Clothing treatment apparatus and method for controlling clothing treatment apparatus

The garment processing device addresses the challenge of simultaneous steam supply to the inner case and steam iron by using a shared steam supply unit with separate pumps and controlled valves, improving performance and reducing noise and vibration.

WO2026121699A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-11LG ELECTRONICS INC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
LG ELECTRONICS INC
Filing Date
2025-11-27
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing garment processing devices face challenges in efficiently supplying steam to both the inner case and steam iron while minimizing noise, vibration, and maintaining optimal steam pressure, with complex internal structures and separate water supply systems leading to performance limitations.

Method used

A garment processing device with a shared steam supply unit for the inner case and steam iron, utilizing separate pumps for water supply, and controlled valve systems to manage steam pressure and flow, reducing noise and vibration.

🎯Benefits of technology

The solution simplifies the internal structure, ensures consistent steam supply to both the inner case and steam iron, reduces noise and vibration, and optimizes steam pressure, enhancing the device's performance and energy efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus in which a common steam supply unit is used to supply steam to both an inner case and a steam iron, and a separate pump is provided to supply water to the steam supply unit.
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Description

Clothing processing device and control method of clothing processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment processing device and a control method thereof. More specifically, it relates to a garment processing device and a control method thereof capable of performing refresh operations such as sterilization, wrinkle removal, deodorization, and drying of garments by supplying steam and hot air to the garments.

[0002]

[0003] If clothes are washed frequently with water and detergent, there may be problems with damage or deformation.

[0004] To address this, a garment processing device has emerged capable of performing a so-called "refresh process" that removes wrinkles or odors or rearranges the fibers of clothing by spraying steam onto the garment without wetting it with water and evaporating it with high-temperature air. (Refer to Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2021-0144451)

[0005] The garment processing device may also be referred to as a garment care device, and such a garment processing device may be equipped to place the garment as is without folding or wrinkling it, and to supply one or more of hot air and steam to the garment.

[0006] Conventionally, a garment processing device has also emerged that vibrates mounted garments to more actively expose the surface of the garments to steam / hot air and can even remove dust or foreign substances attached to the garments. (Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1285890)

[0007] Recently, a garment processing device has appeared equipped with a steam iron that is mounted on the device and can even draw out the mounted garment to directly apply heat to the surface of the garment or pressurize the garment. (Refer to Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0140436)

[0008] Thus, the user may place the clothing inside the clothing processing device and manage the clothing through a refresh process, or place the clothing inside the clothing processing device or on a door or wall, and then take out a steam iron placed on the door or machine room of the clothing processing device and supply steam and heat directly to the clothing to remove wrinkles from the clothing.

[0009] This garment processing device is equipped with a separate steam supply unit that supplies steam to a space (inside) where clothes are stored and a steam generation unit that supplies steam to a steam iron. Consequently, the internal configuration of the machine room is somewhat complex, and it was necessary to control the steam supply unit and the steam generation unit individually when supplying steam to the inside of the storage room and when supplying steam to the steam iron.

[0010] In particular, unlike the refresh process of increasing the moisture content of clothing within a sealed containment space inside such a clothing processing device, higher pressure steam is required when steam is sprayed onto clothing with a steam iron in an open space. Under these conditions, it may be common to separately arrange a pump that supplies water to a steam supply unit that supplies steam to the interior and a steam generation unit that supplies steam to the steam iron, or to separately install a valve connecting the steam supply unit to the interior and a valve connecting the steam generation unit to the iron.

[0011] Nevertheless, the above-mentioned garment processing device was able to simplify the internal structure of the machine room by having the steam supply unit supplying steam to the interior and the steam generation unit supplying steam to the steam iron share the water tank and water pump.

[0012] However, in this case, if the water supply pump is equipped with specifications suitable for the refresh process, there was a possibility that the pressure of the steam supplied to the steam iron would weaken, or that additional water could not be supplied during the process of steam being sprayed by the steam iron.

[0013] Conversely, if the water supply pump of the above-mentioned garment processing device is equipped with specifications suitable for a steam iron, a situation may arise where vibration and noise exceed standard levels when the water supply pump is operated to supply water to the steam supply unit for the refresh process, and especially at night, the noise is severe, which may limit the performance of the refresh process itself.

[0014] Recently, a garment processing device has emerged that integrates a steam generating unit, which supplies steam to a steam iron, with a steam supply unit, which supplies steam to the interior. (Refer to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0172689)

[0015] The aforementioned prior art provides technical significance in that it offers a concept in which a steam generating unit and a steam supply unit can be equipped as a single integrated heating device.

[0016] However, the aforementioned prior art does not allow for specific verification of technologies that can be implemented in an actual product, such as how to control the integrated heating device when the pressure of the steam supplied to the steam iron and the chamber differs, how the integrated heating device regulates the steam pressure, whether it can prevent steam from flowing back to the other when the integrated heating device supplies high-pressure steam to either the steam iron or the chamber, and how to arrange and control valves in the integrated heating device, the chamber, and the steam iron.

[0017] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device equipped with a steam supply unit that supplies steam to both an inner case in which the garment is received and a steam iron that sprays steam onto the garment.

[0018] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device that separately comprises a pump for supplying water when the steam supply unit supplies steam to the inner case, and a pump for supplying water when the steam supply unit supplies steam to the steam iron.

[0019] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device that can reduce noise and vibration when supplying steam to an inner case compared to when supplying steam to a steam damper.

[0020]

[0021] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a garment processing device that shares a steam supply unit for supplying steam to an inner case and a steam supply unit for supplying steam to a steam iron, and separately provides a pump for supplying water to the said steam supply unit.

[0022] The garment processing device of the present invention may include a cabinet, an inner case providing a receiving space for a garment, a door for opening and closing the receiving space, a circulation duct forming a passage for air inside the inner case to circulate outside the inner case, a steam iron provided to be extendable toward the receiving space or the door from one side of the circulation duct, a steam supply unit provided to selectively supply steam to the inside of the inner case and the steam iron, wherein the steam is supplied at a higher pressure to the steam iron than to the inside of the inner case, a water supply pump provided to supply water at a pressure lower than the pressure of the steam supplied to the steam iron to the steam supply unit, and a high-pressure pump provided to supply water at a pressure equal to or greater than the pressure of the steam supplied to the steam iron to the steam supply unit.

[0023] The steam supply unit may further include a steam case that receives water supplied from the water supply pump or the high-pressure pump, a heater unit that heats the water received in the steam case to generate steam, a steam discharge pipe that extends from or is connected to the steam case and supplies the steam to the inner case, a high-pressure discharge pipe that is spaced apart from the steam discharge pipe and supplies the steam to the steam iron, a steam valve unit that opens and closes the steam discharge pipe, a high-pressure valve unit that opens and closes the high-pressure discharge pipe, and a prevention valve that blocks backflow of water supplied from the high-pressure pump to the steam case or steam generated in the steam case to the water supply pump.

[0024] The steam valve section and the high-pressure valve section can be controlled to be selectively opened or closed.

[0025] The high-pressure valve section can be controlled to open when the steam generating section is at a higher pressure than the steam valve section.

[0026] The above high-pressure pump can be controlled to operate even when the above high-pressure valve is open.

[0027] The above-mentioned steam supply unit may further include a water level sensor for detecting the water level inside the steam supply unit, and the high-pressure pump may be configured to supply water to the steam supply unit whenever the water level inside the steam supply unit is detected to be below a reference water level.

[0028] The above water supply pump can be controlled so that operation is cut off when the above high-pressure valve is open.

[0029] The above water supply pump is set to complete operation before the steam valve section is opened, and can be controlled to cut off operation when the steam valve section is open.

[0030] The device further includes a water tank for storing water supplied to the steam supply unit, and both the water supply pump and the high-pressure pump may be configured to supply the water contained in the water tank to the steam supply unit.

[0031] The above water supply pump and the above high-pressure pump can be configured to be driven selectively.

[0032] The high-pressure pump mentioned above may be positioned above the water supply pump.

[0033] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a supply hose that guides water contained in the water supply tank to the water supply pump, and a high-pressure hose that branches off from the supply hose and guides water moving through the supply pipe to the high-pressure pump.

[0034] The clothing processing device of the present invention includes a heater unit that generates steam by heating water contained in the steam case, and the heater unit may be configured to be positioned outside the steam case to heat the steam case.

[0035] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a discharge pipe for discharging water contained in the steam supply unit to the outside, and an opening / closing unit for opening and closing the discharge pipe.

[0036] The above discharge pipe may be provided to guide water contained in the above steam supply unit into the inside of the circulation duct.

[0037]

[0038] The present invention has the effect of simplifying the machine room structure by sharing a configuration that supplies steam to the inner case and the steam iron.

[0039] The present invention has the effect of being able to supply water for generating steam even when steam of different pressures is supplied to the inner case and the steam iron.

[0040] The present invention has the effect of reducing noise and vibration and saving energy when steam is supplied to the inner case compared to when steam is supplied to the steam iron.

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of the cabinet of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the exterior of the machine room.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the machine room of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates the rear of the machine room.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates the circulation duct and base structure of the machine room of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates the interior of the circulation duct of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the control unit installation part provided on the base of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates the water supply and drainage system of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates the installation structure of a steam supply unit that receives water from a water tank.

[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0054] Fig. 13 shows the water supply and drainage structure of Fig. 12 from a different angle.

[0055] Figure 14 illustrates the specific structure of a steam nozzle.

[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0057] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0058] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0059] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0060] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0061] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the structure of the steam supply unit.

[0062] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the heater section of the steam supply section.

[0063] FIG. 22 illustrates the drainage structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 23 illustrates the installation structure of the drainage tank of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 24 illustrates in detail the structure of the backflow section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 25 illustrates the lower configuration of the bottom surface of the inner case.

[0067] FIG. 26 illustrates a structure in which the above-mentioned water supply structure and the above-mentioned water supply section are connected.

[0068] FIG. 27 illustrates a general structure in which the above-mentioned drainage structure and the above-mentioned drainage section can communicate.

[0069] FIG. 28 illustrates a structure in which the above-mentioned drainage structure and the above-mentioned drainage section are in communication.

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical or similar reference numbers are assigned to identical or similar components even if they are different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced by the first description. Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, it should be noted that the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be interpreted as limiting the technical concept disclosed in this specification.

[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0074] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a cabinet (100) forming an exterior and a door (120) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (100).

[0075] The above door (120) may include a main body (121) forming the front of the cabinet (100) and an installation body (122) extending from one side of the main body (121) and on which a display for displaying information of a clothing processing device can be installed.

[0076] The cabinet (100) may be provided with a height that is longer than the width in the left-right direction and the thickness in the front-back direction. Thus, the clothing processing device can be mounted inside the cabinet (100) without long clothing being folded.

[0077] The above-mentioned installation body (122) can be extended from the main body body (121) toward the rear of the cabinet (100) to form a step.

[0078] The above-mentioned installation body (122) may be provided with a different material or a different color from the above-mentioned main body (122). Additionally, the above-mentioned installation body (122) may be provided with a translucent material through which light emitted from the display can pass.

[0079] A handle (123) may be provided in a stepped area between the above-mentioned installation body (122) and the above-mentioned main body body (121).

[0080] The handle (123) may be provided extending from one side of the main body (121) toward the front of the installation body (122) in parallel with the main body (121). As a result, the handle (123) may be arranged to overlap at least partially with the installation body (122) in the front-rear direction, forming a space that a user can grip.

[0081] The cabinet (100) and the door (120) may be made of metal.

[0082] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of the cabinet of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0083] Inside the cabinet (100), an inner case (200) may be provided, which has a receiving space (220) for receiving clothing and forms an opening (210) at the front for receiving clothing.

[0084] The inner case (200) is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having an opening at the front and may be provided with a height smaller than that of the cabinet (100). By doing so, an area can be secured in which the machine room (300), described later, can be installed at the bottom of the cabinet (100).

[0085] The inner case (200) may be provided with a height greater than its width and thickness. Thus, the clothing can be placed inside the receiving space (220) without being folded or wrinkled.

[0086] The inner case (200) may be provided with a plastic resin series and may be provided with a reinforced plastic resin series that is not deformed by air at a temperature higher than room temperature air or heated air (hereinafter, hot air) and steam or moisture.

[0087] A mounting portion capable of mounting the clothing in the receiving space (220) may be provided on the upper inner surface of the inner case (200). The mounting portion may be provided in the shape of a clothes hanger and may be fixed to the upper surface of the inner case (200). Due to the mounting portion, the clothing may be placed within the receiving space (220) in an unfolded state and in a floating state.

[0088] The above mounting portions may be provided in multiple numbers along the width direction of the inner case (200). Thus, multiple clothing items can be mounted spaced apart from each other inside the inner case (200).

