Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a clothing treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet that has an opening formed in the front surface; a drum provided inside the cabinet so as to accommodate clothing; a circulation duct which is connected to the drum so as to circulate air inside the drum, and at least a portion of which is positioned biased toward one side of the drum in the lateral direction and extends along the front-rear direction; a heat exchange unit including a first heat exchanger, which is provided inside the circulation duct and cools the air inside the drum, and a second heat exchanger, which is arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger and heats the air cooled by the first heat exchanger; and a washing unit, at least a portion of which is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger and discharges, into the circulation duct, water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source. The washing unit discharges the water so that the water passes across in the width direction of the circulation duct, and discharges water in a greater amount, for a longer period of time, or with greater intensity to the one side than to the other side of the circulation duct.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] This application relates to a clothing treatment device.

[0002] Garment treatment devices are devices that wash and dry clothes by applying physical force to the clothes, and include washing machines, dryers, and stylers.

[0003] A washing machine is a device that separates waste from a laundry object using water, and is provided with a tub that stores water, a drum that is rotatably provided inside the tub to accommodate a laundry object, a water supply unit that supplies water to the tub, and a drain unit that drains water stored in the tub.

[0004] A dryer is a device that removes moisture contained in clothes by providing high-temperature hot air to the laundry object, and is equipped to simplify the structure by omitting components for supplying or draining water and a tub for storing water, and to supply hot air directly to the drum to improve drying efficiency.

[0005] Clothes treatment devices, such as dryers, are equipped with a circulating duct that circulates air inside a drum containing clothes, first cooling it to condense moisture, then reheating it to generate high-temperature hot air that is then injected back into the drum. This circulating air inside the drum allows for continuous drying of moisture contained in the clothes.

[0006] These dryers have the advantage of being able to continuously dry a large number of clothes without changing the humidity or temperature outside the dryer, as the inflow of outside air or the discharge of air inside the drum to the outside is blocked or minimized.

[0007] However, as the clothing dries, not only does moisture evaporate, but foreign substances such as lint and fluff are also separated from the clothing by the hot air. These separated foreign substances may re-attach to the clothing as they continuously circulate through the drum and circulation duct, or may adhere to heat exchangers that cool or heat the air.

[0008] Over time, these stuck-on debris can grow in size and block the airflow through the ducts, and the high temperature and moisture-rich environment can cause bacteria to grow and rot.

[0009] Therefore, conventional dryers have had the inconvenience of requiring users or managers to periodically clean out foreign substances accumulated in the heat exchanger or circulation duct.

[0010] Recently, a dryer capable of automatically washing the above-mentioned foreign substances with water has appeared. (See Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1806241.)

[0011] The above dryer is equipped with a circulation cleaning system that discharges the water collected by condensation in the heat exchanger back to the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger.

[0012] However, the air exhausted from the drum is arranged outside the drum to circulate the gas, and is configured to cross the front-back direction of the drum, and the flow of air exhausted from the drum is formed to have at least one inflection point rather than being unidirectional due to the arrangement between the components inside the dryer.

[0013] In this case, the flow of the air was not constant, so foreign substances accumulated in the heat exchanger or circulation duct tended to be concentrated in one direction.

[0014] Accordingly, when the heat exchanger or circulation duct is washed using a washing means such as water, there is a problem in that the section where a large amount of foreign substances have accumulated is not properly washed, and the remaining foreign substances prevent proper circulation of air inside the circulation duct, thereby lowering the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0015] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing treatment device capable of increasing the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device having a washing unit capable of effectively removing foreign substances accumulated in a heat exchanger or circulation duct.

[0017] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that minimizes the flow rate required to remove foreign substances accumulated in a heat exchanger or circulation duct.

[0018] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device equipped with a washing unit that is easy to maintain and has increased washing efficiency.

[0019] The present invention provides a clothes treatment device comprising: a cabinet having an opening formed in the front thereof to solve the above-described problem; a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothes; a circulation duct communicating with the drum to circulate air inside the drum and including a flow deflection section for causing the air to flow biased toward one side of a cross-section of the air flow; a heat exchange section provided inside the circulation duct to receive air passing through the flow deflection section, and including a first heat exchanger for cooling the air in the drum and a second heat exchanger for heating the air cooled in the first heat exchanger; and a washing section at least a portion of which is disposed in front of the front surface of the first heat exchanger and discharges water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source into the inside of the circulation duct, wherein the washing section discharges water across the width direction of the circulation duct to wash the front surface of the heat exchanger, and discharges water at different spray amounts or spray speeds to one side and the other side of the circulation duct.

[0020] The above circulation duct can discharge more water, discharge water for a longer period of time, or discharge water more forcefully than the other side.

[0021] The above washing unit includes a water outlet provided on the upper surface of the circulation duct to discharge water across the entire width of the first heat exchanger, and the water outlet can discharge more water, discharge water for a longer period of time, or discharge water more strongly on one side than on the other side.

[0022] The above washing unit may include a plurality of washing channels that are independently arranged to allow water to flow and are connected to the water outlet.

[0023] The above washing path includes a discharge guide that increases the width of the path along the direction of water movement and guides water to the outlet, and the closer the discharge guide is positioned to one side, the smaller the increase in the width of the path may be.

[0024] The width of the above outlet is set to correspond to the width of the plurality of discharge guides, and the closer the discharge guides are positioned to the one side, the smaller the width of the discharge guides communicating with the outlet.

[0025] The above discharge guide unit may include a guide unit partition wall that partitions each of the above discharge guide units.

[0026] The above washing path may include a guide path for receiving water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source; and a discharge path having one end connected to the guide path and extending in the front-rear direction, and the other end provided with the discharge guide part for guiding water to the outlet.

[0027] A pump provided outside the circulation duct to deliver water to the washing section; and a flow diversion unit that selectively opens and closes each of the washing passages to control the flow of water delivered from the pump to the washing passage.

[0028] The above pump can be driven at a higher RPM as the water delivered by the washing path opened by the above euro conversion part is discharged closer to the one side.

[0029] The above pump can be set to have a longer operating time as the water delivered by the washing path opened by the above Euro conversion part is discharged closer to the one side.

[0030] The system further includes a water collecting body that is connected to the circulation duct from the outside of the circulation duct and collects water condensed in the first heat exchanger, and the pump is provided in the water collecting body so as to transfer the water collected in the water collecting body to the washing unit.

[0031] The above circulation duct may include a first passage that is arranged to be biased toward one side and extends in the front-back direction and houses the heat exchanger therein; and a second passage that delivers air inside the drum to the first passage and has at least a portion thereof arranged to be biased toward the other side compared to the first passage.

[0032] At the connection point between the first and second euros, the air inside the drum can flow biased toward one side.

[0033] The above circulation duct includes a duct filter arranged in front of the front surface of the first heat exchanger to filter foreign substances in air flowing in from inside the drum, and the washing unit can discharge water to the duct filter.

[0034] The cabinet may further include a tub provided inside the cabinet and housing the drum therein.

[0035] The above exhaust path can be arranged along the width direction of the receiving duct on the upper surface of the receiving duct.

[0036] The present invention provides a clothes treatment device comprising: a cabinet having an opening formed on the front; a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothes; a circulation duct provided above or below the drum to circulate air inside the drum and including a flow deflection section for causing the air to flow biased toward one side of a cross-section of the air flow; a heat exchange section provided inside the circulation duct to receive air passing through the flow deflection section, and including a first heat exchanger for cooling the air in the drum and a second heat exchanger for heating the air cooled in the first heat exchanger; and a washing section disposed ahead of the front surface of the first heat exchange section to discharge water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source into the inside of the circulation duct, wherein the washing section washes the front surface of the heat exchanger by discharging water across the width direction of the circulation duct, and is characterized in that it discharges more water, discharges water for a longer time, or discharges water more strongly on one side of the circulation duct than on the other side.

[0037] The washing unit may include a water outlet provided on the upper surface of the circulation duct to discharge water across the entire width of the first heat exchanger; and a plurality of washing channels independently arranged to allow water to flow and connected to each of the water outlets.

[0038] The above washing path includes a discharge guide that increases the width of the path along the direction of water movement and guides water to the outlet, and the closer the discharge guide is positioned to one side, the smaller the increase in the width of the path may be.

[0039] A pump provided outside the circulation duct to deliver water to the washing unit; and

[0040] The method further includes a flow diversion unit that selectively opens and closes each of the above washing passages to control the flow of water transferred from the pump to the washing passage, and the pump may be driven at a higher RPM or have a longer driving time as the water transferred by the washing passage opened by the flow diversion unit is discharged closer to the one side.

[0041] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device capable of increasing the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

[0042] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device having a washing unit capable of effectively removing foreign substances accumulated in a heat exchanger or circulation duct.

[0043] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device in which the flow rate required to remove foreign substances accumulated in a heat exchanger or circulation duct is minimized.

[0044] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device equipped with a washing unit that is easy to maintain and has increased washing efficiency.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a clothing treatment device.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of a clothing treatment device.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates the air circulation structure of the above clothing treatment device.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates the base configuration of the above clothing treatment device.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a washing unit.

[0050] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate examples of washing paths.

[0051] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate examples of graphs of the operating time-RPM of a pump that delivers water to each washing path.

[0052] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a clothing treatment device.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates the air circulation structure of the tub and the garment treatment device.

[0054] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice it.

[0055] However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0056] In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0057] Additionally, when a component is referred to herein as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may be other components present in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to herein as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0058] Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0059] Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] In addition, in this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Also, in this specification, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any item among multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device (100) of the present invention.

[0063] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (1) forming an exterior.

[0064] The above cabinet (1) may include a front panel (11) forming the front surface of the garment treatment device, an upper panel (13) forming the upper surface, and a side panel (12) forming the side surface.

