Clothes treatment system

Abstract

A clothes treatment system according to one embodiment may comprise: a first clothes-treatment device including a first housing and a first front frame coupled to the front surface of the first housing; and a second clothes-treatment device which includes a second housing and a second front frame coupled to the front surface of the second housing, and which is disposed to be coupled to the upper portion of the first clothes-treatment device. The first front frame can include a recess part formed at the upper portion thereof in the direction toward the first housing so as to be spaced apart from the first housing.

Description

Clothing processing system

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a clothing processing system.

[0002] A clothing processing device may be a device for processing and / or managing clothing. A clothing processing device may include a washing machine and a dryer.

[0003] A washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a drive motor to agitate laundry, water, and detergent placed inside a tub, thereby enabling washing through mutual friction. Regardless of the type of washing machine, the processes performed by the washing machine may include a washing process in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub containing laundry and the laundry is washed while rotating a drum, a rinsing process in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a spin-drying process in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry.

[0004] A dryer may be a device that dries an object with high-temperature dry air. The dryer is configured to dry an object by rotating a drum containing the object at a low speed while allowing hot air to pass through the drum. The process performed by the dryer may include a drying process for drying the object.

[0005] For ease of use, multiple garment processing units can be connected. For example, a tower-type garment processing system can be provided in which two units are connected vertically. There is demand for tower-type garment processing systems where one unit is a washing machine and the other is a dryer, in order to ensure user convenience and efficient use of indoor space.

[0006] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0007] A clothing processing system according to one embodiment may include a first clothing processing device comprising a first housing and a first front frame coupled to the front of the first housing, and a second clothing processing device comprising a second housing and a second front frame coupled to the front of the second housing, and positioned to be coupled to the upper portion of the first clothing processing device. The first front frame may include a groove formed on the upper portion facing the first housing so as to be separated from the first housing.

[0008] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the description below. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 1b is a side view of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first garment processing device of a garment processing system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second clothing processing device of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of combining a first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device in a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the front portion where the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device meet among the sides of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a first garment processing device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a support frame and a first housing are combined in a first clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the first front frame is additionally combined in FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a deco member is additionally combined in FIG. 8.

[0019] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0020] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure in FIGS. 1a through 9 disclosed below and in this patent document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any system or device appropriately arranged.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0022] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 1b is a side view of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0024] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIGS. 2 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a clothing processing system (100) according to one embodiment may include a first clothing processing device (200) and a second clothing processing device (300). The second clothing processing device (300) may be provided on one side of the first clothing processing device (200). For example, the second clothing processing device (300) may be mounted on the upper part of the first clothing processing device (200).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first clothing processing device (200) may be a washing machine or a dryer. For example, the first clothing processing device (200) may be a washing machine.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the second clothing processing device (300) may be a washing machine or a dryer. For example, the second clothing processing device (300) may be a dryer.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first clothing processing device (200) may include a first front frame (201), a first housing (210), and a first door (220). The first front frame (201) may be coupled to the front of the first housing (210).

