flow fan (84) overheating.

[0183] When the second treatment device (100b) is in operation, heated air is supplied to the tub body (21), so the temperature of the circumferential surface of the tub body (21) rises. Since the second flow path (8) is located at the upper portion of the tub body (21), if the second flow fan (84) is located close to the tub body (21), there is a possibility of overheating due to heat emitted to the outside of the tub body (21). However, if the second flow path (8) is configured as described above, the possibility of overheating of the second flow fan (84) can be significantly reduced.

[0184] Meanwhile, the external air supply port (81) may be provided on the upper surface of the second front panel (67), the side surface of the second front panel (67), or the lower surface of the second front panel (67). However, if the external air supply port (81) is provided on the upper surface of the second front panel (67), it will be advantageous to supply external air to the second flow path (8).

[0185] The above heat exchange unit (9) may be provided to include the first heat exchanger (91) provided in the first heat exchange duct (734) to remove moisture from air, the second heat exchanger (92) provided in the second heat exchange duct (735) to heat air, the third heat exchanger (93) provided in the second flow path (8) to exchange heat with outside air, a refrigerant pipe (96) forming a circulation path of refrigerant passing through the heat exchangers (91, 92, 93), and a compressor (94) to move the refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe.

[0186] Meanwhile, the second flow path (8) may be provided in the left area of ​​the front space, and the compressor (94) and the heat exchangers (91, 92) may be provided in the right area of ​​the rear space. The second flow path (8) may be provided in the corner area of ​​the front space formed by the frame panel (62) and the second left panel (651), and the compressor (94) may be provided in the corner area of ​​the rear space formed by the second right panel (652) and the second rear panel (64).

[0187] In order to form a space in which the compressor (94) is mounted in the corner area of ​​the rear space, the first heat exchange duct (734) and the second heat exchange duct (735) may be connected at a preset angle. That is, the connection duct (736) may be inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to a straight line parallel to the second heat exchange duct (735) to connect the first heat exchange duct (734) and the second heat exchange duct (735). In this case, the compressor (94) may be fixed to the support panel (613) and positioned between the connection duct (736) and the corner of the rear space.

[0188] In order to facilitate coupling or separation of the second treatment device (100b) to or from the first treatment device (100a), at least one of the free end (the portion having the exhaust path fold) of the exhaust duct (711) and the free end (the portion having the supply path fold) of the air supply duct (721) may be positioned on the open surface of the communication space (612).

[0189] In addition, the tub supply part (24) and the tub exhaust part (25) may be provided to be positioned below the open surface. Furthermore, the tub supply part (24) may be provided to protrude from the mounting pipe (212) toward the open surface, and the tub exhaust part (25) may be provided to protrude from the circumferential surface (21c) of the tub body toward the open surface (see FIG. 10).

[0190] In order to facilitate the coupling or separation of the second treatment device (100b) to or from the first treatment device (100a), at least one of the free end (the part where the supply duct is connected) of the tub air supply part (24) and the free end (the part where the exhaust duct is connected) of the tub exhaust part (25) may be positioned at a point higher than the top of the first cabinet (1).

[0191] Figure 10 is a simplified diagram showing the combination of a first processing device and a second processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which the free end (the part where the air supply duct is connected) of the above-mentioned tub air supply part (24) is located at a point higher than the top of the first cabinet (1).

[0193] When the upper part of the first front panel (11) or the upper part of the first rear panel (13) is positioned (H1) higher than the upper part of the first side panel (121, 122), the free end of the tub air supply part (24) may be positioned higher than the upper part of the first front panel (11) or the upper part of the first rear panel (13).

[0194] Meanwhile, as described above, the bottom surface (support body, 614) of the support panel (613) is positioned (H2) at a point lower than the lowest point of the support frame (61), and the heat exchange path (73) and the air blower path (74) are fixed to the bottom surface of the support panel (613), so that the present invention can reduce the overall height of the clothing treatment device (100).

[0195] Hereinafter, the drum, which is the main component of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0196] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a drum of a first processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a drum according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a fastening structure of a drum according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a sealing structure of a lifter of a drum according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] The drum (2b) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open front that forms a processing space into which a processing target is introduced. The drum (2b) may include a front drum plate (26b) that forms a front surface of the drum (2b), a rear drum plate (26c) that forms a rear surface of the drum (2b), a drum body (26a) that connects the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) to form a space for the processing target, and a reinforcing plate (26d) that is coupled to the outside of the rear drum plate (26c) to reinforce the strength of the rear drum plate (26c).

[0198] On the inside of the drum (2b), a separate fastening bolt (261e) may be provided to fix the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) that penetrate the inner surface of the drum body (26a) so that the processing objects fed into the drum (2b) can flow according to the rotation of the drum (2b). The fastening bolt (261e) may be located on the inside of the lifter (26e).

