Clothes care apparatus

Abstract

A clothes care apparatus using circulating air for clothes care is provided. A clothes care apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a cabinet in which an accommodation space is formed; a suction port through which the air in the accommodation space is suctioned; a discharge port through which air is supplied to the accommodation space; a drying flow path in which air circulates between the suction port and the discharge port; a desiccant wheel for dehumidifying the air passing through the drying flow path; a drying fan for blowing air from the suction port toward the discharge port; a condensation heat exchanger installed separately from the drying flow path to exchange heat between air in the inner space and air on the surface; a heater installed to heat a portion of the desiccant wheel; a regeneration flow path through which air circulates between the portion of the desiccant wheel heated by the heater and the inner space of the condensation heat exchanger; a regeneration fan installed on the regeneration flow path to blow air; and a suction duct forming a portion of the drying flow path and connecting the suction port and the desiccant wheel, wherein the suction duct is disposed to be biased to the remaining portion of the desiccant wheel in which the regeneration flow path is not formed.

Description

Garment manager

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing manager, and more specifically, to a device for managing clothing by means of a circulating air flow.

[0002] Recently, various types of clothing care devices have been developed and used along with washing machines that wash clothes.

[0003] For example, drum-type dryers that dry washed clothes, cabinet-type dryers that hang clothes to dry, and refreshers that supply hot air to clothes to refresh them have been developed. "Refreshing" here refers to the process of applying heat and moisture to used clothing to remove wrinkles or remove residual odors.

[0004] In the garment management system described above, hot air can be supplied to the storage space where the garments are stored to process the garments. Furthermore, to increase the efficiency of the hot air treatment, a circulation system can be used to process the garments, circulating the hot air supplied to the storage space to reheat it and then supplying it back to the storage space.

[0005] In relation to a clothing manager that processes clothing by circulating air in a space for receiving the clothing as described above, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0021359 (hereinafter referred to as “prior document 1”) discloses a clothing manager.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention discloses a configuration including a main body including a clothing management room with an open front, a heat exchanger provided in the main body to exchange heat with air in the clothing management room, a door provided to open and close the opening of the main body, at least one dehumidifying passage that enables the clothing management room to be connected to the outside, and the dehumidifying passage including an inlet passage for introducing outside air into the clothing management room and an exhaust passage for discharging air inside the clothing management room to the outside.

[0007] However, the garment manager of prior art 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to dry efficiently in low-humidity areas, as its heat exchange device is a heat pump type that includes an evaporator and a condenser. In other words, due to the characteristics of the heat pump type, drying is not performed well at relative humidity below 20%.

[0008] In addition, the heat pump cooling cycle generally used for moisture drying has excellent drying capacity and is suitable for drying large quantities, but it has problems such as increased manufacturing cost and generation of high-frequency noise because an expensive compressor is required to configure this cooling cycle, making it difficult to apply it to a clothing care machine.

[0009] And, Korean Patent No. 10-1450555 (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Document 2”) discloses a dehumidifier.

[0010] Specifically, a condensation heat exchanger is disclosed, which includes a dehumidifying rotor through which moisture is adsorbed as indoor air passes therethrough, a regeneration mechanism for regenerating the dehumidifying rotor, a condensing path through which regeneration air that has regenerated the dehumidifying rotor passes, a drying path through which indoor air flowing toward the dehumidifying rotor passes, and a regeneration air discharge section formed on one side of the circumference through which air that has passed through the condensing path is discharged.

[0011] However, in the dehumidifier of prior art document 2, the regenerative heater and regenerative fan occupy part of the desiccant area, which hinders the air flow in the drying channel. In addition, when the regenerative heater is operated for continuous use, the desiccant wheel also rotates, and the temperature of the desiccant portion that has passed through the regenerative heater exceeds the temperature (room temperature) suitable for moisture absorption, so the dehumidifying performance is not exerted in this portion. For this reason, there is a problem in that the structure has significant limitations when applied to a clothing manager, such as some areas of the desiccant wheel becoming dead space that is unrelated to the performance as a drying channel.

[0012] As described above, a garment management device that processes garments by circulating air in the garment storage space faces challenges that must be addressed to improve product performance and achieve a more appropriate structure in terms of manufacturability and usability.

[0013] However, conventional clothing managers have limitations in that they cannot adequately solve these problems.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the above problems of a clothing manager that treats clothing by means of a circulating air flow.

[0015] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a clothing manager whose performance for clothing treatment can be further improved by making a structure for dehumidifying clothing using a desiccant.

[0016] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a clothing manager that uses a desiccant to dehumidify and deodorize clothing so as to refresh the clothing, and that allows the used desiccant to be regenerated so that the performance of the clothing management can always be maintained appropriately.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a clothes manager whose performance in handling clothes can be further improved by appropriately structuring a suction duct that guides air from a drying oil to a desiccant wheel.

[0018]

[0019] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0020] To achieve the above or other purposes, a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to dehumidify a circulating air stream in which garments are treated by a desiccant wheel. Specifically, a desiccant wheel is installed on a drying path through which air circulates between an intake port and an outlet port, and is configured to dehumidify air passing through the drying path.

[0021] In addition, a garment care device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to not only dehumidify and deodorize garments using a desiccant wheel, but also regenerate the used desiccant wheel. Specifically, a desiccant wheel is arranged on a drying path to capture moisture and bacteria in the air being blown, and a portion of the desiccant wheel is heated on a regeneration path to regenerate the desiccant wheel.

[0022] In addition, a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that a suction duct that guides air from a drying path to a desiccant wheel is arranged so as to avoid blind spots in the flow of drying path air and areas affected by residual heat from a heater within the desiccant wheel. Specifically, the garment manager is configured such that the suction duct is arranged so as to be biased, avoiding areas within the desiccant wheel where a regeneration path is formed.

[0023] In addition, in a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention, a cooling path can be formed on the surface of the condensation heat exchanger between the cooling inlet and the cooling outlet of the cooling housing that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger.

[0024] In addition, a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention can perform steam treatment on garments by supplying steam into the interior of the cabinet.

[0025] In addition, in a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention, the rotation axis of the desiccant wheel can be arranged along the front-rear direction of the machine room.

[0026] In addition, the garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention can avoid the lower part of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, so that the suction duct can be connected to the upper part of the desiccant wheel.

[0027] In addition, in a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct may be placed at a position relatively higher than the rotation axis of the desiccant wheel.

[0028] In addition, in a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct may be positioned relatively lower than the uppermost end of the desiccant wheel.

[0029] In addition, a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a heater placed on the right side of the lower part of a desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise.

[0030] Additionally, a garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a heater placed on the rear side of a desiccant wheel.

[0031] Additionally, a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a condensation heat exchanger arranged on the front side of a desiccant wheel.

[0032] In addition, a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a condensation heat exchanger arranged at the bottom of the suction duct.

[0033] In addition, the garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention can avoid the right side of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, so that the suction duct can be connected to the left side of the desiccant wheel.

[0034] In addition, a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a heater placed on the upper part of the right side of a desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise.

