Dryer

Abstract

This dryer comprises: a cabinet; a drum rotatably supported in the cabinet; a heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; an exhaust port for guiding, to the heat exchanger, the air discharged from the inside of the drum to the outside of the drum; and a lint removal device for removing lint in the air guided to the heat exchanger through the exhaust port. The lint removal device comprises: a lint filter for collecting lint; a rotating member rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint collected in the lint filter; a driving device for generating power; a first coupler coupled to the rotating member; a second coupler coupled to the driving device and connected to the first coupler in a first direction, which is the axial direction of the rotating member, to transmit power to the rotating member; a push button which is provided to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and separates the first coupler and the second coupler; and a direction changing member which is coupled to the second coupler and moves the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed.

Description

dryer

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer with an improved structure for separating the rotating member and the driving device of a lint removal device.

[0002] Generally, a dryer is a device that dries objects contained within a drum by blowing hot air (high-temperature, dry air) into the drum. A common example of a dryer is the clothing dryer, which is used to process wet laundry after washing.

[0003] During the operation of the dryer, the air discharged from the drum may contain lint. The air discharged from the drum passes through a heat exchanger and is recirculated back into the drum; therefore, it is necessary to remove the lint from the air before circulation.

[0004] To this end, the dryer may include a lint removal device comprising a lint filter that collects lint to prevent the drying performance of the dryer from deteriorating by preventing lint from flowing toward the heat exchanger, a rotating member rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint collected in the lint filter, and a driving device that generates power to rotate the rotating member. Since lint can accumulate in the lint filter, it is necessary to remove the accumulated lint to prevent the drying performance from deteriorating.

[0005] In order to remove the lint accumulated in the lint filter, it is necessary to separate the lint filter from the drive unit.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer with an improved structure for separating a rotating member and a driving device of a lint removal device.

[0007] In addition, a dryer is provided that can separate the rotating member and the driving device of a lint removal device by pushing a push button.

[0008] In addition, a dryer is provided that can improve the durability of the structure separating the rotating member and the driving device of the lint removal device.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A dryer according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably supported within the cabinet, a heat exchanger provided within the cabinet to exchange heat with air, an exhaust port for guiding air discharged from inside the drum to outside the drum to the heat exchanger, and a lint removal device for removing lint from the air that passes through the exhaust port and is guided to the heat exchanger. The above lint removal device comprises a lint filter for collecting lint, a rotating member rotatably installed to scrape and collect lint collected in the lint filter, a driving device for generating power, a first coupler coupled to the rotating member, a second coupler coupled to the driving device and connected in a first direction which is the axial direction of the first coupler and the rotating member to transmit power to the rotating member, a push button configured to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and separating the first coupler and the second coupler, and a direction changing member coupled to the second coupler and moving the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed.

[0011] A dryer according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably supported within the cabinet, a heat exchanger provided within the cabinet to exchange heat with air, an exhaust port for guiding air discharged from inside the drum to outside the drum to the heat exchanger, and a lint removal device for removing lint from the air that passes through the exhaust port and is guided to the heat exchanger. The above lint removal device includes a cleaning device comprising a lint filter for collecting lint and a rotating member rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint collected in the lint filter, a first coupler coupled to the rotating member, a driving device for generating power, a second coupler coupled to the driving device and connected in a first direction which is the axial direction of the first coupler and the rotating member to transmit power to the rotating member, a push button provided to be pushed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a direction changing member coupled to the second coupler and connected to the push button to move the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed to separate the first coupler and the second coupler.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lint removal device according to one embodiment mounted inside a unit receiving portion.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a disassembled view of a part of a lint removal device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a partition member according to one embodiment being coupled to a lint housing.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a disassembled view of the main parts of a lint removal device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the disassembled view of the first coupler, push button, direction change member, and second coupler according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a lint removal device in which a first coupler and a second coupler are connected according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing the part where the first coupler and the second coupler of a lint removal device are connected according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the first coupler and the second coupler connected before the push button of a lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the push button of a lint removal device pushed according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the first coupler and the second coupler separated when the push button of a lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pair of first elastic members being compressed and accumulating elastic force when a push button of a lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a second elastic member is compressed and accumulates elastic force as the second coupler is separated from the first coupler when the push button of a lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the second coupler being separated from the first coupler when a push button is pushed according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the withdrawal of a lint cover, in which a rotating member and a lint filter are housed, from a lint housing according to one embodiment.

[0028] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0029] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0032] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0035] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0037] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0038] The terms "front," "rear," "left," and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0039] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dryer may include a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) includes a front surface (11), a top surface (12), a side surface (13), a rear surface (14), and a bottom surface (15), and may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape. The cabinet (10) may form the main body of the dryer.

