Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus comprising a connector which establishes direct fluid communication between a residual-water discharge pipe of a water collection unit and a drain pipe connected to a pump, and connects the residual-water discharge pipe to the drain pipe upstream of the drain pump.

Description

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 supplying steam and hot air to garments to perform refreshing functions such as sterilization, wrinkle removal, deodorization, and drying of the garments.

[0002] A dryer is a garment processing device that supplies hot air to garments contained in a drum and rotates the drum to evenly expose the hot air to the garments, thereby performing a drying process to remove moisture from the garments.

[0003] Recently, clothing processing devices have also emerged that can simultaneously perform a drying process (drying) and a washing process (washing) to remove foreign substances from clothing using water and detergent.

[0004] Conventional clothing processing devices that perform a drying process may include a circulating dryer that condenses and reheats air containing moisture evaporated from clothing by hot air, and then circulates it back to the drum. Such a circulating dryer had the advantage of not changing external humidity and temperature even when performing a drying process.

[0005] Since such a circulating dryer must cool and reheat the air discharged from the drum, it may include a heat pump system comprising multiple heat exchangers such as an evaporator and a condenser, and a circulating fan that circulates the air from the drum to a circulation duct in which the evaporator and the condenser are installed.

[0006] The above evaporator cools and condenses the air discharged from the drum to remove moisture, and the above condenser heats the moisture-removed air to regenerate it into hot air capable of drying clothes inside the drum.

[0007] Conventional clothing processing devices further included a collection unit positioned outside the circulation duct to collect water condensed in the evaporator, and when sufficient water was collected in the collection unit, the water was discharged through a pump installed in the collection unit, thereby allowing the drying process to be performed without interruption regardless of whether the collection unit reached a full water level.

[0008] Recently, a clothing processing device has emerged that can drain the water collected in the aforementioned collection unit and even wash away foreign substances, such as lint accumulated in the evaporator, using the water collected in the collection unit and water supplied from an external water source. (Refer to Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2024-0148625)

[0009] Such a garment processing device could operate a drainage pump to drain the water collected in the collection section, and the drain pipe connected to the drainage pump could be connected to a sewer pipe or to a nozzle for cleaning the evaporator. However, in this conventional garment processing device, when the circulation fan was operated and air flowed inside the circulation duct, a phenomenon occurred in which the pressure on the circulation duct became lower than that of the collection section according to Bernoulli's principle. Consequently, when the drainage pump was not operated, or when the circulation fan was operated, there was a problem in that dirt or odors from the sewer pipe connected to the drain pipe not only flowed back into the collection section but also entered the circulation duct and contaminated the clothes inside the drum.

[0010] In addition, in such cases, there was a problem where external air entering from sewers, etc., flowed into the aforementioned drainage pump, hindering the drainage pump from properly draining water from the collection area.

[0011] Furthermore, even when the drainage pump was operating, the circulation fan running lowered the internal pressure of the circulation duct. This caused the water collected in the collection area to experience backflow pressure into the circulation duct, resulting in a problem where the water could not be drained smoothly by the drainage pump. Additionally, if the circulation fan rotated at a high RPM, generating more negative pressure in the circulation duct, insufficient water could flow into the drainage pump even when it was running. This could even lead to a problem where air from the sewer pipes backflowed into the collection area and the circulation duct.

[0012] Furthermore, if air backflowed from the drain pipe or sewer pipe remained, or if air remained in the collection area, there was a problem in that even if the drain pump was operated, some air would enter the drain pump, preventing the drainage performance of the drain pump from being achieved. Consequently, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in which drainage failures occurred frequently during the drying process, potentially making the operation of the dryer itself impossible.

[0013] Accordingly, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that, when operating the drainage pump, the operation of the circulation fan had to be stopped for a certain period of time or operated at a lowered RPM in order to prioritize securing the flow rate or water pressure flowing into the drainage pump.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing treatment device capable of preventing dirt or odors from sewer pipes from flowing back into drainage pumps, collection units, circulation ducts, etc.

[0015] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing processing device in which a drainage pump can normally discharge water collected in a collection unit even when a circulation fan is driven at maximum output or target output.

[0016] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing processing device capable of discharging water collected in a collection unit after removing air introduced into a drainage pump.

[0017] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing processing device capable of blocking external air, such as from a sewer, from entering a drainage pump.

[0018] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention may be configured so that the residual water discharge pipe of the collection unit is directly connected to the drain pipe connected to the pump. For example, the clothing processing device of the present invention may include a connector that connects the residual water discharge pipe and the drain pipe upstream of the drain pump.

[0019] Alternatively, the garment processing device of the present invention may connect the residual water discharge pipe and the drain pipe through a valve. For example, the end of the residual water discharge pipe may be connected to the valve, and the end of the drain pipe may also be connected to the valve.

[0020] When the above valve is closed, it can produce the effect of opening and closing the sewer pipe. That is, when the valve is closed, air does not flow back from the sewer pipe, etc. to the pump and collection unit, and the inflow of external air from the sewer pipe, etc. into the pump can be blocked.

[0021] The above connector may also be connected to an additional flow path capable of circulating water discharged from the drain pipe back to the collection section. The above additional flow path may be a guide pipe for backflow from the water storage tank.

[0022] In the clothing processing device of the present invention, when the drain valve is closed, communication between the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe, as well as the sewer pipe, and the outside can be blocked. Even when the circulation fan is operated, external air and water can be prevented from flowing back into the pump, drain pipe, and residual water discharge pipe.

[0023] The diameter of the sewer pipe connected downstream of the valve can be provided to be larger than the diameters of the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe. Thus, the sewer pipe can receive and discharge all water discharged from the drain pipe, the residual water discharge pipe, and the guide pipe.

[0024] The clothing processing device of the present invention can close the valve for a certain period of time when the drainage pump starts operating. That is, the drainage pump can operate while the drainage valve is closed. As a result, air can be removed as the inside of the pump and the inside of the drain pipe are filled with water, and subsequently, when the valve is opened, the pump can discharge water from the collection section at a stable water pressure and flow rate.

[0025] Even after the operation of the drainage pump is terminated, the valve can be kept open for an additional period of time and then closed. In other words, the drainage valve can be kept open until all water, including water recirculating into the residual water discharge pipe or collection section, has passed through the drainage valve.

[0026] The control method can be performed whenever the water level of the collection unit reaches the maximum water level or the target water level.

[0027] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device of the present invention may maintain or even increase the RPM of the circulation fan even if the drainage pump is operated after the valve is locked.

[0028] Of course, if necessary, the circulation fan can also be operated by reducing its RPM.

[0029] The present invention has the effect of preventing dirt or odors in the sewer pipe from flowing back into the drainage pump, collection unit, and circulation duct.

[0030] The present invention has the effect of enabling the drainage pump to normally discharge water collected in the collection area even when the circulation fan is driven at maximum output or target output.

[0031] The present invention has the effect of being able to discharge water collected in the collection area after removing air introduced into the drainage pump.

[0032] The present invention has the effect of blocking external air, such as from a sewer, from entering the drainage pump.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 briefly illustrates the interior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components constituting the above-mentioned clothing processing device separated from each other.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the base structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration installed in the device installation part of one embodiment of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the state of the base of an embodiment of the clothing processing device of the present invention as viewed from one side of the front.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates the drainage channel of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 illustrates the structure of the drainage section of Figure 7 in the height direction.

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a condition in which water or air can flow backward from the drainage section.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment that prevents backflow in the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an additional embodiment of connecting the drain pipe to the connector.

[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment in which the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe of the clothing processing device of the present invention are connected to the drain valve.

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates another structural embodiment of the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates the function of the above connector.

[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a control method for the drainage section of a clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates the process of performing the control method.

[0049]

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0052] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be equipped as a dryer for drying clothing, or as a washing and drying device capable of drying clothing while performing washing.

[0053] In the following description, the garment processing device of the present invention is described based on the assumption that it is equipped as a dryer, but this does not exclude the assumption that the garment processing device of the present invention is equipped as a washer and dryer.

[0054] A clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (100) that forms an exterior.

[0055] The cabinet (100) may include a front panel (110) forming the front surface of the clothing processing device, an upper panel (150) forming the top surface, and a side panel (140) forming the side surface. The side panel (140) may include a left panel (141) forming the left side surface. The front panel (110) may be provided with an opening (111) configured to communicate with the interior of the cabinet (100) and a door (130) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (100) to open and close the opening (111).

[0056] An operation panel (117) may be installed on the front panel (110). The operation panel (117) may be equipped with an input unit (118) for receiving control commands from a user, and a display unit (119) for outputting information such as control commands selectable by the user. The control commands may include drying courses or drying options capable of performing a series of drying operations. A control box may be installed inside the cabinet (100) to control internal configurations to execute the control commands input through the input unit (118). The control box may be connected to the components inside the garment processing device and control those components to execute the input commands.

[0057] The above input unit (118) may be provided to include a power supply request unit that requests power supply of the clothing processing device, a course input unit that enables the user to select a desired course among a plurality of courses, and an execution request unit that requests the start of the course selected by the user.

[0058] The above display unit (119) may be provided to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and shapes, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sound.

[0059] Meanwhile, the garment processing device of the present invention may include a water storage tank (120) provided to separately store moisture generated during the process of drying the garment. The water storage tank (120) may include a handle provided to be pulled out to the outside from one side of the front panel (110). The water storage tank (120) may be provided to collect condensate generated during the drying process. Thus, the user can pull the water storage tank (120) out of the cabinet (100), remove the condensate, and then reattach it to the cabinet (100). Thus, the garment processing device of the present invention can be placed in a location where a sewer or the like is not installed.

[0060] Meanwhile, the water storage tank (120) can be positioned on the upper part of the door (130). This allows the user to bend their waist relatively less when pulling out the water storage tank (120) from the front panel (110), thereby increasing user convenience.

[0061] FIG. 2 briefly illustrates the interior of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0062] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a drum (200) that is housed inside the cabinet (100) and houses clothing, a driving unit that rotates the drum (200), a heat exchanger (900) that is provided to supply hot air to the drum (200), and a base (800) that is provided with a circulation duct (820).

[0063] The above circulation duct (820) is provided to be in communication with the drum (200). Air discharged from the drum (200) can be supplied to the circulation duct (820). Additionally, air discharged from the circulation duct (820) can be supplied back to the drum (200).

[0064] The above drive unit may include a motor unit (500) that provides power to rotate the drum (200).

[0065] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured such that a motor unit (500) is installed on a base (800) positioned below a drum (200), and the drum (200) is configured to rotate by the power of the motor unit (500) through a structure such as a belt and a pulley.

[0066] In addition, as illustrated, the garment processing device of the present invention may be provided with the drive unit directly connected to the drum (200) to rotate the drum (200). For example, the drive unit may be provided as a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. By doing so, the drive unit can control the rotation direction or rotation speed of the drum (200) by directly rotating the drum (200) without omitting components such as belts and pulleys.