[0035] In addition, the garment manager according to one aspect of the present invention can avoid the left part of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, and the suction duct can be connected to the right part of the desiccant wheel.

[0036] In addition, a clothing manager according to one aspect of the present invention may have a heater placed on the lower part of the left side of a desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise.

[0037]

[0038] The means for solving the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the means for solving the problems mentioned above, and other means for solving the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a garment manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings showing the main configuration of a machine room in a garment manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the main components of the machine room illustrated in Figure 2 separately.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a desiccant wheel in a garment manager according to one embodiment of the present invention in more detail.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the connection relationship between each component and the flow of fluid in a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings showing in more detail the cooling housing and condensation heat exchanger arranged in the machine room of a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a heat exchange body in a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the relative heights of a desiccant wheel and a suction duct in a garment manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the flow speed of air passing through a desiccant wheel in a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings showing variations of the arrangement of the regeneration path and suction duct for the desiccant wheel in a garment manager according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the present invention, descriptions of functions or configurations already known will be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0050] The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction described in the embodiments of the present invention may each be directions that are orthogonal to each other. Each of the X direction and the Y direction may be a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction may be a direction parallel to the vertical direction. When the X direction is a direction parallel to the left-right direction, the Y direction may be a direction parallel to the front-back direction. When the X direction is a direction parallel to the front-back direction, the Y direction may be a direction parallel to the left-right direction.

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are drawings showing the main components of the machine room (10) in the garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the main components of the machine room (10) shown in FIG. 2 separately. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the desiccant wheel (200) in the garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention in more detail. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the connection relationship between each component and the flow of fluid in the garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Hereinafter, a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is a refresher that refreshes clothing and supplies hot air, will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to other devices that can be equipped with various dehumidifiers, etc.

[0054] Here, refreshing may mean a process of providing air, heated air, water, mist, steam, etc. to clothing to remove wrinkles, deodorize, sanitize, prevent static electricity, or warm the clothing.

[0055] In addition, the clothing mentioned in this embodiment includes not only clothes and apparel, but also objects that can be worn by people, such as shoes, socks, gloves, hats, and scarves, as well as objects that can be used by people, such as dolls, towels, and blankets, and may include all objects that can be washed.

[0056] A clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (100) forming an outer shape, a receiving space (110) formed on the inside of the cabinet (100) to receive clothing, a hanger provided on the inner upper part of the cabinet (100) to place clothing on, a drying path (F10) for dehumidifying and heating air to supply dry air and hot air to the receiving space (110), a steam generator (150) for selectively supplying moisture and steam to the receiving space (110), and a control unit that is linked to each component and controls the operation of each component.

[0057] A door (120) is installed in the cabinet (100) to close the storage space (110) formed inside. A control panel for controlling the garment manager (1000) is provided on the outside of the door (120). A control unit for controlling each component of the garment manager (1000) in conjunction with the control panel is provided in the inner space of the door (120). A hanger for placing separate garments may be provided on the inside of the door (120).

[0058] In the receiving space (110), an outlet (140) for supplying air and hot air supplied from the drying passage (F10) and an intake port (130) for sucking in air and hot air supplied from the outlet (140) to circulate for treating clothes are provided. The outlet (140) and the intake port (130) are each connected to the main components of the drying passage (F10) installed in the machine room (10) described later.

[0059] Meanwhile, a machine room (10) in which the main components of the drying path (F10) and the regeneration path (F20) are installed may be formed at the bottom of the receiving space (110) of the cabinet (100). In this case, a machine room (10) door (120) may be additionally provided to close the machine room (10) separately from the door (120).

[0060] The reason why the machine room (10) is located at the bottom of the receiving space (110) is that hot air and steam supplied to the receiving space (110) have a tendency to rise, so it is desirable for the machine room (10) to be located at the bottom and supply hot air and steam toward the top. The machine room (10) may be configured to accommodate a water supply tank and a drain tank.

[0061] A clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet (100), an intake port (130), an outlet port (140), a drying path (F10), a desiccant wheel (200), a drying fan (400), a condensation heat exchanger (300), a heater (600), a regeneration path (F20), a regeneration fan (700), and a suction duct (160).

[0062] In this case, the suction duct (160) is arranged biasedly toward the remaining part of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is not formed.

[0063] The cabinet (100) is a part in which a storage space (110) for storing clothing is formed, and processing of clothing can be performed in the storage space (110) inside the cabinet (100).

[0064] The suction port (130) is formed inside the cabinet (100) and is a part where air from the receiving space (110) is sucked in. It can suck in air that has become low-temperature and humid during the process of treating clothing and move it to the main components of the drying channel (F10) and the regeneration channel (F20).

[0065] The outlet (140) is formed inside the cabinet (100) and is a part through which air is supplied to the receiving space (110), and high-temperature dry air for processing clothing can be supplied to the receiving space (110).

[0066] The drying passage (F10) is a section where air circulates between the intake port (130) and the discharge port (140). The intake port (130) may form the inlet of the drying passage (F10), and the discharge port (140) may form the outlet of the drying passage (F10).

[0067] That is, the drying path (F10) may be an air path in which air inside the cabinet (100) is sucked into the intake port (130), dehumidified during the process of being blown, and then supplied back into the interior of the cabinet (100).

[0068] The desiccant wheel (200) is a part installed on a drying channel (F10) to dehumidify air passing through the drying channel (F10), and can be formed by forming a desiccant material having a property of absorbing moisture in the air into a wheel structure capable of rotating around an axis.

[0069] Accordingly, the air passing through the drying path (F10) can be dehumidified and changed to a dry state in the process of passing through the desiccant wheel (200) installed on the drying path (F10).

[0070] As described above, a heat pump type heat exchanger can be used as a configuration installed for dehumidification on the drying path (F10), but this heat pump type has a problem in that drying is not performed well when the relative humidity is below 20% due to its characteristics.

[0071] Additionally, because an expensive compressor is required to configure a heat pump cooling cycle, there is a problem of increased manufacturing costs and high-frequency noise generation.

[0072] Accordingly, the garment manager (1000) according to the present embodiment is configured to perform dehumidification using a desiccant wheel (200) method rather than a heat pump method, thereby improving drying performance in low-humidity areas. Furthermore, garment processing can be performed at a relatively low manufacturing cost, and noise generation during use can be minimized.

[0073] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a desiccant wheel (200) installed on a drying path (F10) through which air circulates between an intake port (130) and an outlet port (140) to dehumidify air passing through the drying path (F10), thereby improving the drying efficiency of clothing and enabling a more suitable structure in terms of manufacturing and usability.

[0074] The drying fan (400) is a part installed on the drying path (F10) and blows air from the intake port (130) toward the discharge port (140). By the operation of the drying fan (400), air can be sucked in from the cabinet (100) and the sucked air can be blown in the drying path (F10).

[0075] In this case, in order to maximize the area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200), the drying fan (400) may be installed between the desiccant wheel (200) and the discharge port (140) on the drying path (F10).

[0076] Specifically, the suction side flow path of the drying fan (400) can be formed to have a large area, but the discharge side flow path of the drying fan (400) must be formed to be relatively small compared to the suction side so that a predetermined blowing pressure can be maintained and smooth blowing can be achieved.