[0065] The front panel (110) may be provided with an opening (110) that is provided to communicate with the interior of the cabinet (100) and a door (111) that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and opens and closes the opening (110).

[0066] An operation unit (112) may be installed on the front panel (11). The operation unit (112) may be equipped with an input unit (112a) for receiving control commands from a user, and a display unit (112b) for outputting information such as control commands that can be selected by the user. The control commands may include a drying course or drying option that can perform a series of drying operations.

[0067] The above input unit (112a) may be provided to include a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the garment treatment device, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course from among a plurality of courses, and an execution request unit that requests the start of a course selected by the user.

[0068] The above display unit (112b) may be provided to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and shapes, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds.

[0069] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a water storage tank (14) provided to separately store moisture generated during the process of drying the clothing.

[0070] The water storage tank (14) may include a handle that can be withdrawn externally from one side of the front panel (11). The water storage tank (14) may be provided to collect condensate generated during the drying process. Thus, a user can withdraw the water storage tank (14) from the cabinet (1), remove the condensate, and then re-install it in the cabinet (100). Thus, the garment treatment device of the present invention can be placed even in locations where a drain or the like is not installed.

[0071] Meanwhile, the water tank (14) may be placed on the upper part of the door (111). This allows the user to bend his / her back relatively less when pulling out the water tank (14) from the front panel (111), thereby increasing user convenience.

[0072] Figure 2 is a simplified illustration of the interior of a garment treatment device of the present invention. The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a drum (2) accommodated inside the cabinet (1) to accommodate garments, a driving unit (4) for rotating the drum (2), a heat exchange unit (6) for supplying hot air to the drum (2), and a base (15) equipped with a circulation duct (5).

[0073] The circulation duct (5) is provided to communicate with the drum (2). Air discharged from the drum (2) can be supplied to the circulation duct (5). In addition, air discharged from the circulation duct (5) can be supplied again to the drum (2).

[0074] The above driving unit (4) may include a motor unit (40) that provides power to rotate the drum (2). The driving unit may be provided to be directly connected to the drum (2) so as to rotate the drum (2).

[0075] For example, the driving unit may be provided as a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. Accordingly, the driving unit can control the rotational direction or rotational speed of the drum (2) by directly rotating the drum (2) without components such as belts and pulleys.

[0076] The above motor unit (40) can rotate at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at a much higher RPM than the RPM at which the clothes inside the drum (2) can rotate while attached to the inner wall of the drum (2).

[0077] However, there is a problem that the drying efficiency decreases because the clothes inside the drum (2) are continuously attached to the inner wall of the drum (2) and rotate, and the part attached to the inner wall of the drum is not exposed to hot air.

[0078] If the motor unit (40) is rotated at a low RPM so that the clothes inside the drum (2) roll or stir without being attached to the inner wall of the drum (2), a problem may arise in that the output or torque that the driving unit (4) can generate is not properly utilized.

[0079] Accordingly, the driving unit (4) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a reducer (41) that can increase torque while utilizing the maximum output of the motor unit (40) by reducing the RPM.

[0080] Additionally, the driving unit may include a drum rotation shaft (403) connected to the drum (2) and rotating the drum (2).

[0081] The above motor unit (40) may include a stator (401) that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor (402) that is provided to rotate by the stator (401).

[0082] The above rotor (402) may be provided as an outer rotor type that accommodates the stator (401) and is configured to rotate along the circumference of the stator (401). At this time, a drive shaft may be coupled to the rotor (402) and may be directly connected to the drum (200) by penetrating the stator (401).

[0083] The drum (2) may be provided in a cylindrical shape to accommodate clothing. Furthermore, unlike a drum used for washing, there is no need to introduce water into the drum (2) used only for drying, and there is no need to discharge liquid water condensed within the drum (2) to the outside of the drum (2). Therefore, the drum (2) may be provided without a through hole along its circumference. In other words, the drum (2) used only for drying may be formed differently from the drum (2) used for washing.

[0084] The above drum (2) may be provided in an integral cylindrical shape, but may also be manufactured in a form in which a drum body (20) including a circumferential surface and a drum rear surface (21) forming a rear surface are combined.

[0085] An inlet (201) for clothes to enter and exit may be provided at the front of the drum body (20). A driving unit (4) for rotating the drum may be connected to the rear of the drum back surface (21).

[0086] The drum body (20) and the drum back surface (21) can be joined by a fastening member such as a bolt, but are not limited thereto. If the drum body (20) and the drum back surface (21) are joined so that they can rotate together, they can be joined using various methods.

[0087] The drum body (20) may be equipped with a lift (202) that pulls the clothes contained therein upward so that the clothes can be mixed as the drum rotates. As the drum (2) rotates, the clothes contained therein can repeat the process of rising and falling by the lift (202). The clothes contained inside the drum (2) can be evenly exposed to the hot air as they repeat the rising and falling. Therefore, the drying efficiency is increased and the drying time is shortened.

[0088] A reinforcing bead (203) may be formed on the circumference of the drum body (20). The reinforcing bead (203) may be provided to be recessed or protruding on the inside / outside along the circumference of the drum (2). A plurality of such reinforcing beads (203) may be provided, and may be provided spaced apart from each other. The reinforcing beads (203) may form a certain pattern and may be provided on the inside / outside of the circumference.

[0089] The rigidity of the drum body (20) can be increased by the reinforcing beads (203). Therefore, even if a large amount of clothing is accommodated in the drum body (20) or a sudden rotational force is transmitted through the driving unit (4), the drum body (20) can be prevented from being twisted. In addition, when the reinforcing beads (203) are provided, the gap between the clothing and the inner circumference can be increased compared to when the circumference of the drum body (20) is provided as a flat surface, so that the hot air supplied to the drum (2) can be more effectively introduced between the clothing and the drum (2). The reinforcing beads have the effect of increasing the durability of the drum and increasing the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device.

[0090] Typically, in the case of a DD type washing machine, the driving unit is fixedly coupled to a tub that accommodates the drum (2), and the drum (2) can be supported by the tub by being coupled to the driving unit. However, since the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped to intensively perform a drying cycle, the tub fixed to the cabinet (1) to accommodate the drum (2) is omitted.

[0091] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a support member (22) provided to fix or support the drum (2) or the driving member inside the cabinet (1).

[0092] The above support member (22) may include a front plate (22a) arranged in front of the drum (2) and a rear plate (22b) arranged in the rear of the drum (2). The front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b) may be provided in a plate shape and arranged to face the front and rear of the drum (2).

[0093] The gap between the front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b) may be set to be equal to the length of the drum (2) or longer than the length of the drum (2). The front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b) may be fixed and supported on the bottom surface or base (15) of the cabinet (1).

[0094] The above front plate (22a) may be placed between the front panel (11) forming the front surface of the cabinet (1) and the drum (2). In addition, the front plate (22a) may be provided with an input communication hole (221) communicating with the input port (201).

[0095] Since the front plate (22a) above is provided with an input communication hole (221), clothes can be input or output into the drum (2) while the front surface of the drum (2) is supported.

[0096] The above front plate (22a) may include a duct connection part (222) provided on the lower side of the injection communication hole (221). The duct connection part (222) may form the lower surface of the front plate (22a).

[0097] The above front plate (22a) may include a duct communication hole (223) penetrating the duct connection portion (222). The duct communication hole (223) is provided in a hollow shape and can guide air discharged through the drum's inlet (201) to the lower side of the drum (2). In addition, the air discharged through the drum (2) can be guided to a circulation duct (5) located at the lower part of the drum (2).

[0098] A filter unit (not shown) may be installed in the above duct communication hole (223) to filter out lint or large foreign substances generated from clothing. The filter unit filters the air discharged from the drum (2), thereby preventing foreign substances from accumulating inside the clothing treatment device and preventing the accumulation of foreign substances from interfering with air circulation.

[0099] Since the above-mentioned inlet (201) is positioned at the front, it is preferable that the driving unit (4) be installed on the rear plate (22b) rather than the front plate (22a). The driving unit may be provided to be mounted and supported on the rear plate (22b). Accordingly, the driving unit can rotate the drum (2) while its position is stably fixed through the rear plate (22b).

[0100] At least one of the front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b) can rotatably support the drum (2). At least one of the front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b) can rotatably accommodate the front or rear end of the drum (2).

[0101] For example, the front of the drum (2) may be rotatably supported on the front plate (22a), and the rear of the drum (2) may be spaced apart from the rear plate (22b) and connected to the motor unit (40) mounted on the rear plate (22b) so as to be indirectly supported on the rear plate (22b). As a result, the area where the drum (2) comes into contact with or rubs against the support unit (22) can be minimized, and unnecessary noise or vibration can be prevented from occurring.

[0102] Of course, the drum (2) may be provided to be rotatably supported on both the front plate (22a) and the rear plate (22b).

[0103] At least one support wheel (224) for supporting the front of the drum (2) may be provided at the lower portion of the front plate (22a). The support wheel (224) may be rotatably provided on the rear surface of the front plate (22a). The support wheel (224) may be rotated while in contact with the lower portion of the drum (2).

[0104] When the drum (2) is rotated by the driving unit (4), the drum (2) may be supported by the drum rotation shaft (403) connected to the rear. When clothing is accommodated inside the drum (200), the load imposed on the drum rotation shaft (403) by the clothing may increase. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft (403) is at risk of bending due to the load.

[0105] When the support wheel (224) supports the front lower part of the drum (2), the load applied to the drum rotation shaft (403) can be reduced. Accordingly, the drum rotation shaft (403) can be prevented from bending and noise generated by vibration can be prevented.