[0043] A recovery water container (16) may be provided in the cabinet (10). Specifically, the recovery water container (16) may be provided on the upper part of the front (11) of the cabinet (10). The recovery water container (16) may store condensate generated by the operation of the refrigerant cycle described later.

[0044] A control unit (17) for operating the dryer may be provided in the cabinet (10). Specifically, the control unit (17) may be provided on the upper front (11) of the cabinet (10). The control unit (17) may include at least one of a rotary switch (17a), a display (17b), and a button (17c). The rotary switch (17a) may be provided so that the user can select a mode of the dryer by gripping and rotating it. The display (17b) may be provided to display the operating status of the dryer and / or the user's operation status. The display (17b) may be provided to allow touch input. The button (17c) may be provided so that the user can select a mode of the dryer by pressing it. However, it is not limited thereto, and various operation methods may be applied.

[0045] The cabinet (10) may include a base (60). The base (60) may be provided at the bottom of the cabinet (10) to form a bottom surface (15). Legs (19) for supporting the cabinet (10) may be provided on the bottom surface (15).

[0046] The dryer may include a drum (20) provided to receive a drying object. The drum (20) may include an inlet of the drum (20) into which the drying object is introduced. The drum (20) may be rotatably positioned inside a cabinet (10).

[0047] The dryer may include a drive unit (not shown) that rotates the drum (20). The drive unit may be mounted on a base (60) and generate power to rotate the drum (20).

[0048] The drum (20) may include an inlet (21) through which air is introduced into the interior (23) of the drum and an outlet (22) through which air is discharged from the interior (23) of the drum (20) to the outside of the drum (20). The inlet (21) may be formed on one side of the drum (20), and the outlet (22) may be formed on the other side of the drum (20). Specifically, the inlet (21) may be a rear opening of the drum (20), and the outlet (22) may be a front opening of the drum (20). For example, the front opening of the drum (20) may be the inlet of the drum.

[0049] A plurality of lifters (24) may be arranged inside the drum (20). The plurality of lifters (24) can raise and drop the object to be dried, causing the object to come into contact with hot air while floating in the space inside the drum (20).

[0050] A first opening (or input opening) (25) may be formed on the front of the cabinet (10) so that a drying object can be inserted into the drum (20), and a door (30) for opening and closing the first opening (25) may be installed. The door (30) may be hinge-connected to one side of the first opening (25) and may be rotatably provided.

[0051] A base (60) may be placed at the bottom of the drum (20). A heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), an expansion device (not shown), etc., that form a refrigerant cycle may be mounted on the base (60). Additionally, a fan (80), a drive unit, etc., may be mounted on the base (60). A base cover (75) may be provided on the top of the base (60) to cover the heat exchanger (70), etc. For example, the base cover (75) may form a duct structure together with the base (60).

[0052] The drum (20) may include an exhaust port (26) that guides air exiting the drum (20) through an outlet (22) to a heat exchanger (70). High-temperature dry air may be introduced into the drum (20) through an inlet (21) to dry the object contained in the drum (20). Additionally, after drying the object, the air containing a large amount of moisture may exit the drum (20) through the outlet (22). The air exiting the drum (20) through the outlet (22) may be guided to the heat exchanger (70) through the exhaust port (26). That is, the air exiting the drum (20) through the outlet (22) may be exhausted through the exhaust port (26) to a duct structure formed by the base (60) and the base cover (75).

[0053] A fan (80) may be provided on a base (60). The fan (80) may generate airflow to form an air passage. For example, the fan (80) may discharge air in a radial direction.

[0054] A refrigerant cycle for heating and condensing air may be formed inside the cabinet (10). The refrigerant may circulate through a series of processes consisting of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Specifically, the refrigerant cycle may include a heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), and an expansion device. The heat exchanger (70) may exchange heat with air and may include an evaporator (71) and a condenser (72).

[0055] The compressor (73) compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state and discharges it, and the discharged refrigerant flows into the condenser (72). The condenser (72) condenses the compressed refrigerant and can release heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Additionally, the expansion device (74) expands the refrigerant, which is in a high temperature and high pressure state condensed in the condenser (72), into a low pressure state. The evaporator (71) evaporates the expanded refrigerant and can remove heat from the surroundings through the evaporation process.

[0056] When a drying object is introduced into the dryer and operated in drying mode, the high-temperature, high-humidity air discharged from the drum (20) can pass through the evaporator (71). Accordingly, the high-temperature, high-humidity air discharged from the drum (20) is cooled as it passes through the evaporator (71), so it can be transformed into low-temperature, dry air. At this time, condensation may occur as the high-temperature, high-humidity air is cooled in the evaporator (71). The condensation may be moved to a water tank (16) for recovery or drained to the outside of the cabinet (10). Additionally, the low-temperature, dry air that has passed through the evaporator (71) can pass through the condenser (72). Accordingly, the low-temperature, dry air discharged from the evaporator (71) is heated as it passes through the condenser (72), so it can be transformed into high-temperature, dry air. The high-temperature, dry air can be introduced into the drum (20) through the inlet (21) to dry the drying object. As the object to be dried is dried, high-temperature, high-humidity air containing a large amount of moisture can be discharged through the outlet (22). The air discharged through the outlet (22) can pass through the evaporator (71) again through the exhaust port (26). In summary, the air can dry the object to be dried contained in the drum (20) while circulating inside the cabinet (10).