[0077] Therefore, in order to maximize the area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200) within the given machine room (10) space and increase the usability of the drying path (F10), it may be desirable for the desiccant wheel (200) to be placed on the suction side rather than the discharge side of the drying fan (400).

[0078] That is, the drying fan (400) must be installed between the desiccant wheel (200) and the discharge port (140) on the drying path (F10) to maximize the area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200) within the given machine room (10) space.

[0079] According to the structure as described above, the drying path (F10) can be configured to circulate along the path of ‘receiving space (110) → intake port (130) → desiccant wheel (200) → drying fan (400) → discharge port (140) → receiving space (110)’.

[0080] The condensation heat exchanger (300) is installed separately from the drying path (F10) and is a section where the air in the internal space and the air on the surface exchange heat. The relatively low temperature air moving through the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300) can exchange heat with the relatively high temperature air inside the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0081] Accordingly, the air flowing into the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be cooled and changed to a low temperature state during the process of passing through the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0082] In particular, when the air flowing into the internal space of the condensing heat exchanger (300) contains moisture, the moisture in the air can be removed and changed to a dry state by condensation of moisture due to cooling.

[0083] That is, the high temperature and high humidity air flowing into the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be changed into a low temperature and dry state through heat exchange.

[0084] The heater (600) is a part installed to heat a part of the desiccant wheel (200), and in the part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600), the desiccant that has absorbed moisture can be separated from the moisture and regenerated.

[0085] In this case, the part of the desiccant wheel (200) that is heated by the heater (600) undergoes desiccant regeneration, and the remaining part that is not heated undergoes dehumidification by absorbing moisture in the air.

[0086] In addition, the desiccant wheel (200) can be rotated through a predetermined control so that the regeneration and dehumidification parts can be sequentially alternated.

[0087] The regeneration path (F20) is a part where air circulates between a part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) and the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300), and can form a passage through which moisture separated from the desiccant when heated by the heater (600) moves together with the air.

[0088] That is, the regeneration path (F20) may be a path through which air moves in the process of heating and regenerating the desiccant when excessive moisture is adsorbed in the desiccant and the dehumidifying function is not performed smoothly.

[0089] The regeneration fan (700) is a part installed on the regeneration path (F20) and blows air. By the operation of the regeneration fan (700), moisture and air of the heated part of the desiccant wheel (200) can be blown into the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300), and air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be blown back toward the heater (600).

[0090] According to the structure as described above, the regeneration path (F20) can be configured to circulate along the path of ‘regeneration fan (700) → heater (600) → desiccant wheel (200) → internal space of condensation heat exchanger (300) → regeneration fan (700)’.

[0091] In this case, the air in the regeneration path (F20) can be made high temperature by the heater (600) and made humid by the regeneration of the desiccant wheel (200). In this way, the high temperature and humid air can move to the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300) and exchange heat with the air on the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0092] Accordingly, the air in the internal space of the condensing heat exchanger (300) becomes low-temperature, and moisture is condensed in the internal space of the condensing heat exchanger (300) to become low-temperature dry air, which can then be moved to the regeneration fan (700). In addition, the condensed water condensed in the internal space of the condensing heat exchanger (300) can be moved to a drain or the like and then discharged.

[0093] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a desiccant wheel (200) disposed on a drying path (F10) to not only capture moisture and bacteria in the air being blown, but also heats and regenerates a portion of the desiccant wheel (200) on a regeneration path (F20), so that the performance for clothing treatment can always be maintained appropriately.

[0094] Meanwhile, in the case where the drying path (F10) and the regeneration path (F20) are formed as described above, the drying path (F10) between the receiving space (110) and the machine room (10) is formed as a waste path, so the temperature within the drying path (F10) inevitably rises during the drying process for clothes.

[0095] In this case, if the condensation heat exchanger (300) is installed on the drying passage (F10), the heat transfer rate in the condensation heat exchanger (300) may decrease when the temperature of the drying passage (F10) rises. Accordingly, the condensation efficiency of the condensation heat exchanger (300) decreases, and this may lead to a decrease in the product performance of the clothing care device (1000).

[0096] Therefore, the clothing manager (1000) according to the present embodiment can install the condensation heat exchanger (300) separately from the drying channel (F10) so that the influence of the temperature rise of the drying channel (F10) does not reach the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0097] And, the clothing manager (1000) according to the present embodiment is configured so that air in the regeneration path (F20) requiring moisture condensation passes into the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0098] If the air of the regeneration path (F20) requiring moisture condensation passes through the outer surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300), the air close to the condensation heat exchanger (300) may sufficiently exchange heat, but the air passing at a relatively long distance from the condensation heat exchanger (300) may not sufficiently exchange heat for moisture condensation.

[0099] Accordingly, the clothing manager (1000) according to the present embodiment can ensure that the regeneration path (F20) requiring moisture condensation is formed as an internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300), so that all air in the regeneration path (F20) passing through the condensation heat exchanger (300) can undergo sufficient heat exchange.

[0100] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a regeneration path (F20) is formed in the internal space of a condensation heat exchanger (300) installed separately from a drying path (F10), and heat is exchanged between air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300) and air on the surface, so that the condensation efficiency of the regeneration path (F20) through the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be further improved.

[0101] The suction duct (160) forms part of the drying path (F10) and is a part that connects the suction port (130) and the desiccant wheel (200). The suction duct (160) is arranged biasedly toward the remaining part of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is not formed.

[0102] That is, the suction duct (160) forms a passage for air flowing into the suction port (130) of the drying path (F10) to move. To this end, the suction duct (160) can connect the suction port (130) and the desiccant wheel (200).

[0103] As described above, the heater (600) is installed in a part of the desiccant wheel (200), and the regeneration path (F20) is formed around the heater (600) and a part of the desiccant wheel (200). Therefore, the regeneration path (F20) inevitably occupies a part of the area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200) and forms a blind spot that is not reached by the air flow of the drying path (F10).

[0104] In addition, when the desiccant wheel (200) rotates and passes through the heater (600), some of the heat received through the heater (600) remains, so that it exceeds the room temperature, which is the appropriate temperature for dehumidification, and thus does not contribute to the dehumidification performance in the drying path (F10).

[0105] In this way, the desiccant wheel (200) has a dead zone for the air flow in the drying channel (F10) and a part affected by the residual heat of the heater (600) in the part where the regeneration channel (F20) is formed, and thus a dead space that does not contribute to the drying performance may be generated.

[0106] Since drying performance is relatively poor if the air of the drying path (F10) moves to this dead space, it may be desirable to concentrate the air flow of the drying path (F10) to a part other than the dead space.

[0107] Accordingly, the clothing manager (1000) according to the present embodiment may be configured with a structure in which the suction duct (160) that guides the air of the drying path (F10) to the desiccant wheel (200) is arranged to avoid a blind spot in the flow of the air of the drying path (F10) among the desiccant wheels (200) and a part affected by the residual heat of the heater (600).