[0089] The above mounting part may be provided as a moving hanger that reciprocates in the width direction or reciprocates and rotates within the inner case (200). The clothing processing device of the present invention can shake the clothing within the inner case due to the above mounting part, and the clothing can be shaken while inside the receiving space (220), allowing foreign substances and dust to be shaken off and wrinkles formed on the clothing to be removed.

[0090] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be equipped with a machine room (300) in which various devices capable of supplying one or more of high-temperature air, heated air (hereinafter hot air), and steam to the receiving space (220), or purifying or dehumidifying the outside air of the cabinet (100) are installed.

[0091] The machine room (300) may be separated from or partitioned from the inner case (200) and configured to communicate with the receiving space (220).

[0092] The machine room (300) can be positioned at the bottom of the inner case (200). Thus, when hot air and steam with low specific gravity are supplied to the inner case (200), the hot air and steam can naturally rise from the receiving space (220) and be supplied to the mounted clothing.

[0093] The inner case (200) can be partitioned and separated from the machine room (300) through the bottom surface (230). However, a plurality of through holes are arranged in the bottom surface (230) to communicate with the machine room (300).

[0094] To this end, the inner case (200) may be provided with a plurality of through holes (230) that penetrate one side and communicate with the machine room (300).

[0095] Air from the receiving space (220) can be supplied to the machine room (300) through the above-mentioned through hole (230), and one or more of the hot air or steam generated in the machine room (300) can be supplied to the receiving space (220).

[0096] The above through hole (230) may include an inlet hole (232) through which air inside the inner case (200) is discharged or sucked into the machine room (300) by penetrating the bottom surface (230) of the inner case (200), and an exhaust hole (231) through which hot air generated in the machine room (300) is discharged by penetrating the bottom surface of the inner case (200).

[0097] The discharge hole (231) may be positioned towards the rear of the lower surface of the inner case (200). Additionally, the inlet hole (232) may be positioned towards the front of the lower surface of the inner case (200). By doing so, a spaced gap between the inlet hole (231) and the discharge hole (232) can be secured on the bottom surface (230) of the inner case (200), and hot air supplied from the discharge hole (232) can be prevented from being discharged directly into the inlet hole (231).

[0098] The above-mentioned through hole (230) may further include a steam hole (233) into which steam generated from the steam supply unit (800), described later, is supplied. It may be positioned closer to the discharge hole (231) than to the inlet hole (232). For example, the steam hole (233) may be positioned on one side of the discharge hole (231). This prevents the steam discharged from the steam hole (233) from flowing directly into the inlet hole (232).

[0099] The above door (120) can be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (100).

[0100] The height of the door (120) may be provided to correspond to the height of the cabinet (100). Thus, the door (120) may be provided to open and close the opening (210) and may also be provided to shield the machine room (300).

[0101] When the door (120) is closed, the opening (210) and the machine room (300) can be prevented from being exposed to the front.

[0102] The above door (120) may include a door body (121) forming a main body and a sealing member (123) coupled to the inner surface of the door body (121) to seal the opening (210).

[0103] The sealing member (123) may be disposed in an area on the inner surface of the door body (121) facing the perimeter of the opening (210) to seal the opening (210).

[0104] Meanwhile, the door body (121) may include a protective panel (122) that shields the machine room (300) and protects the machine room (300) at the bottom of the sealing member (123) that seals the opening (210).

[0105] The sealing member (123) may be provided to extend further downward than the opening (210) to seal the front perimeter of the machine room (300) as well.

[0106] The door (120) may include a protrusion (125) that protrudes from the interior of the door body (121) and can be inserted into at least a portion of the opening (210).

[0107] The above protrusion (125) may be provided protruding from the door body (121) to the extent that it is positioned in front of the inlet hole (232) when the door (120) closes the opening (210).

[0108] The protrusion (125) may be provided with a width corresponding to the width of the opening (210). The protrusion (125) may be positioned closer to the lower part of the opening (210) or the bottom surface (230) of the inner case (200) than to the top of the door body (121).

[0109] Thus, hot air and steam placed in the receiving space (220) of the inner case can be guided to flow into the inlet hole (232), and can be prevented from flowing out to the outside of the opening (210) and being exposed to the machine room (300).

[0110] The height of the protrusion (125) may be formed to be less than 1 / 3 of the height of the inner case (200), and the thickness of the protrusion (125) protruding from the door body (121) may be formed to be less than the distance from the front edge of the bottom surface (230) to the inlet hole (232).

[0111] The door body (120) may further include a curved surface (124) extending toward the protrusion (125) on its inner surface. The curved surface (124) may be provided in a downwardly convex shape. The curved surface (124) may induce hot air and steam supplied to the receiving space (220) to circulate within the receiving space (220).

[0112] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a pressing part (130) rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door body (121) to press the clothing, and a fixing part (140) that can support the clothing above the pressing part (130).

[0113] The above-mentioned pressure member (130) is configured to rotate in the width direction of the door (120) so as to apply pressure to the clothing mounted on the fixing member (140).

[0114] Thus, the clothing mounted on the fixed part (140) can be pressed by the pressing part (130) to remove wrinkles from the clothing and to form intended wrinkles on the clothing.

[0115] The curved surface (124) may be provided extending from the lower part of the pressurizing part (130) to the protrusion (125). Thus, when water condensed from clothing mounted on the fixing part (140) flows along the inner surface of the pressurizing part (130) or the door body (121), it flows along the curved surface (124) and is guided to the bottom surface (230), preventing it from moving to the opening (210) or the sealing member (123). As a result, the machine room (300) can be prevented from being contaminated by water, steam, hot air, foreign substances, etc.

[0116] The above protrusion (125) may have an exposed surface positioned parallel to the back surface of the inner case (200), and a lower surface extending from the lower part of the exposed surface may be positioned parallel to the bottom surface (230) of the inner case.

[0117] The exposed surface of the protrusion (125) may be provided with a penetrating surface (126) through which air can enter and exit, and a duct through which air can flow may be provided in the space formed by the protrusion (125), the curved surface (124), and the door body (121).

[0118] The above door body (121) may be provided with a communication hole communicating with the duct in an area corresponding to the pressure part (130) on the inner surface.

[0119] Thus, hot air and steam flowing in the inner case (200) can be introduced into the through hole (126) and discharged through the communication hole, thereby drying the clothing mounted on the pressurizing part (130) or circulating the air inside the inner case (200).

[0120] FIG. 3 illustrates the exterior view of the machine room (300).

[0121] The machine room (300) may be equipped with a device that supplies one or more of hot air and steam to the inner case (200).

[0122] The machine room (300) must be supplied with water necessary to generate the steam and must be equipped to collect steam supplied to the inner case (200) or water condensed from the clothing. To this end, the machine room (300) may include a water supply tank (301) for storing water necessary to generate the steam and a drainage tank (302) for collecting water condensed inside the clothing processing device.

[0123] The above water supply tank (301) and the above drainage tank (302) can be positioned in front of the machine room (300). This makes it easy for a user to fill the water supply tank (301) with water or empty the water from the drainage tank (302), and allows the clothing processing device to be positioned without being restricted by the location of the water source and the drain.

[0124] The garment processing device of the present invention may further include an ironing module (S) comprising a steam iron that supplies steam to the surface of the garment. The ironing module (S) may be installed in the machine room.

[0125] The above ironing module (S) may include one or more of a steam iron (1300) capable of spraying or supplying one or more of heat and steam to the surface of clothing, and a storage unit (1200) for storing the steam iron (1300) inside a machine room (300).

[0126] The above storage unit (1200) may include a storage body (1210) mounted in the machine room (300) and providing a space for storing the steam iron (1300), and an opening (1220) provided on the front of the storage body (1210) through which the steam iron (1300) is inserted and removed.

[0127] The steam iron (1300) can be withdrawn from the machine room (300) by being withdrawn forward from the storage body (1210). When the steam iron (1300) is withdrawn forward from the machine room (300), it can be configured to reach the surface of the clothing mounted on the fixed part (140) or the mounting part.

[0128] The steam iron (1300) may be provided to extend from the machine room (300) to the inside of the receiving space (220) or to the back of the door (120). For example, the steam iron (1300) may be provided to deliver heat and steam to the top of the pressurizing part (130) of the door (120), which is higher than half the height of the inner case (200).

[0129] For example, the steam iron (1300) may be configured to reach the mounting portion or the fixing portion (140). Additionally, the steam iron (1300) may be configured to move to the upper surface of the receiving space (220) or the upper surface of the inner surface of the door (120) when withdrawn from the storage portion (1200).

[0130] The above steam iron (1300) may be positioned in contact with or close to the surface of the garment to directly spray heat and steam onto the surface of the garment.

[0131] The steam iron (1300) may be provided to supply heat to the surface of the clothing, or may be provided to spray steam onto the surface of the clothing. The steam iron (1300) may be provided as a general steam iron or a general steamer. As long as it satisfies the condition of removing wrinkles that have formed on the clothing, the steam iron (1300) may be provided in any configuration.

[0132] The clothing (L) fixed to the mounting or fixing part (140) may be supported on the inner surface of the door (120) or the inner surface of the inner case (200) and exposed to one or more of the heat and steam supplied from the steam iron (1300). In this process, the clothing (L) may be refreshed or wrinkles may be removed.

[0133] The above ironing module (S) can be exposed on the front surface of the machine room (300) because the steam iron (1300) must be pulled out from the machine room (300) to the inner case (200) or the clothing mounted on the door (120).

[0134] For example, the front surface of the ironing module (S) may be positioned on one side of the water supply tank (301) or the drainage tank (302), and both sides may be positioned inside the machine surface (300).

[0135] The above water supply tank (301) and drainage tank (302) can be shared by the refresh module (T) that circulates the air inside the inner case (200) described later and the iron module (S).

[0136] FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the machine room of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0137] The machine room (300) may include a refresh module (T) configured to supply hot air and steam to clothing mounted in the receiving space (220), circulate air inside the receiving space, or circulate air outside the cabinet, and an ironing module (S) including the steam iron (1300).

[0138] The above refresh module (T) may include all devices and configurations configured to supply one or more of hot air and steam inside the inner case (200).

[0139] Specifically, the refresh module (T) may include a base section (310) that arranges a space for supporting or installing the various devices described above in the machine room (300), a circulation duct (320) that is installed in or extends from the base section (310) and provides a path for air inside the inner case (200) or air outside the cabinet (200) to move, a blower section (350) that is mounted in the circulation duct (320) and provides power to move the air, a heat supply section (340) that cools and heats the air moving along the circulation duct (320) to generate hot air, and a steam supply section (800) that is supported in the base section (310) or mounted in the circulation duct (320) and supplies steam inside the inner case (200).

[0140] The above base part (310) may be provided as a plate on which various devices are installed.

[0141] The above circulation duct (320) forms a passageway through which air introduced from outside the inner case (200) or the cabinet (100) moves, and may be provided in the shape of a case with an open top surface.

[0142] The heat supply unit (340) may include a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct (320) to cool the air, condense moisture, and reheat the air, and a compressor disposed outside the circulation duct (320) to receive or supply refrigerant from the heat exchanger.

[0143] The above refresh module (T) may further include an outside air duct (370) that sucks in outside air in front of the circulation duct (320) and guides it into the circulation duct (320).

[0144] The above circulation duct (320) may be configured to communicate with the above outside air duct (370) and optionally to draw in outside air.

[0145] The water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302) can be detachably connected to the front of the circulation duct (320). For example, the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302) can be placed on the upper part of the outside air duct (370).

[0146] The above circulation duct (320) may be provided by being coupled to the base part (310), but may also be provided integrally with the base part (310). For example, the base part (310) and the circulation duct (320) may be manufactured simultaneously by injection molding.

[0147] The above refresh module (T) may include a base cover (360) configured to communicate the circulation duct (320) and the inlet hole (232).

[0148] The base cover (360) may be provided to be coupled to the upper part of the circulation duct (320) to guide the air sucked in from the inlet hole (232) into the circulation duct (320).

[0149] The base cover (360) can block the air inside the circulation duct (320) from being discharged to the outside by shielding the upper surface of the circulation duct (320). The lower part of the base cover (360) and the upper surface of the circulation duct (320) can form one side of the flow path of the circulation duct (320).

[0150] The base cover (360) may include an inlet section (362) inside that communicates the inlet hole (232) and the circulation duct (320). The inlet section (362) is provided in a duct shape and can function as an intake duct that delivers air from inside the inner case (200) to the circulation duct (320).

[0151] The steam supply unit (800) may be connected to the water tank (301) to receive water and generate steam. The steam supply unit (800) may be positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct (320). Specifically, the steam supply unit (800) may be positioned between the upper part of the circulation duct (320) and the bottom surface of the inner case (200).

[0152] Additionally, the steam supply unit (800) may be positioned at the rear of the base cover (360).