[0067] In the following description, the driving unit of the garment processing device of the present invention is described based on the arrangement of the driving unit as a DD type, but this does not exclude the arrangement of the driving unit of the garment processing device of the present invention as a belt / pulley type.

[0068] The motor unit (500) can rotate at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at a much higher RPM than the RPM at which the clothing inside the drum (200) can rotate while attached to the inner wall of the drum (200).

[0069] However, there is a problem that the drying efficiency is reduced because the part attached to the inner wall of the drum (200) is not exposed to hot air when the clothing inside the drum (200) continuously sticks to the inner wall of the drum (200) and rotates.

[0070] If the rotor (520) is rotated at a low RPM so that the clothing rolls or is stirred inside the drum (200) without adhering to the inner wall of the drum (200), a problem may arise in which the output or torque that the drive unit can generate cannot be properly utilized.

[0071] Accordingly, the driving unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a reduction gear (600) capable of increasing torque while utilizing the maximum output of the motor unit (500) by reducing the RPM.

[0072] The above reduction gear (600) may include a gearbox comprising a sun gear coupled to a motor unit (500) inside, a planetary gear that rotates by meshing with the sun gear, a ring gear disposed on the outer surface of the planetary gear, and a carrier that rotates according to the revolution of the planetary gear. The above reduction gear (600) may include a rotating shaft connected to the gearbox and coupled to the back surface of the drum (200).

[0073] The drum (200) may be provided in a cylindrical shape to accommodate clothing. A through hole provided along the circumferential surface of the drum (200) may be omitted.

[0074] The above drum (200) may be provided in a single cylindrical shape, but may be manufactured in a combined form of a drum body (210) including a circumferential surface and a drum back surface (220) forming a rear surface.

[0075] An input port (211) for entering or exiting clothing may be provided at the front of the drum body (210). A driving unit for rotating the drum may be connected to the rear of the drum back surface (220).

[0076] The drum body (210) may be equipped with a lifter (213) that pulls the clothing inside upward so that the clothing inside can be mixed as it rotates.

[0077] Reinforcement beads (212) may be formed on the circumferential surface of the drum body (210). The reinforcement beads (212) may be provided in a recessed or protruding manner from the inside or outside along the circumferential surface of the drum (200). Such reinforcement beads may be provided in multiple numbers and may be provided spaced apart from each other.

[0078] When the clothing processing device of the present invention is equipped as a DD-type washing machine, the driving unit is coupled and fixed to a tub that accommodates the drum (200) and stores water, and the drum (200) can be coupled to the driving unit and supported on the tub.

[0079] However, if the garment processing device of the present invention is equipped as a DD type dryer, the tub that accommodates the drum (200) may be omitted. Accordingly, the garment processing device of the present invention may further include a support member (400) provided to fix or support the drum (200), the motor part (500), and the reduction gear (600) inside the cabinet (100).

[0080] The support member (400) may include a front plate (410) positioned in front of the drum (200) and a rear plate (420) positioned at the rear of the drum (200). The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be provided in a plate shape and positioned to face the front and rear of the drum (200). The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be fixed and supported on the bottom surface of the cabinet (100) or the base (800).

[0081] The front plate (410) may be positioned between the front panel forming the front surface of the cabinet and the drum (200). Additionally, the front plate (410) may be provided with an input communication hole (412) communicating with the input port (211).

[0082] The above front plate (410) may include a duct connection part (416) provided on the lower side of the input communication hole (412) and communicating with the circulation duct (820).

[0083] The front plate (410) may include a duct communication hole (417) that penetrates the duct connection part (416). The duct communication hole (417) is provided in a hollow form so as to guide air discharged through the drum's inlet (211) to the circulation duct (820).

[0084] A filter section (not shown) may be installed in the above duct communication hole (417) to filter out lint or large foreign particles generated from clothing.

[0085] Since the input port (211) is positioned at the front, it is preferable that the drive unit be installed on the rear plate (420) rather than on the front plate (410). The drive unit may be provided to be mounted and supported on the rear plate (420). Thus, the drive unit can rotate the drum (200) while its position is stably fixed through the rear plate (420).

[0086] At least one of the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) can rotatably support the drum (200). At least one of the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) can rotatably accommodate the front or rear end of the drum (200).

[0087] One or more support wheels (415) that rotatably support the front of the drum (200) may be provided on the lower part of the front plate (410).

[0088] When the drum (200) is rotated by the drive unit, the drum (200) can be supported by a drum rotation shaft (6341) connected to the rear. When clothing is contained inside the drum (200), the load imposed on the drum rotation shaft (6341) by the clothing may increase. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft (6341) is at risk of bending due to the load.

[0089] When the support wheel (415) supports the front lower part of the drum (200), the load on the drum rotation shaft (6341) can be reduced. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft (6341) can be prevented from bending and noise caused by vibration can be prevented.

[0090] The above circulation duct (820) can form a flow path that circulates air inside the drum (200) and introduces it back into the drum (200).

[0091] The above circulation duct (820) may include an inlet duct (821) into which air discharged from the drum (200) is introduced, an outlet duct (823) that supplies air to the drum (200), and a moving duct (822) that connects the inlet duct (821) and the outlet duct (823).

[0092] When air is discharged from the front of the drum (200), the moving duct (822) may be located on the front side of the circulation duct (820). And the discharge duct (823) may be located on the rear side of the circulation duct (820).

[0093] A duct cover portion (830) is attached to the upper side of the above circulation duct (820) to partially shield the open upper surface of the circulation duct (820). The duct cover portion (830) can prevent air from leaking out of the circulation duct (820).

[0094] Additionally, the heat exchanger (900) provided in the base (800) may include an evaporator (910) provided inside the circulation duct (820) to cool the air, and a condenser (920) provided inside the circulation duct (820) to heat the air cooled by the evaporator (910). The evaporator (910) and the condenser (920) may be installed in the movable duct (822).

[0095] The above heat exchanger (900) may include a circulation fan (950) installed in a circulation duct (820) to generate air flow inside the circulation duct (820). Additionally, the circulation fan (950) may further include an impeller (952) that moves air and a fan motor (951) that rotates it. The impeller (952) may rotate by receiving rotational power from the fan motor (951).

[0096] The circulation fan (950) may be installed in any one of the inlet duct (821), the moving duct (822), and the exhaust duct (823). For example, the circulation fan (950) may be placed in the exhaust duct (823).

[0097] The above circulation fan (950) may be installed in a blower duct (8231) formed in an exhaust duct (823). Additionally, the fan motor (951) may be located at the rear of the blower duct (8231).

[0098] The above circulation duct (820) and the above heat exchanger (900) may be positioned below the drum (200).

[0099] A rear plate (420) may be provided at the rear of the drum (200) to guide air discharged from the circulation duct (820) into the drum (200). The rear plate (420) may be provided spaced apart from the back surface (220) of the drum. The circulation duct (820) may receive air inside the drum (200) through the front plate (410) and supply air to the drum (200) through the rear plate (420). Air discharged from the circulation duct (820) may pass through the rear plate (420) and be guided into the drum (200).

[0100] The base (800) may further include a connector (850) that guides the air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the rear plate (420). The connector (850) can guide the discharged air to spread evenly across the entire rear plate (420).

[0101] The drum back surface (220) may be provided with a bushing portion (300) connecting the driving unit and the drum back surface (220). The bushing portion (300) may be provided on the drum back surface (220) to form the rotational center of the drum (200). The bushing portion (300) may be provided integrally with the drum back surface (220), but may be provided with a material having greater rigidity or durability than the drum back surface (220) in order to be firmly coupled with the rotating shaft that transmits power. The bushing portion (300) may be seated and coupled to the drum back surface (220) so as to be coaxial with the rotational center of the drum back surface (220).

[0102] The drum back surface (220) may include a circumference portion (221) coupled to the outer circumference of the drum body (210) and a mounting plate (222) provided on the inner side of the circumference portion (221) and coupled to the driving unit. The bushing portion (300) may be seated on and coupled to the mounting plate (222).

[0103] The drum back surface (220) may include a suction hole (224) formed through the perimeter portion (221) and the mounting plate (222) to connect the front and rear of the drum back surface (220). Hot air supplied through the circulation duct (820) may flow into the interior of the drum body (210) through the suction hole (224).

[0104] A driving unit for rotating the drum (200) may be located at the rear of the rear plate (420). The driving unit may include a motor unit (500) that generates rotational power and a reduction gear (600) that reduces the rotational power of the motor unit (500) and transmits it to the drum (200).

[0105] A motor unit (500) may be positioned at the rear of the rear plate (420). The motor unit (500) may be coupled to the rear of the rear plate (420) through the reduction gear (600).

[0106] The above reduction gear (600) is fixed to the back surface of the rear plate (420), and the motor unit (500) can be coupled to the back surface of the reduction gear (600). That is, the rear plate (420) can provide a support surface on which the reduction gear (600) or the motor unit (500) is supported. However, it is not limited thereto, and the motor unit (500) may also be coupled to the rear plate (420).

[0107] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components constituting the above-mentioned clothing processing device separated from each other.

[0108] The front plate (410) may include a front panel (411) forming a front surface and an input communication hole (412) formed to penetrate the front panel (411) and communicate with the drum (200). The front plate (410) may be provided with a front gasket (413) that is provided on the back surface of the front panel (411) and is provided to surround the radial outer side of the input communication hole (412) to accommodate a part of the drum body (210).

[0109] The front gasket (413) can rotatably support the drum body (210) and can be provided to contact the outer or inner surface of the inlet (211). The front gasket (413) can prevent hot air inside the drum (200) from leaking between the drum body (210) and the front plate (410).

[0110] Meanwhile, the front plate (410) may include a duct communication hole (417) provided by penetrating the inner surface of the input communication hole (412). Additionally, the front plate (410) may include a duct connection part (416) that extends downward from the duct communication hole (417) and forms a flow path connecting the drum body (210) and the circulation duct (820).

[0111] The above duct connection part (416) can be connected to the drum body (210) through the duct communication hole (417), and air discharged from the drum body (210) can be introduced into the duct connection part (416) through the duct communication hole (417) and guided to the circulation duct (820).

[0112] The above front plate (410) may be provided with a water tank support hole (414) through which a water tank (120, see FIG. 1) in which condensate generated during the drying process is stored can be withdrawn or supported.

[0113] The drum back surface (220) may further include reinforcing ribs (225) extending from the periphery portion (221) toward the center of rotation. The reinforcing ribs (225) may extend to avoid the suction hole (224). The reinforcing ribs (225) have the effect of preventing the rigidity of the drum back surface (220) from decreasing due to the suction hole (224). The reinforcing ribs (225) may be provided by extending radially from the outer surface of the mounting plate (222) toward the inner surface of the periphery portion (221).

[0114] Additionally, the drum back surface (220) may further include a circumferential rib (227) that extends in the circumferential direction of the drum back surface (220) to connect the reinforcing ribs (225) to each other. The suction hole (224) may be arranged between the reinforcing rib (225), the circumferential rib (227), and the circumferential portion (221).