[0108] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured with a structure in which the suction duct (160) is arranged biasedly to avoid the portion of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is formed, so that the air flow is concentrated in a portion of the drying path (F10) that is not a dead space, thereby further improving the drying performance for clothing.

[0109] Figures 7 to 9 are drawings showing in more detail the cooling housing (800) and the condensation heat exchanger (300) placed in the machine room (10) of a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a drawing showing the heat exchange body (310) of a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] A clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling housing (800), a cooling path (F30), and a cooling fan (900).

[0111] The cooling housing (800) is a part that accommodates a condensation heat exchanger (300) inside, and has a cooling inlet (810) through which outside air is introduced and a cooling outlet (820) through which inside air is discharged, respectively, and can provide a space for introducing air to the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300) to exchange heat with the air inside the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0112] In particular, outside air can be introduced into the cooling housing (800) through the cooling inlet (810) formed in the cooling housing (800). Accordingly, the outside air at a relatively low temperature can exchange heat with the air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300). In addition, the air introduced into the cooling housing (800) can be discharged to the outside of the cooling housing (800) through the cooling outlet (820) formed separately from the cooling inlet (810).

[0113] The cooling channel (F30) is a part where air moves over the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300) between the cooling inlet (810) and the cooling outlet (820). The cooling inlet (810) may form the inlet of the cooling channel (F30), and the cooling outlet (820) may form the outlet of the cooling channel (F30).

[0114] That is, the cooling path (F30) may be an air path in which outside air is introduced into the cooling housing (800) through the cooling inlet (810), exchanges heat with the air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300), and then is discharged from the cooling housing (800) through the cooling outlet (820).

[0115] The cooling fan (900) is a part installed on the cooling path (F30) and blows air from the cooling inlet (810) toward the cooling outlet (820). By the operation of the cooling fan (900), outside air can be introduced into the cooling housing (800) and the introduced air can be discharged from the cooling housing (800).

[0116] Here, a cooling fan (900) is installed in the cooling exhaust port (820), so that air in the cooling housing (800) can be discharged through the cooling exhaust port (820) by the suction force of the cooling fan (900).

[0117] According to the structure as described above, the cooling path (F30) can be formed as a path of 'outdoor space → cooling inlet (810) → internal space of cooling housing (800) (surface of condensing heat exchanger (300)) → cooling outlet (820) → cooling fan (900) → outdoor space'.

[0118] Accordingly, since the cooling path (F30) is separated from not only the drying path (F10) but also the regeneration path (F20), only heat transfer occurs between the cooling path (F30) and the regeneration path (F20), and the air between them may not mix.

[0119] Therefore, regardless of the humidity in the outside air, the air on the regeneration path (F20) in a high temperature and high humidity state can be cooled and moisture condensed by utilizing the relatively low temperature outside air.

[0120] In this way, in the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling path (F30) is formed on the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300) between the cooling inlet (810) and the cooling outlet (820) of the cooling housing (800) that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger (300), so that relatively low-temperature outside air can effectively exchange heat with the air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger (300).

[0121] Meanwhile, in the case where the cooling path (F30) is formed as described above, if the cooling path (F30) is formed along the front-back direction, the cooling path (F30) may occupy a considerable amount of space in the front-back direction of the condensation heat exchanger (300) within the machine room (10).

[0122] That is, if the cooling inlet (810) and the cooling outlet (820) are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the cooling housing (800), respectively, and the cooling path (F30) is formed along the front-back direction, the structure of the clothing manager (1000) may be limited in that it is difficult to place other major components in the front-back direction of the cooling housing (800).

[0123] Accordingly, the clothing manager (1000) according to the present embodiment can be configured to have a structure in which the cooling inlet (810) and the cooling outlet (820) are formed in non-facing parts of the cooling housing (800), thereby taking up less space in the front-rear direction of the cooling housing (800).

[0124] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is structured so that the cooling inlet (810) and the cooling outlet (820) where the cooling path (F30) is formed do not face each other in the cooling housing (800), so that the main components can be effectively arranged even when the space in the front-rear direction of the condensation heat exchanger (300) is not sufficient.

[0125] A garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a steam generator (150) that supplies steam to a receiving space (110).

[0126] Specifically, a steam generator (150) may be provided inside the machine room (10). The steam generator (150) is configured to generate steam and selectively supply moisture and steam to the inside of the cabinet (100).

[0127] Humid air (the 'air' described in the embodiment of the present invention may be 'air containing moisture') formed by the steam generator (150) is supplied toward the receiving space (110) of the clothing manager (1000), and the moisture can circulate inside the receiving space (110), thereby supplying moisture to the clothing.

[0128] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention performs steam treatment on clothing by supplying steam into the interior of the cabinet (100), so that it can exhibit a sterilizing effect due to the high temperature of the steam as well as a refreshing effect due to the swelling of the clothing material.

[0129] In a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a machine room (10) may be formed at the bottom of a receiving space (110) of a cabinet (100). In this case, a desiccant wheel (200) and a condensing heat exchanger (300) may be installed in the machine room (10).

[0130] Since hot air and steam supplied to the receiving space (110) have a tendency to rise, it may be desirable for the machine room (10) to be located at the bottom of the receiving space (110) and to supply hot air and steam toward the top.

[0131] In addition, since the air that has become moist at low temperature during the process of handling clothes in the receiving space (110) has a tendency to descend, it may be desirable for the machine room (10) to be located at the bottom of the receiving space (110) so that the moist air at low temperature moves toward the bottom.

[0132] Accordingly, the main components of the drying path (F10), regeneration path (F20), and cooling path (F30) arranged in the machine room (10) are arranged at the bottom of the receiving space (110), and the desiccant wheel (200) and condensing heat exchanger (300) can also be installed in the machine room (10) formed at the bottom of the receiving space (110).

[0133] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a desiccant wheel (200) and a condensation heat exchanger (300) installed in a machine room (10) formed at the bottom of a receiving space (110), so that high-temperature dry air having a tendency to rise can smoothly move upward from the drying path (F10) toward the receiving space (110), and low-temperature moist air having a tendency to descend can smoothly move downward from the receiving space (110) toward the drying path (F10).

[0134] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant wheel (200) has a rotation axis (X) in the front-back direction. d ) can be arranged to rotate around the axis.

[0135] As described above, when a machine room (10) is formed at the bottom of the receiving space (110), the air in the drying path (F10) can have a circulation path in which it descends from the receiving space (110), passes through the desiccant, and then rises back to the receiving space (110).

[0136] Accordingly, in order to maximize the area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200) through which the air of the drying path (F10) passes, the path of the drying path (F10) in the machine room (10) and the rotation axis (X) of the desiccant wheel (200) d ) is preferably formed in parallel.

[0137] In this case, in order for the drying path (F10) to be formed along the shortest efficient path, the drying path (F10) in the machine room (10) is formed along the transverse direction and the rotation axis (X) of the desiccant wheel (200) d ) also needs to be formed along the transverse direction.

[0138] And, since it is desirable for the condensate generated within the receiving space (110) to be discharged from the receiving space (110) through the suction port (130), the suction port (130) needs to be placed on the front side of the receiving space (110) to prevent the condensate in the receiving space (110) from being discharged to the outside through the door (120).