[0199] A balancer (26f) may be further provided on the front or rear outer side of the drum (2b). Specifically, a front balancer (26f) is provided on the outer side of the front drum plate (26b) to compensate for unbalance caused by a processing target when the drum (2b) rotates, and a rear balancer (26f) is provided on the outer side of the rear drum plate (26c) to compensate for unbalance caused by a processing target when the drum (2b) rotates.

[0200] Here, the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) may be installed in a symmetrical shape on the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) respectively, with the same configuration of balancers.

[0201] Accordingly, the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) can be formed with the same configuration, and only the installation direction is different when installed on the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c). In the present invention, for the convenience of explanation, the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) are described separately, and this is only a name for explaining the installation position of the balancer (26f).

[0202] The front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) will be described in detail again after the description of the drum (2b) is completed.

[0203] The above drum body (26a) forms the outer surface of the cylindrical drum (2b), and can be formed into a cylindrical shape by, for example, pressing a metal plate of a predetermined thickness or drawing processing, which is a type of pressing processing. The following description will be based on a state in which the drum body (26a) is formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0204] In the drum body (26a), a plurality of holes for discharging water included in the treatment target introduced into the drum (2b) may be formed across the entire surface of the drum body (26a). In addition, in the drum body (26a), a plurality of balancer fastening holes (264a, 266a) may be formed at corner portions corresponding to the front and rear sides of the drum (2b) for fixing the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f). In addition, in the drum body (26a), a plurality of lifter fastening holes (261a) and lifter installation holes (261a') for fixing the lifter (26e) to the drum body (26a) may be formed.

[0205] As described above, a plurality of holes for performing a plurality of functions are formed in the drum body (26a), and these can be repeatedly formed at regular intervals in the drum body (26a).

[0206] Meanwhile, the drum body (26a) is formed into a cylindrical shape with the front and rear sides open through a drawing process, and both ends of the drum body (26a) can be formed into a cylindrical shape by curling or welding. The manufacturing process of the drum body (26a) will be described in detail in a separate drawing attached after the description of the drum (2b) is completed.

[0207] Meanwhile, a body front curling portion (262a) formed in a cylindrical shape may be formed at the front of the drum body (26a) that is bent toward the front outer surface of the drum (2b) and joined by curling with the front drum plate (26b), and a body rear curling portion (265a) formed at the rear of the drum body (26a) that is bent toward the rear outer surface of the drum (2b) and joined by curling with the rear drum plate (26c) may be formed.

[0208] The body front curling part (262a) can be curled and fastened with the front plate curling part (263b) of the front drum plate (26b) to be described later. At this time, the body front curling part (262a) is formed with a shorter width than the front plate curling part (263b), so that the front plate curling part (263b) can be curled and fastened in a form that wraps around the body front curling part (262a) while curling in the outward direction of the drum (2b). The body rear curling part (265a) can be curled and fastened with the rear plate curling part (263c) of the rear drum plate (26c) to be described later. At this time, the body rear curling part (265a) is formed with a shorter width than the rear plate curling part (263c), so that the rear plate curling part (263c) can be curled in a manner that wraps around the body rear curling part (265a) while curling in the outer direction of the drum (2b). (See Fig. 13)

[0209] A body front balancer fastening hole (264a) is formed in the body front curling part (262a) to secure the front balancer (26f), and a body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) is formed in the body rear curling part (265a) to secure the rear balancer (26f).

[0210] The above body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the above body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) can be each penetrated by separate fastening members to fix the front balancer (26f) and the above rear balancer (26f).

[0211] The above body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) may be formed to be connected to the front balancer fastening hole (264b) of the front drum plate (26b) and the rear balancer fastening hole (264c) of the rear drum plate (26c), which will be described later, respectively.

[0212] That is, the front balancer (26f) can be fixed by a fastening member penetrating the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the front balancer fastening hole (264b), and the rear balancer (26f) can be fixed by a fastening member penetrating the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) and the rear balancer fastening hole (264c). (See FIGS. 15 and 16)

[0213] A plurality of lifters (26e) may be provided on the inside of the drum body (26a) to increase the flow of the processing target placed inside the drum (2b) when the drum (2b) rotates. The lifter (26e) may be basically inserted into the lifter fastening hole (261a) formed in the drum body (26a) to be fixed in position, and may be fixed by a lifter installation hole (261a') adjacent to the lifter fastening hole (261a). The lifter (26e) may be fixed to the inner wall of the drum body (26a) by a separate fastening member (not shown) penetrating the lifter fastening hole (261a) from the outside of the drum (2b).

[0214] In addition, the inner side of the lifter (26e) may further be provided with the fastening bolt (261e) penetrating through the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c). In order to fasten the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) by the fastening bolt (261e), a front lifter fastening hole (267b) and a rear lifter fastening hole (267c) may be formed in the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) respectively corresponding to the formation position of the lifter (26e).