[0106] The above support wheels (224) are provided at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of rotation of the drum (2) to support the load of the drum (2). It is preferable that the support wheels (204) are provided at the lower left and right sides of the drum (2) to support the drum (2). However, this is not limited to this, and a greater number of support wheels (224) may be provided depending on the operating environment of the drum (2).

[0107] The circulation duct (5) provided in the above base (15) can form a path for circulating the air inside the drum (2) and then reintroducing it into the drum (2).

[0108] The above circulation duct (5) may include an inlet duct (51) into which air discharged from the drum (2) flows, an exhaust path (53) that supplies air to the drum (2), and a moving duct (52) that connects the inlet duct (51) and the exhaust path (53).

[0109] When air is discharged from the front of the drum (2), the moving duct (51) may be located on the front side of the circulation duct (5). And the discharge duct (53) may be located on the rear side of the circulation duct (5).

[0110] The above exhaust duct (53) may further include a blower duct (530) for discharging air outside the circulation duct (5). The blower duct (530) may be provided at the rear side of the exhaust duct (53). The air discharged through the blower duct (530) may move to the drum (2).

[0111] A duct cover (54) is attached to the upper side of the above-mentioned circulation duct (5), so as to partially shield the open upper surface of the circulation duct (5). The duct cover (54) can prevent air from leaking out of the circulation duct (5). In other words, the duct cover (54) can form one side of a flow path through which air circulates.

[0112] In addition, the heat exchange unit (6) provided in the base (15) may include an evaporator (first heat exchanger, 61) provided inside the circulation duct (5) to cool the air and a condenser (second heat exchanger, 62) provided inside the circulation duct (5) to heat the air cooled in the evaporator (61).

[0113] The above evaporator (61) dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum (2), and the above condenser (62) can heat the dehumidified air. The heated air can be supplied to the drum (2) again to dry the clothes contained in the drum (2).

[0114] The above evaporator (61) and the above condenser (62) may be provided as a heat exchanger through which refrigerant flows.

[0115] The refrigerant moving along the above evaporator (61) and condenser (62) may be provided to exchange heat with the air discharged from the drum (2).

[0116] The above heat exchange unit (6) may include a circulation fan (64) installed in the circulation duct (5) to generate air flow inside the circulation duct (5). In addition, the heat exchange unit (6) may further include a circulation fan motor (641) that rotates the circulation fan (64). The circulation fan (64) may rotate by receiving rotational power from the circulation fan motor (641). When the circulation fan (641) operates, air dehumidified in the evaporator (61) and heated in the condenser (62) may move to the rear of the drum (200).

[0117] The circulation fan (641) can be installed in any one of the inlet duct (51), the moving duct (52), and the exhaust duct (53). Since the circulation fan (641) is designed to rotate, noise may be generated when the circulation fan (641) operates. Therefore, it is preferable that the circulation fan (641) be placed at the rear of the circulation duct (5).

[0118] The above circulation fan (641) may be installed in the air blower duct (530). In addition, the circulation fan motor (641) may be positioned at the rear of the air blower duct (530). When the circulation fan (641) rotates by the circulation fan motor (641), the air inside the circulation duct (5) may be discharged to the outside of the circulation duct (5) through the air blower duct (530).

[0119] Since it is preferable that the inlet (201) of the drum (2) be positioned at a relatively high position so that the user can easily take out clothes located inside the drum (2), it is preferable that the circulation duct (5) and the heat exchanger (6) be positioned at the bottom of the drum (2).

[0120] A rear plate (22b) may be provided at the rear of the drum (2) to guide air discharged from the circulation duct (5) to the drum (2). The rear plate (22b) may be provided to be spaced apart from the rear surface (21) of the drum. The circulation duct (5) may receive air inside the drum (2) through the front plate (22a) and supply air to the drum (2) through the rear plate (22b). The air discharged from the circulation duct (5) may be guided to the drum (2) through the rear plate (22b).

[0121] The above base (15) may further include a connector (55) that guides the air discharged from the circulation duct (5) to the rear plate (22b). The connector (55) may guide the discharged air to be evenly distributed throughout the entire rear plate (22b).

[0122] The above connector (55) can be installed in the air duct (530). That is, the connector (55) can guide the air discharged from the air duct (530) to the rear plate (22b). The hot air supplied to the rear plate (22b) can be introduced into the interior of the drum (2) through the drum rear surface (21).

[0123] The drum (2) of the garment treatment device (100) of the present invention is not rotated indirectly by being coupled to a belt or the like, but can be rotated by being directly connected to a driving unit (4) located at the rear of the drum (2). Therefore, unlike the drum of a conventional dryer which is provided in a cylindrical shape with the front and rear open, the rear of the drum of the garment treatment device (100) of the present invention is shielded and can be directly coupled to the driving unit (4).

[0124] As described above, the drum (2) may be provided in a cylindrical shape and include a drum body (20) for accommodating clothing and a drum back surface (21) coupled to the rear of the drum body (10) to form the back surface of the drum.

[0125] The drum back surface (21) may be provided to shield the rear of the drum body (20) and provide a coupling surface directly coupled to the driving unit. That is, the drum back surface (21) may be provided to be connected to the driving unit and receive rotational power to rotate the entire drum (2). As a result, an input port (201) for inserting clothes may be formed at the front of the drum body (20) and the rear may be shielded by the drum back surface (21).

[0126] The drum back surface (21) may be provided with a bushing (42) that connects the driving unit (4) and the drum back surface (21). The bushing (42) may be provided on the drum back surface (21) to form a center of rotation of the drum (2). The bushing (42) may be provided as an integral part with the drum back surface (21), but may be provided with a material that has greater rigidity or durability than the drum back surface (21) in order to be firmly connected to the rotational shaft that transmits power. The bushing (42) may be mounted and connected to the drum back surface (21) so as to be coaxial with the center of rotation of the drum back surface (21).

[0127] The drum back surface (21) may include a peripheral portion (211) coupled to the outer surface of the drum body (20) and a mounting plate (212) provided on the inner side of the peripheral portion (211) and capable of being coupled to the driving unit. The bushing portion (42) may be seated and coupled to the mounting plate (212). The rotating shaft that rotates the drum is coupled to the mounting plate (212) through the bushing portion (42), thereby providing an effect of more secure coupling. In addition, deformation of the drum back surface (21) may be prevented.

[0128] The drum back surface (21) may include a suction hole (213) formed through a penetration between the peripheral portion (211) and the mounting plate (212) and connecting the front and rear surfaces of the drum back surface (21). Hot air supplied through the circulation duct (5) may be introduced into the drum body (20) through the suction hole (213). The suction hole (213) may be provided as a plurality of holes formed through the drum back surface (21) or may be provided as a mesh-shaped net.

[0129] A driving unit (4) that rotates the drum (2) may be positioned at the rear of the rear plate (22b). The driving unit (4) may include a motor unit (40) that generates rotational power and a reducer (41) that reduces the rotational power of the motor unit (40) and transmits it to the drum (2).

[0130] A motor unit (40) may be placed at the rear of the rear plate (22b). In addition, the motor unit (40) may be coupled to the rear of the rear plate (22b) via the reducer (41).

[0131] The above-described reducer (41) is fixed to the rear surface of the rear plate (22b), and the motor unit (40) can be coupled to the rear surface of the reducer (41). That is, the rear plate (22b) can provide a support surface on which the reducer (41) or the motor unit (40) is supported. However, it is not limited thereto, and the motor unit (40) can also be coupled to the rear plate (22b).

[0132] Figure 3 illustrates a base (15), a side panel (12), and a rear plate (22b) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 3, the rear plate (22b) may be positioned at the rear of the drum (2). The rear plate (22b) may guide hot air discharged from the circulation duct (5) to the drum. That is, the rear plate (22b) may be positioned at the rear of the drum (2) to form a flow path so that the hot air is evenly supplied to the entire drum (2).

[0134] The above rear plate (22b) may include a rear panel (221) facing the drum back surface (21), and a duct portion (223) formed by being recessed rearward from the rear panel (221) to form a flow path. The duct portion (223) may be provided by being pressed rearward from the rear panel (221). The duct portion (223) may be provided to partially accommodate the drum back surface (21).

[0135] The above duct section (223) may include an inlet section (2234) located behind the discharge duct (53) and a flow section (2230) located behind the drum. The flow section (2230) may be provided to accommodate a portion of the drum (2). The flow section (2230) may accommodate a portion of the drum (2) to form a flow path provided behind the drum.

[0136] The above-mentioned fluid part (2230) may be provided in an annular shape to face the suction hole (213) formed on the drum back surface (21). The above-mentioned fluid part (2230) may be provided to be recessed in the rear panel (22b). That is, the above-mentioned fluid part (2230) may be provided to have an open front and may form a flow path together with the drum back surface (21).

[0137] When the front of the above-mentioned flow unit (2230) is provided to be open, the hot air moved to the flow unit (2230) can be moved directly to the drum (2) without passing through a separate component. Therefore, heat loss can be prevented from occurring as the hot air passes through a separate component. In other words, there is an effect of increasing drying efficiency by reducing the heat loss of the hot air.

[0138] The rear plate (22b) may include a mounting portion (222) provided on the radially inner side of the moving portion (2230). The mounting portion (222) may provide a space in which a reducer (41) or a motor portion (40) is coupled. That is, the rear plate (22b) may include a mounting portion (222) provided on the inner side, and a moving portion (2230) provided in an annular shape on the radially outer side of the mounting portion (222).

[0139] Specifically, the flow portion (2230) may include a flow outer peripheral portion (2231) that surrounds the inner space through which hot air flows from the outside. In addition, the flow portion (2230) may include a flow inner peripheral portion (2232) that surrounds the inner space through which hot air flows from the inside. That is, the flow outer peripheral portion (2231) may form the outer perimeter of the flow portion (2230), and the flow inner peripheral portion (2232) may form the inner perimeter of the flow portion (2230).