[0139] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the intake port (130) may be arranged on the front side of the receiving space (110), and the discharge port (140) may be arranged on the rear side of the receiving space (110).

[0140] Accordingly, the drying path (F10) in the machine room (10) is formed along the front-back direction among the transverse directions, and the rotation axis (X) of the desiccant wheel (200) d ) can also be formed along the front-back direction among the horizontal directions.

[0141] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a rotation axis (X) of the desiccant wheel (200) d ) is arranged along the front-rear direction of the machine room (10), so that the main components such as the desiccant wheel (200) can be efficiently arranged in a structure in which the machine room (10) is formed at the bottom of the receiving space (110).

[0142] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the relative heights of a desiccant wheel (200) and a suction duct (160) in a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the flow speed of air passing through a desiccant wheel (200) in a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] In a garment care device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a regeneration path (F20) may be formed in the lower portion of a desiccant wheel (200). In this case, a suction duct (160) may be arranged to connect the suction port (130) and the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0144] As described above, the part of the desiccant wheel (200) that is heated by the heater (600) undergoes desiccant regeneration, and the remaining part that is not heated undergoes dehumidification by absorbing moisture in the air.

[0145] That is, a regeneration path (F20) may be formed in a part of the desiccant wheel (200), and a drying path (F10) may be formed in the remaining part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0146] Accordingly, a regeneration path (F20) can be formed in the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200), and a drying path (F10) can be formed in the remaining part (upper part) of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0147] In addition, the suction duct (160) connects the suction port (130) and the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air of the drying path (F10) can be concentrated on the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200), as shown in FIG. 12.

[0148] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the air flow rate in the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200) increases compared to the lower portion of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is formed, so that the air in the drying path (F10) can be concentrated and moved to the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0149] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively concentrate air flow to a non-dead space portion of the drying passage (F10) since the suction duct (160) is connected to the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200) while avoiding the lower portion of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration passage (F20) is formed.

[0150] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct (160) may be positioned at a position relatively higher than the rotation axis (Xd) of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0151] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the drying path (F10) passing through the suction duct (160) is positioned higher than the rotation axis (Xd) corresponding to the center of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air of the drying path (F10) moving to the desiccant wheel (200) through the suction duct (160) can be guided to the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0152] In this way, in the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct (160) is positioned at a position relatively higher than the rotation axis (Xd) of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air moving through the suction duct (160) can be concentrated in a portion above the center of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0153] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lowest end of the suction duct (160) may be positioned at a relatively lower position than the highest end of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0154] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the drying path (F10) passing through the suction duct (160) is not positioned higher than the top of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air of the drying path (F10) moving to the desiccant wheel (200) through the suction duct (160) can come into contact with the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0155] If the lowest end of the suction duct (160) is positioned at a relatively higher position than the highest end of the desiccant wheel (200), there is a risk that the air of the drying path (F10) moving through the suction duct (160) may pass through the upper space of the desiccant wheel (200) without coming into contact with the desiccant wheel (200).

[0156] Accordingly, by arranging the drying path (F10) passing through the suction duct (160) at a height that overlaps the desiccant wheel (200) to a certain extent in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the air of the drying path (F10) moving through the suction duct (160) from passing to the upper space of the desiccant wheel (200) to a certain extent.

[0157] In this way, in the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct (160) is positioned relatively lower than the uppermost end of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air moving through the suction duct (160) can smoothly come into contact with the desiccant wheel (200).

[0158] In a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant wheel (200) may be arranged to rotate clockwise. In this case, the heater (600) may be arranged on the right side of the lower portion of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0159] That is, referring to FIG. 5, the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise around the rotation axis (Xd), and the dehumidification area in the upper part and the regeneration area in the lower part can be sequentially alternated.

[0160] In addition, the heater (600) is a configuration for heating and regenerating the desiccant wheel (200), and needs to be placed in the regeneration area of ​​the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0161] In particular, even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) leaves the heating section of the heater (600) while rotating, residual heat may remain for a certain period of time and the temperature may still be high.

[0162] Even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) with residual heat remaining in this way is moved to the dehumidification area through axial rotation, it cannot perform the dehumidification function smoothly because it is at a high temperature.

[0163] Accordingly, it may be desirable to allow a part of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) to rotate without immediately entering the dehumidifying section, and to allow the temperature to be lowered for a certain period of time between the heating section of the heater (600) and the dehumidifying section.

[0164] Accordingly, when the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise, the heater (600) may be placed on the right side of the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200), so that a portion of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) is cooled to a certain extent before entering the dehumidification area, which may be a more appropriate arrangement structure.

[0165] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the heater (600) positioned on the right side of the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200) that rotates clockwise, so that the part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) that is switched to the drying path (F10) while residual heat remains can be minimized.

[0166] Meanwhile, when the desiccant wheel (200) is arranged to rotate counterclockwise, the heater (600) may be arranged on the left side of the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0167] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heater (600) may be placed on the rear side of a desiccant wheel (200).

[0168] As described above, when the suction duct (160) is connected to the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200), the air of the drying path (F10) moving to the desiccant wheel (200) through the suction duct (160) can be concentrated on the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0169] And, the concentration of this dry air (F10) can be more effective as the space between the suction duct (160) and the desiccant wheel (200) becomes narrower.

[0170] That is, if the space between the suction duct (160) and the desiccant wheel (200) is narrow while the suction duct (160) is connected to the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200), the air trying to move to the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200) may experience greater flow resistance.

[0171] Accordingly, the air of the drying path (F10) moving to the desiccant wheel (200) through the suction duct (160) may not move to the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200) as the space between the suction duct (160) and the desiccant wheel (200) becomes narrower, and may be more concentrated in the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0172] Accordingly, it is desirable to minimize the space between the suction duct (160) and the desiccant wheel (200) by ensuring that no other components are placed between the suction duct (160) and the desiccant wheel (200), so that the heater (600) may be placed on the rear side of the desiccant wheel (200) in a more appropriate arrangement structure.

[0173] In this way, since the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the heater (600) positioned at the rear side of the desiccant wheel (200), it is possible to more effectively concentrate the air flow to a part of the drying path (F10) other than the dead space.

[0174] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a condensation heat exchanger (300) may be placed on the front side of a desiccant wheel (200).

[0175] In order to maximize the condensation efficiency through the condensation heat exchanger (300), it is necessary to maximize the area of ​​the condensation heat exchanger (300) placed in the machine room (10).

[0176] However, since other components such as a desiccant wheel (200) are placed within the machine room (10), the condensation heat exchanger (300) needs to be placed in a position that minimizes interference with these other components.

[0177] In order to maximize the area of ​​the condensation heat exchanger (300) as described above while minimizing interference with other components, the condensation heat exchanger (300) needs to be arranged parallel to the desiccant wheel (200). Accordingly, the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be arranged parallel to the front or rear side of the desiccant wheel (200) within the machine room (10).