[0215] The above-mentioned fastening bolt (261e) can be fixed by a separate fastening bolt (262e) on the outside of the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) by passing through the front lifter fastening hole (267b) formed in the front drum plate (26b) and the rear lifter fastening hole (267c) formed in the rear drum plate (26c).

[0216] That is, the drum body (26a) can be fastened with additional bonding force by a fastening bolt (261e) that penetrates the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c). In addition, the fastening bolt (261e) is formed to be located on the inside of a lifter (26e) installed on the inner surface of the drum (2b), and can be shielded from the outside (i.e., the inside of the drum (2b)) by the lifter (26e).

[0217] The front drum plate (26b) is formed in a ring shape with a drum inlet (261b) formed in the center for feeding the processing object, and the inner surface adjacent to the drum inlet (261b) is formed with a front inclined surface (262b) that protrudes toward the tub inlet (211) of the tub (2a). By the front inclined surface (262b), the tub inlet (211) and the drum inlet (261b) can be formed to be relatively adjacent to each other.

[0218] A front plate curling portion (263b) is formed on the outer circumference of the front drum plate (26b) to be coupled with the front side of the drum body (26a). The front plate curling portion (263b) is formed to be bent from the outer circumference of the front drum plate (26b) toward the front side of the drum (2b), and the outer circumference of the front plate curling portion (263b) can be formed to be in close contact with the inner circumference of the body front curling portion (262a) of the drum body (26a).

[0219] Accordingly, the front plate curling portion (263b) of the front drum plate (26b) and the body front curling portion (262a) of the drum body (26a) can be curled toward the outside of the drum (2b), thereby joining the front drum plate (26b) and the front of the drum body (26a). (See Fig. 13)

[0220] A front balancer mounting surface (266b) is formed between the front inclined surface (262b) of the front drum plate (26b) and the front plate curling portion (263b) to form a space for installing the front balancer (26f). A front balancer mounting groove (265b) may be formed on the front balancer mounting surface (266b) to which a mounting portion (266f) formed on the front balancer (26f) is mounted.

[0221] The above front balancer fastening fixing groove (265b) may be formed in multiple positions corresponding to the fastening portion (266f) formed on the front balancer (26f) described later, and the fastening position of the front balancer (26f) may be determined by the fastening portion (266f) of the front balancer (26f) being fastened to the front balancer fastening fixing groove (265b).

[0222] Here, the front balancer fastening fixing groove (265b) and the fastening portion (266f) of the front balancer can be arranged at a certain angle based on the center of the front balancer (26f), and the arrangement of the front balancer fastening fixing groove (265b) and the fastening portion (266f) will be described in detail in the description of the manufacturing of the drum body (26a).

[0223] In the above front plate curling part (263b), a front balancer fastening hole (264b) may be formed for a separate fastening member (not shown) to be inserted and connected to the fastening part (266f) of the front balancer (26f).

[0224] The front balancer fastening hole (264b) may be formed at the same position as the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) formed in the body front curling part (262a) of the drum body (26a), and a separate fastening member may pass through the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) of the body front curling part (262a) and the front balancer fastening hole (264b) of the front plate curling part (263b), thereby allowing the front balancer (26f) to be fixed to the front of the drum (2b).

[0225] The rear drum plate (26c) is formed in a circular shape with a drum shaft fastening portion (162c) formed at the center thereof so that a drum shaft (260a) is fastened thereto, and a rear inclined surface (262c) is formed between the outer surface of the rear drum plate (26c) and the drum shaft fastening portion (162c) so that the center of the rear drum plate (26c) protrudes inwardly of the drum (2b). That is, the drum fastening portion (266f) to which the drum shaft (260a) is fastened can be substantially located on the inside of the drum (2b).

[0226] The above rear inclined surface (262c) is intended to enable the rear drum plate (26c) to form a predetermined strength as the rear drum plate (26c) and the reinforcement plate (26d) are fastened.

[0227] A rear plate curling portion (263c) is formed on the outer surface of the rear drum plate (26c) to be coupled with the rear side of the drum body (26a). The rear plate curling portion (263c) is formed to be bent from the outer surface of the rear drum plate (26c) toward the rear of the drum (2b), and the outer surface of the rear plate curling portion (263c) can be formed to be in close contact with the inner surface of the body rear curling portion (265a) of the drum body (26a).

[0228] Accordingly, the rear plate curling portion (263c) of the rear drum plate (26c) and the body rear curling portion (265a) of the drum body (26a) can be curled toward the outside of the drum (2b), thereby joining the rear drum plate (26c) and the rear of the drum body (26a). (See Fig. 13)

[0229] A rear balancer mounting surface (266c) is formed between the rear inclined surface (262c) of the rear drum plate (26c) and the rear plate curling portion (263c) to form a space for installing the rear balancer (26f). A rear balancer mounting groove (265c) may be formed on the rear balancer mounting surface (266c) to which a mounting portion (266f) formed on the rear balancer (26f) is mounted.