[0140] In addition, the flow portion (2230) may include a flow depression surface (2233) that forms the rear surface of the flow path through which the hot air moves. The flow depression surface (2233) may be provided to connect the flow outer peripheral portion (2231) and the flow inner peripheral portion (2232). That is, a space through which the hot air discharged from the circulation duct (5) flows may be formed by the flow inner peripheral portion (2232), the flow outer peripheral portion (2231), and the flow depression surface (2233).

[0141] In addition, the hot air can be guided toward the drum by preventing the hot air from leaking backwards by the flow depression surface (2233). That is, the flow depression surface (2233) can mean the depression surface of the flow part (2230).

[0142] The above inlet (2234) may be positioned facing the circulation duct (5). The above inlet (2234) may be positioned facing the blower duct (530). The above inlet (2234) may be provided to be recessed rearward from the rear panel (22b) to prevent interference with the blower duct (530). The upper side of the above inlet (2234) may be connected to the flow portion (2230).

[0143] A clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connector (55) connected to a blower duct (530). The connector (55) may guide hot air discharged from the blower duct (530) to a flow passage (2230). The connector (55) may have a flow passage formed therein to guide the hot air discharged from the blower duct (530) to the flow passage (2230). That is, the connector (55) may form a flow passage connecting the blower duct (530) and the flow passage (2230). The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage provided inside the connector (55) may be provided to increase as it gets farther away from the blower duct (530).

[0144] The connector (55) may be positioned to face the inlet (2234). The inlet (2234) may be formed to be recessed toward the rear to prevent interference with the connector (55). In addition, the upper end of the connector (55) may be provided to partition the flow portion (2230) and the inlet portion (2234). That is, the hot air discharged from the connector (55) may be introduced into the flow portion (2230), but may be prevented from being introduced into the inlet portion (2234).

[0145] The connector (55) may be provided to evenly supply hot air to the flow portion (2230). The connector (55) may be provided so that its width increases as it moves away from the blower duct (530). The upper end of the connector (55) may be positioned along the circumferential extension line of the flow outer peripheral portion (2231).

[0146] Accordingly, the hot air discharged from the connector (55) can be supplied to the entire flow section (2230) without moving to the inlet section (2234). The connector (55) prevents the hot air from being concentrated on one side of the flow section (2230), thereby evenly supplying the hot air within the drum. Therefore, the drying efficiency of clothes is increased.

[0147] The above connector (55) may be configured such that its width increases toward the upstream side, so that the speed of the hot air moving along the connector (55) may be reduced in the direction of flow. That is, the connector (55) may function as a diffuser that controls the speed of the hot air. The connector (55) may reduce the speed of the hot air, thereby preventing the hot air from being supplied to only a specific part of the drum.

[0148] Due to the shape of the connector (55) described above, the inlet portion (2234), which is provided to face the connector (55) and is provided to prevent interference with the connector (55), may also be provided to have a width that increases as it gets farther away from the blower duct (530). Due to the shape of the inlet portion (2234), the duct portion (223) may have an overall shape like a '9' when viewed from the front.

[0149] Since the above drum is provided to rotate during the drying process, the drum (2) may be provided at a predetermined distance from the moving part (2230). Hot air may flow out through the space provided.

[0150] The above base (15) may include a circulation duct (5) on one side for circulating air in the drum (2). In addition, the base (15) may be provided with a device installation section (150) on the other side that provides a space for installing electrical components necessary for the operation of the dryer. The device installation section (150) may be provided on the outside of the circulation duct (5).

[0151] The above circulation duct (5) can be arranged so that at least a portion thereof is biased toward one side of the base (15).

[0152] As described above, the heat exchanger (6) can be accommodated inside the circulation duct (5), and the volume of the heat exchanger (6) can be increased for the efficiency of the heat exchanger (6), so an optimized arrangement of the circulation duct (5) inside the clothing treatment device (100) can be considered.

[0153] The above drum body (20) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with an open surface provided in the front-rear direction of the cabinet (1). In this case, the lowermost or uppermost part of the drum body (20), which is in contact with the vertical center plane perpendicular to the ground and which crosses the center of rotation of the drum body (20), and a part of the circulation duct (5) which crosses the front-rear direction of the drum (2), may be arranged in consideration of interference.

[0154] In this case, when the circulation duct (5) is arranged to be biased toward one side of the drum (2) and extends in the front-back direction, interference between the drum (2) and the circulation duct (5) is minimized, and the arrangement between the components of the clothing treatment device (100) can be optimized.

[0155] In a conventional dryer, a circulation duct (5) was provided on the base (15), and a driving unit for rotating a drum (2) was also installed on the base (15). In this case, since the driving unit (4) occupied a large portion of the installation space of the base (15), the device installation unit (150) had a narrow space, making it difficult to install other components of the clothing treatment device.

[0156] However, since the motor unit (40) for rotating the drum (2) in the garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be placed at the rear of the drum (2) apart from the base (15), the space of the base (15) where the motor unit (40) was previously installed can be utilized in various ways.

[0157] A compressor (63) for compressing the refrigerant required for heat exchange may be installed in the above device installation section (150).

[0158] In addition, the base (15) is provided to be spaced apart from the compressor (63) and may include a collection unit (151) in which condensate generated in the circulation duct (5) is collected.

[0159] The above evaporator (61) and the condenser (62) are installed inside the circulation duct (5). The evaporator (61) can cool the air discharged from the drum (2) and passing through the circulation duct (5), thereby condensing moisture contained in the air.

[0160] The more moisture is dried in the clothes contained in the drum (2), the more water can be condensed in the evaporator (61).

[0161] The water condensed in the above evaporator (61) can be collected on the bottom surface of the above circulation duct (5).

[0162] The above condenser (62) heats the air passing through the circulation duct (5) to generate hot air. In this case, if water is placed in a collected state on the bottom surface of the circulation duct (5), there is a possibility that the water will vaporize due to the heat generated from the condenser (62) and flow back into the drum (2).

[0163] Accordingly, the base (15) may further include a water collecting unit (151) capable of collecting moisture condensed in the circulation duct (5) from the outside of the circulation duct (5).

[0164] The above water collection unit (151) is provided to communicate with the bottom surface of the circulation duct (5) and can be placed on the device mounting unit (15) outside the circulation duct (5). The water collection unit (151) can be provided to collect not only the water condensed in the evaporator (61), but also all the water flowing into the circulation duct (5).

[0165] The above water collection unit (151) can form a space for collecting and temporarily storing the water.

[0166] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a drainage pump (152) capable of discharging water collected in the water collection unit (151) to the outside of the water collection unit (151).

[0167] The above drainage pump (152) is installed in the water collection unit (151) and can generate power to discharge water collected in the water collection unit (151) to the outside of the water collection unit (151).

[0168] The above drainage pump (152) may be provided to discharge water collected in the water collection unit (151) into the water storage tank (14). Thus, even if the water collection unit (151) reaches full water level, the water collection unit (151) is emptied and can continuously collect new condensate. As a result, water remaining inside the circulation duct (5) can be minimized.

[0169] Meanwhile, a control panel (153) that controls the compressor (63), motor unit (40), etc. may be installed on the device installation unit (150).

[0170] It is advantageous to place the above water collection unit (151) close to the circulation duct (5) to prevent water leakage.

[0171] The above collection unit (151) may be placed between the compressor (63) and the circulation duct (5).

[0172] However, as illustrated, the water collection unit (151) may be arranged to overlap the compressor (63) in the front-rear direction. This allows the volume of the water collection unit (151) to be further expanded, allowing a larger amount of water to be collected.

[0173] When the volume of the water collecting unit (151) is expanded in this way, the frequency of emptying the condensate collected in the water collecting unit (151) can also be reduced, and even if new water such as direct water is supplied to the circulation duct (5) in addition to the condensate, it can all be collected without leakage.

[0174] Meanwhile, the control panel (153) can be installed on the base and supported firmly.

[0175] In this way, the connecting wires connecting the electrical components controlled by the control panel (153) and the control box can be installed on the base (15), and their lengths can also be reduced.

[0176] A side panel (12) forming the side of the cabinet (1) may be attached to the side of the base (15). The side panel may include a left panel and a right panel. The control panel (153) may be installed on the device installation unit (150) and may be installed close to one of the side panels (12).

[0177] The above control panel (153) is equipped to control all electrical components of the garment treatment device (100), and may include a control unit that provides a command to perform any course that the garment treatment device (100) can perform.

[0178] When the control panel (153) is provided adjacent to the side panel (12), the user can access the control panel (153) by simply removing the side panel (12). Therefore, the ease of maintenance is increased.

[0179] When the above side panel (12) is removed, various components such as the compressor (63) and control panel (153) can be easily accessed, so the side panel (12) can be referred to as a service panel.

[0180] The above device installation part (150) is located on the left side of the base (15), so that the control panel (190) can be accessed by removing one of the side panels. However, this is not limited to this, and if the circulation duct (5) is formed on the left side and the device installation part (150) is formed on the right side, the control box or compressor, etc. can be repaired and inspected by removing the right side panel, which is not shown.

[0181] Meanwhile, the circulation duct (5) may be provided in a duct shape that provides a space in which air flows and a heat exchange unit (6) is installed. However, the upper surface of the circulation duct (5) may be provided to be open so as to facilitate installation and maintenance of the heat exchange unit (6).

[0182] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a duct cover part (54) that is coupled to the upper portion of the circulation duct (5) to prevent leakage of air introduced into the circulation duct (5) and to form a path through which the air moves.

[0183] The above duct cover part (54) may be provided in a plate shape that is coupled to the open upper surface of the circulation duct (5).