[0153] The above refresh module (T) may further include a steam nozzle (900) that receives steam from the steam supply unit (800) and supplies it into the inner case (200). The steam nozzle (900) may be positioned between the steam supply unit (800) and the steam hole (233).

[0154] The steam nozzle (900) can be fixed to the bottom surface of the inner case (200).

[0155] Water that is not discharged into the steam hole (233) from the above steam nozzle (900) and is condensed can be recovered back into the steam supply unit (800).

[0156] Of course, the steam nozzle (900) may be omitted, and only the steam supply unit (800) may be provided. That is, the steam nozzle (900) may not be an essential component for supplying steam to the inner case (200).

[0157] The blower unit (350) may be configured to communicate with the circulation duct (320) and the discharge hole (231).

[0158] The ironing module (S) may be positioned to the left or right of the refresh module (T) inside the machine room (300). Specifically, the ironing module (S) may be positioned outside the circulation duct (320). Thus, the ironing module (S) may not obstruct the airflow through the circulation duct (320).

[0159] The above ironing module (S) can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the circulation duct (320) on one side of the base part (310).

[0160] The clothing processing device of the present invention can supply steam to both the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300) through a single steam supply unit (800).

[0161] The steam supply unit (800) may be configured to supply steam to both the refresh module (T) and the iron module (S).

[0162] That is, the refresh module (T) and the iron module (S) can share the steam supply unit (800). In addition, the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300) can receive steam from a single steam supply unit (800).

[0163] Additionally, the garment processing device of the present invention may be configured to supply steam to the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300) using water supplied through a single water tank (301).

[0164] The steam supply unit (800) may be configured to receive water from the water tank (301), heat the water to generate steam, and then supply the steam to both the receiving space (220) inside the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300).

[0165] Thus, the garment processing device of the present invention may omit either the configuration for heating water to supply steam to the inner case (200) or the configuration for heating water to supply steam to the steam iron (1300). As a result, the internal structure of the machine room (300) of the garment processing device of the present invention may be simplified, and it may be possible to prevent excessive power consumption by having multiple steam supply units all heat water, and to reduce the manufacturing process and production costs.

[0166] Figure 5 illustrates the rear of the machine room.

[0167] The above blower unit (350) may include a blower fan (353) that provides power for the air inside the circulation duct (320) to move in one direction, and a fan housing (351) that accommodates the blower fan (353) and is coupled to or extended from the circulation duct (320).

[0168] The above blower unit (350) may be provided with an exhaust duct (352) configured to communicate with the above circulation duct (320) and the above exhaust hole (232).

[0169] The above-mentioned exhaust duct (352) may be provided by extending from the above-mentioned fan housing (351) toward the exhaust hole (232) with a cross-sectional area corresponding to the exhaust hole (232).

[0170] As a result, the air inside the inner case (200) can be introduced through the base cover (360), pass through the circulation duct (320), and then be supplied back into the inner case (200) through the fan installation part (350).

[0171] The heat supply unit (340) may include a compressor (343) installed in the base unit (310) to exchange heat with the air flowing through the circulation duct (320). The compressor (343) may be positioned on the left or right side of the circulation duct (320) and may be positioned between the circulation duct (320) and the iron module (S).

[0172] FIG. 6 illustrates the circulation duct and base structure of the machine room of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0173] The above base portion (310) can form the lower surface of the clothing processing device.

[0174] The above base portion (310) may include a base bottom portion (311) that forms a support surface. The base bottom portion (311) may form the lower surface of the clothing processing device.

[0175] Of course, the base bottom portion (311) can be placed on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the cabinet (100) which is separately provided to form the lower surface of the clothing processing device.

[0176] The base portion (310) may be integrally provided with the circulation duct (320), which forms at least a part of the air passage. The circulation duct (320) may be formed by extending upward from the base bottom portion (311).

[0177] The above circulation duct (320) may include a duct body (321) that extends from the base bottom portion (311) to form a flow path, a heat exchanger installation portion (3212) that provides a space for installing an evaporator (341) or a condenser (343) inside the duct body (321), and an air discharge portion (323) provided at the rear of the duct body (321) to discharge air from the duct body (321) to a blower portion (350).

[0178] The air exhaust section (323) may be provided in the shape of a pipe extending rearward from the duct body (321). The diameter of the air exhaust section (323) may be smaller than the width of the duct body (321).

[0179] The air exhaust unit (323) can be connected to the blower unit (350). Air discharged from the air exhaust unit (323) can be guided into the inner case (200) through the blower unit (350).

[0180] The above circulation duct (320) may further include an outside air intake section (322) formed by penetrating the front of the duct body (321). The outside air intake section (322) may be provided to communicate with the outside air duct (370). The outside air duct (370) may be seated and supported in front of the outside air intake section (322).

[0181] The above circulation duct (320) may be equipped with a damper that opens and closes the outside air intake section (322). By opening and closing the damper, the outside air may be allowed or blocked from flowing into the circulation duct (320).

[0182] The base portion (310) may include a compressor installation portion (312) that provides a space for installing the compressor (343). The compressor installation portion (312) may be formed on one side of the base bottom portion (311) and may be formed integrally with the base bottom portion (311).

[0183] The compressor mounting portion (312) may have a protrusion formed thereon capable of supporting the compressor (343). The compressor mounting portion (312) may be positioned offset from the rear of the base portion (310). The compressor mounting portion (312) may be positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the air discharge portion (323) in the width direction.

[0184] The compressor installation part (312) may be equipped with a damping member that reduces vibrations transmitted from the compressor (343). The damping member may be fixed to the projection.

[0185] The base portion (310) may be provided with a compressor installation portion (313) in which the compressor (343) that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchangers (341, 343) is installed. The compressor installation portion (313) may be positioned outside the circulation duct (320).

[0186] The ironing module (S) may be positioned on the left or right side of the circulation duct (320). However, the ironing module (S) may be positioned spaced apart from the base part (310) and also spaced apart from the floor surface of the machine room (300).

[0187] Thus, the machine room (300) can omit a separate base structure that supports the iron module (S) on the floor surface.

[0188] FIG. 7 illustrates the interior of the circulation duct of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0189] The above circulation duct (320) can extend from the base bottom to the top to form a flow path through which air flows.

[0190] The heat supply unit (340) may include an evaporator (341) that cools and condenses air moving along the circulation duct (320), a compressor (343) that receives refrigerant from the evaporator (341), compresses and heats it, and a condenser (342) that receives refrigerant from the compressor (343) and heats the air moving along the circulation duct (320).

[0191] The heat supply unit (340) may further include an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser (342) to lower the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0192] The heat supply unit (340) may include an evaporator (341) installed inside the circulation duct (320) and configured as a heat exchanger to cool and dehumidify the air flowing into the circulation duct (320), a condenser (343) configured as a heat exchanger to heat the air passing through the evaporator (341) to form hot air, a compressor (343) disposed outside the circulation duct (320) and supplying a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the air to the condenser (343), and an expansion valve (344) that expands and cools the refrigerant passing through the condenser (343).

[0193] The above evaporator (341) and condenser (342) are placed inside the circulation duct (320), and the compressor (343) can be placed outside the circulation duct (320).

[0194] The above circulation duct (320) may include a heat exchanger installation section (3212) that provides a space for installing an evaporator (341) and a condenser (342). The heat exchanger installation section (3212) may be provided inside the duct body (321).

[0195] The above duct body (321) may be provided with an open top surface. A condenser (343) and an evaporator (341) may be installed by being introduced through the opening of the above duct body (321).

[0196] The opening of the duct body (321) can be covered by the base cover (360), and the base cover (360) and the duct body (321) can form a passage through which air moves inside the circulation passage (320).

[0197] The front surface of the duct body (321) may be spaced apart from the front end of the base bottom part (311) and positioned towards the rear. By doing so, the base bottom part (311) can secure a support surface (3111) on which one or more of the above-described water supply tank (30) or drainage tank (40) and outside air duct (370) are installed and supported.

[0198] Meanwhile, as the above duct body (321) is integrally molded with the base part (310), the height of the heat exchanger installation part (3212) can be secured to be longer, and the height of the condenser (343) and evaporator (341) can be increased accordingly.

[0199] As a result, the width of the condenser (343) and evaporator (341) in the front-rear direction can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of refrigerant pipes passing through the condenser and evaporator. Additionally, the effect of reducing air flow loss passing through the condenser and evaporator is achieved.

[0200] Meanwhile, the sum of the lengths of the evaporator (341) and the condenser (343) may be smaller than the length of the heat exchanger installation section (3212). Accordingly, the front-rear length of the heat exchanger installation section (3212) may be equal to or smaller than half the length of the duct body (321).

[0201] The blower unit (350) may be arranged to overlap the condenser (343) or the evaporator (341) in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, air passing through the evaporator (341) and the condenser (343) can flow into the blower unit (350) without any bending of the flow path. That is, since there is no bending of the flow path during the process of the air flowing into the circulation duct (320) moving to the blower unit (350), flow loss can be minimized.

[0202] The length of the above ironing module (S) may be longer than the length of the above circulation duct (320).

[0203] FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the control unit installation part provided on the base of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0204] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a main control unit (700) that supplies power to the heat supply unit (340) and the steam supply unit (800) of the refresh module (T) or controls the heat supply unit (340) and the steam supply unit (800).

[0205] In addition, the main control unit (700) can simultaneously control the iron module (S).

[0206] Meanwhile, the main control unit (700) may directly control the ironing module (S), but it may also be configured to indirectly control the ironing module (S) by communicating with an independent control unit that controls the ironing module (S). Such an embodiment will be described later. When the main control unit (700) indirectly controls the ironing module (S), it is possible to prevent the size or volume of the main control unit (700) from being unnecessarily expanded. That is, the main control unit (700) of a clothing processing device in which the ironing module (S) is omitted and a clothing processing device in which the ironing module (S) is installed can be compatible with the same specifications.

[0207] The main control unit (700) can be placed inside the machine room (300). This allows the volume of the inner case (200) to be maximized.

[0208] The above main control unit (700) can be mounted on the base unit (310).

[0209] The above main control unit (700) can be placed outside the circulation duct (320).

[0210] For example, the main control unit (700) may be positioned on the left or right side of the circulation duct (320).

[0211] For example, the base part (310) may be provided with a control unit installation part (312) that forms a space into which the main control unit (700) can be inserted at the bottom of the circulation duct (320).

[0212] The base portion (310) may include a control unit installation portion (313) where a main control unit (700) is installed. The control unit installation portion (313) may be formed between the base bottom portion (311) and the circulation duct (320). The control unit installation portion (313) may be formed between the base bottom portion (311) and the bottom surface of the circulation duct (320). The control unit installation portion (313) may be provided in a duct shape that is open at either the front or the rear at the bottom of the circulation duct (320).

[0213] The main control unit (700) is configured to be connected to an external power source to receive power, and can be configured to supply power to all electronically controlled components, such as the compressor (343), the steam supply unit (800), and the blower fan (353).

[0214] In addition, the main control unit (700) is configured to control all electronically controlled components, such as the compressor (343), the steam supply unit (800), and the blower fan (353), and can perform various courses and options for processing clothing.

[0215] When the main control unit (700) is inserted into and supported by the control unit installation unit (312), vibrations or shocks applied to the main control unit (700) can be cushioned. In addition, since the main control unit (700) is positioned close to the electrical components constituting the refresh module (T), the occurrence of control errors such as noise can be minimized.

[0216] Additionally, when a steam supply unit (800) is positioned at the top of the circulation duct (320), a main control unit (700) is positioned at the bottom of the circulation duct (320). Accordingly, the circulation duct (320) can be provided in a straight duct shape between the steam supply unit (800) and the main control unit (700). Thus, the flow resistance of air passing through the circulation duct (320) can be minimized.

[0217] The circulation duct (320), the outside air duct (370), the steam supply unit (800), the main control unit (700), and the heat supply unit (340) can be installed in a modular form on the base unit (310). As a result, the base unit (310) can be easily installed and maintained by moving it forward or backward from the machine room (300).

[0218] FIG. 8(a) illustrates the main control unit (700) being installed in the control unit installation unit (313).

[0219] The above main control unit (700) may be provided as a PCB board, but is not limited thereto and may be provided as various devices for control.

[0220] The main control unit (700) can be inserted and seated in the control unit installation unit (313) provided at the bottom of the circulation duct (320). The bottom surface of the circulation duct (320) can form the upper surface of the control unit installation unit (313). The control unit installation unit (313) can be positioned below the air discharge unit (323).

[0221] The control unit installation part (313) may be formed integrally with the base bottom part (311). The control unit installation part (313) may be formed as a recessed space at the bottom of the circulation duct during the process of forming the circulation duct (320) on the base part (310).

[0222] The above main control unit (700) can be inserted in a sliding manner from the rear toward the front in the control unit installation unit (313).