[0057] Generally, in drying mode, a closed flow path may be formed inside the cabinet (10) of the dryer. Here, the closed flow path may be an air movement path (see arrow in FIG. 2) configured so that air inside the cabinet circulates through the heat exchanger (70) and the drum (20). The closed flow path may not be connected to the outside of the cabinet (10) so that air from outside the cabinet (10) does not enter or exit. That is, the air flow may form a closed loop.

[0058] The dryer may include a second opening (65) provided on the front of the cabinet (10) to allow access to the heat exchanger (70). A lint removal device (100), to be described later, may be mounted inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). Specifically, the lint removal device (100) may be detachably mounted to a unit receiving portion (61) formed inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). That is, the lint removal device (100) may be mounted in the unit receiving portion (61). For example, when the lint removal device (100) is mounted in the unit receiving portion (61), the dryer may perform a drying mode (drying operation) for drying objects such as clothing. Meanwhile, a unit cover (40) may be provided on the front of the cabinet (10) to open and close the second opening (65).

[0059] With the unit cover (40) closing the second opening (65), the front of the unit cover (40) and the front of the cabinet (10) (11) are connected, forming a smooth surface without a step.

[0060] The unit cover (40) may include a coupling projection (41). The coupling projection (41) may protrude from the inner surface of the unit cover (40). The cabinet (10) may include a coupling groove (63) corresponding to the coupling projection (41). When the coupling projection (41) and the coupling groove (63) are coupled, the unit cover (40) may be in a closed state. However, this is not limited thereto, and the cabinet (10) may include a coupling projection and the unit cover (40) may include a coupling groove. That is, the coupling between the cabinet (10) and the unit cover (40) may be provided in various forms.

[0061] Additionally, the unit cover (40) may include a coupling hinge (42) that provides a rotation axis to rotate relative to the cabinet (10). The coupling hinge (42) may be provided at the bottom of the unit cover (40). The cabinet (10) may include a coupling hinge mounting portion (62) corresponding to the coupling hinge (42). The coupling hinge (42) may be coupled to the coupling hinge mounting portion (62) and rotate, and by this rotation, the space where the lint removal device (100) is mounted, i.e., the unit receiving portion (61), may be opened and closed.

[0062] The lint removal device (100) can be detachably mounted on the dryer. Specifically, the lint removal device (100) can be detachably mounted inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). The lint removal device (100) can be mounted on or detached from the unit receiving portion (61). The lint removal device (100) can remove lint from the air that is discharged outside the drum (20) through the outlet (22) and then guided to the heat exchanger (70) through the exhaust port (26). That is, the lint removal device (100) can remove lint from the air guided to the heat exchanger (70) to prevent lint from adhering to the heat exchanger (70).

[0063] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lint removal device according to one embodiment mounted inside a unit receiving portion. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a disassembled portion of a lint removal device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a partition member according to one embodiment coupled to a lint housing. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a disassembled main part of a lint removal device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a disassembled view of a first coupler, a push button, a direction change member, and a second coupler according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a lint removal device with the first coupler and the second coupler connected according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged drawing showing the part where the first coupler and the second coupler of the lint removal device according to one embodiment are connected.

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 9, the lint removal device (100) can be mounted inside the unit receiving portion (61). The lint removal device (100) can be mounted inside the unit receiving portion (61) through the second opening (65). The second opening (65) can be opened and closed by the unit cover (40).

[0065] The lint removal device (100) may include a lint housing (110). The lint housing (110) may be provided so that its front is open. All components of the lint removal device (100) may be accommodated inside the lint housing (110). For example, the lint filter (130), rotating member (140), driving device (150), etc., which will be described later, may be accommodated inside the lint housing (110).

[0066] The interior of the lint housing (110) may be divided into a first space (111) and a second space (113) by a partition member (160) to be described later. A lint filter (130), a rotating member (1400), and a first coupler (171) to be described later may be placed in the first space (111). A driving device (150), a second coupler (172), a push button (180), and a direction change member (190) to be described later may be placed in the second space (113).

[0067] The lint housing (110) may include a pair of support protrusions (115) that support the other end of a pair of first elastic members (173) to be described later. One end of a pair of first elastic members (173) may be supported by a push button (180).