[0184] For example, the upper surface and the back surface of the inlet duct (51) and the upper surface of the moving duct (52) may be provided to be open.

[0185] The above duct cover part (54) can form the back surface of the inflow duct (51) while shielding the open upper surface of the moving duct (52).

[0186] Of course, the above inlet duct (51) may be a square duct or a ring-shaped, completely closed curve, and the duct cover (54) may be provided to shield the upper surface of the moving duct (52).

[0187] Accordingly, the duct cover part (54) can prevent air introduced through the inlet duct (51) from leaking out through the open upper surface of the moving duct (52). The duct cover part (54) can be seen as forming the upper surface of a flow path that guides air introduced through the inlet duct (51) to the exhaust duct (53).

[0188] The above exhaust duct (53) may include a blower duct (530) that discharges air to the outside of the circulation duct (5). The blower duct (530) may provide a space in which a circulation fan (64) is installed that introduces air inside the drum into the circulation duct (5) and circulates it back to the drum (2).

[0189] The above circulation fan (64) may be installed inside the blower duct (530) to control the circulation speed of air introduced into the circulation duct (5).

[0190] When the above circulation fan (64) rotates, air is discharged through an opening formed on the upper side of the air duct (530), and the air discharged from the air duct (530) is introduced back into the drum to dry clothes.

[0191] The above-mentioned circulation fan (64) may be applied with various types of fans. For example, a sirocco fan may be applied to allow air to be drawn in along the rotation axis and discharged radially. However, this is not limited to this, and various fans may be used to generate air flow according to the design purpose.

[0192] The above duct cover part (54) can be combined with the upper part of the circulation duct (5) to form an inlet duct (51) and a shielding cover body (541) forming the upper part of the circulation duct (5).

[0193] Specifically, the duct cover part (54) may include a flue cover body (542) that is coupled to the front of the circulation duct (5) to form the inflow duct (51), and a shielding cover body (541) that is provided in a plate shape and coupled to the upper side of the moving duct (52).

[0194] The above shielding cover body (541) can be extended from the above flue cover body (542), and the above shielding cover body (541) can be provided as an integral part with the flue cover body (542).

[0195] The above-mentioned chimney cover body (542) may have an inlet chimney hole (543) formed therein to connect the drum (2) and the inlet duct (51).

[0196] If the upstream area of ​​the above circulation duct (5) is defined as an inflow duct (51), the above-mentioned chimney cover body (542) is connected to the inflow duct (51), which is the upstream area of ​​the above-mentioned circulation duct (5), so that air discharged from the drum through the inflow communication hole (543) can be guided to the inflow duct (51).

[0197] As one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation duct (5) may be arranged at the bottom of the drum (2) so that the user can easily put clothes into the drum (2) without bending over and the height of the cabinet (1) does not increase. In this case, the air inside the drum (2) that enters the inflow duct (51) through the inflow communication hole (543) may be discharged downward, flow downward within the inflow duct (51), and then move to the movement duct (52).

[0198] The above-mentioned inlet communication hole (543) may be positioned closer to the center than the moving duct (52) that extends in the front-back direction of the cabinet (1) based on a vertical center plane perpendicular to the ground and crosses the center of rotation of the drum (2) to smoothly transfer the air inside the drum (2) and transfers the air transferred from the upper surface of the drum (2) to the rear of the drum (2).

[0199] Accordingly, the inflow duct (51) that flows the air received from the inflow communication hole (543) can transfer the air inside the drum (2) to the moving duct (52) that is arranged to be biased to one side.

[0200] In this case, the air inside the circulation duct (5) may move from the other side to the one side on the flow cross-section. Accordingly, foreign substances such as lint remaining in the air inside the drum (2) may also be distributed with a greater density on one side along the flow of air.

[0201] That is, the circulation duct (5) may have a flow deflection section in which air flows biased toward one side of the air flow cross-section inside the circulation duct (5).

[0202] Since the above shielding cover body (541) can shield the upper surface of the moving duct (52), the air introduced into the inlet duct (51) can be guided to the exhaust duct (53) without being discharged outside the circulation duct (5).

[0203] Meanwhile, the air discharged from the drum (2) and circulating through the circulation duct (5) contains foreign substances such as lint discharged from clothing. The evaporator (61) is configured to come into contact with the air discharged from the drum (2) before the condenser (62), and since the thin plates are closely stacked to exchange heat with the air, foreign substances such as lint are likely to accumulate in the evaporator (61).

[0204] In addition, the circulation duct (5) may further include a duct filter (not shown) provided in front of the evaporator (61) to filter foreign substances in the air passing through the inlet duct (51).

[0205] If foreign substances accumulate in the evaporator (61) or duct filter, not only will it obstruct the air flow in the circulation duct (5), but the foreign substances may also retain moisture, lowering the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat exchanger (6), and even causing the foreign substances to rot. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically remove foreign substances accumulated in the evaporator (61) or duct filter, etc. However, if the user or manager is equipped to manually remove the foreign substances, it may not be possible to ensure that the foreign substances are removed in a timely manner.

[0206] To this end, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a washing unit (7) capable of removing foreign substances from the water collected in the water collection unit (151) or water delivered from an external water source in the evaporator (61) or duct filter.

[0207] The external water source may be configured to be located outside the cabinet (1) and supply water to the inside of the cabinet (1), and may correspond to, for example, a water faucet located outside the cabinet (1).

[0208] Since the water delivered from the external water source is clean water free of foreign substances such as lint and fluff discharged from the drum (2), the heat exchanger (6) can always be washed with clean water. As a result, the water discharged from the inside of the circulation duct (5) and collected in the water collection unit (151) can be prevented from being re-introduced into the circulation duct (5) and re-contaminating the heat exchanger (6).

[0209] Water supplied from the external water source and used to wash the heat exchanger (6) can be discharged from the circulation duct (5) and collected in the water collection unit (151). The water collected in the water collection unit (151) can be discharged to the water storage tank (14) and discarded, or can be delivered back to the heat exchanger (6) and used to wash the heat exchanger (6).

[0210] Cleaning the heat exchanger (6) can be defined as removing foreign substances inside the circulation duct (5), such as cleaning the above-mentioned evaporator (61) or cleaning the above-mentioned duct filter.

[0211] As described above, as air flows through the moving duct (52) which is tilted to one side compared to the inlet duct (51), the air is tilted to one side in the cross-section of the air flow transmitted upstream of the moving duct (52), and lint remaining in the air can also be distributed with a greater density on one side of the cross-section of the air flow.

[0212] The above evaporator (61) and the above condenser (62) can receive air that has passed through the flow deflection section inside the above circulation duct (5).

[0213] The air flowing to the front of the above evaporator (61) may be different on one side and the other side. Accordingly, the washing unit (7) may discharge water at different spray amounts or spray speeds on the one side and the other side of the circulation duct (5).

[0214] The above evaporator (61) is placed inside the moving duct (52), so that it can receive and discharge air that flows in a biased manner to one side. Accordingly, the washing unit (7) can wash the evaporator (61) or the duct filter by discharging water more intensively to one side than the other side of the circulation duct (5).

[0215] The fact that the above washing unit (7) discharges water in a concentrated manner means that it discharges more water to one side of the circulation duct (5), discharges water for a longer period of time, or discharges water with a stronger water pressure to remove foreign substances accumulated in the evaporator (61) or duct filter.

[0216] The above washing unit (7) may be provided to discharge water collected in the water collection unit (151) into the circulation duct (5) to wash away foreign substances accumulated in the evaporator (61) or the duct filter and collect them again in the water collection unit (151).

[0217] The above washing unit (7) is positioned above the circulation duct (5) to drop water and naturally remove accumulated foreign substances by the water pressure. In this case, in order to wash the part where air flows into the evaporator (61) or the duct filter positioned upstream from the evaporator (61), the water outlet (730) through which water is discharged from the washing unit (7) into the circulation duct (5) may be positioned upstream from the evaporator (61).

[0218] The above washing unit (7) is positioned forward (based on the direction in which air moves) of the front of the evaporator (61) and discharges water across the width of the circulation duct (5) to wash the front of the evaporator (61).

[0219] The above water outlet (730) can discharge water across the width direction of the circulation duct (5) in order to effectively clean the cross-section of the air flowing through the circulation duct (5), the evaporator (61) or the duct filter. The width direction of the circulation duct is not a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the circulation duct (5), but it is sufficient to cross the extension direction of the circulation duct (5), and preferably, it can be arranged so that water can be discharged across the entire width direction of the evaporator (51) or the duct filter.

[0220] The above water outlet (730) can discharge more water, discharge water for a longer period of time, or discharge water more forcefully to one side in order to effectively clean one side of the evaporator (51) and the duct filter that are accommodated inside the circulation duct (5) and receive air flowing to one side.

[0221] The above washing unit (7) may include a washing path (700) through which the water can be guided toward the evaporator (61) or duct filter.

[0222] The above washing path (700) may be equipped with a hose or the like capable of moving the water.

[0223] However, to prevent interference with the drum (2) and to facilitate installation, the washing path (700) may be provided as an integral part with the duct cover part (54).

[0224] For example, the washing path (700) may be provided on the upper surface of the shielding cover body (541).

[0225] The above washing path (700) may be provided to receive water and move the water toward the evaporator (61) located at the lower side of the duct cover (54).

[0226] A water outlet (730) that vertically penetrates the shielding cover body (741) may be provided on the downstream side of the washing channel (700). Accordingly, water moving along the washing channel (700) can be discharged into the circulation duct (5) through the water outlet (730).

[0227] The outlet (730) may be placed above the evaporator (61) that dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum, or may be placed upstream or in front of the evaporator (61).