[0223] A bracket (3131) may be further provided on the surface of the main control unit (700) to surround the control unit. The bracket (3131) may be positioned above and below the control unit to prevent foreign substances from entering the control unit.

[0224] In addition, the bracket (3131) can prevent heat or vibration from being transmitted to the main control unit (700) and damage to the circuit board inside the main control unit (700). The bracket (3131) may be made of a metal material.

[0225] FIG. 8(b) illustrates the state in which a control unit is installed in the control unit installation section.

[0226] As shown in the drawing above, the main control unit (700) can be installed at a predetermined angle with respect to the base bottom unit (311). For example, the main control unit (700) can be positioned at an angle toward the water reservoir (326). Thus, when water flows out from the top of the main control unit (700), the water can quickly escape from the main control unit (700).

[0227] The main control unit (700) may include a supporter (3132) formed to protrude to the side.

[0228] The control unit installation part (313) may include ribs (3134) protruding from both sides of the installation part. The supporter (3132) of the control unit may be mounted on the upper side of the ribs (3134).

[0229] The supporter (3132) of the control unit can support the entire load of the main control unit (700). When the supporter (3132) of the control unit is supported on the upper side of the rib (3134), the main control unit (700) can be spaced apart from the base bottom (311) by a predetermined distance.

[0230] The above rib (3134) may be formed integrally with the base portion (310). The above rib (3134) may be formed together with the base portion (310) when the base portion (310) is injection molded, so as to be integrally formed with the base bottom portion (311), circulation duct (320), etc.

[0231] A projection (3133) may be provided on the front surface of the main control unit (700). Additionally, a guide protruding backward may be provided on the inner surface of the control unit installation unit (313). The projection may be coupled with the guide. The projection may be inserted into the guide. When the control unit is inserted into the control unit installation unit, the control unit can be aligned in the correct position by coupling the projection to the guide.

[0232] In addition, as described above, the positions of both sides of the control unit can be determined by the supporter being seated on the rib. By utilizing this coupling process, the control unit can be coupled to the correct position of the control unit installation unit without the need for a separate fastening member.

[0233] FIG. 9 illustrates the water supply and drainage system of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0234] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a water supply tank (301) that supplies water to the steam supply unit (800) and a drain tank (302) that collects condensed water from the circulation duct (320) or ironing module (S).

[0235] The above water supply tank (301) and the above drainage tank (302) must be selectively separated from the machine room (300) so that the user can easily fill the water supply tank (301) with water and discard the water collected in the drainage tank (302).

[0236] The machine room (300) may further include a detachable part (380) positioned in front of the refresh module (T) to support the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302). The detachable part (380) may be detachably coupled to the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302).

[0237] The above detachable part (380) is provided in the shape of a plate so as to prevent the inside of the machine room (300) from being exposed.

[0238] A drainage pump (330), etc., may be provided at the lower part of the above-mentioned detachable part (380), and a circulation duct (320) may be provided at the rear of the above-mentioned detachable part (380).

[0239] The above ironing module (S) may be configured such that a portion of it penetrates the above detachable part (380).

[0240] The iron module (S) may be placed on one side of either the water supply tank (301) or the drain tank (302). The iron module (S) may not be placed between the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302). This ensures that a space for the steam iron (1300) to be placed is secured.

[0241] The above iron module (S) can be positioned closer to the water supply tank (301) than to the drain tank (302). By doing so, the distance between the steam iron (1300) and the water supply tank (301) can be reduced, thereby saving water.

[0242] FIG. 10 illustrates the installation structure of a steam supply unit that receives water from a water tank.

[0243] The above steam supply unit (800) can be installed on the upper part of the circulation duct (320).

[0244] Thus, the steam supply unit (800) is positioned close to the bottom surface of the inner case (200), so that steam can be stably supplied to the inner case (200).

[0245] The steam supply unit (800) can be positioned between the circulation duct (320) and the bottom surface of the inner case (200).

[0246] The above steam supply unit (800) can be seated and supported on the base cover (360).

[0247] The base cover (360) may include an inlet body (361) coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct (320) to connect the inner case (200) and the circulation duct (320), and a shielding body (363) extending from the inlet body (361) to shield the upper surface of the circulation duct (320).

[0248] The inlet body (361) may be provided in a duct shape to communicate with the inlet hole (231) of the inner case and the inside of the circulation duct (320). The inlet body (361) may be provided to protrude further upward than the shielding body (363).

[0249] The above-mentioned inlet body (361) may be positioned in front of the evaporator (341) so as not to face the evaporator (341) and the condenser (343).

[0250] The above-mentioned inlet body (361) can function as an inlet duct that moves air from the inner case (200) to the circulation duct (320). The above-mentioned inlet body (361) may be provided with an inlet section (362) through which air from the inner case (200) can pass.

[0251] The above-mentioned inlet section (362) may be provided in a plurality of sections, and a filter may be inserted and installed in one of the sections.

[0252] The above shielding body (363) may include a blocking panel (3631) that blocks the evaporator (341) and the condenser (343) from being exposed to the outside and supports the steam supply unit (800), a power terminal (3632) that extends from the blocking panel (3631) or the inlet body (361) and supplies power to the steam supply unit (800), and a protection panel (3632) that accommodates and protects one of the two sides of the steam supply unit (800).

[0253] A plurality of reinforcing ribs that reinforce rigidity may be provided on the outer surface of the above-mentioned protective panel (3632). This prevents vibrations or shocks generated in the inner case (200) or machine room (300) from being transmitted to the above-mentioned steam supply unit (800).

[0254] The above steam supply unit (800) can be seated and supported on the base cover (360).

[0255] The above steam supply unit (800) may include a steam case (810) that stores water for generating the steam.

[0256] The steam supply unit (800) may further include an installation bracket (870) capable of fixing the steam case (810) to the base cover (360).

[0257] The above installation bracket (870) can be coupled to the base cover (360) to secure the steam case (810).

[0258] The above-mentioned installation bracket (870) may include a lower panel (871) that supports the lower surface of the steam case (810) and side panels (872) that support both sides of the steam case (810) from the lower panel (871).

[0259] The above-mentioned installation bracket (870) may further include a support panel (873) that extends stepwise from the lower panel (871) to support the lower surface of the steam case (810). Thus, the lower panel (871) can accommodate and support a portion of the bottom surface of the steam case (810).

[0260] The compressor (343) may be positioned below the steam supply unit (800).

[0261] The above-mentioned mounting bracket (870) may be provided to block heat generated from the compressor or heat generated from the refrigerant compressed in the compressor from being transferred to the steam supply unit (800).

[0262] The above installation bracket (870) can also prevent the fire from spreading to the steam supply unit (800) in the event that a fire occurs in the compressor (343).

[0263] Meanwhile, the base cover (360) may include a fastening part (3631) provided on the shielding body (363) and detachably coupled to the steam supply part (800). The fastening part (3631) may be provided with a structure that detachably coupled to a protrusion protruding from the lower part of the steam case (810).

[0264] Thus, even if a large amount of water is contained inside the steam case (810), the steam case (810) can be stably seated on the base cover (360).

[0265] In addition, since the steam case (810) is positioned above the circulation duct (320) so that the distance to the inner case (200) is shorter, the condensation of steam generated in the steam case (810) before reaching the inner case (200) can be minimized.

[0266] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0267] The garment processing device of the present invention may be configured to supply steam to a steam iron (1300) and to the inner case (200) or steam nozzle (900), respectively, through a single steam supply unit (800). This eliminates the need to separately design or install a configuration for supplying steam to the steam iron (1300) and a configuration for supplying steam inside the inner case (200). Additionally, the space inside the machine room (300) can be managed efficiently, the control of the steam supply unit (900) can be simplified, and maintenance and repair can be made easier.

[0268] To this end, the steam supply unit (800) of the present invention may include a steam discharge unit (850) provided in a steam case (810) that stores water and generates steam and is connected to the inner case (200), and a high-pressure discharge unit (860) that is spaced apart from the steam discharge unit (850) in the steam case (810) and is connected to the iron module (S).

[0269] The steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860) may be formed as pipes that extend from or are connected to the steam case (810).

[0270] Meanwhile, the capacity of the steam case (810) may be insufficient to simultaneously supply the steam generated from the steam supply unit (800) to the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300). Additionally, the steam iron (1300) is configured to receive steam when the door (120) is open, and the inner case (200) is configured to receive steam when the door (120) is closed. That is, the steam generated from the steam supply unit (800) needs to be selectively supplied to the steam discharge unit (850) and the high-pressure discharge unit (860).

[0271] To this end, the steam supply unit (800) of the present invention may further include a valve unit (890) configured to selectively supply steam generated in the steam case (810) to the steam discharge unit (850) and the high-pressure discharge unit (860). Thus, even if steam is generated in the steam generation unit (800), the garment processing device of the present invention may selectively supply the generated steam to the steam iron (1300) and the inner case (200) by controlling the valve unit (890), or may not supply all steam to the steam iron (1300) and the inner case (200).

[0272] As a result, even if steam is generated in the steam supply unit (800), it can be prevented from being arbitrarily supplied to the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300).

[0273] The above valve section (890) may include a steam valve section or injection valve (891) that determines whether steam is supplied to the inner case (200), and a high-pressure valve section or supply valve (892) that determines whether steam is supplied to the steam iron (1300).

[0274] The steam valve section (891) may be configured to open and close the steam discharge section (850), and the high-pressure valve section (892) may be configured to open and close the high-pressure discharge section (860).

[0275] The fact that the valve unit (890) opens the steam discharge unit (850) or the high-pressure discharge unit (860) means a series of states in which the steam discharge unit (850) or the high-pressure discharge unit (860) is connected to the steam supply unit (800) and can receive steam, and the fact that the valve unit (890) closes the steam discharge unit (850) or the high-pressure discharge unit (860) means a series of states in which the steam discharge unit (850) or the high-pressure discharge unit (860) is disconnected from the steam supply unit (800) and cannot receive steam.

[0276] For example, the valve section (890) opening and closing the steam discharge section (850) or the high-pressure discharge section (860) may include the valve section (890) directly opening and closing the steam discharge section (850) or the high-pressure discharge section (860), or indirectly opening and closing the steam discharge section (850) or the high-pressure discharge section (860) by opening and closing the outlet of the steam case (810) or a separate branch pipe, etc.

[0277] The above valve unit (890) may be equipped with a solenoid valve and may be controlled by the main control unit (700) described later.

[0278] Regardless of where the valve unit (890) is coupled and positioned, the valve unit (890) can be controlled to close the high-pressure discharge unit (860) when the steam discharge unit (850) is opened, and to close the steam discharge unit (850) when the high-pressure discharge unit (860) is opened.

[0279] The valve section (890) can be controlled to prevent the steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860) from simultaneously communicating with the steam supply section (800). By doing so, steam is supplied intensively to only one of the steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860), thereby ensuring the minimum amount of steam required for processing clothing.

[0280] Meanwhile, since the steam supply unit (800) is positioned below the inner case (200), the steam generated from the steam supply unit (800) can be easily supplied into the inner case (200) due to the difference in density with air, etc. However, since the ironing module (S) is positioned on one side of the steam supply unit (800), it may be difficult for steam to be supplied to the steam iron (1300) solely due to the difference in density between air and steam, and the steam iron (1300) needs to be equipped to spray steam onto the surface of clothing according to the requirements of the user, etc.

[0281] Accordingly, the steam supply unit (800) needs to be configured to supply steam to the steam iron (1300) at a higher pressure than to the inner case (200). For example, the steam supply unit (800) may be configured to supply steam corresponding to atmospheric pressure to the inner case (200), and may be configured to supply steam at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure to the steam iron (1300).

[0282] To this end, the steam supply unit (800) may be configured to generate both low-pressure steam and high-pressure steam.

[0283] Meanwhile, if low-pressure steam is generated in the steam supply unit (800), the low-pressure steam is supplied to the inner case (200), and the supply to the steam iron (1300) must be blocked. Additionally, if high-pressure steam is generated in the steam supply unit (800), the high-pressure steam is supplied to the steam iron (1300), and the supply to the inner case (200) must be blocked.

[0284] To this end, the steam supply unit (800) may further include a sensor unit (840) capable of detecting the state inside the steam case (810). The sensor unit (840) may include a pressure sensor (843) for detecting the pressure inside the steam case (810).

[0285] The pressure sensor (843) may be installed in the steam case (810) or coupled to the high-pressure discharge part (860) to detect the pressure inside the steam case (810).

[0286] When the generation of low-pressure steam in the steam case (810) is completed, the steam valve section (891) can be controlled to open the steam discharge section (850). Thus, the steam generated in the steam case (810) can pass through the steam discharge section (850) and be supplied to the inner case (200).