[0230] The rear balancer fastening fixing groove (265c) may be formed in multiple positions corresponding to the fastening portion (266f) formed on the rear balancer (26f) described later, and the fastening position of the rear balancer (26f) may be determined by the fastening portion (266f) of the rear balancer (26f) being fixed in the rear balancer fastening fixing groove (265c).

[0231] Here, the rear balancer fastening mounting groove (265c) and the fastening portion (266f) of the rear balancer can be arranged at a certain angle based on the center of the rear balancer (26f), and the arrangement of the rear balancer fastening mounting groove (265c) and the fastening portion (266f) will be described in detail in the description of the manufacturing of the drum body (26a).

[0232] In the rear plate curling part (263c), a rear balancer fastening hole (264c) may be formed for a separate fastening member (not shown) to be inserted and connected to the fastening part (266f) of the rear balancer (26f).

[0233] The rear balancer fastening hole (264c) may be formed at the same position as the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) formed in the body rear curling part (265a) of the drum body (26a), and a separate fastening member may pass through the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) of the body rear curling part (265a) and the rear balancer fastening hole (264c) of the rear plate curling part (263c), thereby allowing the rear balancer (26f) to be fixed to the rear of the drum (2b).

[0234] The above reinforcing plate (26d) is fixed to the back surface of the rear drum plate (26c) to reinforce the strength of the rear drum plate (26c). That is, the drum shaft (260a) for rotating the drum (2b) is connected to the rear drum plate (26c), and a processing object is fed into the drum (2b), so that a relatively large load may be applied between the rear drum plate (26c) and the drum shaft (260a). Therefore, reinforcement of the rear drum plate (26c) to which the drum shaft (260a) is connected is required.

[0235] The above reinforcing plate (26d) is formed in a circular shape with a predetermined thickness, and a drum shaft hole (262d) into which the drum shaft (260a) is inserted may be formed in the central portion. The above reinforcing plate (26d) may be formed using a plate material that is relatively thicker than the rear drum plate (26c).

[0236] The shape of the cross-section formed by the reinforcing plate (26d) coupled to the rear drum plate (26c) is formed in a right-angled triangle shape based on the drum shaft (260a), so that the strength between the drum shaft (260a) connected to the rear drum plate (26c) can be reinforced.

[0237] The outer circumference of the above reinforcing plate (26d) may be located on the inner side of the rear balancer mounting surface (266c). That is, the outer circumference of the above reinforcing plate (26d) may have a diameter that is larger than the rear inclined surface (262c) formed on the rear drum plate (26c) and smaller than the rear balancer mounting surface (266c).

[0238] A welding surface (261d) for welding to the rear balancer mounting surface (266c) may be formed on the outer surface of the reinforcing plate (26d). That is, the outer surface of the reinforcing plate (26d) may be fixed to the rear balancer mounting surface (266c) by welding.

[0239] The above reinforcing plate (26d) may be extended beyond the rear lifter fastening hole (267c) formed in the rear drum plate (26c) and may be mounted on the rear balancer mounting surface (266c). Accordingly, a bolt penetration hole (267d) through which the fastening bolt (261e) passes may be formed in the reinforcing plate (26d) corresponding to the rear lifter fastening hole (267c).

[0240] The fastening bolt (262e) that fixes the fastening bolt (261e) can simultaneously pressurize the reinforcing plate (26d) and the rear drum plate (26c) to form a fastening force between the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c).

[0241] The above bolt penetration hole (267d) may have a relatively larger diameter than the above fastening bolt (261e). An O-ring (266d) for sealing may be inserted between the fastening bolt (261e) and the bolt penetration hole (267d). When the O-ring (266d) is inserted, a washer (265d) may be further inserted between the fastening nut (262e) and the reinforcing plate (26d). Accordingly, the O-ring (266d) may be pressed by the washer (265d) as the fastening nut (262e) is fastened, thereby forming a seal between the fastening bolt (261e) and the rear lifter fastening hole (267c).

[0242] Meanwhile, the reinforcing plate (26d) may be joined to the rear drum plate (26c) by welding to both the outer surface of the reinforcing plate and the inner surface of the bolt fastening hole.

[0243] That is, in the case of the existing drum (2b), the drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c) were integrated through a separate welding process, but in the case of manufacturing the drum (2b) using welding, thermal deformation due to welding, formation of a welded portion for welding, etc. are essential. In addition, in the case of manufacturing the drum (2b) using welding, the desired dimensions and strength may be reduced depending on thermal deformation of the material due to welding.

[0244] Meanwhile, in the case of commercial washing machines, the amount of laundry to be processed is relatively large and, in such cases, maintaining the rigidity of the drum (2b) is one of the most important design goals.