[0068] The lint housing (110) may include a connecting projection (117) to which a partition member (160) is connected. The connecting portion (163) of the partition member (160) is connected to the connecting projection (117), so that the interior of the lint housing (110) can be divided into a first space (111) and a second space (113) by the partition member (160).

[0069] The lint removal device (100) may include a lint cover (120). The lint cover (120) may be placed inside the lint housing (110). The lint cover (120) may be placed in a first space (111) inside the lint housing (110). A lint filter (130) and a rotating member (140) may be accommodated inside the lint cover (120).

[0070] The lint removal device (100) may include a lint filter (130). The lint filter (130) may be housed inside a lint housing (110). The lint filter (130) may be housed inside a lint cover (120). The lint filter (130) may collect lint from the air. The lint filter (130) may collect lint from the air that passes through the exhaust port (26) and is guided to the heat exchanger (70). (See FIG. 2)

[0071] The lint removal device (100) may include a rotating member (140). The rotating member (140) may be received inside a lint housing (110). The rotating member (140) may be received inside a lint cover (120). The rotating member (140) may be coupled with a lint filter (130) inside the lint cover (120).

[0072] The lint filter (130) and the rotating member (140) of the lint removal device (100) can be described as a cleaning device for cleaning the collected lint.

[0073] The rotating member (140) may include a rotating shaft (141) and a spiral-shaped pin (143) provided on the rotating shaft (141). The pin (143) may be configured along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (141). The pin (143) may be referred to as a blade. The pin (143) of the rotating member (140) can scrape the inner surface of the lint filter (130) to collect the lint and transfer it to the lint box (101). The lint box (101) may be placed inside the lint housing (110). In the drawing, the lint box (101) may be located to the left of the lint housing (110). The lint box (101) may be located to the left of the rotating member (140).

[0074] A first coupler (171) may be coupled to the end of the rotating shaft (141). A first coupler (171) may be coupled to the end of the rotating shaft (141) that is connected to the driving device (150) among the two ends of the rotating shaft (141). The first coupler (171) is connected to a second coupler (173) that is coupled to the driving device (150) so that power generated from the driving device (150) can be transmitted to the rotating member (140).

[0075] The lint removal device (100) may include a driving device (150). The driving device (150) may be housed inside the lint housing (110). The driving device (150) may be housed inside the motor cover (151). The driving device (150) may be placed in a second space (113) inside the lint housing (110). The driving device (150) may generate power. The power generated by the driving device (150) may be transmitted to a rotating member (140).

[0076] A second coupler (172) may be coupled to the driving device (150). The second coupler (172) is connected to a first coupler (171) coupled to the rotation axis (141) of the rotating member (140) so as to transmit power generated from the driving device (150) to the rotating member (140).

[0077] The lint removal device (100) may include a partition member (160). The partition member (160) may be accommodated inside the lint housing (110). The partition member (160) may be coupled inside the lint housing (110) to partition the space inside the lint housing (110) into a first space (111) and a second space (113). In the drawing, the first space (111) may be located to the left of the partition member (160), and the second space (113) may be located to the right.

[0078] The partition member (160) may include a partition plate (161) that partitions the space inside the lint housing (110) into a first space (111) and a second space (113). The space inside the lint housing (110) may be partitioned into a first space (111) on the left side of the drawing and a second space (113) on the right side based on the partition plate (161).

[0079] A through hole (162) may be formed in the partition plate (161). The through hole (162) may be formed so that a second coupler (172) passes through it. The second coupler (172) coupled to the driving device (150) may be connected to the first coupler (171) by passing through the through hole (162) formed in the partition plate (161).

[0080] The partition member (160) may include a connecting portion (163). The connecting portion (163) may be provided at the rear end of the partition plate (161). The connecting portion (163) may be connected to the lint housing (110). The connecting portion (163) may be connected to the connecting projection (117) of the lint housing (110).

[0081] The partition member (160) may include a front plate (165) provided at the front end of the partition plate (161). The front plate (165) may be exposed to the outside through the open front of the lint housing (110).

[0082] The front plate (165) may include a front opening (166). The front opening (166) may be opened so that the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is exposed to the outside of the lint housing (110).

[0083] The front plate (165) may include a guide rib (167). The guide rib (167) may be provided to extend rearward from the front opening (166). The guide rib (167) may be provided to extend rearward from the upper and lower parts of the front opening (166). The guide rib (167) may guide the push portion (181) of the push button (180) to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating member (140).

[0084] The lint removal device (100) may include a push button (180). The push button (180) may be received inside the lint housing (110). The push button (180) may be located in a second space (113) inside the lint housing (110). The push button (180) may be located to the right of a rotating member (140) located in a first space (111) inside the lint housing (110).