[0115] The inlet duct (821) may be provided to be connected to the duct communication hole (417) of the front plate (410) and to be connected to the flow path installed inside the front plate (410). The movable duct (822) may be provided to extend from the end of the inlet duct (821) toward the rear of the drum (200), and the exhaust duct (823) may be provided at the end of the movable duct (822) to guide the air to the drum (200).

[0116] The above air blower duct (8231) may be located downstream of the above exhaust duct (823), and the air blower duct (8231) may provide a space for installing a circulation airflow fan. When the circulation airflow fan operates, air introduced into the inlet duct (821) may be discharged through the upper part of the air blower duct (8231).

[0117] The heat exchanger (900) may further include a compressor (930) connected to an evaporator and a condenser to supply compressed refrigerant. Since the compressor (930) may be configured not to directly exchange heat with the circulating air, it may be located outside the circulation duct (820).

[0118] The above air duct (8231) may be provided on the rear side of the above exhaust duct (823).

[0119] The connector (850) can be installed in the air duct (8231). That is, the connector (850) can guide the air discharged from the air duct (8231) to the rear plate (420). The hot air supplied to the rear plate (420) can be introduced into the interior of the drum (200) through the drum back surface (220).

[0120] The above fan motor (951) can be connected to the rear of the air duct (8231).

[0121] Meanwhile, a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a connector (850) coupled to the circulation duct (820) and guiding the hot air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the rear of the drum (200) or the rear plate (420).

[0122] The connector (850) may be positioned above the exhaust duct (823) to guide the hot air heated by passing through the condenser (920) upward above the exhaust duct (823). Additionally, the connector (850) may be coupled to an opening provided on the upper side of the blower duct (8231).

[0123] The connector (850) may be provided to form a flow path inside. The connector (850) may be provided to guide the flow of air generated by the circulating flow path fan evenly to the rear plate (420). That is, the connector (850) may be provided such that the area of ​​the flow path increases as it moves further away from the blower duct (8231).

[0124] The rear plate (420) may be coupled to or supported by the base (800) and positioned at the rear of the drum (200). The rear plate (420) may include a rear panel (421) positioned facing the front plate (410), and a duct section (423) provided to be recessed in the rear panel (421) to form a passage for air flow and to guide air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the drum.

[0125] The rear plate (420) may include a mounting portion (425) to which the drive unit is coupled or supported. The mounting portion (425) may be provided to penetrate the rear panel (421) and may be positioned on the inner circumference of the duct portion (423). The mounting portion (425) may be provided spaced radially inward from the inner circumference of the duct portion (423).

[0126] Here, the driving unit may refer to a combination of the reduction gear (600) and the motor unit (500) as described above. Additionally, the driving unit may refer only to the motor unit (500). That is, a configuration that generates power and transmits rotational power to the drum may be referred to as the driving unit.

[0127] The above drive unit can be mounted on the mounting part (425). The mounting part (425) can support the load of the drive unit. The drive unit can be connected to the drum (200) while being supported on the mounting part (425).

[0128] The above duct section (423) may be provided to accommodate a portion of the drum back surface (220). The above duct section (423) may form a flow path for air to move together with the drum back surface (220).

[0129] The above drive unit may be installed in the mounting part (425) so as not to interfere with the duct part (423). That is, the drive unit may be positioned so as to be spaced radially inward from the inner circumference of the duct part (423). The drive unit is installed in the mounting part (425), but is installed so that its rear end is exposed to the outside, so that it can be cooled by external air.

[0130] The above drive unit may include a motor unit (500) that provides power to rotate the drum (200). The motor unit (500) may include a stator (510) that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor (520) configured to rotate by the stator (510).

[0131] The rotor (520) may be provided as an outer rotor type that accommodates the stator (510) and is configured to rotate along the circumference of the stator (510). In this case, a drive shaft may be coupled to the rotor (520) and directly connected to the drum (200) by passing through the stator (510) and the mounting part (425). In this case, the rotor (520) can directly transmit power to rotate the drum (200).

[0132] The rotor (520) can be coupled to a drive shaft through a washer portion (540). The washer portion (540) can perform the function of connecting the drive shaft and the rotor (520). Since the contact area between the rotor (520) and the drive shaft can be increased by the washer portion (540), the rotation of the rotor (520) can be transmitted more effectively.

[0133] The reduction gear (600) may be configured to connect the motor unit (500) and the drum (200). The reduction gear (600) may convert the power of the motor unit (500) to rotate the drum (200). The reduction gear (600) may be positioned between the motor unit (500) and the drum (200) to receive the power of the motor unit (500), convert it, and transmit it to the drum (200). The reduction gear (600) may be configured to convert the RPM of the rotor to a small RPM while increasing the torque value and transmitting it to the drum (200).

[0134] Specifically, the reduction gear (600) may be coupled to a drive shaft that rotates together with the rotor (520). The reduction gear (600) includes a gear assembly inside that rotates in engagement with the drive shaft to change the RPM of the drive shaft while increasing torque, and the gear assembly may be connected to a drum rotation shaft that is coupled to the drum (200) to rotate the drum. Thus, when the drive shaft (530) rotates, the drum rotation shaft rotates at a slower RPM than the drive shaft but can rotate with greater torque.

[0135] The performance of such a reduction gear (600) may depend on whether the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can maintain coaxial alignment. When the clothing processing device of the present invention is equipped as a dryer, the configuration of a tub fixed inside the cabinet is omitted. In addition, the back panel of the cabinet is provided as a relatively thin plate, so even if the stator (510) is fixed, the back panel can easily vibrate or bend due to the repulsive force when the rotor (520) rotates.

[0136] To solve this problem, the clothing processing device of the present invention can fix the motor part (500) by coupling it to the reduction gear (600).

[0137] Since the motor unit (500) is not fixed to other components of the clothing processing device but is fixed only to the reduction gear (600), when vibration is transmitted to the drive unit or an external force is transmitted, the motor unit (500) can always tilt or vibrate simultaneously with the reduction gear (600) when the reduction gear (600) tilts or vibrates.

[0138] As a result, the reduction gear (600) and the motor unit (500) can form a single vibration system, and the reduction gear (600) and the motor unit (500) can be maintained in a fixed state without moving relative to each other.

[0139] The stator (510) of the motor unit (500) can be directly coupled to and fixed to the reduction gear (600).

[0140] The first axis (M1) may represent an imaginary line extending in the forward and backward direction along the rotation center of the drum (200). The second axis (M2) and the third axis (M3) may represent imaginary lines extending from the front to the rear upper side of the clothing processing device.

[0141] The first shaft (M1) and the second shaft (M2) may intersect each other in the reduction gear (600). Additionally, the first shaft (M1) and the third shaft (M3) may intersect in the mounting part (425).

[0142] The above reduction gear (600) and the above motor unit (500) can be designed to be arranged along a first axis (M1) parallel to the ground when there is no load on the drum (200) or when the above motor unit (500) is not operating.

[0143] However, when vibration occurs in the drum (200) or motor part (500), the vibration is transmitted to the reduction gear (600) and the reduction gear (600) tilts, so that the reduction gear (600) may temporarily be in a state of tilting along the second axis (M2).

[0144] At this time, since the motor unit (500) is coupled to the reduction gear (600), it can vibrate or tilt together with the reduction gear (600). Therefore, the motor unit (500) can be positioned parallel to the reduction gear (600) on the second axis (M2). Accordingly, the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can also be positioned parallel to each other along the second axis (M2).

[0145] As a result, even if the reduction gear (600) is tilted, the motor unit (500) can move integrally with the reduction gear (600), and the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft can maintain coaxiality.

[0146] The above reduction gear (600) can be fixed by being coupled to the rear plate (420). In this case, since the reduction gear (600) will tilt or vibrate while coupled to the rear plate (420), the rear plate (420) can be seen as serving as the center of the vibration system including the reduction gear (600), the motor unit (500), and the drum (200). Even in this case, the motor unit (500) may not be directly coupled to the rear plate (420) but may be fixed by being coupled only to the reduction gear (600).

[0147] The reduction gear (600), the motor unit (500), and the drum (200) are arranged in parallel along the first axis (M1), and the reduction gear (600) can be tilted in parallel with the third axis (M3) due to vibration of the drum (200) or the motor unit (500). The third axis (M3) can pass through the reduction gear (600) coupled to the rear plate (420). At this time, since the reduction gear (600) and the motor unit (500) are coupled, the motor unit (500) can also be tilted in parallel with the third axis (M3) in the same way as the reduction gear (600).

[0148] A sealing portion (450) may be provided between the drum back surface (220) and the rear plate (420). The sealing portion (450) can seal the space between the drum back surface (220) and the rear plate (420) so that air introduced into the duct portion (423) of the rear plate (420) does not leak out to the outside but flows into the suction hole (224).

[0149] The sealing portion (450) may be disposed on the outer and inner sides, respectively, of the duct portion (423). A first sealing (451) may be provided on the radially outer side of the duct portion (423), and a second sealing (452) may be provided on the radially inner side. The first sealing (451) can prevent hot air from leaking out radially outward between the drum back surface (220) and the duct portion (423), and the second sealing (452) can prevent hot air from leaking out radially inward between the drum back surface (220) and the duct portion (423).

[0150] A bracket (700) that reinforces rigidity may be additionally attached to the rear plate (420) in the part combined with the reduction gear (600).

[0151] The rear cover (430) is coupled to the rear of the rear plate (420) to prevent the duct section (423) and the motor section (500) or reduction gear (600) from being exposed to the outside. The rear cover (430) may be spaced apart from the duct section (423) and the drive section.

[0152] FIG. 4 illustrates the base structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0153] The above base (800) may have the circulation duct (820) extended and arranged on one side. The circulation duct (820) may be arranged offset to one side from the center of the base (800). The circulation duct (820) may be arranged extending in the front-rear direction.

[0154] The above circulation duct (820) may be formed integrally with the base (800) and may be provided in a duct shape with an open top. The duct cover portion (830) may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct (820) to form a flow path inside the circulation duct (820).

[0155] The above duct cover portion (830) may be formed shorter than the length of the circulation duct (820), or one end may be provided in a ring shape to form the inlet duct (821).

[0156] Among the above circulation ducts (820), the moving duct (822) may be arranged to extend in the front-rear direction. Both the evaporator (910) and the condenser (920) may be mounted inside the moving duct (822).

[0157] The inlet duct (821) may be formed to be wider than the moving duct (822). The inlet duct (821) may be positioned so that most of its area overlaps vertically with the inlet (211) of the drum (200). Thus, the inlet duct (821) can draw in air discharged from the drum (200).

[0158] In the base (800), an external area of ​​the circulation duct (820) may be formed as a device installation section (810) where electrical components are installed. The device installation section (810) is located in the other side area of ​​the circulation duct (820) in the base (800), and may be equipped with components such as a compressor (930), a drainage pump (861) for discharging water discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the outside, a cleaning section (1000) for cleaning the circulation duct (820), and a steam section (2000) for supplying steam to the inside of the circulation duct (820).