[0228] Water discharged through the outlet (730) into the circulation duct (5) can fall toward the evaporator (61) and wash the evaporator (61).

[0229] If a duct filter is placed in front of the above evaporator (61), the outlet (730) can be placed on the upper part of the duct filter.

[0230] Meanwhile, when the washing unit (7) is provided, the water collected in the water collection unit (151) can move to the water storage tank (14) or to the washing path (700).

[0231] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a flow path conversion unit (740) that can determine whether to discharge the water collected in the water collection unit (151) to the water storage tank (14) or supply it to the washing flow path (700).

[0232] The above-mentioned flow diversion unit (740) is provided to communicate with the drainage pump (152) disposed in the water collection unit (151), and may be provided to communicate with both the water storage tank (14) and the washing flow path (700). The flow diversion unit (740) is provided to selectively open and close the flow path connected to the water storage tank (14) and the washing flow path (700), so as to selectively send the water collected in the water collection unit (151). To this end, the flow diversion unit (740) may be provided with a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or more valves.

[0233] The above washing passage (700) may be arranged in a plurality of sections along the width direction of the heat exchange unit (6). That is, the washing passage (700) may be provided with a plurality of passages so as to divide the water supplied from the passage conversion unit (740) into each passage and move it.

[0234] Accordingly, even if the amount of water collected in the water collection unit (151) is small, a sufficient amount or water pressure can be secured to remove foreign substances in one of the washing channels (700). As a result, the water discharged from the washing channel (700) can wash away foreign substances accumulated in at least a specific area of ​​the heat exchange unit (6).

[0235] The above-mentioned euro switching unit (740) can be controlled to supply water to only one of the plurality of washing channels (700), and can be controlled to sequentially open the plurality of washing channels (700) to supply water.

[0236] For example, the washing passage (700) may be arranged to be divided into three regions along the width direction of the heat exchange unit (6). The washing passage (700) may be provided in a diffuser shape with the ends becoming wider at one end so as to supply water to the entire area of ​​the heat exchange unit (6) to wash away foreign substances.

[0237] As a result, the water outlet (730) may be provided with a width equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchanger (6), and the total width of the terminals of the washing passage (700) may also be provided with a width equal to or longer than the width of the heat exchanger (6).

[0238] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the water collection cover (1512) shielding the duct cover part (74) and the water collection body (1511) separated from the base (15).

[0239] The above evaporator (61) and condenser (62) can be installed spaced apart in the front-back direction inside the circulation duct (5).

[0240] The air inside the drum (2) that is introduced through the above inlet duct (51) undergoes heat exchange in the above evaporator (61) and moisture is removed, and the air from which moisture has been removed can be heated by heat exchange in the above condenser (62). The heated air can pass through the above discharge duct (53) and be supplied back into the drum (200).

[0241] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a water cover (521) provided between the evaporator (61) and the bottom surface of the moving duct (52). The water cover (521) may be mounted on the bottom surface of the moving duct (52).

[0242] The water cover (521) may be positioned at the bottom of the evaporator (61) and may be provided to support the lower surface of the evaporator (61). The water cover (521) may be provided to separate the evaporator (61) from the bottom surface of the moving duct (52). This prevents at least a portion of the evaporator (61) from being submerged in water condensed in the evaporator (61).

[0243] Meanwhile, the water cover (521) may be spaced apart from the condenser (62). That is, the water cover (521) may be placed upstream of the condenser (62). As a result, no condensate is placed below the condenser (62), thereby minimizing the condensate from being vaporized by the condenser (62).

[0244] The above-mentioned water collection unit (151) may include a water collection body (1511) that forms a space where condensate is collected, and a water collection cover (1512) that shields the open upper surface of the water collection body (1511).

[0245] The above water collection cover (1512) is coupled to the water collection body (1511) to prevent condensate from leaking to the upper surface of the water collection body (1511) and to maintain the negative pressure at which the pump (152) discharges the water.

[0246] Meanwhile, the drain pump (152) can be connected to the euro conversion unit (740) through a drain hose (1514). The drain hose (1514) can be provided as a single hose.

[0247] The above drain hose (1514) may be connected to the drain pump (152), but may also be connected to the water collection cover (1512).

[0248] For example, the water collection cover (1512) may include a drain path (1513) that protrudes upward from the water collection body (1511) and is provided in the shape of a pipe that connects the inside and outside of the water collection unit (151).

[0249] The drain hose (1514) is connected to the drain path (1513) to guide the discharged condensate to the outside of the water collection body (1511). One end of the drain hose (1514) may be connected to the drain path (1513), and the other end may be connected to a drain conversion unit (740).

[0250] The above drain pump (152) can move the water collected in the water collection unit (151) to the drain diversion unit (740) through the drain hose (1514).

[0251] In addition, the euro conversion unit (740) is connected to the water storage tank (14) by a drain hose (1514) and can guide the condensate moved from the water collection body (1511) to the water storage tank (14). The user can withdraw the water storage tank (14) in which the condensate is stored and drain it directly.

[0252] The above-mentioned euro conversion unit (740) can be controlled by the control panel (153), and can be equipped to open and close different parts depending on the operating time of the clothing treatment device (100).

[0253] As described above, the euro switching unit (740) can be controlled to supply water to only one of the plurality of washing channels (700), and can be controlled to sequentially open the plurality of washing channels (700) to supply water.

[0254] For example, when the operation of the evaporator (61) in the drying cycle is completely finished, the control panel (153) can control the flow path switching unit (740) to guide the condensate to the washing flow path (700). In addition, when the washing of the evaporator (61) is completely finished, the control panel (153) can control the flow path switching unit (740) to guide the condensate to the water storage tank (14).

[0255] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a duct cover part (54) to which a nozzle cover part (56) is combined in a clothing treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a view of the duct cover part (54) as viewed from below.

[0256] The above washing path (700) forms a plurality of paths that guide water supplied from the water diversion unit (740) to the water outlet (730). The washing path (700) may be provided as a separate hose or pipe, and may be provided in the form of a duct protruding from the upper surface of the duct cover unit (54).

[0257] When the above-described washing passage (700) is provided as an integral part with the duct cover part (74), it may be provided in a duct shape with an open upper surface to form a flow path for ease of manufacture. In this case, the circulation duct (5) may further include a nozzle cover part (56) that shields the upper surface of the washing passage (700) to prevent water flowing through the washing passage (700) from leaking out of the washing passage (700). The nozzle cover part (56) may be provided to completely shield the upper portion of the washing passage (700).

[0258] The above nozzle cover part (56) can also prevent air moving along the moving duct (52) from leaking through the outlet (730).

[0259] The above nozzle cover part (56) can be coupled to the upper part of the washing passage (700) from the upper part of the shielding cover body (541). When looking at the shielding cover body (541) from the upper side of the nozzle cover part (56), the nozzle cover part (56) can accommodate both sides of the washing passage (700) and shield the upper part of the washing passage (700).

[0260] The above nozzle cover part (56) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the washing path (700). That is, the nozzle cover part (56) may extend from the side of the circulation duct (5) where the flow path conversion part (740) is arranged to the front of the circulation duct (5) where the water outlet (730) is arranged.

[0261] Additionally, the length of the nozzle cover part (56) extending forward and backward may be provided to be less than or equal to the total length of the shielding cover body (541).

[0262] When the above washing passage (700) is arranged to be spaced apart from the first washing passage (701), the second washing passage (702), and the third washing passage (703) along the width direction of the heat exchanger (6), the nozzle cover part (56) may be provided in a shape capable of shielding each of the first washing passage (701), the second washing passage (702), and the third washing passage (703).

[0263] The number of the above washing channels (700) is sufficient as long as they are provided in a single or multiple number so that water can be delivered to the water outlet (730).

[0264] Meanwhile, the shielding cover body (541) may further include a first slope (5411) having a first slope so that the height is lowered in an area corresponding to the upper portion of the evaporator (61), and a second slope (5412) having a second slope having a smaller slope angle than the first slope on the first slope (5411). Accordingly, water moving through the washing channel (700) can move toward the water outlet (730) without a separate power source. In addition, even if the washing channel (700) is provided with a cross-sectional area that is wider toward the water outlet (730), the speed of the water flowing through the washing channel (700) may not decrease.

[0265] The above washing path (700) may include a discharge guide (721) that increases the width of the path along the direction of water movement and guides water to the water outlet (730).

[0266] The above discharge guide unit (721) may be provided with a first discharge guide unit (7211) that receives water from the first washing channel (701), a second discharge guide unit (7212) that receives water from the second washing channel (702), and a first discharge guide unit (7213) that receives water from the first washing channel (703).

[0267] The above discharge guide section (721) begins to widen in width from the first inclined surface (5411), and the width (s2) can be widened to the maximum at the end of the second inclined surface (5412).

[0268] Even if the entire width of the above-mentioned outlet (730) corresponds to the width of the heat exchanger (6), and the diameter (s1) of one end of the washing path (700) connected to the drain pump (152) is smaller than the width of the heat exchanger (6), water supplied from the drain pump (752) can be evenly supplied to the above-mentioned outlet (837).

[0269] The width (s21+ s22+ s23) of the above discharge guide section (7211, 7212, 7213) may be provided to correspond to the outlet (730).

[0270] The end portion of the discharge guide portion (721) to which the outlet (730) is connected may be provided so that the first discharge guide portion (7211), the second discharge guide portion (7212), and the third discharge guide portion (7213) are in communication with each other. Accordingly, when the discharge guide portions (721) are partitioned and discharged, water is not concentrated at the edge of each discharge guide portion (721) due to the Coanda Effect, and water can be evenly distributed and discharged to the outlet (730).