[0245] In particular, if the front and rear rigidity of the drum (2b) is reduced, when the drum (2b) rotates during the drying process, an imbalance caused by the processing target may occur, and the shape of the drum (2b) may be deformed, or the drum (2b) itself may apply an impact to the inside of the tub (2a).

[0246] Therefore, as described above, when connecting the drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c), a separate welding process is not performed, and by connecting both ends of the drum body (26a) and the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) through a curling process, shape deformation and strength reduction that may occur due to welding can be prevented in advance.

[0247] Meanwhile, in the manufacture of the existing drum (2b), the drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c) may have a thickness (T1) of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 1 mm, in order to maintain the strength of the drum (2b). The thickness (T2) of the front drum plate (26b) may be formed between 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 1 mm, and the rear drum plate (26c) may have a thickness (T3) of 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.

[0248] Here, in the case of the existing drum (2b), in order to reinforce the strength of the drum (2b), the rear drum plate (26c) to which the drum shaft is connected had a relatively thick thickness of 3 mm to 5 mm in order to ensure strength according to the combination with the drum shaft, but since the drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c) are connected by a curling method, and a separate reinforcing plate is installed on the rear drum plate, the strength of the drum (2b) can be guaranteed, so even if the thickness of the rear drum plate (26c) is made relatively thin, the strength of the drum (2b) can be reinforced.

[0249] Meanwhile, the thickness of the reinforcing plate (26d) may be formed between 2 mm and 4 mm, and preferably, may have a thickness of 3 mm. In the case of the existing drum, a separate reinforcing plate (26d) is not provided, and since the reinforcing plate (26d) is provided and the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) are fastened by a curling method, the strength of the drum (2b) can be guaranteed, so that the thickness of the rear drum plate (26c) can be made relatively thin to reinforce the strength of the drum (2b).

[0250] Below, the fastening of the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0251] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the fastening of a rear balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the fastening of a front balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0252] First, the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) are formed in the same shape, and can be distinguished into the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) only depending on the installation position of the drum.

[0253] The above balancer (26f) forms a ring-shaped movement space for a balancer ball (not shown) to move inside, and a separate fluid (not shown) and a balancer ball are inserted to alleviate unbalance of the drum (2b) by movement of the balancer ball as the drum (2b) rotates.

[0254] This balancer (26f) may be provided with an inner body (264f) facing the drum (2b) side and an outer body (261f) facing the outside of the drum (2b).

[0255] The inner body (264f) includes an inner body portion (264f') in which a ring-shaped flow groove (262f) is formed so that the balancer ball and the fluid can move, and the outer body (261f) includes an outer body portion (261f') in which a flow groove (262f) is formed so as to correspond to the flow groove (262f) and cover the flow groove (262f) to form a flow path through which the balancer ball and the fluid can move.

[0256] On one side of the inner body portion (264f') facing the drum (2b), a plurality of fastening portions (266f) may be formed to protrude in positions corresponding to the front balancer fastening groove (265b) of the front drum plate (26b) and the rear balancer fastening groove (265c) of the rear drum plate (26c).

[0257] The above balancer (26f) can have its installation position determined by each of the above fastening parts (266f) being fastened to the front balancer fastening groove (265b) and the rear balancer fastening groove (265b).

[0258] A fastening hole may be formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned fastening portion (266f) (i.e., in the direction toward the outer circumferential surface of the balancer (26f)) to fasten the balancer (26f) to the drum body (26a). This fastening hole may be fixed by inserting a separate fastening member that penetrates each of the balancer fastening holes (264a, 266a) formed in the body front curling portion (262a) and the body rear curling portion (265a) of the drum body (26a).

[0259] Meanwhile, as described above, in the case of the drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c) forming the drum (2b), a plate of a certain thickness can be manufactured through a pressing and drawing process in order to ensure the strength of the drum (2b).

[0260] Here, in the case of the rear drum plate (26c), since additional strength can be reinforced by the reinforcing plate (26d) fixed to the rear drum plate (26c), the thickness of the rear drum plate (26c) can be relatively thinner than the thickness of the front drum plate (26b) or the drum body (26a).

[0261] Meanwhile, the inner diameters of the front and rear of the drum (2b) to which the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) are fastened can be formed differently depending on the thickness of the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c).

[0262] That is, the inner diameter of the rear of the drum (2b) to which the rear balancer (26f) is fastened is formed by the thickness of the drum body (26a) and the thickness of the rear drum plate (26c), and the inner diameter of the front of the drum (2b) can be formed by the thickness of the drum body (26a) and the thickness of the front drum plate (26b).

[0263] Here, the rear drum plate (26c) may be formed to be relatively thinner than the thickness of the front drum plate (26b). Accordingly, the inner diameter of the front of the drum (2b) where the front balancer (26f) is installed is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the rear of the drum (2b) where the rear balancer (26f) is installed.