[0178] However, as described above, since it is preferable that the drying fan (400) be installed between the desiccant wheel (200) and the discharge port (140) on the drying path (F10), the drying fan (400) may be installed on the rear side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0179] Therefore, the condensing heat exchanger (300) may be arranged in front of the desiccant wheel (200) for a more efficient arrangement of the machine room (10).

[0180] In this way, since the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the condensation heat exchanger (300) arranged on the front side of the desiccant wheel (200), the main components such as the desiccant wheel (200) can be efficiently arranged within the given machine room (10) space.

[0181] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensation heat exchanger (300) may be placed at the bottom of the suction duct (160). In this case, the suction duct (160) is placed at the bottom of the suction port (130) so that air can move downward.

[0182] The air introduced into the intake port (130) from the receiving space (110) can descend at an angle close to vertical along the intake duct (160). In addition, since the desiccant wheel (200) is arranged in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the drying path (F10), the air descended at an angle close to vertical as described above can move by sharply turning its path at an angle close to 90°.

[0183] Accordingly, a blind spot may be generated in the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200) where the air flow of the drying passage (F10) cannot reach. In addition, the lower part of the desiccant wheel (200) adjacent to the part heated by the heater (600) does not substantially contribute to the moisture absorption performance of the air of the drying passage (F10), so it may be desirable to concentrate the air of the drying passage (F10) in the upper part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0184] Accordingly, the suction duct (160) does not need to be arranged to cover the entire area of ​​the desiccant wheel (200), and may be arranged to be biased toward the upper portion of the desiccant wheel (200). As a result, a free space may be formed at the lower portion of the suction duct (160) corresponding to the lower portion of the desiccant wheel (200), and thus, arranging the condensation heat exchanger (300) at the lower portion of the suction duct (160) may be an efficient arrangement structure for the machine room (10).

[0185] In this way, since the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the condensation heat exchanger (300) arranged at the bottom of the suction duct (160), in a structure in which the machine room (10) is formed at the bottom of the receiving space (110), the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be arranged in a blind spot where the flow of air moving from the suction port (130) to the desiccant wheel (200) does not reach.

[0186] In a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a machine room (10) may be formed at the bottom of a receiving space (110) of a cabinet (100). In this case, a cooling housing (800) may be installed in the machine room (10) so that a cooling inlet (810) may be connected to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0187] As described above, the main components of the drying path (F10), the regeneration path (F20), and the cooling path (F30) arranged in the machine room (10) are arranged in the lower part of the receiving space (110), and the desiccant wheel (200) and the condensing heat exchanger (300) can also be installed in the machine room (10) formed in the lower part of the receiving space (110).

[0188] Accordingly, the cooling housing (800) that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger (300) can also be installed in the machine room (10) formed at the bottom of the accommodation space (110). In addition, this machine room (10) can also be covered by a cabinet (100).

[0189] Therefore, in order for outside air to flow into the interior of the cooling housing (800), some or all of the cooling inlets (810) formed in the cooling housing (800) need to be connected to the exterior of the cabinet (100).

[0190] In this way, in the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling inlet (810) of the cooling housing (800) that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger (300) is connected to the outside of the cabinet (100), so that outside air can smoothly flow into the cooling path (F30).

[0191] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling inlet (810) is formed on the side of the cooling housing (800) so that outside air can be introduced through the side of the cabinet (100).

[0192] As described above, in order to maximize the area of ​​the condensing heat exchanger (300) while minimizing interference with other components, the condensing heat exchanger (300) needs to be arranged parallel to the desiccant wheel (200).

[0193] Accordingly, the cooling housing (800) that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger (300) is also arranged so that the condensation heat exchanger (300) is parallel to the desiccant wheel (200), so that the side of the cooling housing (800) can face the side of the cabinet (100).

[0194] In this case, in order for the outside air flowing into the cooling housing (800) to come into contact with the surface of the condensation heat exchanger (300) over a greater portion, it is preferable that the cooling inlet (810) be formed on the side of the cooling housing (800).

[0195] Accordingly, the cooling inlet (810) formed on the side of the cooling housing (800) is arranged on the side of the cabinet (100), so that outside air can be introduced into the cooling housing (800) through the side of the cabinet (100).

[0196] In particular, from the user's perspective, access to and use of the front side of the clothing manager (1000) is frequent, and access to and use of the side side of the clothing manager (1000) is relatively infrequent, so it is preferable that the cooling housing (800) for introducing outside air be placed on the side of the cabinet (100) corresponding to the side of the clothing manager (1000).

[0197] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cooling inlet (810) formed on the side of the cooling housing (800) so that outside air is introduced through the side of the cabinet (100), and thus the cooling housing (800) can be efficiently arranged so that outside air can be introduced by utilizing the side of the cabinet (100) that is relatively unexposed to the user.

[0198] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling discharge port (820) is formed on the front surface of the cooling housing (800) so that air inside the cooling housing (800) can be discharged to the machine room (10).

[0199] Since the air that flows into the cooling housing (800) and exchanges heat with the condensing heat exchanger (300) changes to a relatively high temperature state, it may not be desirable for the user to be directly exposed to such high temperature air.

[0200] Accordingly, the cooling exhaust port (820) through which the air inside the cooling housing (800) is discharged is formed on the front surface of the cooling housing (800) and placed within the machine room (10), thereby allowing the heat-exchanged high-temperature air to diffuse and be discharged through the machine room (10).

[0201] In this case, a cooling fan (900) may be installed in the cooling exhaust port (820) to ensure smooth air movement in the cooling path (F30).

[0202] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cooling exhaust port (820) formed on the front surface of the cooling housing (800) so that air inside the cooling housing (800) is discharged to the machine room (10), so that high-temperature air discharged from inside the cooling housing (800) can be diffused through the machine room (10) without being directly exposed to the user.

[0203] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a condensation heat exchanger (300) may include a heat exchange body (310) in which a plurality of channels (311) are formed on a plate-like plane, through which air of a regeneration channel (F20) passes into an internal space and air of a cooling channel (F30) passes through a surface.

[0204] That is, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the heat exchange body (310) may be configured with a structure in which pipes are reciprocated in one direction and continuously connected, and a channel (passageway) (311) through which air can pass is formed between adjacent pipes.

[0205] Accordingly, air of the regeneration channel (F20) passes into the pipe of the heat exchange body (310), air of the cooling channel (F30) passes through the surface and channel (311) of the heat exchange body (310), and heat exchange can occur between the regeneration channel (F20) and the cooling channel (F30).

[0206] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchange body (310) in which the condensation heat exchanger (300) is formed with a plurality of channel (311) structures, so that the heat exchange area in the condensation heat exchanger (300) can be formed larger.

[0207] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensation heat exchanger (300) may further include a heat exchange inlet pipe (320) and a heat exchange discharge pipe (330).

[0208] The heat exchange inlet pipe (320) is the part where air from the regeneration path (F20) flows into the interior of the heat exchange body (310), and the heat exchange discharge pipe (330) is the part where air from the regeneration path (F20) is discharged from the interior of the heat exchange body (310).

[0209] Accordingly, the regeneration path (F20) can be configured to circulate along the path of 'regeneration fan (700) → heater (600) → desiccant wheel (200) → heat exchange inlet pipe (320) → inside of heat exchange body (310) → heat exchange discharge pipe (330) → regeneration fan (700)'.