[0159] By positioning the above-mentioned circulation duct (820) so that it is offset in the front-rear direction on one side of the base (800), the above-mentioned device installation section (810) can be provided so that it is accessible from the back or front of the cabinet (100) without interfering with the circulation duct (820). As a result, it is easy to install or repair / replace components or electrical parts placed in the above-mentioned device installation section (810) from the base (800).

[0160] The above device installation part (810) may include a water collection part (860) in which water discharged from the above movable duct (822) is collected.

[0161] The above water collection section (860) may be sunken downward from the base (800) to form a space where water is stored. The bottom surface of the water collection section (860) may be formed lower than the bottom surface of the movable duct (822).

[0162] The above water collection unit (860) may be positioned on one side of the movable duct (822) and configured to be in communication with the inside of the movable duct (822).

[0163] The above water collection unit (860) can collect water condensed from the evaporator (910). Additionally, the above water collection unit (860) can also collect water supplied from the washing unit (1000) described later.

[0164] The above device installation unit (810) may further include a drainage pump (861) mounted on the water collection unit (860) to discharge water collected in the water collection unit (860). The drainage pump (861) may provide power to discharge water collected in the water collection unit (860) to a water storage tank (120) or to discharge it outside the cabinet (100).

[0165] The above washing unit (1000) may be provided to receive water from an external water source and wash the inside of the circulation duct (820).

[0166] Alternatively, the drainage pump (861) may be configured to supply water collected in the collection unit (860) to the washing unit (1000) to wash the inside of the circulation duct (820).

[0167] The above base (800) does not have a motor unit (500) installed. Thus, the water collection unit (860) can be provided with a diameter much larger than that of the drainage pump (861). For example, the water collection unit (860) can be provided with a diameter more than twice as large as that of the drainage pump (861). As a result, the water collection unit (860) can sufficiently store not only water collected from the evaporator (910) but also water supplied from the washing unit (1000).

[0168] The above cleaning unit (1000) can clean the inside of the circulation duct (820) by supplying water to the inside of the circulation duct (820). The above cleaning unit (1000) can clean the inside of the circulation duct (820) with clean water (direct water) by receiving water from the outside.

[0169] The above cleaning unit (100) can clean an evaporator (910) placed inside the circulation duct (820) or a filter placed upstream of the evaporator (910) based on the direction in which air flows in. Hereinafter, cleaning the evaporator (910) and the filter placed in front of the evaporator (910) with water sprayed from the cleaning unit (1000) is collectively referred to as cleaning the evaporator (910).

[0170] The above device installation unit (810) may further include a steam generating unit (2000) capable of generating steam by receiving water.

[0171] The steam generating unit (2000) may be mounted on a base (800) and configured to supply steam into the circulation duct (820). Thus, the steam can be supplied into the drum (200) through a circulation fan (950). Additionally, the steam discharged from the steam generating unit (2000) may also be supplied to an evaporator (910) and a condenser (920), thereby sterilizing the evaporator (910) and the condenser (920).

[0172] The base (800) may be provided with a steam mounting part (890) positioned in front of the water collection part (860) and on which the steam generating part (2000) is seated.

[0173] The steam mounting part (890) can protrude upward from the base (800) to form a space in which the steam generating part (2000) can be supported.

[0174] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration installed in the device installation part of one embodiment of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0175] The washing unit (1000) may include a water supply valve (1100) which is installed on the base (800) or fixed to the back panel (150) of the cabinet (100) to receive water from an external water source, a supply pipe (1200) which conveys water supplied from the water supply valve (1100), and a supply nozzle (1300) which is positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct (820) and discharges water supplied from the supply pipe (1200) into the circulation duct (820).

[0176] The clothing processing device of the present invention may include a water supply bracket (880) that fixes the water supply valve (1100). The water supply bracket (880) may be provided in a plate shape and may be provided with a material having greater rigidity than the base (800). For example, the water supply bracket (800) may be provided with a metal material. Thus, even if water with high water pressure is supplied to the water supply valve (1100) or vibration is transmitted to the water supply valve (1100), the position where the water supply valve (1100) is installed is fixed, thereby preventing the risk of leakage.

[0177] The above water supply bracket (880) may be fixed by being coupled to the back surface of the base (800), or it may be fixed to the back panel (150) of the cabinet (100) and positioned spaced upward from the base (800).

[0178] The above water supply valve (1100) may be provided to supply water not only to the supply nozzle (1300) but also to the steam generating unit (2200). This may be advantageous in terms of energy and control / management compared to having the water supply valve (1100) provided separately.

[0179] To this end, the water supply valve (1100) may include a main valve (1110) communicating with water from an external water source passing through a water supply bracket (800), a supply valve (1120) receiving water from the main valve (1110) and supplying it to the supply nozzle (1300), and a steam valve (1130) receiving water from the main valve (1110) and supplying it to the steam generating unit (1300).

[0180] The supply valve (1120) can be connected to one end of the supply pipe (1200), and the steam valve (1130) can be connected to one end of the steam pipe (2200) described later.

[0181] In the following description, for all configurations where water flows, the first can be defined as the region where water flows into the configuration, and the end can be defined as the region where the incoming water finally reaches during the process of flowing without backflow within the configuration.

[0182] The main valve (1110), the supply valve (1120), and the steam valve (1130) may be configured to communicate sequentially and simultaneously.

[0183] The main valve (1110) can be controlled to supply all water to the supply valve (1120) and the steam valve (1130) or to block all water.

[0184] Additionally, the supply valve (1120) may be configured to selectively open and close the supply pipe (1200) even when water is supplied from the main valve (1110).

[0185] Additionally, the steam valve (1130) may be configured to selectively open and close the steam pipe (2200) even when water is supplied from the main valve (1110) or the supply valve (1120).

[0186] Thus, the supply of water from the external water source is primarily determined by the main valve (1110), and secondarily determined by the supply valve (1120) and the steam valve (1130). As a result, even if some of the water supply valves (1110) malfunction or become uncontrollable, water cannot be supplied arbitrarily through the water supply valves (1110).

[0187] The above supply nozzle (1300) may be provided with multiple supply pipes (1200) depending on whether the flow path is partitioned. In this case, the above supply valve (1120) may also be provided in a number corresponding to the supply pipes (1200).

[0188] For example, if the supply pipe (1200) is provided in two, it may include a first supply valve (1121) connected to one of the supply pipes (1200) and receiving water from the main valve (1100), and a second supply valve (1122) connected to the other supply pipe (1200) and receiving water from the main valve (1100) or the first supply valve (1121).

[0189] The supply nozzle (1300) may be positioned on the upper part of the circulation duct (820). For example, it may be seated and fixed on the duct cover part (830).

[0190] The supply nozzle (1300) can be extended and positioned along the width direction of the circulation duct (820). This allows water to be sprayed evenly inside the circulation duct (820).

[0191] For example, the width of the supply nozzle (1300) may be configured to correspond to the width of the circulation duct (820). This allows water to be supplied evenly over the entire width of the circulation duct (820).

[0192] The above evaporator (910) may be exposed to foreign substances such as lint discharged from the drum (200) by coming into contact with air supplied from the inlet duct (821). The supply nozzle (1300) may be positioned at the top of the evaporator (910). By doing so, foreign substances such as lint attached from the top to the bottom of the evaporator (910) can be washed away with water.

[0193] Meanwhile, foreign substances such as lint may be attached more to the front of the evaporator (910) than to the back. The supply nozzle (1300) may be positioned at the upper front of the evaporator (910). The supply nozzle (1300) may be positioned closer to the front than to the back of the evaporator (910). By doing so, foreign substances attached intensively to the front of the evaporator (910) can be washed away with water.

[0194] The water used to clean the evaporator (910) can also clean the inner surface of the circulation duct (820). Additionally, at least a portion of the water discharged from the supply nozzle (1300) can wash down both sides of the circulation duct (820). The water discharged from the supply nozzle (1300) can finally be collected on the bottom surface of the circulation duct (820) and discharged to the water collection unit (860). In this process, all foreign matter settled on the bottom surface of the circulation duct (820) can be washed away.

[0195] Consequently, the control unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can control the water supply valve (1100) to clean both the evaporator (910) and the inside of the circulation duct (820).

[0196] The above-mentioned water collection unit (860) may be positioned on one side of the evaporator (910) to collect water condensed in the evaporator (910). The water collection unit (860) may be positioned closer to the evaporator (910) than to the condenser (920). As a result, the supply nozzle (1300) may be positioned to overlap the water collection unit (860) in the width direction, and the water collection unit (860) may be positioned on one side of the supply nozzle (1300).

[0197] In the following, the front-rear direction and the width direction may be defined based on the garment processing device. For example, the extension direction of the circulation duct corresponds to the front-rear direction, and the flow path cross-sectional direction of the circulation duct perpendicular to the front-rear direction may correspond to the width direction.

[0198] The above steam generating unit (2000) may include a steam case (2100) that is seated on the base (800) and stores water, a steam pipe (2200) that receives water from the water supply valve (1100) and transmits it to the steam case (2100), a supply pipe (2400) that moves steam discharged from the steam case (2100), and a steam nozzle (2300) that is connected to the end of the supply pipe (2400) and discharges steam into the circulation duct (820).

[0199] The steam case (2100) can be positioned further forward than the water collection unit (860). By doing so, the steam case (2100) can be easily exposed in front of the cabinet (100), thereby facilitating at least one of installation, maintenance, and residual water discharge.

[0200] The above steam case (2100) may be seated on the steam mounting part and may have a space for storing water, and a heater that heats the water to generate steam may be installed inside.

[0201] One end of the steam pipe (2200) may be connected to the steam valve (1130), and the other end may be connected to the steam case (2100). The other end of the steam pipe (2200) may be connected to the upper part of the steam case (2100) rather than the lower part to prevent water from flowing backward.

[0202] The supply pipe (2400) can be separated and spaced apart from the steam pipe (2200) and connected to the steam case (2100). One end of the supply pipe (2400) can be positioned closer to the upper part of the steam case (2100) than to the lower part. Thus, steam generated by heating water can be automatically discharged into the supply pipe (2400) due to the difference in density.

[0203] The steam nozzle (2300) may be positioned at the top of the circulation duct (820) to supply steam into the circulation duct (820). The steam nozzle (2300) may be seated on the duct cover (830).

[0204] The steam nozzle (2300) may be provided to extend in the width direction of the circulation duct (820). By doing so, the steam nozzle (2300) can supply steam to the widest possible area of ​​the circulation duct (820) to sterilize the inside of the circulation duct (820).

[0205] The steam nozzle (2300) may be positioned on the upper part of the evaporator (910).

[0206] However, the steam nozzle (2300) may be spaced apart from the supply nozzle (1300) to avoid interference with the supply nozzle (1300).

[0207] The supply nozzle (1300) may be arranged in an overlapping vertical direction on the front surface of the evaporator (910) to increase the efficiency of cleaning the evaporator (910).

[0208] In this case, if the steam nozzle (2300) is positioned downstream or rearward from the supply nozzle (1300), there is a concern that the front surface of the evaporator (910) may not be exposed to steam. Therefore, the steam nozzle (2300) may be positioned forward from the supply nozzle (1300). Thus, the steam sprayed from the steam nozzle (2300) can travel along the extension direction of the circulation duct (820) and pass through the entire area of ​​the evaporator (910) in this process.