[0264] Meanwhile, in order to commonize parts, the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f) are installed with the same structure by changing only the installation direction at the front and rear of the drum (2b).

[0265] However, the inner diameter of the front of the drum (2b) where the front balancer (26f) is installed and the inner diameter of the rear of the drum (2b) where the rear balancer (26f) is installed cannot but be formed differently due to the difference in the thickness of the front drum plate (26b) and the thickness of the rear drum plate (26c), and the installation of the front balancer (26f) having the same structure as the rear balancer may not be smooth.

[0266] Accordingly, the front balancer (26f) of the drum body (26a) and the front balancer fastening hole (264a) of the front drum plate (26b) for fixing the front balancer (26f) to the front of the drum (2b) by a separate fastening member may be formed with a recessed portion (TD) that is recessed into the center of the drum (2b) by the thickness of the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c).

[0267] Accordingly, in the case of the rear balancer (26f), it can be fastened to correspond to the rear inner diameter of the drum (2b) formed by the drum body (26a) and the rear drum plate (26c), and in the case of the front balancer (26f), it can be fastened to the front inner side of the drum (2b) by a recessed portion (TD) formed in the drum body (26a) and the front drum plate (26b).

[0268] That is, even if the front inner diameter and the rear diameter of the drum are formed differently, the front balancer and the rear balancer, which are installed in the same structure but in different installation directions, can be used in common.

[0269] Fig. 17 is a development view showing a drum body according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 18 is a front view showing the position of a fastening part of a balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] The drum body (26a), the front drum plate (26b), and the rear drum plate (26c) constituting the drum (2b) described above can be individually formed by pressing a metal plate of a predetermined thickness or by drawing processing, which is a type of pressing processing.

[0271] The drum body (26a) and the front drum plate (26b) and the drum body (26a) and the rear drum plate (26c) can each be joined by a curling method. In addition, the reinforcing plate (26d) is welded and fixed in close contact with the rear surface of the rear drum plate (26c).

[0272] In addition, typically, the manufacturing of the drum body (26a) is performed by forming a plurality of drum penetration holes (263a), a plurality of balancer fastening holes (264a, 266a), a plurality of lifter fastening holes (261a) and a plurality of lifter installation holes (261a') on the front surface of the drum body (26a) by using a press mold (M) corresponding to the deployment size of the drum body (26a) in a single process. However, in this case, the press mold (M) for manufacturing the drum body (26a) becomes relatively large, and thus, a lot of cost may be required to manufacture the press mold (M).

[0273] Meanwhile, the lifter fastening hole (261a), the lifter installation hole (261a'), the drum penetration hole (263a), the body front balancer fastening hole (264a), and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) formed in the drum body (26a) can be repeatedly formed while maintaining a certain interval.

[0274] Meanwhile, typically, a plurality of lifters (26e) spaced apart at a certain angle are provided inside the drum (2b). In the case of the lifters (26e), a plurality of lifters may be formed on the inner surface of the drum body (26a) at a certain angle interval. In the present invention, an example in which three lifters (26e) are formed at 120-degree intervals is described. However, the number and angle of the lifters (26e) are not limited.

[0275] In the case of the above drum body (26a), the unfolded state is described with reference to Fig. 17. As shown, a lifter fastening hole (261a) and a plurality of lifter installation holes (261a') for installing the lifter (26e) are formed at regular intervals.

[0276] The longitudinal ends of the drum body (26a) are welded when forming the drum (2b) so that the drum body (26a) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the body front curling part (262a) and the body rear curling part (265a) are formed at the longitudinal ends, in which the front drum plate (26b) and the rear drum plate (26c) are curled and joined.

[0277] On the inner side of the body front curling part (262a) and the body rear curling part (265a), a body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and a body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) are formed for fastening the front balancer (26f) and the rear balancer (26f). A plurality of drum penetration holes (263a) through which water inside the drum (2b) is discharged may be formed at regular intervals between the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the rear balancer fastening hole (266a). In the case of the plurality of holes formed on the inner side of the drum body (26a), they may be repeatedly formed based on the lifter fastening hole (261a).

[0278] Meanwhile, the capacity of a typical washing machine is differentiated according to the size of the tub (2a) or the size of the drum (2b). That is, the size of the drum (2b) may vary depending on the capacity of the washing machine. Recently, in order to vary the size of the drum (2b), the trend is to vary the capacity of the drum (2b) by increasing the axial length of the drum (2b) rather than increasing the diameter of the drum (2b). In this case, the drum body (26a) corresponding to each capacity must be individually molded and manufactured.