[0085] The push button (180) may be configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating member (140). The axial direction of the rotating member (140) may be the axial direction of the rotation axis (141) of the rotating member (140). The axial direction of the rotating member (140) may be the first direction. The direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating member (140) may be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis (141) of the rotating member (140). The direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating member (140) may be the second direction. When the push button (180) moves in the second direction, the second coupler (172) connected to the first coupler (171) can be separated from the first coupler (171). When the second coupler (172) is separated from the first coupler (171) by the push button (180), the rotating member (140) to which the first coupler (171) is coupled can be separated from the driving device (150). When the rotating member (140) is separated from the driving device (150), the lint filter (130) coupled to the rotating member (140) can be withdrawn from the lint housing (110) inside the unit receiving part (61) through the second opening (65). When the lint filter (130) is withdrawn from the lint housing (110), the user can clean the lint filter (130).

[0086] The push button (180) may include a push portion (181). The push portion (181) may be exposed to the outside of the lint housing (110) through a front opening (166) formed in the front plate (165) of the partition member (160). Since the push portion (181) is exposed to the outside of the lint housing (110), the user can push the push portion (181) through the second opening (65) after opening the unit cover (40) covering the unit receiving portion (61). When the push portion (181) is pushed, the push portion (181) may move toward the rear, which is a second direction, along the guide rib (167) formed in the front plate (165) of the partition member (160). When the push part (181) is pushed and the push part (181) moves toward the rear, which is the second direction, the push button (180) can move toward the rear, which is the second direction. The user can detach and withdraw the lint filter (130) through a simple action of pushing the push part (181).

[0087] The push button (180) may include a body portion (183). The body portion (183) may be connected to the push portion (181). The body portion (183) may be connected to the push portion (181) and arranged to extend toward the rear of the push portion (181). Since the body portion (183) is connected to the push portion (181), when the push portion (181) is pushed, it may move together with the push portion (181) in the direction in which the push portion (181) is pushed.

[0088] The push button (180) may include a direction change unit (185). The direction change unit (185) may be provided in the body part (183) to be connected to the direction change member (190). The direction change unit (185) can move the direction change member (190) to the first direction when the body part (183) moves in the second direction. When the body part (183) moves toward the rear, which is the second direction, together with the push unit (181), the direction change unit (185) can move the direction change member (190) in the first direction, which is the direction in which the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171). When the direction change member (190) moves in the direction in which the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171) by the direction change unit (185), the second coupler (172) and the first coupler (171) can be separated.

[0089] The direction changer (185) may include a protrusion (186). The protrusion (186) may be formed to protrude from the body part (183) toward the direction changer (190). The protrusion (186) may be formed to protrude to the right from the body part (183) toward the direction changer (190) located to the right of the body part (183).

[0090] The direction changer (185) may include a first inclined surface (187). The first inclined surface (187) may be formed at an angle to the protrusion (186). The first inclined surface (187) may be provided to contact the direction changer (190). As will be described later, the first inclined surface (187) may contact the second inclined surface (193) of the direction changer (190). When the second inclined surface (193) of the direction changer (190) contacts the first inclined surface (187) of the direction changer (185) and the push button (180) moves in the second direction, the direction changer (190) may move along the first inclined surface (187) that is in contact with the second inclined surface (193). When the second inclined surface (193) of the direction changing member (190) moves along the first inclined surface (187) of the direction changing part (185), the direction changing member (190) can move in the first direction. When the push part (181) is pushed and moves toward the rear, which is the second direction, the direction changing member (190) can move in the first direction, where the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171).

[0091] The push button (180) may include a pair of support members (189). The pair of support members (189) may support one end of a pair of first elastic members (173). The other end of a pair of first elastic members (173) may be supported by a pair of support protrusions (115) of a lint housing (110).

[0092] The lint removal device (100) may include a direction changing member (190). The direction changing member (190) may be coupled to a second coupler (172). The direction changing member (190) may be connected to a push button (180). The direction changing member (190) may change the direction in which the push button (180) is pushed so that the second coupler (172) moves in a first direction. When the push button (180) is pushed, the direction changing member (190) may move the second coupler (172) in a first direction. When the push button (180) is pushed, the direction changing member (190) may move the second coupler (172) in a direction away from the first coupler (171). If the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171), the second coupler (172) and the first coupler (171) can be separated.

[0093] The direction changing member (190) may include a coupler connection part (191). The coupler connection part (191) may be connected to a second coupler (172). Since the direction changing member (190) is connected to the second coupler (172), when it moves in the first direction, the second coupler (172) can also move in the first direction together with the direction changing member (190).