[0209] The steam passing through the evaporator (910) can disinfect the evaporator (910), but it can also supply heat to the refrigerant passing through the evaporator (910). As a result, the evaporator (910) can absorb sufficient heat and transfer it to the compressor (930).

[0210] The clothing processing device of the present invention can induce the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) to reach a target temperature quickly by controlling a heater, etc., contained in the steam generating unit (2000) at the beginning of the drying process to supply steam to the evaporator (910). As a result, the drying time can be shortened and the drying efficiency can be increased.

[0211] The supply pipe (1200) may be provided with an elastic material. For example, the supply pipe (1200) may be provided with a rubber hose, etc.

[0212] The supply pipe (1200) and the steam pipe (2200) may be provided with an elastic material. For example, the supply pipe (1200) and the steam pipe (2200) may be provided with a rubber hose, etc.

[0213] FIG. 6 illustrates the state of the base of an embodiment of the clothing processing device of the present invention as viewed from one side of the front.

[0214] When a plurality of flow paths are formed in the supply nozzle (1300) and the flow paths are partitioned / separated, the supply pipe (1200) may include a first supply pipe (1221) with one end connected to the first supply valve (1121) and the other end connected to the supply nozzle (1300), and a second supply pipe (1222) with one end connected to the second supply valve (1122) and the other end connected to the supply nozzle (1300). Thus, even if the water pressure or quantity of water supplied through the main valve (1110) is insufficient, the quantity and pressure of water sprayed per unit area from the supply nozzle (1300) can be secured.

[0215] The above water collection unit (860) may include a water collection body (862) that provides a space for collecting water discharged from the circulation duct (820), and a water collection cover (863) that shields the water collection body (862) and maintains the internal pressure of the water collection body (862).

[0216] The above water collection cover (863) may have a space formed in the center where the drainage pump (861) is installed.

[0217] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0218] The above-mentioned water collection unit (860) may further include a drainage pump (861) that provides power to discharge water collected in the water collection body (826) to the outside. The drainage pump (861) may be seated on the water collection cover (863) and at least a portion of it may be accommodated in the water collection body (826).

[0219] Additionally, the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a drainage unit (3000) for draining water collected in the water collection unit (860) to the outside of the base (800) or cabinet (100).

[0220] The above drainage section (3000) may include a drain pipe (3100) that is connected to the drainage pump (861) at one end to drain water discharged from the drainage pump (861).

[0221] The above drainage section (3000) may further include a connecting pipe (3400) that communicates with the drainage pipe (3100) and guides the water discharged through the drainage pipe (3100) to a sewage section or a water storage tank (120).

[0222] The above drainage section (3000) may further include a residual water discharge pipe (3200) that is provided separately from the drainage pipe (3100) and discharges water collected in the water collection body (862).

[0223] The above residual water discharge pipe (3200) may be connected to the outer surface of the water collection body (862) but may be arranged completely separately from the drainage pump (861).

[0224] The above residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be connected to the water collection body (862) at a lower position than the drainage pump (861) or the drain pipe (3100).

[0225] In other words, since the above residual water discharge pipe (3200) extends near the lower surface of the water collection body (862) or the bottom surface of the water collection body (862), it is preferable to position it below the upper surface of the base (800).

[0226] Accordingly, the base (800) may further include a guide groove (815) that extends from the water collection body (862) and can accommodate and guide the residual water discharge pipe (3200). Due to the guide groove (815), the installation position of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) may be varied, and the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) may be prevented from being arbitrarily separated from the connector (3500).

[0227] The guide groove (815) may be provided to accommodate the residual water discharge pipe (3200) below the upper surface of the base (800). The guide groove (815) may be formed by being recessed downward from the base (800).

[0228] Thus, even if the drainage pump (861) is not operated, the water in the collection unit (860) can be drained to the outside of the base (800) by gravity through the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0229] The above drainage section (3000) may further include a drain valve (3300) coupled to the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) so as to maintain the state in which water is collected in the above water collection section (860).

[0230] The drain valve (3300) can be controlled to open or close the residual water discharge pipe (3200). When the drain valve (3000) is opened, water is discharged through the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and when the drain valve (3200) is closed, water may not be discharged through the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0231] The drain valve (3000) can be connected to the composite pipe (3400). Thus, when the drain valve (3000) is opened, water discharged from the residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be discharged into the composite pipe (3400). Thus, water discharged from both the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and the drain pipe (3100) can be discharged through the composite pipe (3400), thereby eliminating the need for additional pipes connected to the sewer pipe or water tank (120).

[0232] The base (800) may further include a seating groove (816) on which the drain valve (3300) can be seated. The seating groove (816) may be provided to extend from the extension part (815) or to communicate with the guide groove (815).

[0233] The above-mentioned seating groove (816) can be formed at a lower height than the above-mentioned guide groove (815).

[0234] For example, the above-mentioned mounting groove (816) may be formed by being recessed from the base (800) at a height lower than the water collection body (862) or lower than the residual water discharge pipe (3200). That is, the above-mentioned mounting groove (816) may be positioned lower than the bottom surface of the circulation duct (820). Thus, at least a portion of the drain valve (3300) is positioned lower than the water collection body (862) or lower than the residual water discharge pipe (3200), so that the water in the water collection body (862) can be drained through the residual water discharge pipe (3200) without the need for separate power.

[0235] Figure 8 illustrates the structure of the drainage section of Figure 7 in the height direction.

[0236] The above drainage pump (861) can be seated on the above water collection cover (863) and spaced apart from the bottom surface of the above water collection body (862).

[0237] The drain pipe (3100) may extend from the drain pump (861) to the connector (3500). The drain pipe (3100) may be positioned higher than the water collection cover (863). Thus, water collected in the water collection section (860) can be discharged into the drain pipe (3100) only by the power of the drain pump (861).

[0238] The above-mentioned water collection unit (860) may further include a connecting pipe (8621) extending from the bottom surface of the water collection body (862) toward the drain valve (3300). The connecting pipe (8621) may be positioned lower than the drain pump (861).

[0239] The above residual water discharge pipe (3200) may be positioned lower than the water collection cover (863). The above residual water discharge pipe (3200) may extend from the connecting pipe (8621) to the drain valve (3300).

[0240] When the drain valve (3300) is opened, the water collected in the collection unit (860) can be discharged through the residual water discharge pipe (3200) even without the drain pump (861) being operated. Thus, when water is collected in the collection unit (860) for a long time, the drain valve (3300) can be opened to prevent contamination or decay inside the collection unit (860), and in winter, the drain valve (3300) can be opened to prevent freezing or bursting inside the collection unit (860). In addition, by keeping the drain valve (3300) in a locked state, it is possible to prevent foul odors and waste from the sewer pipe from flowing back into the collection unit (860) along the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0241] The water discharged from the above residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be completely drained into the above connector (350) and the above laminated pipe (3400).

[0242] The connector (3500) may be fixed to or coupled to the outlet of the drain valve (3300). Alternatively, the drain portion (3000) may further include an additional pipe connecting the outlet of the drain valve (3300) and the connector (3500).

[0243] In the structure, when the drain valve (3300) is closed, the residual water discharge pipe (3200) is cut off from communication with the sewer pipe (3400), and the state in which water is contained in the collection section (860) is maintained. However, even if the drain valve (3300) is closed, the state in which the combined pipe (3400) or the sewer pipe is connected to the drain pipe (3100) can be maintained because the drain pipe (3100) is positioned downstream of the drain valve (3300).

[0244] However, water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) can be drained through the composite pipe (3400) regardless of whether the drain valve (3300) is opened or closed.

[0245] FIG. 9 illustrates a condition in which water or air can flow backward from the drainage section.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 9(a), when the circulation fan (950) is driven, air can move rapidly along the extension direction of the circulation duct (820). (1)

[0247] When air moves along the extension direction of the circulation duct (820), the pressure inside the circulation duct (820) can be lowered according to the Bernoulli principle, and the pressure in the connecting part (825), which penetrates one side of the circulation duct (820) and communicates with the water collection part (860), is also lowered. As a result, pressure is applied from the water collection part (860) toward the circulation duct (820), and water or air collected in the water collection part (860) can flow back into the circulation duct. (2)

[0248] Additionally, even if the drainage pump (861) is not operating, if pressure is generated from the collection unit (860) toward the circulation duct (820) and the inside of the collection unit (860) becomes a relatively low-pressure state, the air inside the drain pipe (3100) can flow back to the drainage pump (861). (3)

[0249] When air inside the drain pipe (3100) flows back into the water collection unit (860), external air, such as from a sewer, also flows back into the water collection unit (860) through the drain pipe (3100) along the connector (3500) and the bonded pipe (3400). (4)

[0250] Consequently, in the drainage section (3000) of the clothing processing device of the present invention, water and air can flow back even when the drain valve (3300) is closed or the drain pump (861) is operated when the circulation fan (950) is driven.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 9(b), when the circulation fan (950) is driven and air moves along the extension direction of the circulation duct (820), negative pressure is formed inside the water collection section (860) toward the inside of the circulation duct (820), and thus negative pressure is also generated inside the drain pipe (3100) toward the water collection section (860).

[0252] Accordingly, since the drain pipe (3100) is positioned downstream of the drain valve (3300) and the drain pipe (3100) is connected to the connector (350) or the composite pipe (3400) without passing through the drain valve (3300), external air or water, such as from the sewer, can flow back along the drain pipe (3100) to the drain pump (861), the water collection unit (860), and the circulation duct (820).

[0253] As a result, external air may be introduced into the drainage pump (861), and even if the drainage pump (861) is operated, a problem may occur in which the water in the collection unit (860) cannot be properly drained.

[0254] In this state, when the circulation fan (950) is driven, even if the drainage pump (861) is driven, the water in the collection unit (860) may flow back into the circulation duct (820), and since the collection unit (860) frequently reaches a full water level, the drying process itself may be interrupted due to reasons such as a drainage error.

[0255] Furthermore, dirt or odors from the sewer pipe may flow back into the collection unit (860) and circulation duct (820), and may contaminate the clothing inside the drum (200).

[0256] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment that prevents backflow in the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0257] The following description focuses on differences from the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0258] Referring to FIG. 10(a), the drainage section (3000) may further include a sewer pipe (3700) that discharges water discharged through the drain valve (3300) to one or more of a sewer and a water storage tank (320). The sewer pipe (3700) may be connected to the outlet of the drain valve (3300) and extend outside the base (800).

[0259] That is, the sewer pipe (3700) can be extended downstream from the drain valve (3300).

[0260] The entire drain pipe (3100) may be positioned upstream of the drain valve (3300). When the drain valve (3300) is closed, the connection of the drain pipe (3100) with the sewer may be completely blocked. That is, the drain valve (3300) may be configured to selectively connect the drain pipe (3100) with the sewer pipe (3700).