[0287] Even in the case of the process of generating low-pressure steam supplied from the steam case (810) to the inner case (200), the steam valve section (891) can be controlled to open the steam discharge section (850). By doing so, low-pressure steam can be induced to be supplied immediately to the inner case (200) as soon as it is generated in the steam case (810).

[0288] Meanwhile, when the low-pressure steam generation in the steam case (810) is completed or when the low-pressure steam is being generated, the high-pressure valve unit (892) can be controlled to close the high-pressure discharge unit (860). This prevents the unnecessary supply of moisture or steam to the steam iron (1300). When the high-pressure steam supplied to the steam iron (1300) is being generated in the steam case (810) and when the high-pressure steam is generated, the steam valve unit (891) can be controlled to close the steam discharge unit (850). Additionally, when the low-pressure steam is generated in the steam case (810) or when high pressure is not reached, the high-pressure valve unit (892) can be controlled to close the high-pressure discharge unit (860). Thus, before high-pressure steam is generated in the steam case (810), it is possible to block the supply of low-pressure steam or moisture to the steam iron (1300) as well as the inner case (200), and also to block a situation in which the pressure inside the steam case (810) is prevented from rising to high pressure.

[0289] Meanwhile, the steam supply unit (800) of the present invention may be provided to receive water to generate steam. To this end, the clothing processing device of the present invention may include a water supply unit (880) that supplies water from an external water source or water contained in the water tank (301) to the steam supply unit (800).

[0290] For example, the water supply unit (880) may include a water supply pump (881) that provides pressure to supply water supplied to the water supply tank (301) to the steam supply unit (800) or the steam nozzle (900), a supply pipe (882) that is connected to the water supply tank (301) and delivers water to the water supply pump (881), and a water supply hose (883) that connects the water supply pump (880) and the steam case (810).

[0291] The supply pipe (882) may be provided as a hose connecting the water tank (301) and the water pump (881), and the water hose (883) may be provided as a hose connected to the water pump (881).

[0292] The above water supply unit (800) may include a transfer hose (884) connecting the water supply pump (881) and the steam case (810).

[0293] Meanwhile, the steam case (810) can generate both high-pressure steam and low-pressure steam under the control of the valve unit (890). For example, when the steam case (810) is heated by the heater unit (830) described later, the water contained in the steam case (810) is converted into steam. If the amount of steam inside the steam case (810) increases, and the valve unit (890) does not open the steam discharge unit (850) and the high-pressure discharge unit (860), the pressure inside the steam case (810) can increase because the volume of the steam case (810) is limited.

[0294] The above water pump (881) must supply water at a pressure stronger than the pressure inside the steam case (810) in order to supply water into the steam case (810).

[0295] When the steam case (810) is in a low-pressure state, the water supply pump (881) is sufficient to supply water to the steam case (810) at a low pressure, but when it is in a high-pressure state, the water supply pump (881) must be configured to supply water to the steam case (810) at a high pressure.

[0296] To this end, the water supply pump (881) may be equipped with specifications capable of supplying water up to high pressure. However, if the water supply pump (881) is equipped with specifications for supplying high-pressure water, the vibration or noise during operation may be greater than when it is equipped with specifications for supplying low-pressure water. Therefore, if the water supply pump (881) is equipped with specifications for supplying high-pressure water even when the course of supplying steam to the inner case (200) of the garment processing device of the present invention is performed and the steam iron (1300) is not operating, a problem may arise in which severe noise and vibration occur every time the garment processing device operates.

[0297] Additionally, due to the nature of the garment processing device, the frequency of processing clothes through the inner case (200) may be higher than the frequency of operating the steam iron (1300). In this case as well, if the water supply pump (881) is equipped with specifications that supply high-pressure water, energy consumption may be higher.

[0298] Accordingly, the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a high-pressure pump (886) capable of supplying water at a higher pressure than the water supply pump (881) separately from the water supply pump (881).

[0299] Thus, the water supply pump (881) can be driven with less noise and vibration than the high-pressure pump (886), and during the operation of the water supply pump (881), noise or vibration exceeding a reference value in the clothing processing device can be prevented.

[0300] The high-pressure pump (886) is controlled to operate when the steam supply unit (800) supplies steam to the steam iron (1300), and the water supply pump (881) can be controlled to operate when the steam supply unit (800) supplies steam to the inside of the inner case (200).

[0301] Accordingly, when a course in which clothing is processed through the inner case (200) is performed while the door (120) is closed, the water supply pump (881) can be driven to supply water to the steam case (810), and the high-pressure pump (886) can be shut off. The noise and vibration generated in the machine room (300) can be reduced. As a result, the clothing processing device of the present invention can operate without difficulty even in situations where noise and vibration standards are strict, such as at night.

[0302] Additionally, when the steam iron (1300) is operated while the door (120) is open, the high-pressure pump (886) can be driven to supply water to the steam case (810), and the operation of the water supply pump (881) can be blocked. As a result, since the user is holding the steam iron (1300) to process clothing, there may be no major problem even if significant noise and vibration occur.

[0303] The high-pressure pump (886) can be configured to receive water from the water tank (301) in the same way as the water supply pump (881). Thus, even if the high-pressure pump (886) is additionally provided, there is no need to provide a separate water source.

[0304] To this end, the garment processing device of the present invention may further include a high-pressure hose (887) branched from the supply hose (882) to supply water to the high-pressure pump (886). Additionally, an inlet hose (888) capable of supplying water supplied from the high-pressure pump (886) to the steam case (810) may be further included. The inlet hose (888) may carry water at a higher pressure than the supply hose (882) or the water supply hose (883).

[0305] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a branch pipe (889) coupled to the supply hose (882) to which the high-pressure force (887) can be connected. The branch pipe (889) may be provided in the form of a three-branch pipe, etc.

[0306] Meanwhile, the high-pressure pump (886) may be configured to supply water at a pressure equal to or higher than that of the steam case (810) when it is in a high-pressure state. For example, even if the high-pressure valve unit (892) and the heater unit (840) are controlled so that the steam case (810) supplies steam to the steam iron (1300) at 2 atmospheres or 3 atmospheres, the high-pressure pump (886) may be configured to supply water at the same or higher pressure.

[0307] Thus, even when high-pressure steam is discharged from the steam case (810) through the high-pressure discharge section (860), the high-pressure pump (886) can continuously supply water to the steam case (810). As a result, the steam iron (1300) can continuously supply steam to the clothing until all the water contained in the water tank (301) disappears.

[0308] Meanwhile, if the above-mentioned water supply pump (881) is equipped with specifications for supplying low-pressure water, such as atmospheric pressure, high-pressure steam is formed in the above-mentioned steam case (810), or if high-pressure water is formed in the above-mentioned steam case (810) through the above-mentioned high-pressure pump (886), the water or steam inside the above-mentioned steam case (810) may flow back to the above-mentioned water supply pump (881).

[0309] Accordingly, the valve section (890) of the clothing processing device of the present invention may be equipped with a prevention valve (893) that opens and closes the water supply hose (883).

[0310] The above prevention valve (893) may be provided in the form of a check valve, or may be provided as a solenoid valve, such as a steam valve part (891) and a high-pressure valve part (892), to open and close the water supply hose (883) or the transmission hose (884).

[0311] As a result, even if the pressure inside the steam case (810) is formed to a high pressure, backflow of water or steam to the water supply pump (881) can be prevented.

[0312] When the steam is supplied through the inner case (200), the steam supply unit (800) can be controlled to generate low-pressure steam. At this time, if there is a shortage of water in the steam supply unit (800), the water supply pump (881) can be operated to supply water to the steam case (810). The high-pressure pump (886) can be shut off.

[0313] The high-pressure valve section (892) can be controlled to close the high-pressure discharge section (860). The steam valve section (891) can be controlled to continuously open the steam discharge section (850), and the steam discharge section (850) can be closed before steam is generated in the steam supply section (800), and then opened after low-pressure steam is generated in the steam supply section (800). The low pressure can be set to atmospheric pressure, or to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than 2 atmospheres.

[0314] During this process, the above prevention valve (893) may be controlled to be closed. Alternatively, the above prevention valve (893) may be controlled to be open.

[0315] When a course is performed in which steam is supplied through the inner case (200), the water supply pump (881) may be configured to supply water necessary for the course before steam is generated in the steam supply unit (800). Furthermore, the operation of the water supply pump (881) may be blocked after steam is generated in the steam supply unit (800). Alternatively, the water supply pump (881) may be controlled to operate before the steam case (810) is heated, but may be blocked when the steam case (810) is heated or when the heater unit (830) is operated. This prevents the steam case (810) from being cooled by additionally supplied water or the generated steam from condensing back into water.

[0316] When the above steam iron (1300) is operated to spray steam, the steam supply unit (800) can be controlled to generate high-pressure steam. At this time, if there is a shortage of water in the steam supply unit (800), the high-pressure pump (886) can be operated to supply water to the steam case (810). The operation of the water supply pump (881) can be cut off.

[0317] The steam valve section (891) can be controlled to close the steam discharge section (850). The high-pressure valve section (892) can be controlled to close the high-pressure discharge section (860) before the steam case (810) reaches a set high-pressure state, and to open the high-pressure discharge section (860) when the set high-pressure state is reached.

[0318] The above high pressure can be set to a level such as 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times atmospheric pressure.

[0319] During this process, the above prevention valve (893) can be controlled to be closed.

[0320] Meanwhile, the high-pressure pump (886) can be controlled to operate when there is a shortage of water in the steam case (810), even if the steam case (810) is heated. Additionally, the high-pressure pump (886) can be controlled to operate whenever the water in the steam case (810) drops below a set value. This is because the steam case (810) is heated to generate high-pressure steam, so steam can be continuously generated even when high-pressure water is supplied, and even if the steam condenses into water, it can be converted back into steam in a short time. Therefore, steam can be continuously supplied even if the steam iron (1300) operates for a long time.

[0321] Meanwhile, low-pressure steam generated inside the steam case (810) can be supplied directly into the inner case (200) through the steam discharge part (850). However, if steam is supplied directly into the inner case (200), there is a risk that the water contained in the steam case (810) will also be discharged into the inner case (200). In addition, there is a risk that the high-temperature water will heat the bottom surface of the inner case (200), causing the inner case (200) to be damaged by heat.

[0322] To prevent this, the steam nozzle (900) may be provided to receive steam generated in the steam case (810) and guide the steam to the inner case (200).

[0323] The above steam nozzle (900) may be spaced apart from the steam case (810) and may receive only steam formed in the steam case (810) and may not receive water contained in the steam case (810).

[0324] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0325] As described above, the garment processing device of the present invention may be configured to supply steam generated in the steam case (810) not directly to the inner case (200), but through the steam nozzle (900).

[0326] Unlike the above-described embodiment, the water supply pump (881) may not be directly connected to the steam case (810).

[0327] The above water supply hose (883) may be provided to communicate with the steam nozzle (900) rather than the steam case (810). The above transfer hose (884) may be provided to be connected to the steam case (810) at the bottom of the steam nozzle (900).

[0328] The above steam nozzle (900) can receive water through the water supply hose (883) and then supply water to the steam supply unit (800) through the transfer hose (884).

[0329] Since the steam nozzle (900) is positioned above the steam case (810), water supplied to the steam nozzle (900) can be automatically supplied to the steam case (810) through the transfer hose (884).

[0330] The steam discharge section (850) through which steam flows into the steam nozzle (900) and the transfer hose (884) through which water is discharged from the steam nozzle (900) may be provided as separate flow paths. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the water supplied from the steam nozzle (900) from obstructing the movement of the steam supplied from the steam case (810).

[0331] In addition, the high-pressure pump (886) and the inlet hose (888) can be directly connected to the steam case (810). Therefore, high-pressure water can be prevented from leaking out to the outside while passing through the steam nozzle (900), etc.

[0332] The high-pressure pump (886) may be positioned at a different height from the water supply pump (881). For example, the high-pressure pump (886) may be positioned at a higher location than the water supply pump (881). As a result, the water in the water tank (301) can be delivered more easily to the water supply pump (881) than to the high-pressure pump (886). Additionally, water may be selectively supplied to the high-pressure pump (886) only when the steam iron (1300) is in use. As a result, water contained in the water tank (301) can be prevented from unnecessarily remaining in the high-pressure hose (887), etc.

[0333] The high-pressure hose (887) can be extended directly upward from the branch pipe (889).

[0334] The above water supply pump (881) can be mounted on the base (310).

[0335] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a drainage structure (870) for discharging water remaining in the steam supply unit (800).

[0336] The above drainage structure (870) may include a discharge pipe (872) for discharging water remaining in the steam case (810) and an opening / closing part (871) for opening and closing the discharge pipe (872).

[0337] The above opening / closing part (871) may be provided as a simple valve, or it may be provided as a pump structure that provides power to discharge water contained in the steam case (810).

[0338] The above discharge pipe (872) may be provided to communicate with the steam case (810) and the inside of the circulation duct.