[0094] The direction change member (190) may include a second inclined surface (193). The second inclined surface (193) may be formed to have an inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface (187) of the direction change member (185). The second inclined surface (193) may come into contact with the first inclined surface (187) of the direction change member (185). Since the second inclined surface (193) comes into contact with the first inclined surface (187) of the direction change member (185), when the push button (180) moves in the second direction, the direction change member (190) may move along the first inclined surface (187) that is in contact with the second inclined surface (193). When the second inclined surface (193) of the direction changing member (190) moves along the first inclined surface (187) of the direction changing part (185), the direction changing member (190) can move in the first direction. When the push part (181) is pushed and moves toward the rear, which is the second direction, the direction changing member (190) can move in the first direction, where the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171).

[0095] The lint removal device (100) may include a pair of first elastic members (173). A pair of first elastic members (173) may be provided between the lint housing (110) and the push button (180). One end of a pair of first elastic members (173) may be supported by a pair of support portions (189) formed on the push button (180). The other end of a pair of first elastic members (173) may be supported by a pair of support protrusions (115) formed on the lint housing (110). A pair of first elastic members (173) provided between the lint housing (110) and the push button (180) may move the push button (180) back to its original position after the push button (180) is pushed. When the push button (180) is pushed, a pair of first elastic members (173) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. When the force pushing the push button (180) is released, the push button (180) can move to its original position before being pushed by the accumulated elastic force of the pair of first elastic members (173).

[0096] The lint removal device (100) may include a second elastic member (174). The second elastic member (174) may be provided between the second coupler (172) and the motor cover (151). The second elastic member (174) can move the second coupler (172), which has been moved in a first direction by the push button (180), back to its original position. When the push button (180) is pushed and the direction change member (190) moves the second coupler (172), which is in the first direction, away from the first coupler (171), the second elastic member (174) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. When the force pushing the push button (180) is released, the second coupler (172) can move in the first direction, where the second coupler (172) moves closer to the first coupler (171), by the accumulated elastic force of the second elastic member (174).

[0097] Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 16, we will examine in detail the operation of separating the rotating member from the driving device by pushing the push button, and then withdrawing the lint cover containing the rotating member and the lint filter from the lint housing.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first coupler and the second coupler being connected before the push button of the lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the push button of the lint removal device according to one embodiment being pushed. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first coupler and the second coupler being separated after the push button of the lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first elastic member being compressed and accumulating elastic force after the push button of the lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second elastic member being compressed and accumulating elastic force as the second coupler is separated from the first coupler after the push button of the lint removal device according to one embodiment is pushed. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second coupler being separated from the first coupler after the push button according to one embodiment is pushed. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the withdrawal of a lint cover, which accommodates a rotating member and a lint filter according to one embodiment, from a lint housing.

[0099] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 10, the first coupler (171) and the second coupler (172) can be connected before the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is pushed. Since the first coupler (171) and the second coupler (172) are connected, the power generated in the driving device (150) to which the second coupler (172) is coupled is transmitted to the rotating member (140) to which the first coupler (171) is coupled, thereby rotating the rotating member (140).

[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is pushed, the push portion (181) can move toward the rear, which is the second direction. The direction toward which the push portion (181) is directed may be the direction toward the rear, which is the direction in which the push portion (181) is pushed. When the push portion (181) is pushed, the body portion (183) can also move toward the rear, which is the second direction, together with the push portion (181). That is, when the push portion (181) is pushed, the push button (180) can move toward the rear, which is the second direction.

[0101] When the push button (180) moves toward the rear, which is the second direction, the direction changing member (190) can move along the first inclined surface (187) of the push button (180) with the second inclined surface (193) in contact with the first inclined surface (187). That is, the direction changing member (190) can move along the first inclined surface (187) of the push button (180). When the direction changing member (190) moves along the first inclined surface (187) of the push button (180), the direction changing member (190) can move toward the first direction. That is, the direction changing member (190) can move toward the first direction, in a direction where the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171). When the direction changing member (190) moves the second coupler (172), which is in the first direction, away from the first coupler (171), the second coupler (172) connected to the direction changing member (190) can move together with the direction changing member (190) in the direction where the second coupler (172), which is in the first direction, moves away from the first coupler (171). When the second coupler (172) moves away from the first coupler (171), the second coupler (172) can be separated from the first coupler (171).

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is pushed, a pair of first elastic members (173) provided between the lint housing (110) and the push button (180) can be compressed. The pair of first elastic members (173) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. When the push portion (181) is pushed, the push button (180) can move toward the rear. The direction in which the push button (180) moves toward the rear may be the right direction in the drawing. The push button (180) can move toward the right direction to compress the pair of first elastic members (173). Although not illustrated in the drawing, when the force pushing the push portion (181) is released, the push button (180) can move to the position before it was pushed by the elastic force accumulated in the pair of first elastic members (173).