[0261] For example, when the drain valve (3300) is opened, the drain pipe (3100) and the sewer pipe (3700) can be connected. Therefore, when the drain valve (3300) is opened, water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) can be discharged into the sewer pipe (3700).

[0262] However, when the drain valve (3300) is closed, the connection between the drain pipe (3100) and the sewer pipe (3700) can be blocked. Therefore, when the drain valve (3300) is closed, the discharge of water from the drain pipe (3100) into the sewer pipe (3700) can be blocked. At the same time, the backflow of air and water inside the sewer pipe (3700) into the drain pipe (3100) can also be blocked.

[0263] Therefore, when the drain valve (3300) is closed, external air flowing into the drain pump (861) through the sewer pipe (3700) can be blocked.

[0264] When the drain valve (3300) is closed, the connection between the sewer pipe (3700) and the drain section (3000) is blocked. Therefore, even if negative pressure is generated inside the circulation duct (820), the drop in pressure inside the drain section (3000) can be blocked or weakened. Accordingly, even if the circulation fan (950) is operated, the inflow of water from the collection section (860) into the circulation duct (820) can be blocked or weakened.

[0265] Therefore, when the drainage pump (861) is driven, the water from the collection unit (860) flows into the drainage pump (861) and can fill the drain pipe (3100). Furthermore, even if the circulation fan (950) is driven or even if the rpm increases, when the drainage pump (861) is driven, the water from the collection unit (860) can be moved completely into the drain pipe (3100).

[0266] To this end, the clothing processing device of the present invention may have the drain pipe (3100) connected to the residual water discharge pipe (3200) upstream of the drain valve (3300).

[0267] At least a portion of the drain pipe (3100) may be located below the upper surface of the base (800). The end of the drain pipe (3100) may be positioned inside the seating groove (816).

[0268] And, the connector (3500) may be placed inside the seating groove (816). The connector (3500) may be placed between the drain valve (3300) and the drain pump (861) or between the drain valve (3300) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0269] One or more inlets of the connector (3500) are connected to the end of the drain pipe (3100) and the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the outlet of the connector (3500) can be connected to the drain valve (3300).

[0270] The above-mentioned laminated pipe (3400) can be positioned between the outlet of the connector (3500) and the drain valve (3300). Thus, the laminated pipe (3400) can guide all the water flowing in from the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200), respectively, through the connector (3500) to the drain valve (3300).

[0271] The above-mentioned mounting groove (816) can accommodate the connector (3500). Since the connector (3500) is positioned upstream of the drain valve (3300), the connector (3500) can be positioned upstream of the drain valve (3300) in the mounting groove (816).

[0272] The above-mentioned mounting groove (816) can accommodate the connector (3500), the drain valve (3300), and the laminated pipe (3400).

[0273] The area of ​​the above-mentioned seating groove (816) can be larger than the sum of the areas of the above-mentioned connector (3500), the above-mentioned drain valve (3300), and the above-mentioned laminated pipe (3400).

[0274] The above-mentioned mounting groove (816) may be positioned further back than the water collection section (860) and between the compressor installation area and the circulation duct (820).

[0275] The above-mentioned mounting groove (816) may be formed on one side of the circulation fan (950). As a result, the connector (3500), the drain valve (3300), and the laminated pipe (3400) may be arranged to overlap with the circulation fan (950) in the width direction.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 10(b), the drain pipe (3100) may be configured to communicate with the residual water discharge pipe (3200) between the water collection section (860) and the drain valve (3300).

[0277] One end of the drain pipe (3100) may be connected to the drain pump (861), or it may be connected to the outlet (8631) of the water collection cover (863) connected to the outlet of the drain pump (861).

[0278] The above drain pipe (3100) may be provided so that its end is connected to the above residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0279] The water discharged through the drain pipe (3100) can be transferred to the drain valve (3300) through the residual water discharge pipe (3200) or the connector (3500).

[0280] As a result, the drain valve (3300) can be configured to allow both the water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) and the water discharged from the residual water discharge pipe (3200) to pass through. That is, the drain valve (3300) can be opened and closed to discharge or stop the discharge of water from the residual water discharge pipe (3200), rather than to discharge or stop the discharge of water from the drain pipe (3100). When the drain valve (3300) is opened and closed, the effect of the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) opening and closing simultaneously can be achieved.

[0281] However, since the drain pipe (3100) is configured to communicate with the residual water discharge pipe (3200) upstream of the drain valve (3300), communication between the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3300) can always be maintained even when the drain valve (3300) is closed.

[0282] That is, the opening and closing of the drain valve (3300) corresponds to opening and closing the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3300) to the sewer pipe (3700), and the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3300) can always be connected by a connector (3500).

[0283] As a result, the opening and closing of the drain valve (3300) can correspond to the opening and closing of the sewer pipe (3700). When the drain valve is opened, the sewer pipe (3700) is opened, allowing water to be discharged into the sewer pipe (3700) through the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200). When the drain valve is closed, the sewer pipe (3700) is closed, blocking the discharge of water from the residual water discharge pipe (3200) into the sewer pipe (3700), and also blocking the discharge of water from the collection unit (860) into the sewer pipe (3700) even when the drain pump (861) is operated. At the same time, backflow of water or odor from the sewer pipe (3700) into the drain valve (3300) is blocked, thereby preventing backflow of dirt or odor from the sewer pipe (3700) into the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0284] That is, the drain valve (3300) may be provided as a 2-way valve that opens or closes. That is, the drain valve (3300) may be provided with an inlet and an outlet. That is, even if the drain valve (3300) determines the opening and closing of the drain pipe (3100) as well as the residual water discharge pipe (3200), it may be provided as a 2-way valve due to the connector (3500).

[0285] The above sewer pipe (3700) may be provided to discharge all water discharged through the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0286] The connector (3500) can connect the end of the drain pipe (3100) and the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and guide water supplied from the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) to the drain valve (3300). To this end, the connector (3500) may be provided in the form of a T-pipe or a branch pipe. That is, the connector (3500) may include two inlets and one outlet.

[0287] The above-mentioned laminated pipe (3400) may be provided to connect the connector (3500) and the drain valve (3300). That is, the laminated pipe (3400) may be placed inside the base (800) and may be placed upstream of the drain valve (3300). The laminated pipe (3400) may be coupled to the outlet of the connector (3500) to guide water supplied from the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) to the drain valve (3300).

[0288] The connector (3500) may be provided to connect the drain pipe (3100), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the bonding pipe (3400). Since the drain pipe (3100), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the bonding pipe (3400) are all positioned upstream of the drain valve (3300), they can always maintain communication through the connector (3500) regardless of whether the drain valve (3300) is open or closed.

[0289] Meanwhile, the drain valve (3300) may be opened to allow the drain pipe (3100) and the sewer pipe (3700) to communicate for at least a portion of the time during the operation of the drain pump (861). However, when the circulation fan (950) is operated or the drain pump (861) is not operated, the drain valve (3300) is controlled to be closed, thereby blocking communication between the sewer pipe (3700) and the drain pipe (3100). This prevents dirt or odors from the sewer pipe (3700) from flowing into the drain pipe (3100) or the collection unit (860). Additionally, even when the circulation fan (950) is operated, it is prevented from backflowing external air, such as from the sewer pipe (3700), into the drain pump (861).

[0290] FIG. 11 illustrates an additional embodiment that prevents backflow in the drainage section.

[0291] The following description focuses on differences from the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0292] The drain pipe (3100) is positioned above the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and the drain valve (3300) for most of its area. Additionally, since the drain pipe (3100) is connected to the drain pump (861), significant vibration may occur in the drain pipe (3100) due to water pressure when the drain pump (861) is operated. In this case, there is a risk that the drain pipe (3100) may be disconnected from the connector (3500).

[0293] To prevent this, the garment processing device of the present invention may further include a through hole (817) in the base (800) through which the drain pipe (3100) passes through on one side of the seating groove (816). That is, the through hole (817) may be provided to communicate with the inner surface of the seating groove (816). For example, a portion of the inner surface of the seating groove (816) may be cut or penetrated to communicate with the through hole (817).

[0294] The diameter of the through hole (817) may be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the drain pipe (3100). Thus, the drain pipe (3100) may be supported by the through hole (817) so that movement, etc., may be restricted, and the end of the drain pipe (3100) may be maintained in a state connected to the connector (3500).

[0295] FIG. 12 illustrates another structural embodiment that prevents backflow in the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0296] The following description focuses on differences from the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0297] The above drain pipe (3100) can be directly connected to the drain valve (3300) so that direct communication with the sewer pipe (3700) can be blocked.

[0298] The drain valve (3300) may be provided to directly open and close the drain pipe (3100).

[0299] The drain pipe (3100) can be connected to the sewer pipe (3700) through the drain valve (3300). The drain valve (3300) can selectively connect the drain pipe (3100) to the sewer pipe (3700) by opening and closing.

[0300] Of course, the above residual water discharge pipe (3200) can also be directly connected to the above drain valve (3300).

[0301] In this case, the drain valve (3300) can also directly open and close the residual water discharge pipe (3200). However, the residual water discharge pipe (3200) may be connected to the drain valve (3300) while being spaced apart from the drain pipe (3100).

[0302] For example, the drain valve (3300) may be provided with an inlet section to which the end of the drain pipe (3100) is connected and an inlet section to which the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) is connected separately, and the outlet section may be provided as a single unit and connected to the sewer pipe (3700).

[0303] In this case, the drain valve (3300) is provided as a three-way valve so that the opening and closing of the drain pipe (3100) and the opening and closing of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be performed separately. Accordingly, the configuration of the connector (3500) connecting the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the laminated pipe (3400) connecting the connector (3500) and the drain valve (3300) can be omitted.

[0304] In that the above-mentioned consolidation pipe (3400) has the function of moving both the water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) and the water discharged from the residual water discharge pipe (3200), the sewer pipe (3700) can perform the role of the consolidation pipe (3400). That is, the consolidation pipe (3400) can be positioned downstream of the drain valve (3300) to transfer the water discharged from the outlet of the drain valve (3300) to either a sewer or a storage tank (320).

[0305] The drain valve (3300) may connect both the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) to the sewer pipe (3700), or only one of the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) to the sewer pipe (3700), or it may be controlled to block both the drain pipe (3100) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) from connecting to the sewer pipe (3700).

[0306] Accordingly, when the drainage pump (861) is driven, the drainage valve (3300) can be controlled to connect the drain pipe (3100) and the composite pipe (3400) that serves as the sewer pipe. When the drainage pump (861) is not driven or the circulation fan (950) is driven, the drainage valve (3300) can be controlled to block the connection between the drain pipe (3100) and the composite pipe (3400) that serves as the sewer pipe.

[0307] FIG. 13 illustrates another structural embodiment for preventing backflow in the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0308] Referring to FIG. 13(a), the clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured to collect water collected in the water collection body (862) into the water storage tank (120) when the drainage pump (861) is driven.

[0309] In this case, the sewer pipe (3700) may be connected to the water storage tank (120) to supply water collected in the collection unit (860) to the water storage tank (120).