[0339] Meanwhile, the sensor unit (840) can be coupled to or fixed to the steam case (810).

[0340] Fig. 13 shows the water supply and drainage structure of Fig. 12 from a different angle.

[0341] The above water supply hose (883) may be provided to connect the above water supply pump (881) and the above steam nozzle (900).

[0342] The above steam nozzle (900) can deliver water supplied to the above steam case (810) through the delivery hose (884).

[0343] The above water supply hose (883) can be connected to one side of the steam nozzle (900), and the above transfer hose (884) can be positioned lower than the water supply hose (883).

[0344] The above-mentioned transfer hose (884) may be provided in a U-shape. That is, the middle section of the transfer hose (884) may be positioned at a lower height than both ends. As a result, a certain amount of water, such as a water trap, may be accumulated in the transfer hose (884), thereby preventing backflow of steam or water supplied from the steam case (810) through the transfer hose (884).

[0345] In addition, since the steam case (810) is not directly connected to the water supply pump (881), the possibility of water flowing into the steam case (810) backflowing to the water supply pump (881) can also be prevented.

[0346] Additionally, a large amount of water can be supplied to the steam nozzle (900) through the water supply pump (881). As a result, foreign substances accumulated in the steam nozzle (900) or bacteria that are multiplying can be washed away by the water supplied to the steam nozzle (900) and go down into the steam case (810). Therefore, the steam nozzle (900) can always be kept clean.

[0347] Meanwhile, when the steam supplied from the steam nozzle (900) is condensed, the condensed water can be recirculated into the steam case (810) through the transfer hose (884). That is, the condensed water generated from the steam nozzle (900) can be recovered into the steam case (810) in the same direction as the water supplied from the water supply pump (881), and can be recycled as water to generate the steam. Therefore, the clothing processing device of the present invention can prevent the water level of the water supply tank (301) from rapidly decreasing and can also prevent water waste.

[0348] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned prevention valve (893) may be connected to the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) to shield the above-mentioned transfer hose (884). That is, the above-mentioned water supply hose (883) is always maintained in an open state, and the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) can be controlled to be opened and closed by the above-mentioned prevention valve (893).

[0349] Thus, even if high-pressure steam is generated or high-pressure water is supplied inside the steam case (810), the backflow of the steam and water through the transfer hose (884) to the water supply pump (881) or water supply hose (883) can be prevented.

[0350] Figure 14 illustrates the specific structure of a steam nozzle.

[0351] The above steam nozzle (900) may include a supply container (910) capable of receiving steam supplied from the steam case (810) or water supplied from the water supply hose (883).

[0352] The above supply container (910) may be provided in the shape of a case having an internal space capable of receiving and accommodating water or steam.

[0353] The above water supply hose (883) can be connected to the supply container (910) at a height higher than the bottom surface of the supply container (910). For example, the water supply hose (883) can be connected to the side of the supply container (910). By doing so, backflow of water supplied to the supply container (910) into the water supply hose (883) can be prevented.

[0354] The above water supply hose (883) can be connected to the supply container (910) at a higher position than the transfer hose (884). For example, one end of the transfer hose (884) may be connected to the bottom surface of the supply container (910), and the other end may be connected to the steam supply unit (800). In this way, water supplied to the water supply pipe (881) can be automatically flowed into the transfer hose (884).

[0355] In addition, the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) may be provided in a U-shape to accommodate a certain amount of water inside.

[0356] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) may be positioned adjacent to the above-mentioned water supply hose (883). Thus, water supplied through the above-mentioned water supply hose (883) can be quickly introduced into the above-mentioned steam case (810) without remaining in the above-mentioned supply container (910).

[0357] One end of the steam discharge unit (850) may be connected to the lower part of the supply container (910), and the other end may be connected to the steam case (810). Thus, steam generated in the steam case (810) can be automatically supplied to the supply container (910) due to the difference in density.

[0358] The steam discharge unit (850) may be connected to a location higher than the transfer hose (884) in the supply container (910). Additionally, the steam discharge unit (850) may be positioned further from the water supply hose (883) than from the transfer hose (884).

[0359] Thus, water supplied to the supply container (910) can be supplied more to the delivery hose (884) without flowing back into the steam discharge part (850).

[0360] The above steam discharge part (850) can be connected to the bottom surface of the supply container (910).

[0361] The bottom surface of the supply container (910) may be configured such that the part where the transfer hose (884) is connected is lower, and the part where the steam discharge part (850) is connected is higher. To this end, a step may be formed on the bottom surface of the supply container (910), or it may be provided at an angle.

[0362] The steam nozzle (900) may further include a container cover (920) coupled to the upper part of the supply container (910). The container cover (920) may include a steam injection hole (921) provided through the upper part. The steam injection hole (921) may be provided to communicate with the interior of the inner case (200).

[0363] The supply container (910) may be provided in the form of a box with an open top, and the container cover (920) may be provided to cover the top of the supply container (910).

[0364] The steam supplied through the steam discharge unit (850) can be discharged through the steam injection hole (921) and supplied into the inner case (200).

[0365] Based on the steam injection hole (921), the water supply hose (883) and the transfer hose (884) are positioned on one side of the supply container (910), and the steam discharge part (850) is positioned on the other side of the supply container (910).

[0366] That is, the water supply hose (883) and the transfer hose (884) are positioned adjacent to each other, and the steam discharge part (850) can be positioned further from the water supply hose (883) than from the transfer hose (884).

[0367] Thus, water moving through the water supply hose (883) can be supplied to the supply container (910) along direction 1. The water supplied to the supply container (910) can be immediately discharged through the transfer hose (884) along direction 2 and supplied to the steam supply unit (800). When the steam discharge unit (850) is opened, the steam supplied can be supplied to the supply container (910) along direction 3 and discharged through the steam injection hole (921), and the condensed water can be discharged again through the transfer hose (884) along direction 2 and resupplied to the steam supply unit (800).

[0368] FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0369] Referring to FIG. 15, most of the structures described in FIG. 11 can be applied in the same way. However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 11, the valve section (890) may further include a pump valve (894) configured to selectively connect the high-pressure pump (886) and the steam case (810).

[0370] The pump valve (894) may be configured to open and close the inflow hose (888).

[0371] The above pump valve (894) can be coupled and positioned on the inlet hose (888).

[0372] Alternatively, the pump valve (894) may be installed by being connected to a connecting pipe provided to be in communication with the inlet hose (888) on one side of the steam case (810), and may be connected to the end of the inlet hose (888).

[0373] The pump valve (894) can be controlled to open the inlet hose (888) when the high-pressure pump (886) is driven. By doing so, high-pressure water from the high-pressure pump (886) can be guided into the steam case (810) through the inlet hose (888).

[0374] The pump valve (894) can be controlled to close when high-pressure steam is generated inside the steam case (810) and when high-pressure steam is generated. This prevents the steam generated inside the steam case (810) from flowing back toward the high-pressure pump (886) through the inlet hose (888).

[0375] Additionally, the pump valve (894) may be configured to close the inlet hose (888) when the operation of the high-pressure pump (886) is stopped. For example, the pump valve (894) may close the inlet hose (888) unless water is being supplied from the high-pressure pump (886) to the steam case (810), regardless of whether high-pressure steam is being generated inside the steam case (810).

[0376] Thus, it is possible to prevent the high-pressure water filled inside the steam case (810) from flowing back to the high-pressure pump (886) through the inlet hose (888).

[0377] The remaining configuration and control process may be the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

[0378] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0379] Most of the structures described in FIG. 15 can be applied identically to FIG. 16. That is, the pump valve (894) can be provided to prevent steam or moisture from flowing back from the steam case (810) toward the high-pressure pump (886).

[0380] However, unlike the above-described embodiment, the water supply pump (881) may not be directly connected to the steam case (810).

[0381] The above water supply hose (883) may be provided to communicate with the steam nozzle (900) rather than the steam case (810). The above transfer hose (884) may be provided to be connected to the steam case (810) at the bottom of the steam nozzle (900).

[0382] The remaining structure below can be applied in the same way as the structure described in FIG. 12.

[0383] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0384] Referring to FIG. 17, most of the structures described in FIG. 11 can be applied in the same way.

[0385] However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 11, the prevention valve (893) may be omitted from the valve part (890).

[0386] That is, the prevention valve (893) that opens and closes the water supply hose (883) or the transfer hose (884) supplying water from the water supply pump (881) to the steam case (810) may be omitted.

[0387] Even if the above-mentioned water supply pump (881) stops operating, a certain level of water may remain inside the above-mentioned water supply pump (881), and a certain level of moisture may remain inside the above-mentioned water supply hose (883). Therefore, even if some of the steam generated in the above-mentioned steam case (810) flows back toward the above-mentioned water supply pump (881), the steam may come into contact with moisture remaining in one or more of the above-mentioned water supply pump (881) and the above-mentioned water supply hose (883), thereby preventing further backflow.

[0388] In addition, even if the inside of the steam case (810) is heated to high pressure to supply steam to the steam iron (1300), the high-pressure steam can also come into contact with moisture remaining in one or more of the water supply pump (881) and the water supply hose (883), thereby preventing further backflow. Furthermore, the high pressure inside the steam case (810) cannot completely push out the water remaining in one or more of the water supply pump (881) and the water supply hose (883) toward the water tank (301). Therefore, the water remaining in the water supply pump (881) and the water supply hose (883) can act as a kind of water trap to prevent air or steam inside the steam cake (810) from flowing back. In addition, the above water supply hose (883) may also provide resistance that limits the movement of fluid.

[0389] Accordingly, the above prevention valve (893) can be omitted to simplify the configuration, and the process of separately controlling the above prevention valve (893) can also be omitted.

[0390] Likewise, even if the high-pressure pump (886) is stopped from operating, a certain level of water may remain inside the high-pressure pump (886). Therefore, even if the steam inside the steam case (810) flows back into the high-pressure pump (886), the steam may be prevented from remaining in one or more of the high-pressure pump (886) and the inlet hose (888).

[0391] In addition, even if the pressure inside the steam case (810) becomes higher than atmospheric pressure due to water remaining inside the high-pressure pump (886) and resistance of the inlet hose (888), the fluid inside the steam cake (810) can be prevented from continuously flowing back toward the high-pressure pump (886).

[0392] Accordingly, the above pump valve (894) can be omitted to simplify the configuration, and the process of separately controlling the above pump valve (894) can also be omitted.

[0393] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the water supply and steam discharge structure of the steam supply unit.

[0394] Most of the structures described in FIG. 17 can be applied identically to FIG. 18. However, unlike the previously described embodiment, the water supply pump (881) may not be directly connected to the steam case (810).

[0395] The above water supply hose (883) may be provided to communicate with the steam nozzle (900) rather than the steam case (810). The above transfer hose (884) may be provided to be connected to the steam case (810) at the bottom of the steam nozzle (900).

[0396] The remaining structure can be applied in the same way as the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

[0397] FIG. 19 illustrates a structure in which backflow is blocked in the configuration shown in FIG. 18.

[0398] The above-mentioned transfer hose (884) can be connected to the steam case (810) and the steam nozzle (900) with both ends positioned higher than the center area.

[0399] That is, one end of the transmission hose (884) is connected to the steam case (810), the other end of the transmission hose (884) is connected to the bottom surface of the supply container (910), and the remaining part of the transmission hose (884) can be positioned in a U-shape below both ends of the transmission hose (884).

[0400] Thus, when the water supply pump (881) is driven, water is supplied to the supply container (810) through the water supply hose (883) and can be discharged to the steam case (810) through the transfer hose (884).

[0401] When the operation of the above water supply pump (881) is cut off, a certain amount of water may remain between the two ends of the above transfer hose (884).

[0402] When steam is controlled to be supplied from the steam case (810) to the inner case (200), the water supplied to the steam case (810) is heated to generate steam, and the steam valve (891) is opened so that steam can be discharged through the steam discharge part (850).

[0403] The steam discharged through the steam discharge unit (850) is introduced into the supply container (910), and some of it may flow back through the transfer hose (884). (Direction B)

[0404] However, the steam introduced into the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) can be prevented from flowing back into the steam case (810) by coming into contact with the water remaining inside the above-mentioned transfer hose (884).

[0405] Additionally, when a certain amount of steam is filled inside the transfer hose (884), the steam introduced into the supply container (910) can be discharged to the inner case (200) through the steam injection hole (921) provided in the container cover (920) without moving further to the transfer hose (884).

[0406] When the water supplied to the steam case (810) is heated to generate steam, some of it may flow back through the transfer hose (884) as is. (Direction A)

[0407] However, the steam that has flowed back into the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) can be prevented from flowing back into the supply container (910) by coming into contact with the water remaining inside the above-mentioned transfer hose (884).

[0408] Additionally, when a certain amount of steam is filled inside the transmission hose (884), the steam introduced into the transmission hose (884) can be discharged to the steam discharge section (850) without moving further.