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is pushed, the second elastic member (174) provided between the second coupler (172) and the motor cover (151) can be compressed. The second elastic member (174) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. When the push portion (181) is pushed, the direction change member (190) can move the second coupler (172), which is in the first direction, away from the first coupler (171). When the direction change member (190) moves the second coupler (172), which is in the first direction, away from the first coupler (171), the second coupler (172) can be separated from the first coupler (171) and the second elastic member (174) can be compressed. Although not shown in the drawing, when the force pushing the push part (181) is released, the second coupler (172) can move toward the first coupler (171) by the elastic force accumulated in the second elastic member (174).

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the push portion (181) of the push button (180) is pushed, the second coupler (172) can move away from the first coupler (171) and be separated from the first coupler (171). When the first coupler (171) and the second coupler (172) are separated, the rotating member (140) can be separated from the driving device (150, see FIG. 12).

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the rotating member (140) is separated from the driving device (150, see FIG. 12), the lint cover (120) containing the rotating member (140) and the lint filter (130, see FIG. 4) can be withdrawn from the lint housing (110). When the lint cover (120) is withdrawn from the lint housing (110), the lint filter (130, see FIG. 4) contained in the lint cover (120) can be withdrawn from the lint cover (120) and cleaned.

[0106] A dryer according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (10), a drum (20) rotatably supported within the cabinet, a heat exchanger (70) provided within the cabinet to exchange heat with air, an exhaust port (26) for guiding air flowing out from inside the drum to outside the drum to the heat exchanger, and a lint removal device (100) for removing lint from the air passing through the exhaust port and guiding it to the heat exchanger. The above lint removal device includes a lint filter (130) for collecting lint, a rotating member (140) rotatably installed to scrape and collect lint collected in the lint filter, a driving device (150) for generating power, a first coupler (171) coupled to the rotating member, a second coupler (172) coupled to the driving device and connected in a first direction which is the axial direction of the first coupler and the rotating member to transmit power to the rotating member, a push button (180) configured to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and separating the first coupler and the second coupler, and a direction changing member (190) coupled to the second coupler and moving the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed.

[0107] The above direction changing member is connected to the push button, and can change the direction in which the push button is pushed so that the second coupler moves in the first direction.

[0108] When the second coupler moves in the first direction, the second coupler can be separated from the first coupler.

[0109] The above push button may include a push portion (181), a body portion (183) connected to the push portion and moving together with the push portion in the direction in which the push portion is pushed, and a direction change portion (185) provided in the body portion to be connected to the direction change member and, when the body portion moves in the second direction, moves the direction change member in the first direction.

[0110] The above direction changing part may include a protrusion (186) formed to protrude from the body part toward the direction changing member, and a first inclined surface (187) formed at an angle to the protrusion and arranged to contact the direction changing member.

[0111] When the body part moves in the second direction, the direction changing member can move in the first direction along the first inclined surface.

[0112] The above direction changing member may include a coupler connection part (191) connected to the second coupler and a second inclined surface (193) that is provided to contact the first inclined surface and is formed to correspond to the first inclined surface and moves along the first inclined surface.

[0113] The above lint removal device may include a lint housing (110) in which the lint filter, the rotating member, and the driving device are accommodated inside.

[0114] The above lint removal device may include a first elastic member (173) provided between the push button and the lint housing to move the pushed push button back to its original position.

[0115] The above lint removal device may include a motor cover (151) in which the driving device is housed.

[0116] The above lint removal device may include a second elastic member (174) provided between the second coupler and the motor cover to move the second coupler, which has been moved in the first direction by the push button, back to its original position.

[0117] The above lint removal device may include a partition member (160) coupled inside the lint housing to partition the space inside the lint housing.

[0118] The above partition member may include a partition plate (161) that partitions the space inside the lint housing into a first space (111) and a second space (113), a connecting part (163) provided at the rear end of the partition plate and coupled to the lint housing, and a front plate (165) provided at the front end of the partition plate and exposed to the outside of the lint housing.

[0119] The front plate may include a front opening (166) that is open so that the push portion is exposed to the outside of the lint housing, and a guide rib (167) that is provided to extend rearward from the front opening and guides the push portion to move in the second direction.

[0120] The lint filter, the rotating member, and the first coupler may be arranged in the first space, and the driving device and the second coupler may be arranged in the second space, and the second coupler may be connected to the first coupler by passing through a through hole (162) formed in the partition plate.

[0121] A dryer according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a cabinet (10), a drum (20) rotatably supported within the cabinet, a heat exchanger (70) provided within the cabinet to exchange heat with air, an exhaust port (26) for guiding air flowing out from inside the drum to outside the drum to the heat exchanger, and a lint removal device (100) for removing lint from the air passing through the exhaust port and guiding it to the heat exchanger. The above lint removal device comprises a cleaning device including a lint filter (130) for collecting lint and a rotating member (140) rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint collected in the lint filter, a first coupler (171) coupled to the rotating member, a driving device (150) for generating power, a second coupler (172) coupled to the driving device and connected to the first coupler and the rotating member in a first direction which is the axial direction of the first coupler and the rotating member to transmit power to the rotating member, a push button (180) arranged to be pushed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a direction changing member (190) coupled to the second coupler and connected to the push button, which moves the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed to separate the first coupler and the second coupler.