[0279] When the drum body (26a) is manufactured according to each capacity, a separate press mold (M) must be provided for manufacturing the drum body (26a) corresponding to each capacity, that is, a press mold (M) corresponding to the deployment size of the drum body (26a) according to each capacity must be manufactured. In this case, since an individual press mold (M) must be manufactured for manufacturing the drum body (26a) according to each capacity, excessive costs may be incurred in manufacturing the press mold (M).

[0280] Meanwhile, as described above, in the case of the drum body, since a number of holes are repeatedly formed based on the installation position of the lifter, the molding work of the drum body (26a) can be performed through a relatively small press mold (M) that can only form holes adjacent to one side of the lifter (26e) based on the size of the press mold (M) for forming the drum body.

[0281] That is, in the case of the drum body (26a), as shown in FIG. 17, the lifter fastening hole (261a) and the lifter installation hole (261a') are arranged at a certain interval based on the unfolded state, and the drum penetration hole (263a), the body front balancer fastening hole (264a), and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) can be formed between the lifter fastening hole (261a) and the lifter installation hole (261a').

[0282] Accordingly, the drum body (26a) can be formed through a repetitive press process using a press mold (M) smaller than the expanded state of the drum body (26a) to form the repetitive arrangement forming each component of the drum body (26a).

[0283] That is, the press mold (M) for forming the drum body (26a) can form the drum through hole and the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) adjacent to the lifter fastening hole (261a) on one side of the drum body.

[0284] Meanwhile, in the case of varying the capacity of the existing drum (2b), the capacity of the drum (2b) is varied by changing the longitudinal direction of the drum (2b), but the capacity of the drum (2b) may also be varied by varying the diameter of the drum (2b).

[0285] In this case, in the case of the existing press mold, a press mold corresponding to the overall shape of the drum body (26a), which is formed differently depending on the capacity of the drum (2b), must be manufactured. However, in the case of the press mold (M) of the present invention, the drum body (26a) can be divided to perform the pressing process.

[0286] In addition, even if the diameter of the drum body (26a) is changed to vary the capacity of the drum (2b), the pressing process of the drum body (26a) can be performed by using the same press mold (M).

[0287] Meanwhile, the spacing between the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) of the drum body (26a) formed by the press mold (M) can be formed at different spacings based on the lifter fastening hole (261a).

[0288] For example, as described above, if the lifters (26e) formed on the drum (2b) are arranged at 120-degree intervals based on the center of the drum (2b), the body front balancer fastening holes (264a) and the body rear balancer fastening holes (266a) arranged between the pair of lifters can be formed at, for example, three locations within the 120-degree intervals, and the interval (d1) between each of the fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged between the pair of lifters (26e) can be arranged at a constant interval. However, the interval (d2) between another fastening hole (264a, 266a) arranged between another pair of lifters (26e) can be formed differently from the interval (d1) between the fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged between the pair of lifters (26e).

[0289] That is, the spacing (d1, d2) between the body front balancer fastening hole (264a) and the body rear balancer fastening hole (266a) may be formed differently from the spacing (d2) between the fastening holes (264a, 266a) on both sides where the lifter (26e) is positioned based on the lifter (26e) and the spacing (d1) between the fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged between a pair of lifters.

[0290] Preferably, the spacing between each of the fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged between the pair of lifters (26e) can be formed narrower than the spacing between the pair of fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged on both sides of the lifter (26e). Here, the spacing (d2) between the pair of fastening holes (264a, 266a) arranged on both sides of the lifter (26e) can be varied according to a change in the capacity of the drum (2b) (i.e., a change in the length of the drum body (26a)), and the spacing (d1) between the plurality of fastening holes (264a, 266a) located between the pair of lifters (26e) can always be maintained constant even if the capacity of the drum (2b) is changed (i.e., the length of the drum body (26a) is changed).

[0291] In addition, in the case of the drum (2b) as described above, the position of the fastening portion (266f) formed in the balancer (26f) can also be changed in response to changes in the spacing between the fastening holes (264a, 266a) formed in the drum body (26a).

[0292] That is, in the case of the fastening portion (266f) formed in the inner body (264f) of the balancer (26f), the fastening portion (266f) corresponding to the fastening holes (264a, 266a) formed between the pair of lifters (26e) may be formed at the same interval depending on the interval of the fastening holes (264a, 266a) formed in the drum body (26a), and in the case of the fastening portion corresponding to the fastening holes arranged on both sides of the lifter (26e), the fastening portion may change in correspondence with the fastening holes arranged on both sides of the lifter (26e) depending on the change in the interval of the fastening holes.

[0293] That is, in the case of the drum body (26a), the size of the drum body (26a) can be varied depending on the capacity of the drum (2b), and the press process of the drum body (26a) can be formed based on the position of the lifter by a press mold (M) based on the denture of the lifter fastening hole (264a, 266a) to which the lifter (26e) is fixed.