[0409] When the steam valve section (891) is opened, the inside of the steam case (810) is in a state of atmospheric pressure, so the internal pressure of the steam case (810) may be insufficient to push out the water remaining in the transfer hose (884). Therefore, even if low-pressure steam is generated inside the steam case (810), water may remain inside the transfer hose (884). As a result, a separate valve may not be installed in the transfer hose (884).

[0410] Additionally, since the supply hose (883) has a relatively long flow path, the steam introduced into the supply container (910) may not be able to flow further into the supply hose (883) even if it flows backward through a portion of the supply hose (883). Therefore, even without a valve to open or close the supply hose (883), the backflow of steam generated inside the steam case (810) through the supply hose (883) can be prevented.

[0411] When steam is controlled to be supplied from the steam case (810) to the steam iron (1300), the water supplied to the steam case (810) is heated to generate steam, and the steam valve section (891) and the high-pressure valve section (892) can remain closed until the inside of the steam case (810) reaches a high-pressure state higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0412] During this process, the pressure inside the steam case (810) increases, and high-pressure steam is stagnated inside the steam case (810) so that it can flow into the transfer hose (884). (Direction A)

[0413] However, when the high-pressure steam comes into contact with the water remaining inside the transfer hose (884), it immediately condenses, which can actually increase the amount of water remaining in the transfer hose (884).

[0414] Therefore, the high-pressure steam inside the steam case (810) may not be able to push the water remaining inside the transfer hose (884) into the supply container (910).

[0415] Therefore, even if the valve for opening and closing the above-mentioned transfer hose (884) is omitted, the high-pressure steam generated inside the above-mentioned steam case (810) can be prevented from flowing back into the above-mentioned transfer hose (884).

[0416] The high-pressure steam can be discharged directly from the steam case (810) when the high-pressure valve part (892) is opened.

[0417] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the structure of the steam supply unit.

[0418] The above steam supply unit (800) may be equipped with a steam case (810) in the shape of a cylinder.

[0419] The steam case (810) may be provided in a cylindrical or elliptical shape. This allows the pressure to be uniformly distributed even when high-pressure steam is generated.

[0420] The steam supply unit (800) may include a steam discharge unit (850) that discharges steam from the steam case (810) and a high-pressure discharge unit (860) that discharges steam from the steam case (810) while being spaced apart from the steam discharge unit (850).

[0421] The steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860) may be provided with a metal material and may be provided as a pipe extending from the steam case (810), or may be provided as a pipe connected to the steam case (810).

[0422] The steam supply unit (800) may further include a separate connecting hose that is connected to the steam discharge unit (850) and the high-pressure discharge unit (860), respectively, to connect the steam nozzle (900) and the steam iron (1300).

[0423] Alternatively, the steam discharge part (850) and the high-pressure discharge part (860) may be provided with an elastic material and directly connected to the steam nozzle (900) and the steam iron (1300), respectively.

[0424] The steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860) may be arranged to face each other with respect to the steam case (810). That is, the steam case (810) may be placed between the steam discharge section (850) and the high-pressure discharge section (860). By doing so, interference between the steam discharge section (850), the high-pressure discharge section (860), the steam valve section (891), the high-pressure valve section (892), and the pressure sensor (843) can be prevented.

[0425] The pressure sensor (843) can be coupled to and fixed to the high-pressure valve part (892).

[0426] The heater unit (830) may be coupled to the steam case (810) and configured to heat the steam case (810) or the water inside the steam case (810).

[0427] When the heater unit (830) is positioned outside the steam case (810) to heat the steam case (810), the steam supply unit (800) may further include a heater cover (820) that prevents the heater unit (830) from being exposed inside the machine room (300).

[0428] The heater cover (820) may be provided in the shape of a bracket that fixes the heater part (830) to the steam case (810).

[0429] The heater unit (830) may be provided to receive power and heat the steam case (810), and a fuse (833) may be provided to cut off the power supplied to the heater unit (830) when the heater unit (830) overheats.

[0430] The sensor unit (840) may include a pressure sensor (843) that detects the pressure inside the steam case (810) or the pressure inside the high-pressure discharge unit (860), and a water level sensor (841) that detects the water level inside the steam case (810).

[0431] Additionally, the sensor unit (840) may further include a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature inside the steam case (810).

[0432] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the heater section of the steam supply section.

[0433] The heater unit (830) may be provided to be coupled to the outer surface of the steam case (810) to heat the steam case (810).

[0434] The heater unit (830) may be equipped with an electric heater that heats itself by receiving electric energy and heats the steam case (810).

[0435] Alternatively, the heater unit (830) may be provided in the form of a coil to receive alternating current, and the steam case (810) may be provided with a metal material to receive an induced current generated by the alternating current of the heater unit (830) and be heated. That is, the heater unit (830) may be provided as an induction heater.

[0436] The heater unit (830) may be positioned on the lower surface of the steam case (810). This prevents the heater unit (830) from heating a separate component, such as the inner case (200).

[0437] The heater unit (830) may include a first heater (831) that heats the steam case (810) by receiving current from the control unit, and a second heater (832) that is positioned inside the first heater (831) and heats the steam case (810).

[0438] The first heater (831) and the second heater (832) can operate independently. For example, when the steam case (810) generates low-pressure steam for supplying the inner case (200), only one of the first heater (831) and the second heater (832) may operate, and when the steam case (810) generates high-pressure steam for supplying the steam iron (1300), both the first heater (831) and the second heater (832) may operate.

[0439] The first heater (831) and the second heater (832) may be provided in a horseshoe shape, and the second heater (832) may be placed inside the first heater (831). The fuse (833) may be placed inside the first heater (831) and the second heater (832) or in the lower center of the steam case (810).

[0440] The heater cover (820) may be provided to fix the heater part (830) to the steam case (810) and to prevent the heater part (830) from being exposed to the outside or the heater part (830) from heating other components other than the steam case (810).

[0441] The heater cover (820) may be provided with a heat dissipation material, or may be provided with a metal material having a lower thermal conductivity than the steam case (810) or the heater part (830).

[0442] FIG. 22 illustrates the drainage structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0443] When the compressor (343) and the blower fan (352) are driven in the clothing processing device of the present invention, the air supplied from outside the cabinet (100) and the air supplied from the inner case (200) are cooled as they pass through the evaporator (341), and the water vapor contained in the air is condensed.

[0444] The water condensed in the above evaporator (341) can accumulate on the lower surface of the above circulation duct (320).

[0445] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a water reservoir (326) provided by indenting a portion of the bottom surface of the duct body (321) to collect condensed water condensed in the evaporator (341).

[0446] The above reservoir (326) is a space formed by being recessed in the bottom surface of the above duct body (321), and may also form one side of the above control unit installation part (313).

[0447] The above reservoir (326) can be formed by being sunk downward from the bottom surface of the circulation duct (320).

[0448] The above reservoir (326) can be formed integrally with the above circulation duct (320). The above reservoir (326) can be created by injection molding the above circulation duct (320) onto the base part (310) and forming a portion of the bottom surface of the above circulation duct (320) so that it is recessed.

[0449] The above reservoir (326) may have at least a portion of its upper surface positioned parallel to the heat exchanger installation section (313).

[0450] The base portion (310) may include a guide pipe (3263) for discharging water collected in the reservoir portion (326) to the outside.

[0451] The guide tube (3263) may be provided protruding from the lower part of the reservoir (362) to the outside of the circulation duct (320). The guide tube (3263) can discharge water stored in the reservoir to the outside of the base part. This prevents the water collected in the reservoir (326) from decaying or flowing back to the bottom surface of the circulation duct (320).

[0452] The above circulation duct (320) is provided with a partition wall (3211) that extends from the inner surface of the duct body (321). The partition wall (3211) may protrude inward from the inner wall of the circulation duct (320), or may protrude inward from the outer wall of the circulation duct (320) formed by being recessed inward. The partition wall (3211) can guide the location where the heat exchanger (341, 343) is installed and can prevent air entering the heat exchanger from bypassing the heat exchanger. The partition wall (3211) may be provided in the water reservoir (326).

[0453] FIG. 23 illustrates the installation structure of the drainage tank of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0454] The above drainage container (302) may be provided in the shape of a box for storing water.

[0455] The above drainage container (302) may be provided with a supply hole for receiving water on the back surface, and the supply hole may be positioned closer to the top than to the bottom surface of the drainage container (302).

[0456] The above detachable part (380) may include a load support part (381) on which one or more of the drainage tank (302), the water supply tank (301), and the iron module (S) can be supported, and a detachable support part (382) positioned in front of the circulation duct (320) on the load support part (381) on which the drainage tank (302) and the water supply tank (301) can be seated.

[0457] The load support member (381) is provided in a plate shape to support the lower surface of the water supply tank (301) and the drainage tank (302), and the detachable support member (382) is also provided in a plate shape to support the rear surface of the water supply tank (301) and the drainage tank (302).

[0458] The above detachable part (380) may include a detachable separation part (383) protruding from the load support part (381) so as to be positioned between the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302). The detachable separation part (383) can separate the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (302) by a certain distance. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the other one of the water supply tank (301) and the drain tank (202) from being arbitrarily withdrawn when either the water supply tank (301) or the drain tank (302) is withdrawn.

[0459] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a drainage unit (330) for collecting water condensed in the circulation duct (320) into a drainage tank (302).

[0460] The above drainage section (330) may include a drainage pump (331) that receives water from the guide pipe (3263) and a drainage hose (333) that receives water from the drainage pump (331) and guides it to the drainage tank (301).

[0461] The drainage section (330) of the present invention may further include a discharge pipe (334) connecting the drainage hose (333) and the drainage container (301). The discharge pipe (334) may be provided to receive water from the drainage hose (333) and guide it into the drainage container (302).

[0462] Meanwhile, the discharge pipe (334) may be directly connected to the drain hose (333) or may be provided integrally with the drain hose (333).

[0463] However, the clothing processing device of the present invention may install the discharge pipe (334) in the circulation duct (320) so that water can be continuously supplied even when the water level inside the drainage tank (302) reaches full capacity, and the circulation duct (320) may be provided to receive backflowing water from the discharge pipe (334) or the drainage tank (301) back into the interior.

[0464] Thus, the above circulation duct (320) and the water reservoir (326) can temporarily perform the function of a drainage tank (302) to expand the water storage capacity. As a result, water can be prevented from overflowing outside the drainage tank (302).

[0465] For example, the detachable part (380) may include a detachable connecting part (384) that penetrates the detachable support part (382) to allow the drain hose (333) and the drain container (302) to be connected.

[0466] The above detachable connecting part (384) may be formed in an area facing the supply hole provided in the drainage container when the drainage container (301) is seated on the load support part (381).

[0467] The discharge pipe (334) may be provided by extending from the circulation duct (320) or by extending from the detachable part (380). The discharge pipe (334) may be provided as an injection molded product. By doing so, the discharge pipe (334) can stably fix the end of the drain hose (333) and prevent the drain hose (333) from being abruptly bent.

[0468] Additionally, the discharge pipe (334) is provided as a pipe-shaped injection molded part that is fixed to the circulation duct (320) or the support (380), so that the installation position can always be fixed. As a result, the end of the discharge pipe (334) and the supply hole provided in the drainage tank (302) are always positioned in the correct location, so that the condensate supplied from the drainage pump (331) can stably flow into the drainage tank (302).

[0469] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a backflow section (335) that allows the water contained inside the drainage tank (302) to flow back to the circulation duct (320) or the residual water treatment section (330).

[0470] The above backflow section (335) may be provided at the lower part of the discharge pipe (334) and configured to communicate with the inside of the circulation duct (320) and the drainage tank (302). The above backflow section (335) may be configured to guide water inside the drainage tank (302) into the inside of the circulation duct (320).

[0471] FIG. 24 illustrates in detail the structure of the backflow section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0472] The above circulation duct (320) may have the evaporator (341) and the condenser (343) placed inside. In this case, the evaporator (341) may be placed in front of the condenser (343) in the circulation duct (320).

[0473] The above-mentioned backflow section (335) may be positioned at the front of the above-mentioned circulation duct (320). At this time, if water flowing from the backflow section (335) into the inside of the above-mentioned circulation duct (320) comes into contact with the evaporator (341), the evaporator (341) may be unnecessarily corroded or contaminated, and the efficiency of the evaporator (341) in cooling the air may be reduced.

[0474] Accordingly, the evaporator (341) may be positioned closer to the rear of the circulation duct (320) than the backflow section (335) so that the water supplied from the backflow section (335) does not come into contact with the evaporator (341) along with the air directed toward the evaporator (341).

[0475] The above backflow section (335) or the above discharge pipe (334) may pass through the above detachable connecting section (384) and be exposed in front of the above circulation duct (320). When the above drainage container (302) is seated on the above detachable support section (382), the end of the above backflow section (335) or the above discharge pipe (334) may be inserted into the above drainage container (302).