[0271] The discharge guide part (721) may be provided with a guide partition wall (722) extending from the washing path part (700), which will be described later in FIG. 7, to separate the first discharge guide part (7211), the second discharge guide part (7212), and the third discharge guide part (7213) from each other at the end where the outlet (730) is connected. In this case, the width of the discharge guide part (721) may be set differently to control the water pressure of the water delivered to the outlet (730).

[0272] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the air delivered to the evaporator (61) is introduced biased toward one side and water is to be discharged with a stronger water pressure in the one direction, if the width (s2) of the end of the discharge guide (721) is set smaller, the amount of water delivered to each of the washing channels (700) is the same, but the width of the channel is narrower, so that the water can be discharged more strongly.

[0273] The above washing path (700) may include a guide path (710) that receives water from the drain pump (152), and a discharge path (720) that extends from an end of the guide path (710) in the front-back direction and guides water to the water outlet (730).

[0274] The above discharge path (720) may be provided with a discharge guide part (721) whose width gradually increases at the extended end point, so that water can be easily distributed and discharged to the outlet (730).

[0275] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the washing passage (700) is provided with the first washing passage (701), the second washing passage (702), and the third washing passage (703), the first washing passage (701) is provided with the first guide passage (7101) and the first discharge passage (7201) so that water can be discharged through the end of the first discharge guide part (7211), the second washing passage (702) is provided with the second guide passage (7102) and the first discharge passage (7201) so that water can be discharged through the end of the second discharge guide part (7212), and the third washing passage (703) is provided with the third guide passage (7103) and the third discharge passage (7203) so that water can be discharged through the end of the third discharge guide part (7213).

[0276] The above circulation duct (5) may be arranged to be biased toward one side of the base (15) as described above. In this case, the water collection unit (151) and other components provided in the device installation unit (150) may be arranged relatively to the other side of the base (15).

[0277] Accordingly, water guided to the washing path (700) can be transferred from the other side to the one side through the guide path (710). In this case, a discharge path (720) extending in the front-back direction may be further provided to discharge water in the width direction of the circulation duct.

[0278] At this time, the total length of the washing channel (700) disposed closer to the one side may be set longer than the washing channel (700) disposed closer to the other side. In this case, the pressure of the water discharged from the washing channel (700) disposed on the one side to the water outlet (730) may be lower due to resistance and friction within the washing channel (700).

[0279] In addition, the air inside the drum (2) discharged from the lateral center of the drum (2) flows into the circulation duct (5) arranged on one side, and the air may flow biased toward the one side due to inertia or the like. In this case, the density of foreign substances inside the air will also be biased and transferred to the one side, so the cleaning power of the one side of the evaporator (61) or the duct filter may need to be set stronger. Accordingly, the water discharged through the water outlet (730) may need to be discharged in larger quantities, for a longer time, or more strongly on one side than on the other side.

[0280] Hereinafter, an embodiment of controlling the flow of water discharged to one side of the outlet (730) will be described through the above-described drawings 7 to 9.

[0281] Fig. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a duct cover part (54). On the other side, the first discharge path (7201), the second discharge path (7202), and the third discharge path (7203) arranged in the one-sided direction may be provided with the first discharge guide part (7211), the second discharge guide part (7212), and the third discharge guide part (7213) whose width increases along the direction of water movement, respectively, at the end side connected to the outlet (730) of the first discharge path (7201), the second discharge path (7202), and the third discharge path (7203).

[0282] When the above discharge guide (721) is positioned closer to the one side, the increase in the flow path width can be set smaller. As described above, the length of the flow path increases as the washing flow path (700) is positioned closer to the one side, which may weaken the water pressure, and since the air is biased and transmitted to the one side, the water may have to be discharged more strongly toward the one side.

[0283] In this case, even if the first washing passage (701), the second washing passage (702), and the third washing passage (703) are all opened by the euro switching unit (730) to allow the same amount of water to flow, water can be discharged at a stronger pressure because the width (t23) of the end of the third discharge guide unit (7213) is narrower than the width (t21) of the end of the first discharge guide unit (7211).

[0284] The width (t2) of the end of the above discharge guide (721) can be gradually reduced as it is positioned on one side.

[0285] A guide partition wall (722) that divides each discharge guide (721) may be provided on the end side connected to the outlet (730) of the discharge guide (721). Accordingly, water delivered to each of the discharge guides (721) can be discharged through the outlet (730) without compensating for pressure differences.

[0286] The water discharged through the above discharge guide (721) can be discharged in a concentrated manner along the guide partition (722) due to the Coanda effect, etc. Therefore, by adjusting the arrangement of the guide partition (722), it is possible to target and wash a location that requires more concentrated washing in the width direction of the duct filter or the evaporator (61).

[0287] Likewise, due to the other side partition of the first discharge guide part (721) and the one side partition of the third discharge guide part, the flow of water is concentrated and discharged to the edge of the water outlet (730), so that the removal efficiency of lint concentratedly collected at the edge of the evaporator (61) or duct filter due to the air wave can be improved.

[0288] FIG. 8 shows a graph showing the RPM of the drain pump (152) when the first washing passage (701), the second washing passage (702), and the third washing passage (703) are each opened by the passage switching unit (740).

[0289] Each of the above washing channels (700) is provided to communicate with the drain pump (152), and the flow path switching unit (740) can be provided to selectively open and close the channels connected to the water storage tank (14) and the washing channel (700).

[0290] Accordingly, the flow diversion unit (740) can selectively send water to each of the washing channels (700). The flow diversion unit (740) can open at least one of the plurality of washing channels (701, 702, 703) to supply water, and can sequentially open the plurality of washing channels (701, 702, 703).

[0291] The above-described Fig. 8 illustrates a case where the washing channels (701, 702, 703) are sequentially opened to deliver water. In this case, as described above, when the third washing channel (703) located on the one side is opened to increase the water pressure on the one side, the drain pump (152) can be driven at the highest RPM.

[0292] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third washing passage (703) may be opened first. Accordingly, when the amount of water collected in the water collection unit (151) is small or the amount of water delivered from an external water source is limited, water may be discharged first through the third washing passage (703) to wash away foreign substances accumulated on one side of the heat exchange unit (6) or the duct filter.

[0293] The above-mentioned euro switching unit (740) can be controlled to supply water to only one of the plurality of washing channels (700), and can be controlled to sequentially open the plurality of washing channels (700) to supply water.

[0294] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of washing channels (700) are opened to transmit water, the washing channels (700) arranged on the other side are sequentially closed, and each time a washing channel (700) is closed, the RPM of the drain pump (152) is increased, thereby reducing the total operating time of the drain pump (152).

[0295] Regardless of the order of opening or whether they are opened simultaneously, it is sufficient that the maximum RPM at which the drain pump (152) is driven is set to be greater when the washing passage (700) arranged on one side is opened than when the washing passage (700) arranged on the other side is opened.

[0296] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the first washing passage (701) is opened, the maximum RPM of the drain pump is p1, when the second washing passage (702) is opened, the maximum RPM of the drain pump is p2, and when the third washing passage (703) is opened, the maximum RPM of the drain pump is p3, and p1 <p2<p3로 설정되면 족하다.

[0297] Fig. 9 illustrates a case where the washing channels (701, 702, 703) are sequentially opened to deliver water. In this case, as described above, when the third washing channel (703) located on one side is opened to increase the amount of water discharged to one side of the water outlet (730), the drain pump (152) can be operated for the longest period of time.

[0298] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third washing passage (703) may be opened first. Accordingly, when the amount of water collected in the water collection unit (151) is small or the amount of water delivered from an external water source is limited, water may be discharged first through the third washing passage (703) to wash away foreign substances accumulated on one side of the heat exchange unit (6) or the duct filter.

[0299] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of washing channels (700) are opened to transmit water, the washing channels (700) arranged on the other side are sequentially closed to reduce the total operating time of the drain pump (152).

[0300] Regardless of the order of opening or simultaneous opening, it is sufficient to set the time for which the washing passage (700) arranged on one side is opened longer than the time for which the washing passage (700) arranged on the other side is opened while the drain pump (152) is operating so that more water is discharged through the one side of the water outlet (730).

[0301] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the time at which the first washing passage (701) is opened is t1, the time at which the second washing passage (702) is opened is t2, and the time at which the third washing passage (703) is opened is t3 while the drainage pump (152) is operating, t1 <t2<t3로 설정되면 족하다.

[0302] The operating algorithms of the above-described FIGS. 8 and 9 are not individual, and when the washing passage (700) disposed on one side is open for the longest time and water is delivered to the washing passage (700) disposed on one side, the RPM of the drain pump (152) can be set to the highest.

[0303] It is sufficient if the amount of water discharged from the above drainage pump (152) to one side of the evaporator (61) or the duct filter is greater than the other side, or if the discharge time is longer, or if the water is discharged with a stronger water pressure.

[0304] FIG. 10 shows an example of a clothing treatment device (100) including a tub (3) and in which the circulation duct (5) and the heat exchanger (6) are arranged on the upper part of the drum (2).

[0305] When the clothing treatment device (100) is equipped as a device capable of washing and drying laundry at the same time, it may be equipped with a tub (3) provided inside a cabinet (1) to store washing water and a drum (2) rotatably provided inside the tub (3) to store laundry. The tub (3) is provided in the shape of a hollow cylinder and is fixed inside the cabinet (1), and a tub opening (31) for entering and exiting laundry is provided on the front surface of the tub (3) facing the opening (110).

[0306] A gasket (32) is provided between the above tub opening (31) and the opening (110). The gasket (32) not only prevents the washing water stored inside the tub (3) from leaking out of the tub (3), but also prevents the vibration generated in the tub (3) when the drum (2) rotates from being transmitted to the cabinet (10).

[0307] An air discharge hole (33) is provided on the upper part of the circumference of the tub (3) to discharge air inside the tub (3), and a drainage part (34) is provided on the lower part of the tub (3) to discharge washing water stored inside the tub (3).