[0210] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the condensation heat exchanger (300) further includes a heat exchange inlet pipe (320) and a heat exchange discharge pipe (330), so that the inflow and outflow of regeneration flow path (F20) air to the heat exchange body (310) can be smoothly performed.

[0211] In a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange body (310) may be installed spaced apart from the inner surface of the cooling housing (800).

[0212] The heat exchange body (310) of the condensing heat exchanger (300) is accommodated inside the cooling housing (800), and air of the cooling path (F30) passes over the surface of the heat exchange body (310) inside the cooling housing (800).

[0213] In this case, if the heat exchange body (310) is concentrated on a specific part inside the cooling housing (800), the flow of air passing over the surface of the heat exchange body (310) may not occur evenly. In particular, if the heat exchange body (310) comes into contact with a specific part inside the cooling housing (800), air may not pass smoothly through the contact part.

[0214] As described above, if the air flow inside the cooling housing (800) is uneven or the air flow in a specific part is obstructed, the heat exchange performance through the heat exchange body (310) may deteriorate, so it is preferable that the heat exchange body (310) be arranged so that there is sufficient space between it and the inner surface of the cooling housing (800).

[0215] In this way, in the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the cooling housing (800) and the heat exchange body (310) are installed to be spaced apart from each other, so that the air of the cooling path (F30) can evenly pass through the entire surface of the heat exchange body (310) within the cooling housing (800).

[0216] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings each showing a modified example of the arrangement of the regeneration path (F20) and the suction duct (160) for the desiccant wheel (200) in a clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] In a garment care device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the regeneration path (F20) may be formed on the right side of the desiccant wheel (200). In this case, the suction duct (160) may be arranged to connect the suction port (130) and the left side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0218] That is, a regeneration path (F20) can be formed on the right side of the desiccant wheel (200), and a drying path (F10) can be formed on the remaining part (left side) of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0219] In addition, the suction duct (160) connects the suction port (130) and the left side of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air of the drying path (F10) can be concentrated on the left side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0220] That is, since the air velocity in the left part of the desiccant wheel (200) increases compared to the right part of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is formed, the air in the drying path (F10) can be concentrated and moved to the left part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0221] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively concentrate air flow to a non-dead space portion of the drying path (F10) since the suction duct (160) is connected to the left portion of the desiccant wheel (200) while avoiding the right portion of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is formed.

[0222] In a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant wheel (200) may be arranged to rotate clockwise. In this case, the heater (600) may be arranged on the upper right side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0223] That is, referring to FIG. 13, the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise around the rotation axis (Xd), and the dehumidification area on the left side and the regeneration area on the right side can be sequentially alternated.

[0224] In addition, the heater (600) is configured to heat and regenerate the desiccant wheel (200), and needs to be placed in the regeneration area on the right side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0225] In particular, even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) leaves the heating section of the heater (600) while rotating, residual heat may remain for a certain period of time and the temperature may still be high.

[0226] Even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) with residual heat remaining in this way is moved to the dehumidification area through axial rotation, it cannot perform the dehumidification function smoothly because it is at a high temperature.

[0227] Accordingly, it may be desirable to allow a part of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) to rotate without immediately entering the dehumidifying section, and to allow the temperature to be lowered for a certain period of time between the heating section of the heater (600) and the dehumidifying section.

[0228] Accordingly, when the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise, the heater (600) may be placed on the upper side of the right side of the desiccant wheel (200), so that a portion of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) is cooled to a certain extent before entering the dehumidification area, which may be a more appropriate arrangement structure.

[0229] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the heater (600) positioned on the upper right side of the desiccant wheel (200) that rotates clockwise, so that the portion of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) that remains with residual heat can be minimized from being switched to the drying path (F10).

[0230] Meanwhile, when the desiccant wheel (200) is arranged to rotate counterclockwise, the heater (600) may be arranged on the lower right side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0231] In a garment care device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the regeneration path (F20) may be formed on the left side of the desiccant wheel (200). In this case, the suction duct (160) may be arranged to connect the suction port (130) and the right side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0232] That is, a regeneration path (F20) may be formed in the left part of the desiccant wheel (200), and a drying path (F10) may be formed in the remaining part (right part) of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0233] In addition, the suction duct (160) connects the suction port (130) and the right side of the desiccant wheel (200), so that the air of the drying path (F10) can be concentrated on the right side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0234] That is, since the air velocity in the right part of the desiccant wheel (200) increases compared to the left part of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration path (F20) is formed, the air in the drying path (F10) can be concentrated and moved to the right part of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0235] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be effective in concentrating air flow to a non-dead space portion of the drying passage (F10) since the suction duct (160) is connected to the right portion of the desiccant wheel (200) while avoiding the left portion of the desiccant wheel (200) where the regeneration passage (F20) is formed.

[0236] In a garment manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant wheel (200) may be arranged to rotate clockwise. In this case, the heater (600) may be arranged on the lower left side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0237] That is, referring to FIG. 14, the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise around the rotation axis (Xd), and the dehumidification area on the right side and the regeneration area on the left side can be sequentially alternated.

[0238] In addition, the heater (600) is configured to heat and regenerate the desiccant wheel (200), and needs to be placed in the regeneration area on the left side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0239] In particular, even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) leaves the heating section of the heater (600) while rotating, residual heat may remain for a certain period of time and the temperature may still be high.

[0240] Even if a part of the desiccant wheel (200) with residual heat remaining in this way is moved to the dehumidification area through axial rotation, it cannot perform the dehumidification function smoothly because it is at a high temperature.

[0241] Accordingly, it may be desirable to allow a part of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) to rotate without immediately entering the dehumidifying section, and to allow the temperature to be lowered for a certain period of time between the heating section of the heater (600) and the dehumidifying section.

[0242] Accordingly, when the desiccant wheel (200) rotates clockwise, the heater (600) may be placed on the lower side of the left side of the desiccant wheel (200), so that a portion of the desiccant wheel (200) that has left the heating section of the heater (600) is cooled to a certain extent before entering the dehumidification area, which may be a more appropriate arrangement structure.

[0243] In this way, the clothing manager (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the heater (600) positioned on the lower left side of the desiccant wheel (200) that rotates clockwise, so that the portion of the desiccant wheel (200) heated by the heater (600) that remains with residual heat can be minimized from being switched to the drying path (F10).

[0244] Meanwhile, when the desiccant wheel (200) is arranged to rotate counterclockwise, the heater (600) may be arranged on the upper left side of the desiccant wheel (200).