[0310] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned water storage tank (120) has a limited capacity, and when water is supplied from an external water source to the washing unit (1000), the above-mentioned water storage tank (120) may reach a full water level, and even if it reaches a full water level, water may continue to be supplied to the water storage tank (120).

[0311] In this case, the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a guide pipe (3600) that guides the water of the water storage tank (120) so that the water overflowing from the water storage tank (120) can be recovered back to the collection unit (860).

[0312] The guide pipe (3600) may be configured such that its end is connected to at least one of the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and the drain pipe (3100). The drain valve (3300) may be configured so that all water discharged from the guide pipe (3600) can pass through.

[0313] For example, the guide pipe (3600) may be provided to be connected to the drain pipe (3100). Thus, water discharged from the guide pipe (3600) can be discharged again to the sewer pipe (3700) through the drain pipe (3100).

[0314] As a result, the clothing processing device of the present invention can secure a volume capable of storing additional water equal to the volume of the flow path extending from the guide pipe (3600) to the sewer pipe (3700), in addition to the storage capacity of the water tank (120).

[0315] Since the storage container (120) is positioned above the drum (200) and the drain pipe (3100) is positioned on the base (800), the guide pipe (3600) can be positioned in an up-and-down direction. The base (800) may include a guide hole (818) through which the guide pipe (3600) passes. By doing so, the guide hole (818) supports at least a portion of the guide pipe (3600), thereby preventing the guide pipe (3600) from vibrating arbitrarily.

[0316] The guide pipe (3600) penetrates the guide hole (818), and the drain pipe (3100) penetrates the through hole (817) so that they can communicate with each other below the upper surface of the base (800).

[0317] The connector (3500) may be provided to connect the guide pipe (3600), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), the drain pipe (3100), and the drain valve (3400).

[0318] The connector (3500) may be provided to connect the end of the drain pipe (3100), the end of the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the end of the guide pipe (3600).

[0319] The connector (3500) may be provided to guide water drained from the drain pipe (3100), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the guide pipe (3600) to the drain valve (3300).

[0320] The drain valve (3300) may be configured to allow all water discharged from the guide pipe (3600), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the drain pipe (3100) to pass through or block the passage.

[0321] The connector (3500) may be provided as a single unit and may be provided as a four-branch pipe, or may be provided as a plurality of units to selectively connect the guide pipe (3600), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the drain pipe (3100).

[0322] Referring to FIG. 13(b), the connector (3500) may include a first connector (3510) that connects the guide pipe (3600) and the drain pipe (3100). The first connector (3510) may be provided with a plurality of inlet portions so that the end of the drain pipe (3100) and the end of the guide pipe (3600) can be connected to each other, and the outlet portion may be provided so as to face the drain valve (3300).

[0323] The connector (3500) may include a second connector (3520) that connects the first connector (3510) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0324] The above drain pipe (3100) may include a first drain pipe (3110) connected to the first connector (3510) and a second drain pipe (3120) connecting the first connector (3510) and the second connector (3520).

[0325] The first connector (3510) and the second connector (3520) can both be provided as three-branch pipes.

[0326] The above-mentioned mounting groove (816) may be provided so that both the first connector (3510) and the second connector (3520) are mounted thereon.

[0327] FIG. 14 illustrates the function of the above connector.

[0328] When the drain valve (3300) is closed, one or more of the water flowing in from the drain pipe (3100) and the water flowing in from the guide pipe (3600) can be moved to the residual water discharge pipe (3200) through the connector (3500). As a result, the water level of the collection unit (860) can be raised, and the air flowing into the drain pump (861) can be minimized or blocked, thereby improving drainage performance.

[0329] Even if the internal pressure of the collection unit (860) is lowered due to the operation of the circulation fan (950), the odor or dirt from the sewer pipe (3700) can be blocked from flowing into one or more of the drain pipe (3100), the guide pipe (3600), and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) by the drain valve (3300).

[0330] Therefore, even if the rpm of the circulation fan (950) is maintained or the circulation fan (950) is driven at maximum rpm, the backflow of water inside the collection unit (860) into the circulation duct (820) can be blocked, and at the same time, the backflow of odor or dirt through the sewer pipe (3700) into the drainage pump (861), the collection body (862), and the circulation duct (820) can be prevented.

[0331] When the drain valve (3300) is open, all the water inside the drain pipe (3100), the guide pipe (3600), and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be discharged through the drain valve (3300).

[0332] For example, all the water inside the water collection unit (860) can be discharged through the drain valve (3300). This prevents the inside of the water collection unit (860) from decaying or the humidity inside the cabinet (100) from rising above a standard level.

[0333] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a control method capable of preventing backflow in the drainage section of a clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0334] When the clothing processing device of the present invention performs any drying course capable of removing moisture from clothing, it may perform a closing step (S1) of locking the drain valve (3300).

[0335] In the above closing step (S1), the drain valve (330) can be locked to allow water to be collected in the water collection unit (860). For example, during the execution of the drying course, water condensed in the evaporator (910) can be introduced into the water collection unit (860), and water supplied from the washing unit (1000) to wash the evaporator (910) can be introduced into the water collection unit (860).

[0336] If the drain valve (3300) is open, all the water collected in the collection unit (860) can be drained through the residual water discharge pipe (3200). To prevent this, the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform the closing step (S1) so that the water flowing into the collection unit (860) can be collected in the collection unit (860) as is.

[0337] The above closing step (S1) can be performed during the process in which the circulation fan (950) is driven to drive the drying course.

[0338] Since communication between the outlet of the drainage section (3000) and the interior of the drainage section (3000) is blocked through the above closing step (S1), only the circulation duct (820), which is the inlet of the drainage section (3000), is in communication with the interior of the drainage section (3000). Therefore, even if the circulation fan (950) is driven, backflow of air and water from the interior of the drainage section (3000) into the circulation duct (820) can be blocked or minimized. As a result, the circulation fan (950) can be driven at an RPM capable of producing maximum efficiency, regardless of the water level of the collection section (860) and whether the drainage pump (861) is driven.

[0339] During the process of performing the above closing step (S1), the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a detection step (S2) to detect whether the water level inside the water collection unit (860) is at a full water level or at a dangerous water level that requires driving the drainage pump (861).

[0340] The above danger level may correspond to a water level at which the water collected in the above collection unit (860) is likely to overflow the above collection body (862). The clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a water level sensor that can be introduced into the above collection body (862) in the above collection cover (863).

[0341] Since the locking step (S1) is maintained even during the detection step (S2), the circulation fan (950) can be operated freely without reducing the RPM according to the set drying course. At this time, even when the circulation fan (950) is operated, backflow of water or odor from the sewer pipe (3700) can be prevented. For example, the circulation fan (950) can be operated by maintaining the RPM as is or even increasing the RPM, regardless of the water level inside the collection unit (860). As a result, the airflow is maintained at the maximum during the drying course, thereby increasing the drying efficiency.

[0342] If, in the detection step (S2), it is detected that the inside of the water collection body (862) is at the full water level or danger level, the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a driving step (S3) of driving the drainage pump (861). The driving step (S3) corresponds to a step of driving the drainage pump (861) to discharge the water collected in the water collection unit (860) into the drain pipe (3100).

[0343] Meanwhile, even if the above driving step (S3) is performed, the above locking step (S1) may still be maintained. Thus, even if the above drainage pump (861) is driven, the water collected in the above water collection unit (860) is not immediately discharged into the above sewer pipe (3700) through the above drainage valve (3300), but can be recirculated into the above residual water discharge pipe (3200).

[0344] The locking step (S1) may be maintained until the driving step (S3) is performed for a set time. That is, when the driving step (S3) starts, a judgment step (S4) for determining whether the set time has elapsed may be performed.

[0345] The above setting time can be set as the time during which the drainage pump (861) is driven to allow water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) to circulate through the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and the water collection unit (860). During the above setting time, the locking step (S1) and the driving step (S3) are performed simultaneously, so that all water located in the upstream space of the drain valve (3300), such as water remaining in the drain pipe (3100) and water remaining in the residual water discharge pipe (3200), can be collected in the water collection unit (860). Accordingly, as the water level of the water collection unit (861) rises to its maximum, all air inside the drainage pump (861) and the drain pipe (3100) can be discharged, and the entire drainage pump (861) and the drain pipe (3100) can be filled with water.

[0346] As a result, since the drainage pump (861) is operated while the drainage valve (3300) is closed, all the air inside the drainage pump (861) can also be discharged outside the drainage pump (861).

[0347] The above setting time may be set as a time that ensures water is filled throughout the drainage pump (861) and the drain pipe (3100), or as a time that ensures all air inside the upstream of the drain valve (3300) and the residual water discharge pipe (3200) is pushed out of the drainage pump (861). For example, the setting time may be set to be 30 seconds or more and within 3 minutes.

[0348] If the locking step (S1) and the manual step (S3) are performed during the set time in the judgment step (S4), the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform an opening step (S5) of opening the drain valve (3300) while maintaining the driving step (S3).

[0349] When the above opening step (S5) is performed, since the above driving step (S3) is still being performed, the water circulating through the above water collection unit (860), the above drain pipe (3100), and the above residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be discharged into the sewer pipe (3700) through the above drain valve (3300).

[0350] The above opening step (S5) is performed when all air has been removed from inside the drainage pump (861). Additionally, due to the circulation of water inside the drainage section (3000), the drainage pump (861) and the drain pipe (3100) or the composite pipe (3400) may be completely filled with water or filled with a sufficient amount of water at a sufficient water pressure.

[0351] Therefore, as soon as the drain valve (3300) is opened, the water discharged from the drain pump (861) can be discharged directly into the sewer pipe (3700) without delay. At the same time, the backflow of air or dirt inside the sewer pipe (3700) into the drain pipe (3100) can be completely blocked.

[0352] When the drain pipe (3100) is connected to the residual water discharge pipe (3200) via the connector (3500), even if the drain valve (3300) is opened, a portion of the water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) is recirculated into the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and can continue to circulate through the drainage section (3000). As a result, the water level of the collection section (860) can be maintained to the maximum extent so that air does not enter the drainage pump (861). Thus, the drainage performance and stability of the clothing processing device of the present invention can be maximized.

[0353] When the water inside the above-mentioned water collection unit (860) is discharged and the water level inside the above-mentioned water collection unit (860) falls below a reference water level lower than that of the drainage pump (861), the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a termination step (S6) of stopping the operation of the drainage pump (861).

[0354] Even after the above drainage pump (861) is finished operating, since the water inside the drainage section (3000) is circulating, a certain amount of water may remain in one or more of the drain pipe (3100), the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the connector (3500).

[0355] Accordingly, the clothing processing device of the present invention may continue to perform the opening step (S5) for a maintenance time after the termination step (S6) to perform a resting step (S7) that maintains the open state of the drain valve (3300).

[0356] Through the above-mentioned idle step (S7), the water of the entire drainage section (3000) can be induced to be discharged outside the drainage valve (3300). The above-mentioned maintenance time can be set to approximately 30 seconds.