[0308] The above air discharge hole (33) is preferably provided along the longitudinal direction of the tub (3), but is preferably provided at a predetermined distance from a straight line passing through the center of the tub (3).

[0309] This is to ensure that the air inside the tub (3) is easily discharged from the tub (3) through the air discharge hole (33) when the drum (2) rotates.

[0310] The air discharged through the above air discharge hole (33) may be arranged to circulate through the circulation duct (5) and heat exchanger (6) arranged on the upper portion of the tub (3), which will be described later.

[0311] The above drainage unit (34) may be equipped with a drain pipe (351, 352) that connects the inside of the tub (3) with the outside of the cabinet (1), and a drain pump (353) that discharges the washing water inside the tub (3) through the drain pipe (352).

[0312] The above motor unit (40) may be equipped with a stator (401) fixed to the back surface of the tub (3), the rotor (402) that rotates by electromagnetic action with the stator (401), and a drum rotation shaft (403) that penetrates the back surface of the tub (3) and connects the back surface of the drum (2) and the rotor.

[0313] When the clothing treatment device (100) of the present invention is provided in a form capable of washing and drying laundry, a detergent supply unit (16) for storing detergent supplied to the tub (3) may be further provided inside the cabinet (1).

[0314] Figure 11 illustrates a circulation duct (5) provided on the upper surface of the tub (3).

[0315] As illustrated in Fig. 10, one end of the heat exchange unit (6) includes a circulation duct (5) that guides air drawn from the tub (3) to the front surface of the tub (3) (one surface of the tub formed in the direction in which the opening (110) is located), a heat exchange unit (6) provided inside the circulation duct (5), and a circulation fan (64) positioned between the heat exchange unit (6) and the front surface of the tub (3) to circulate the air inside the tub (3).

[0316] The clothing treatment device (100) including the above tub (3) must have components such as a drainage part (34) for drainage placed at the bottom, so the circulation duct (5) can be placed at the top to prevent collision or interference between components of the cabinet (1) or to improve the efficiency of space arrangement.

[0317] As described above, in order for the air inside the tub (3) to be easily discharged from the tub (3) through the air discharge hole (33) when the drum (2) rotates, the air discharge hole (33) is preferably provided along the longitudinal direction of the tub (3), but is preferably provided to be biased toward one side of the tub (3).

[0318] Accordingly, the circulation duct (5) circulates the air of the tub (3) along the front-back direction of the tub (3), and the evaporator (61) and the condenser (63) are provided inside. The evaporator (61) and the condenser (62) require a certain level of volume or more for heat exchange efficiency, and the compressor (63) is preferably located in the space formed between the circulation duct (5) and the cabinet (1) among the spaces located above the tub (3). This is to prevent the height or volume of the clothing treatment device (100) from increasing by efficiently utilizing the space formed on the upper portion of the outer surface of the tub (3).

[0319] Accordingly, the circulation duct (5) extends diagonally in part based on the upper surface of the tub (3), and considering the arrangement of the compressor (63), the evaporator (61) and the condenser (52) are arranged to be biased toward one side of the front-rear direction of the tub (3) and are arranged inside the circulation duct (5), and the compressor (63) can be arranged at the rear of the evaporator (61) and the condenser (62).

[0320] Accordingly, at least a portion of the circulation duct (5) is arranged to be biased toward one side of the front-back direction of the drum (2), and the air flowing into the evaporator (61) can be delivered by flowing to one side of the front-back direction of the drum (2).

[0321] Since the air flowing into the evaporator (61) contains lint and foreign substances from clothes contained inside the drum (2), foreign substances may accumulate in the duct filter provided to remove lint and is located upstream of the evaporator (61) or inside the circulation duct (5).

[0322] Accordingly, in order to clean the front or duct filter of the evaporator (61), a washing unit (7) may be present to discharge the condensed water from the evaporator (61) into the circulation duct (5).

[0323] As described above, the air introduced into the circulation duct (5) will move to the front of the drum (2) and be delivered to the evaporator (61) that is arranged to be biased toward one side in the front-rear direction of the drum (2) and extends laterally of the drum (2).

[0324] In this case, the air inside the tub (3) flows toward one side in the front-back direction of the drum (2), so that the density of foreign substances and lint on the one side increases, resulting in more foreign substances being captured on one side of the evaporator (61) or the duct filter.

[0325] Accordingly, as described above in FIGS. 7 to 9, the washing unit (7) is provided to discharge more water, discharge water for a longer period of time, or discharge water more strongly to one side of the evaporator (51) or the duct filter, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit (6).

[0326] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cabinet with an opening formed in the front; A drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing; A circulation duct communicating with the drum to circulate air inside the drum and including a flow deflection section through which air flows biased toward one side of the air flow cross-section; A heat exchanger including a first heat exchanger provided inside the circulation duct and receiving air passing through the flow deflection unit, cooling the air of the drum, and a second heat exchanger heating the air cooled in the first heat exchanger; and At least a portion of the washing unit is disposed in front of the front of the first heat exchanger and discharges water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source into the circulation duct; The above washing part, Wash the front surface of the heat exchanger by discharging water across the width of the circulation duct, A clothing treatment device characterized in that water is discharged at different spray amounts or spray speeds on one side and the other side of the circulation duct.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device characterized in that it discharges more water, discharges water for a longer period of time, or discharges water more forcefully on one side of the circulation duct than on the other side.

3. In paragraph 2, The above washing unit includes a water outlet provided on the upper surface of the circulation duct to discharge water across the entire width of the first heat exchanger, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above water outlet discharges more water, discharges water for a longer time, or discharges water more forcefully on one side than on the other side.

4. In paragraph 3, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the washing section includes a plurality of washing channels that are independently arranged to allow water to flow and are connected to the water outlet.

5. In paragraph 4, The above washing path has a width that increases along the direction of water movement and includes a discharge guide that guides water to the outlet. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the closer the discharge guide is positioned to the one side, the smaller the increase in the width of the flow path.

6. In paragraph 5, The width of the above outlet is set to correspond to the width of the plurality of above discharge guides, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the width of the discharge guide part communicating with the outlet is smaller the closer it is located to the one side.

7. In paragraph 5, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above discharge guide section includes a guide section partition that divides each of the above discharge guide sections.

8. In paragraph 6, The above washing oil is, A guide path for receiving water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source; and A clothing treatment device characterized by including a discharge channel having one end connected to the above guide channel and extending in the front-back direction and the other end provided with the above discharge guide part to guide water to the outlet.

9. In either of paragraphs 4 and 5, A pump provided outside the circulation duct to deliver water to the washing unit; and A clothing treatment device characterized by including a flow path switching unit that selectively opens and closes each of the above washing paths to control the flow of water transferred from the pump to the washing path.

10. In paragraph 9, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the pump is driven at a higher RPM as the water delivered by the washing path opened by the euro conversion part is discharged closer to the one side.

11. In paragraph 9, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the pump has a longer operating time as the water delivered by the washing path opened by the euro conversion part is discharged closer to the one side.

12. In paragraph 9, It further includes a collecting body that is connected to the circulation duct from the outside of the circulation duct and collects the water condensed in the first heat exchanger. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the pump is provided in the water collecting body and transfers water collected in the water collecting body to the washing unit.

13. In paragraph 2, The above circulation duct, A first flow path extending in the front-back direction and arranged so as to be biased toward the above-mentioned one side and housing the heat exchanger therein; and A garment treatment device characterized by including a second passage for delivering air inside the drum to the first passage and having at least a portion thereof arranged to be biased toward the other side of the first passage.

14. In paragraph 13, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the air inside the drum flows in a biased manner toward one side at the connection point between the first and second euros.

15. In paragraph 2, The above circulation duct includes a duct filter arranged in front of the front surface of the first heat exchanger to filter foreign substances in the air flowing in from inside the drum, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the washing unit discharges water through the duct filter.

16. In paragraph 2, A garment treatment device characterized in that it further includes a tub provided inside the cabinet and housing the drum therein.

17. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above discharge path is arranged along the width direction of the receiving duct on the upper surface of the receiving duct.

18. A circulation duct that circulates air and includes a flow deflection section that causes the air to flow biased toward one side of the air flow cross-section; A heat exchanger provided inside the circulation duct, which receives air passing through the flow deflection section and includes a first heat exchanger for cooling the air and a second heat exchanger for heating the air cooled in the first heat exchanger; and A washing unit is disposed in front of the front of the first heat exchanger and discharges water condensed in the first heat exchanger or water supplied from an external water source into the circulation duct; The above washing part, Wash the front surface of the heat exchanger by discharging water across the width of the circulation duct, A heat exchange unit characterized in that it discharges more water, discharges water for a longer period of time, or discharges water more forcefully on one side of the circulation duct than on the other side.

19. In paragraph 18, The above washing part, A water outlet provided on the upper surface of the circulation duct to discharge water across the entire width of the first heat exchanger; and A heat exchange unit characterized by comprising a plurality of washing channels independently arranged to allow water to flow and connected to each of the water outlets.

20. In paragraph 19, The above washing path has a width that increases along the direction of water movement and includes a discharge guide that guides water to the outlet. A heat exchange unit characterized in that the closer the discharge guide is positioned to the one side, the smaller the increase in the width of the flow path.

21. In any one of paragraphs 19 and 20, A pump provided outside the circulation duct to deliver water to the washing unit; and It further includes a flow diversion unit that selectively opens and closes each of the above washing passages to control the flow of water transferred from the pump to the washing passage; A heat exchange unit characterized in that the pump is driven at a higher RPM or has a longer driving time as the water delivered by the washing path opened by the euro conversion part is discharged closer to the one side.

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