[0245]

[0246] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention, and such modified embodiments should fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0247] - Explanation of symbols -

[0248] 10: Machine room 100: Cabinet

[0249] 110: Reception space 120: Door

[0250] 130: Inlet 140: Outlet

[0251] 150: Steam generator 160: Suction duct

[0252] 170: Exhaust duct 200: Desiccant wheel

[0253] 300: Condensing heat exchanger 310: Heat exchange body

[0254] 311: Channel 320: Heat exchange inlet pipe

[0255] 330: Heat exchange exhaust pipe 400: Drying fan

[0256] 600: Heater 700: Regeneration fan

[0257] 800: Cooling housing 810: Cooling inlet

[0258] 820: Cooling exhaust vent 900: Cooling fan

[0259] 1000: Garment Manager F10: Drying Oil

[0260] F20: Regeneration oil F30: Cooling oil

[0261] X d : Rotation axis of the desiccant wheel

[0262] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a desiccant wheel is installed on a drying path through which air is circulated between an intake port and an outlet port, thereby dehumidifying the air passing through the drying path, thereby improving the drying efficiency of clothes and enabling a more suitable structure in terms of manufacturability and usability.

[0263] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a desiccant wheel is disposed on a drying path to capture moisture and bacteria in the air being blown, and a part of the desiccant wheel is heated and regenerated on a regeneration path, so that the performance for treating clothes can always be maintained appropriately.

[0264] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the suction duct is structured to be biasedly arranged to avoid a portion of the desiccant wheel where a regeneration path is formed, the air flow is concentrated in a portion of the drying path that is not a dead space, thereby further improving the drying performance for clothes.

[0265] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since a cooling path is formed on the surface of the condensation heat exchanger between the cooling inlet and the cooling outlet of the cooling housing accommodating the condensation heat exchanger, relatively low-temperature outside air can effectively exchange heat with the air in the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger.

[0266] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, steam treatment is performed on clothing by supplying steam into the interior of the cabinet, so that a sterilizing effect due to the high temperature of the steam and a refreshing effect due to swelling of the clothing material can be achieved.

[0267] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the rotation axis of the desiccant wheel is arranged along the front-rear direction of the machine room, the main components such as the desiccant wheel can be efficiently arranged in a structure in which the machine room is formed at the lower part of the receiving space.

[0268] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the suction duct is connected to the upper portion of the desiccant wheel, avoiding the lower portion of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, it may be effective to concentrate the air flow to a portion of the drying path that is not a dead space.

[0269] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the lowermost end of the suction duct is positioned relatively higher than the rotational axis of the desiccant wheel, air moving through the suction duct can be concentrated to a portion above the center of the desiccant wheel.

[0270] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lowermost end of the suction duct is positioned relatively lower than the uppermost end of the desiccant wheel, so that air moving through the suction duct can smoothly contact the desiccant wheel.

[0271] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the heater is arranged on the right side of the lower part of the desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise, it is possible to minimize the conversion of the desiccant wheel part heated by the heater into a drying path while residual heat remains.

[0272] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the heater is arranged at the rear side of the desiccant wheel, it is possible to more effectively concentrate the air flow to a non-dead space portion of the drying path.

[0273] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the condensation heat exchanger is arranged on the front side of the desiccant wheel, the main components such as the desiccant wheel can be efficiently arranged within a given machine room space.

[0274] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the condensation heat exchanger is arranged at the lower part of the suction duct, in a structure in which a machine room is formed at the lower part of the receiving space, the condensation heat exchanger can be arranged in a blind spot where the flow of air moving from the suction port to the desiccant wheel does not reach.

[0275] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the suction duct is connected to the left side of the desiccant wheel, avoiding the right side of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, it may be effective to concentrate the air flow to a part of the drying path that is not a dead space.

[0276] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the heater is placed on the upper part of the right side of the desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise, it is possible to minimize the conversion of the desiccant wheel portion heated by the heater into a drying path while residual heat remains.

[0277] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the suction duct is connected to the right side of the desiccant wheel, avoiding the left side of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is formed, it may be effective to concentrate the air flow to a part of the drying path that is not a dead space.

[0278] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the heater is placed on the lower part of the left side of the desiccant wheel that rotates clockwise, it is possible to minimize the conversion of the desiccant wheel portion heated by the heater into a drying path while residual heat remains.

Claims

1. A cabinet that forms a storage space for clothing; An intake port formed inside the cabinet through which air from the receiving space is sucked in; An outlet formed inside the cabinet to supply air to the receiving space; A drying path through which air circulates between the above suction port and the above discharge port; A desiccant wheel installed on the drying path to dehumidify air passing through the drying path; A drying fan installed on the drying path to blow air from the suction port toward the discharge port; A condensing heat exchanger installed separately from the above drying path and in which the air in the internal space and the air on the surface exchange heat; A heater installed to heat a portion of the above desiccant wheel; A regeneration path through which air is circulated between a portion of the desiccant wheel heated by the heater and the internal space of the condensation heat exchanger; A regeneration fan installed on the above regeneration path to blow air; and A suction duct forming part of the above drying path and connecting the suction port and the desiccant wheel; A garment manager, wherein the suction duct is arranged biasedly toward the remaining part of the desiccant wheel where the regeneration path is not formed.

2. In paragraph 1, A cooling housing that accommodates the condensation heat exchanger inside and has a cooling inlet for introducing outside air and a cooling outlet for discharging inside air, respectively; A cooling path through which air moves onto the surface of the condensing heat exchanger between the cooling inlet and the cooling outlet; A clothing manager further comprising a cooling fan installed on the cooling channel and blowing air from the cooling inlet toward the cooling outlet.

3. In paragraph 2, A garment manager further comprising a steam generator for supplying steam to the above-mentioned receiving space.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A clothing care machine in which the above desiccant wheel is arranged to rotate around a rotational axis in the forward and backward directions.

5. In paragraph 4, The above regeneration path is formed at the lower part of the desiccant wheel, A clothing manager, wherein the above suction duct is arranged to connect the above suction port and the upper part of the above desiccant wheel.

6. In paragraph 5, A clothing manager, wherein the lowermost end of the above suction duct is positioned at a relatively higher position than the rotation axis of the above desiccant wheel.

7. In paragraph 6, A clothing manager, wherein the lowermost end of the above suction duct is positioned relatively lower than the uppermost end of the above desiccant wheel.

8. In paragraph 5, The above desiccant wheel is arranged to rotate clockwise, A clothing manager, wherein the heater is positioned on the right side of the lower part of the desiccant wheel.

9. In paragraph 8, A clothing manager, wherein the heater is placed on the rear side of the desiccant wheel.

10. In paragraph 5, A clothing care machine wherein the above condensing heat exchanger is arranged on the front side of the desiccant wheel.

11. In paragraph 10, A clothing manager, wherein the above condensing heat exchanger is placed at the lower part of the suction duct.

12. In paragraph 4, The above regeneration path is formed on the right side of the desiccant wheel, A clothing manager, wherein the above suction duct is arranged to connect the suction port and the left part of the desiccant wheel.

13. In paragraph 12, The above desiccant wheel is arranged to rotate clockwise, A clothing manager, wherein the heater is positioned on the upper part of the right side of the desiccant wheel.

14. In paragraph 4, The above regeneration path is formed on the left side of the desiccant wheel, A clothing manager, wherein the above suction duct is arranged to connect the suction port and the right side of the desiccant wheel.

15. In paragraph 14, The above desiccant wheel is arranged to rotate clockwise, A clothing manager, wherein the heater is placed on the lower part of the left side of the desiccant wheel.

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