[0122] The above lint removal device may include the cleaning device and a lint housing (110) in which the driving device is housed.

[0123] The above lint removal device may include a partitioning member that partitions the space inside the lint housing into a first space (111) where the cleaning device is placed and a second space (113) where the driving device is placed.

[0124] The above lint removal device may include a pair of first elastic members (173) provided between the push button and the lint housing, the push button may include a pair of support members (189) that support one end of the pair of first elastic members, and the lint housing may include a pair of support protrusions (115) that support the other end of the pair of first elastic members.

[0125] The above partition member may include a coupling part (163) coupled to the lint housing, and the lint housing may include a coupling projection (117) coupled to the coupling part.

[0126] According to the present disclosure, the durability of the structure separating the rotating member and the driving device of a lint removal device can be improved.

[0127] In addition, the structure for separating the rotating member and the driving unit of the lint removal device can be simplified by allowing the rotating member and the driving unit to be separated by a simple action of pushing a push button.

[0128] In addition, the ease of use can be improved by allowing the rotating member and the driving device of the lint removal device to be separated by a simple action of pushing a push button.

[0129] In addition, the structure separating the rotating member and the driving device of the lint removal device does not protrude outward, thereby improving the design.

[0130] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0131] Although the dryer has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, focusing on specific shapes and directions, various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A drum rotatably supported within the cabinet above; A heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; An exhaust port for guiding air flowing out from inside the drum to the outside of the drum to the heat exchanger; and A lint removal device for removing lint in air that passes through the exhaust port and is guided to the heat exchanger; comprising The above lint removal device is, Lint filter for capturing lint; A rotating member rotatably installed to scrape and collect lint captured in the above lint filter; A driving device that generates power; A first coupler coupled to the above-mentioned rotating member; A second coupler coupled to the above driving device and connected in a first direction which is the axial direction of the first coupler and the rotating member to transmit power to the rotating member; A push button configured to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and separating the first coupler and the second coupler; and A direction changing member coupled to the second coupler and moving the second coupler in the first direction when the push button is pushed; A dryer including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above direction changing member is connected to the above push button, and the dryer converts the direction in which the above push button is pushed so that the second coupler moves in the above first direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, A dryer in which, when the second coupler moves in the first direction, the second coupler is separated from the first coupler.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above push button is, Push part; A body part connected to the above-mentioned push part and moving together with the above-mentioned push part in the direction in which the push part is pushed; and A dryer comprising: a direction changing member provided in the body portion to be connected to the direction changing member, and a direction changing member that moves the direction changing member in the first direction when the body portion moves in the second direction.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above direction conversion unit is, A protrusion formed to protrude from the body portion toward the direction changing member; and A dryer comprising: a first inclined surface formed at an angle to the above-mentioned protrusion and arranged to contact the direction changing member.

6. In Paragraph 5, A dryer in which, when the body part moves in the second direction, the direction changing member moves in the first direction along the first inclined surface.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned direction change member is, A coupler connection part connected to the second coupler above; and A dryer comprising: a second inclined surface arranged to contact the first inclined surface and formed to correspond to the first inclined surface and moving along the first inclined surface.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above lint removal device is a dryer comprising the lint filter, the rotating member, and a lint housing in which the driving device is housed.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above lint removal device is a dryer comprising a first elastic member provided between the push button and the lint housing to move the pushed push button to its original position.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above lint removal device is a dryer comprising a motor cover in which the driving device is housed.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above lint removal device is a dryer comprising a second elastic member provided between the second coupler and the motor cover to move the second coupler, which has been moved in the first direction by the push button, back to its original position.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above lint removal device is a dryer comprising a partitioning member coupled inside the lint housing to partition the space inside the lint housing.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above partition member is, A partition plate that divides the space inside the above-mentioned lint housing into a first space and a second space; A coupling portion provided at the rear end of the above-mentioned partition plate and coupled to the above-mentioned lint housing; and A dryer comprising: a front plate provided at the front end of the above-mentioned partition plate and exposed to the outside of the above-mentioned lint housing.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above front plate is, A front opening that is open so that the above-mentioned push portion is exposed to the outside of the lint housing; and A dryer comprising: a guide rib provided to extend rearward from the front opening and guiding the push portion to move in the second direction.

15. In Paragraph 14, The lint filter, the rotating member, and the first coupler are arranged in the first space, and The driving device and the second coupler are arranged in the second space, and A dryer in which the second coupler is connected to the first coupler by passing through a through hole formed in the partition plate.

Images