[0294] In the case of the press mold (M), the pressing process of the drum body (26a) is divided into a number of processes based on the lifter, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the mold for forming the drum body (26a) by a single process and the manufacturing cost of the corresponding mold for the drum body (26a) according to the change in the capacity of the drum (2b) when the capacity of the drum (2b) is changed.

[0295] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, modifications to future embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A garment treatment device including a first treatment device, which comprises a first cabinet, a tub provided inside the first cabinet and providing a space for storing water; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub to accommodate a treatment object, a balancer provided at the front or rear, and a plurality of lifters installed to assist the flow of the treatment object; and a driving unit that supplies power to the drum. The above drum is A drum body in which the outer surface of the drum is formed by pressing a plate into a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of installation holes in which the lifter is installed, a through hole through which the water is discharged, and a fastening hole for fixing the balancer are formed; A front drum plate is formed with an inlet for inserting the above-mentioned processing target, and is attached to the front of the drum body; A drum shaft connected to the above driving unit is connected, and a rear drum plate is included that is attached to the rear of the drum body. The above drum body is a garment treatment device characterized in that the through holes are formed through a plurality of press forming in the space between a pair of adjacent installation holes based on the plurality of installation holes.

2. A clothing treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening hole is formed at a constant first interval between the pair of installation holes based on the installation hole.

3. In the second paragraph, the clothing treatment device is characterized in that the interval between the fastening holes formed between another pair of installation holes adjacent to the pair of installation holes is formed at a second interval different from the first interval.

4. A clothing treatment device, characterized in that in the third paragraph, the second interval is formed larger than the first interval.

5. In the third paragraph, the balancer has a plurality of fastening portions formed on one side corresponding to the fastening holes, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the above fastening portion is repeatedly formed along the circumference of the balancer at the first interval and the second interval.

6. In paragraph 3, The installation holes formed in the drum body are formed at 120-degree intervals based on the center of the drum body. A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first gap is formed at a constant interval between the pair of installation holes.

7. In paragraph 6, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the fastening holes formed between the above pair of installation holes are provided in a number of three, and the interval between the fastening holes located in the center of the three fastening holes between each installation hole is formed at an interval of 120 degrees.

8. In the 7th paragraph, a clothing treatment device characterized in that the spacing between a pair of fastening holes arranged with the installation hole between each of the three fastening holes between the pair of installation holes is formed wider than the spacing between the fastening holes between the pair of installation holes.

9. A clothing treatment device characterized in that in the second paragraph, the installation holes are formed at regular intervals along the inner surface of the drum body, the fastening holes are spaced apart from the installation holes and are spaced apart at regular intervals between the pair of installation holes.

10. In paragraph 2, A front curling part and a rear curling part are formed at the front and rear of the above drum body. A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the fastening hole is formed adjacent to the front curling section and the rear curling section.

11. In paragraph 10, The front drum plate has a front plate curling portion formed on the outer surface thereof that is curled and joined to the front curling portion. A garment treatment device, characterized in that the rear drum plate has a rear plate curling section formed on the outer surface thereof, which is curling-coupled to the rear curling section.

12. In the first paragraph, the drum is provided with a drum shaft that receives the rotational power of the driving unit, A garment treatment device characterized in that the rear drum plate is recessed into the inside of the drum and has a rear inclined surface formed in the center to which the drum shaft is connected.

13. A garment treatment device according to claim 11, characterized in that a reinforcing plate is further provided on the outer side of the rear inclined surface to be coupled to the rear drum plate and reinforce the strength of the rear drum plate.

14. A clothing treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mold for forming the drum body is formed smaller than the space between the pair of adjacent installation holes.

15. In paragraph 1, The above first processing device further includes a mounting space provided on one side of the first cabinet to connect the inside of the first cabinet with the outside, a tub air supply unit capable of supplying air to the tub, and a tub exhaust unit capable of exhausting air inside the tub. A garment treatment device characterized by further including a second treatment device that is detachably fixed to the first cabinet through the above-mentioned mounting space and supplies air to the tub to dry the treatment target inside the drum.

16. In paragraph 15, the second processing device, A duct section having an exhaust duct connected to the above tub exhaust section, an air supply duct connected to the above tub air supply section, a heat exchange duct connected to the exhaust duct, and a blower duct equipped with a fan for moving air and connecting the heat exchange duct and the air supply duct; A heat exchange unit having a first heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange duct to dehumidify air, a second heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange duct to heat air, a refrigerant pipe forming a circulation path of refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a compressor for moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe; and A garment treatment device characterized by comprising: a second cabinet having a support frame mounted on the first cabinet; a communication space provided on one surface of the support frame and communicating with the mounting space; and a support panel fixed to the support frame, the communication space being divided into an open surface and a closed surface, and providing a space to which at least one of the heat exchange duct and the air blower duct is fixed.

Citation Information

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