[0357] Meanwhile, when the above maintenance time has elapsed, the garment processing device of the present invention may perform a termination determination step (S8) for determining whether the course has ended. The termination determination step (S8) may be a step for determining whether the operation of the compressor and the circulation fan has been completely terminated.

[0358] If the course is still in progress at the above termination judgment step (S8), the control method can be performed as before starting from the aforementioned locking step (S1). As a result, in the control method of the drainage section performed again, the backflow of air in the sewer pipe (3700) can be continuously blocked, the inflow of external air into the drainage pump (861) can be continuously blocked, and the reduction of pressure in the collection section (860) can be continuously blocked.

[0359] However, if it is detected that the course has ended in the above termination judgment step (S8), the necessary control method of the drainage unit may also be terminated.

[0360] Consequently, the control method of the drainage section (3000) can be repeated until the end of the drying course.

[0361] FIG. 16 illustrates the process of performing the control method.

[0362] Hereinafter, a control method is described based on the premise that the drainage section of the clothing processing device of the present invention is provided with the structure of FIG. 11.

[0363] The structure is merely one example, and the same control method can be performed in other structural examples.

[0364] Referring to FIG. 16(a), the driving step (S3) has started, but the setting time in the judgment step (S4) has not elapsed, so the opening step (S5) is not performed and the locking step (S1) can be maintained.

[0365] In this case, since the drainage pump (861) is operated, the water collected in the collection unit (860) can be discharged through the drain pipe (3100) and flow into the connector (3500) and the residual water discharge pipe (3100). However, since the drain valve (3300) is closed, the water discharged through the drain pipe (3100) flows only into the connector (3500) and the residual water discharge pipe (3100) and can flow back into the collection unit (860).

[0366] As the water in the collection unit (860) circulates during the set time, all air remaining in at least one of the drainage pump (861) and the drain pipe (3100) can be discharged, and the amount of water and water pressure discharged from the drainage pump (861) to the drain pipe (3100) can be increased to a certain level or higher. Accordingly, the drainage pump (861) can drain the water in the collection unit (860) to the drain pipe (3100) with maximum efficiency, and the drain pipe (3100) can be maintained in a state where it is completely filled with water. Accordingly, when the drainage pump (861) is driven, the phenomenon in which water is obstructed from the drainage pump (861) to the drain pipe (3100) due to air remaining in the drainage pump (861) can be prevented, and the phenomenon in which air inside the sewer pipe (3700) flows back into the drainage pump (861) causing contamination of the inside of the collection unit (860) or further deterioration of the drainage performance of the drainage pump (861) can also be prevented.

[0367] Referring to FIG. 16(b), the opening step (S5) may be performed after the driving step (S3) and the judgment step (S4). As the drain valve (3300) is opened, water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) can be discharged into the sewer pipe (3700) up to the flow rate that the drain valve (3300) can handle. Therefore, dirt or odors remaining in the sewer pipe (3700) can be discharged as is, and backflow into the drain pipe (3100) or the residual water discharge pipe (3200) can be completely blocked.

[0368] In addition, water discharged from the drain pipe (3100) that does not pass through the drain valve (3300) can be circulated back to the residual water discharge pipe (3200) and then to the water collection unit (860). By doing so, the inflow of air into the drain pump (861) can be blocked, and the drainage performance of the drain pump (861) can be maintained.

[0369] That is, FIG. 16(a) illustrates the state before the driving step (S3) is performed and the opening step (S5) is performed.

[0370] Consequently, the clothing processing device of the present invention can be controlled so that the drain valve (3300) begins to open after the drain pump (861) has been operated for a certain period of time or a set period of time. In other words, the drain valve (3300) can be controlled to open during the process of the drain pump (861) being operated.

[0371] In addition, when the drainage pump (861) is operated while the drainage valve (3300) is closed, the water discharged from the drainage pipe (3100) is circulated to the water collection unit (860) through the residual water discharge pipe (3200), and the residual air inside the drainage pump (861) is also discharged, allowing the drainage pump (861) to perform its full function and discharge water into the drainage pipe (3100).

[0372] 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. A cabinet having an opening at the front; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and storing clothing inserted through the opening; A circulation duct forming a flow path that guides air discharged from the drum to the drum; A fan mounted in the above circulation duct to move the air; A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger disposed inside the above circulation duct for cooling or heating the air; A collection section connected to the above circulation duct and collecting water condensed in the heat exchanger; A drainage pump that is installed in the above-mentioned collection unit and discharges water collected in the above-mentioned collection unit; A drain pipe extending from the above drainage pump to drain water collected in the above collection area; A residual water discharge pipe extending from the above-mentioned collection section and spaced apart from the above-mentioned drainage pump to drain water collected in the above-mentioned collection section to the outside of the above-mentioned collection section; It includes a drain valve through which water discharged from the above residual water discharge pipe can pass; and The above drain pipe is provided such that its end is connected to the above residual water discharge pipe, and A clothing processing device characterized by the above drain valve being configured to allow both water discharged from the drain pipe and water discharged from the residual water discharge pipe to pass through.

2. In Paragraph 1, A clothing processing device characterized by the above drain pipe being configured to communicate with the above residual water discharge pipe upstream of the above drain valve.

3. In Paragraph 1, A clothing processing device characterized by the fact that the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe remain connected even when the drain valve is closed.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a sewer pipe that extends from the drain valve and discharges water discharged through the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe into a sewer. A clothing processing device characterized by the above drain valve being configured to open and close the above sewer pipe.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above drain valve is A clothing processing device characterized by being equipped with a 2-way valve that determines whether water discharged from the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe is discharged into the sewer pipe.

6. In Paragraph 4, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above drain valve is controlled so that communication between the sewer pipe and the drain pipe is blocked when the above fan is driven.

7. In Paragraph 1, A clothing processing device characterized by further including a connector that connects the end of the drain pipe and the end of the residual water discharge pipe and guides water supplied from the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe to the drain valve.

8. In Paragraph 7, A clothing processing device characterized by further including a laminated pipe that connects the above connector and the above drain valve to guide water supplied from the above drain pipe and the above residual water discharge pipe to the above drain valve.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above connector is A clothing processing device characterized by being configured such that the above drain pipe, the above residual water discharge pipe, and the above lamination pipe are all connected.

10. In Paragraph 8, It further includes a base on which the above-mentioned circulation duct and the above-mentioned water collection section are formed and the above-mentioned drain valve is seated. A clothing processing device characterized in that the above base further includes a seating groove in which the above connector is seated.

11. In Paragraph 10, A clothing processing device characterized in that at least one of the above-mentioned laminated pipe and the above-mentioned drain valve is provided to be seated in the above-mentioned seating groove together with the above-mentioned connector.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above base is A clothing processing device characterized by further including a through hole in which the drain pipe passes through and is connected to the connector on one side of the above-mentioned seating groove.

13. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a sewer pipe extending from the drain valve and discharging water drained from the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe, a water storage tank extending from the end of the sewer pipe and storing water, and a guide pipe provided separately from the sewer pipe and guiding backflowing water from the water storage tank. The above guide pipe is configured such that its end is connected to at least one of the above residual water discharge pipe and the above drain pipe, and A clothing processing device characterized by the above drain valve being configured to allow all water discharged from the above guide pipe to pass through.

14. In Paragraph 13, A clothing processing device characterized by further including a connector that connects the end of the drain pipe, the end of the residual water discharge pipe, and the end of the guide pipe, and guides the water drained from the drain pipe, the residual water discharge pipe, and the guide pipe to the drain valve.

15. In Paragraph 14, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above connector includes a first connector connecting the drain pipe and the guide pipe, and a second connector connecting the first connector and the residual water discharge pipe, and the drain valve is provided to receive water passing through the second connector.

16. A cabinet having an opening at the front; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and storing clothing inserted through the opening; A circulation duct forming a flow path that guides air discharged from the drum to the drum; A fan mounted in the above circulation duct to move the air; A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger disposed inside the above circulation duct for cooling or heating the air; A collection section connected to the above circulation duct and collecting water condensed in the heat exchanger; A drainage pump that is installed in the above-mentioned collection unit and discharges water collected in the above-mentioned collection unit; A drain pipe extending from the drainage pump to the outside of the water collection section to drain water; A residual water discharge pipe provided separately from the above drain pipe to drain water from the above collection section to the outside of the above collection section; A drain valve coupled to the end of the residual water discharge pipe to open and close the residual water discharge pipe; is included. A clothing processing device characterized by the above drain pipe being configured to communicate with the above residual water discharge pipe upstream of the above drain valve.

17. A cabinet having an opening at the front; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and storing clothing inserted through the opening; A circulation duct forming a flow path that guides air discharged from the drum to the drum; A fan mounted in the above circulation duct to move the air; A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger disposed inside the above circulation duct for cooling or heating the air; A collection section connected to the above circulation duct and collecting water condensed in the heat exchanger; A drainage pump that is installed in the above-mentioned collection unit and discharges water collected in the above-mentioned collection unit; A drain pipe extending from the drainage pump to the outside of the water collection section to drain water; A sewer pipe for draining water discharged from the above drain pipe to the outside; A drain valve configured to open and close between the drain pipe and the sewer pipe to selectively connect the drain pipe and the sewer pipe; comprising A clothing processing device characterized by being configured to prevent air or water inside the sewer pipe from flowing back into the drain pipe or drain pump when the drain valve is closed.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above pump operates for longer than a set time while the above drain valve is closed, and A clothing processing device characterized in that the drain valve is controlled to open after the drain pump has been operated for the set time.

19. In Paragraph 17, A clothing processing device characterized by the fact that when the drain valve is closed, the rpm of the fan is controlled to be maintained or increased.

20. In Paragraph 19, A clothing processing device characterized by controlling the fan's RPM to be maintained or increased even when the drainage pump is driven.

21. A cabinet having an opening at the front; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and storing clothing inserted through the opening; A circulation duct forming a flow path that guides air discharged from the drum to the drum; A fan mounted in the above circulation duct to move the air; A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger disposed inside the above circulation duct for cooling or heating the air; A collection section connected to the above circulation duct and collecting water condensed in the heat exchanger; A drainage pump that is installed in the above-mentioned collection unit and discharges water collected in the above-mentioned collection unit; A drain pipe extending from the drainage pump to the outside of the water collection section to drain water; A residual water discharge pipe provided separately from the above drain pipe for draining water collected in the above collection area to the outside of the above collection area; A sewer pipe through which all water drained from the above drain pipe and the above residual water discharge pipe is discharged; A drain valve that selectively connects the drain pipe and the residual water discharge pipe to the sewer pipe; including The above drain valve is A clothing processing device characterized by the fact that the above-mentioned drainage pump is controlled to open after operating for a certain period of time.

22. In Paragraph 21, A clothing processing device characterized in that the drain valve is controlled to open after the drain pump starts operating and a set time has elapsed.

23. In Paragraph 21, A clothing processing device characterized in that when the drainage pump is operated while the drainage valve is closed, the water discharged from the drain pipe circulates to the collection unit and the drainage pump through the residual water discharge pipe.

Images