[0476] Consequently, water discharged outside the circulation duct (320) through the drainage pump (331) can be collected in the drainage tank (302) along the drainage hose (333) and the discharge pipe (334).

[0477] When the water level of the drainage tank (302) reaches the discharge pipe (334) or the backflow section (335), the water overflowing the backflow section (335) flows back into the circulation duct (320) along the backflow section (335), thereby preventing leakage to the outside of the machine room (300).

[0478] The guide channel (338) may be provided to extend along the width direction of the front of the circulation duct (320). One end of the guide channel (338) may be positioned to communicate with the backflow view (335), and the other end may be positioned above the water tank (326).

[0479] Additionally, the circulation duct (320) may further include a barrier wall (337) that guides water flowing in from the backflow view (335) to the guide channel (338).

[0480] FIG. 25 illustrates the lower configuration of the bottom surface of the inner case.

[0481] The above-mentioned bottom surface (230) can introduce air from inside the inner case (200) into the circulation duct (320) through the inlet hole (232), and can receive dehumidified and heated air passing through the circulation duct (320) through the discharge hole (231). Additionally, it can receive steam supplied from the steam supply unit (800) through the steam hole (233).

[0482] However, the bottom surface (230) can block air, moisture, and foreign substances inside the inner case (200) from leaking into the machine room (300), except for the through holes.

[0483] A detachable part (380) is provided in front of the machine room (300) to prevent external air, moisture, or foreign substances from entering the machine room (300).

[0484] The clothing processing device of the present invention may install the ironing module (S) in the machine room (300). By doing so, the ironing module (S) can be prevented from being exposed to air, moisture, and foreign substances inside the inner case (200).

[0485] Additionally, the machine room (300) can be positioned and installed independently of the inner case (200) by having its entire configuration located below the floor surface (230). As a result, the machine room (300) can be manufactured as a module and installed in the cabinet (100).

[0486] The ironing module (S) can be installed in the machine room (300) in a modular manner. Accordingly, the ironing module (S) can also be selectively installed in the machine room (300) without affecting the internal configuration of the machine room (300) and the cabinet (100).

[0487] Therefore, even if the clothing processing device of the present invention is a product that is not equipped with the ironing module (S), the ironing module (S) can be installed in the machine room (300) at a later date.

[0488] The ironing module (S) may be positioned offset to one of the two sides of the machine room (300). Interference between the ironing module (S) and existing components, such as the circulation duct (320), may be minimized.

[0489] Furthermore, since the above ironing module (S) receives the necessary steam through the steam supply unit (800) and water supply unit (880) installed in the refresh module (T), the components for independently generating steam can be omitted.

[0490] For example, the iron module (S) may omit a separate water tank for storing water, a separate steam generator for heating water, and a separate drainage unit for draining condensed water. Accordingly, the iron module (S) may include only a cable (1400) connected to a steam supply unit (800) to receive steam or send condensed water, a steam iron (1300) coupled to the cable (1400) to spray steam, a storage module (1200) for safely storing the steam iron (1300) in a machine room, and an independent control unit for controlling the steam iron (1300), and other separate components may be omitted.

[0491] Accordingly, the machine room (300) may omit a base structure for supporting the configuration of the iron module (S) on one side of the circulation duct (320).

[0492] Furthermore, since the above steam iron (1300) etc. is placed at the front of the machine room (300), the rear of the machine room (300) where the steam iron (1300) is placed can be secured as an empty space without installing a separate configuration.

[0493] Therefore, the installation and maintenance of the above ironing module (S) can be made very easy.

[0494] Specifically, the ironing module (S) may further include a storage section (1200) capable of storing the steam iron (1300), which supplies one or more of heat and steam to the clothing, inside the machine room (300).

[0495] The storage unit (1200) may be provided as a housing that provides a space to accommodate the steam iron (1300). Alternatively, the storage unit (1200) may be provided as a drawer type that is pulled out forward from the machine room (300).

[0496] The storage unit (1200) may be configured to move in the forward and backward directions from the detachable unit (380) and may be configured to be withdrawn from the detachable unit (380).

[0497] The above detachable part (380) may include a through hole through which the storage part (1200) or the steam iron (1300) and cable (1400) can be pulled out or inserted by penetrating the detachable support part (382). The through hole may be positioned on one side of the area where the water tank (301) is seated.

[0498] The storage unit (1200) can be inserted through the above-mentioned through hole or the perimeter of the storage unit (1200) can be supported so that the storage unit (1200) can be fixed to the machine room (300).

[0499] Thus, the iron module (S) can separate the detachable part (380) from the machine room (300) and then install the storage part (1200) containing the steam iron (1300) and cable (1400) inside the machine room.

[0500] Afterwards, the cable (1400) can be connected to the steam supply unit (800) at the rear of the machine room (300) and connected to the main control unit (700) to complete the installation.

[0501] Additionally, the detachable part (380) can be reinstalled on the front of the machine room (300), and the storage part (1200) can be positioned to be inserted into or passed through the through hole.

[0502] As a result, since one side of the circulation duct (320) is entirely empty from the front to the rear of the machine room, the installation, maintenance, and repair of the ironing module (S) can be simplified.

[0503] FIG. 26 illustrates a structure in which the above-mentioned water supply structure and the above-mentioned water supply section are connected.

[0504] The above ironing module (S) is provided independently of the refresh module (T) and installed separately, but can be provided to communicate with the steam supply unit (800) provided in the machine room (300). As a result, the ironing module (S) can receive steam generated from water stored in the water tank (301).

[0505] Therefore, the above ironing module (S) may be omitted from being connected to a separate water source or from having an additional water tank.

[0506] In addition, the clothing processing device of the present invention can supply steam to both the inside of the inner case (200) and the steam iron (1300) through a single water tank (301).

[0507] When the water stored in the water tank (301) is driven, the water can be supplied to the steam supply unit (800) through the supply hose (882), passing through the water pump (881), and through the connecting hose (883).

[0508] If the above connecting pipe (883) is connected to the steam nozzle (900), water can be supplied to the steam supply unit (800) through the steam nozzle (900).

[0509] When the water supplied to the steam supply unit (800) is heated, steam can be generated, and conditions can be provided for the steam to be discharged through the outlet (823).

[0510] Meanwhile, when the high-pressure pump (886) is driven, the water contained in the water tank (301) can move through the water supply hose (883), pass through the branch pipe (889), and move to the high-pressure hose (887).

[0511] The water that reaches the high-pressure pump (886) from the high-pressure hose (887) can be supplied to the steam case (810) through the inlet hose (888).

[0512] The high-pressure pump (886) and the water supply pump (881) can be driven selectively and controlled so that they are not driven simultaneously.

[0513] FIG. 27 illustrates a general structure in which the above-mentioned drainage structure and the above-mentioned drainage section can communicate.

[0514] The above circulation duct (320) may further include an inlet pipe (3264) that guides water discharged from the above drainage structure (2600) to the above reservoir (260).

[0515] The direction in which the inlet pipe (3264) is provided and the direction in which the guide pipe (3263) is provided may be different from each other.

[0516] For example, the guide tube (3263) may be formed on the front surface of the circulation duct (320), and the inlet tube (3264) may be formed on the left or right side of the circulation duct (320).

[0517] The above inlet pipe (3264) may be provided in an area corresponding to the side of the reservoir (326) among the sides of the above circulation duct (320).

[0518] The above inlet pipe (3264) is provided to communicate the inside of the reservoir (326) and the outside of the circulation duct (320), and may be provided to protrude outward from the side of the circulation duct (320).

[0519] The inlet pipe (3264) may be installed at a position higher than the bottom surface of the reservoir (326) or the guide pipe (3263).

[0520] When the above drainage structure (870) discharges water through the inlet pipe (3264), the water is collected in the reservoir (326) and discharged through the guide pipe (3263) to communicate with the drainage section (330).

[0521] Thus, a separate drainage tank for the ironing module (S) can be omitted.

[0522] FIG. 28 illustrates a structure in which the above-mentioned drainage structure and the above-mentioned drainage section are in communication.

[0523] The above ironing module (S) is provided independently of the structure of the machine room (300) and installed separately, but can communicate with the drainage section (330) of the refresh module (T) through the steam supply section (800) and the circulation duct (320).

[0524] As a result, the iron module (S) can be configured to discharge residual water into the drain container (302). Therefore, the structure in which the iron module (S) is equipped with an additional drain container (302) or connected to a separate drain can be omitted.

[0525] In the clothing processing device of the present invention, steam that is not discharged from the ironing module (S) and is condensed, or water condensed in the steam iron (1300), can be recovered to the steam supply unit (800) through the cable (1400).

[0526] The water recovered in the steam supply unit (800) can be moved into the circulation duct (320) through the discharge pipe (872) when the shielding unit (871) is opened or operated. As a result, the water recovered in the steam supply unit (800) and the residual water collected in the circulation duct (320) can be collected in the drain tank (302) through the drain unit.

[0527] The present invention may be modified and implemented in various forms, and its scope of rights is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the components of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; An inner case providing a storage space for clothing; A door for opening and closing the above-mentioned receiving space; A circulation duct forming a passageway for air inside the inner case to circulate outside the inner case; A steam iron configured to be pullable toward the receiving space or the door from one side of the above circulation duct; A steam supply unit configured to selectively supply steam to the interior of the inner case and the steam iron, wherein the steam supply unit supplies steam at a higher pressure to the steam iron than to the interior of the inner case; A water supply pump configured to supply water at a pressure lower than the pressure of the steam supplied to the steam iron in the above steam supply unit; A garment processing device characterized by including a high-pressure pump configured to supply water at a pressure equal to or greater than the pressure of steam supplied to the steam iron in the above steam supply unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above steam supply unit A steam case for receiving water supplied from the above-mentioned water supply pump or the above-mentioned high-pressure pump, and A heater unit that generates steam by heating water contained in the above steam case, and A steam discharge pipe that extends from or is connected to the steam case and supplies the steam to the inner case, and A high-pressure discharge pipe that supplies steam to the steam iron, spaced apart from the steam discharge pipe, and A steam valve unit for opening and closing the above steam discharge pipe, and A high-pressure valve unit for opening and closing the above-mentioned high-pressure discharge pipe, and A clothing processing device characterized by further including a prevention valve that blocks backflow of water supplied from the high-pressure pump to the steam case or steam generated in the steam case to the water supply pump.

3. In Paragraph 2, A clothing processing device characterized by the steam valve section and the high-pressure valve section being controlled to be selectively opened and closed.

4. In Paragraph 3, A clothing processing device characterized in that the high-pressure valve section is controlled to open when the steam supply section is at a higher pressure than the steam valve section.

5. In Paragraph 2, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above-mentioned high-pressure pump is controlled to be operable even when the above-mentioned high-pressure valve is open.

6. In Paragraph 5, It further includes a water level sensor that detects the water level inside the steam supply unit, and A clothing processing device characterized by the high-pressure pump being configured to supply water to the steam supply unit whenever the water level inside the steam supply unit is detected to be below a reference water level.

7. In Paragraph 5, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above-mentioned water supply pump is controlled so that operation is cut off when the above-mentioned high-pressure valve is open.

8. In Paragraph 5, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above-mentioned water supply pump is set to complete operation before the above-mentioned steam valve section is opened, and is controlled to cut off operation when the above-mentioned steam valve section is open.

9. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a water tank for storing water supplied to the steam supply unit, and A clothing processing device characterized in that both the above-mentioned water supply pump and the above-mentioned high-pressure pump are configured to supply water contained in the above-mentioned water supply tank to the above-mentioned steam supply unit.

10. In Paragraph 9, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above-mentioned water supply pump and the above-mentioned high-pressure pump are set to be driven selectively.

11. In Paragraph 9, A clothing processing device characterized in that the high-pressure pump is positioned above the water supply pump.

12. In Paragraph 9, A supply hose that guides the water contained in the above water tank to the above water pump, and A supply pipe branched from the above supply hose and guiding water toward the above steam supply unit, and A clothing processing device characterized by further including a high-pressure hose that guides water moving through the supply pipe to the high-pressure pump.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above steam supply unit A steam case for receiving water supplied from the above-mentioned water supply pump or the above-mentioned high-pressure pump, and It includes a heater unit that generates steam by heating water contained in the steam case above, and The above heater part A clothing processing device characterized by being positioned outside the steam case and configured to heat the steam case.

14. In Paragraph 1, A discharge pipe for discharging water contained in the above steam supply unit to the outside, and A clothing processing device characterized by further including a drain valve for opening and closing the above-mentioned discharge pipe.

15. In Paragraph 14, A clothing processing device characterized by the above discharge pipe being configured to guide water contained in the above steam supply unit into the inside of the above circulation duct.