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) may be positioned to protrude upward relative to the first housing (210). The top of the first front frame (201) may be located above the first housing (210). A step may be formed between the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210) due to the height difference between the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side (211), a first rear surface (212), a first top surface (213), and a first bottom surface (214). The first side (211) and the first rear surface (212) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto. The first rear surface (212) may be a surface facing the rearward direction (e.g., -y direction). The first side (211) may be formed to extend vertically from the first rear surface (212). The first side (211) may have two surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction (e.g., x direction). The first top surface (213) may be provided on the upper side (e.g., +z direction) of the first housing (210). The first top surface (213) may be positioned perpendicularly to the first rear surface (212) and the first side (211). The first upper surface (213) may be positioned to correspond to the second lower surface (314) of the second clothing processing device (300). The first lower surface (214) may be positioned parallel to the first upper surface (213). The first lower surface (214) may be provided on the lower side (e.g., in the -z direction) of the first housing (210). The first lower surface (214) may be positioned perpendicular to the first rear surface (212) and the first side surface (211).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first door (220) may be positioned on the first front frame (201). The first door (220) may be positioned in an opening of the first front frame (201). Access to the internal configuration of the first housing (210) is possible by opening the first door (220).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the second clothing processing device (300) may include a second front frame (301), a second housing (310), and a second door (320). The second front frame (301) may be coupled to the front of the second housing (310).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the second housing (310) may be positioned to protrude downward relative to the second front frame (301). The bottom of the second front frame (301) may be located above the second housing (310). A step may be formed between the second front frame (301) and the second housing (310) due to the height difference between the second front frame (301) and the second housing (310).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second housing (310) may include a second side (311), a second rear surface (312), a second upper surface (313), and a second lower surface (314). The second side (311) and the second rear surface (312) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto. The second rear surface (312) may be a surface facing the rearward direction (e.g., -y direction). The second side (311) may be formed to extend vertically from the second rear surface (312). The second side (311) may have two surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction (e.g., x direction). The second upper surface (313) may be provided on the upper side (e.g., +z direction) of the second housing (310). The second upper surface (313) may be positioned perpendicularly to the second rear surface (312) and the second side (311). The second lower surface (314) may be positioned to correspond to the first upper surface (213) of the first clothing processing device (200). The second lower surface (314) may be positioned parallel to the second upper surface (313). The second lower surface (314) may be provided on the lower side (e.g., in the -z direction) of the second housing (310). The second lower surface (314) may be positioned perpendicular to the second rear surface (312) and the second side surface (311).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the second door (320) may be positioned on the second front frame (301). The second door (320) may be positioned in an opening of the second front frame (301). Access to the internal configuration of the second housing (310) is possible by opening the second door (320).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) and the second front frame (301) may be placed on the same plane. The second front frame (301) may be placed above the first front frame (201) (e.g., in the +z direction).

[0037] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first garment processing device of a garment processing system according to one embodiment.

[0038] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 2 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 3 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 2.

[0039] The first clothing processing device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 is an exemplary device for explaining the overall configuration of a washing machine and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the first clothing processing device (200) may include a first housing (210) that accommodates various components inside. The first housing (210) may have an overall cuboidal shape. The first housing (210) may include an opening formed on one side. Two or more of the faces of the first housing (210) may be integrally formed. Each face of the first housing (210) may be manufactured separately and assembled. The first housing (210) may be formed, for example, by press molding from a sheet metal material or injection molding from a resin material.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a first door (220) that opens and closes the opening in a portion corresponding to the opening of the first housing (210). The first door (220) may be configured, for example, to be transparent or translucent in at least a portion so that the interior is visible. A user may open and close the first door (220) to load laundry into a drum (240) located inside the first housing (210) or to withdraw laundry from the drum (240). The first door (220) may be locked by a locking device (not shown) so that it does not open while the first garment processing device (200) is in operation.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first door (220) may include a door frame (221) and a glass member (222). The glass member (222) may be formed of a transparent tempered glass material, for example, so as to allow viewing of the interior of the first housing (210), but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a tub (230) fixedly disposed inside a first housing (210). The tub (230) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (231) may be provided on the front of the tub (230) at a position corresponding to the opening of the first housing (210). The tub (230) may store washing water. A drain (232) for draining washing water may be disposed at the bottom of the tub (230). The drain (232) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (280).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first clothing processing device (200) may include a damper (212). The damper (212) may be provided to connect the first housing (210) and the tub (230). One side of the damper (212) may be fixed to the inner surface of the first housing (210) and the other side may be fixed to the tub (230). The damper (212) may be positioned to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (230) and / or the first housing (210) when the drum (240) rotates, thereby damping the vibration.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a drum (240) provided inside a tub (230). The drum (240) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (243) and a rear plate (244) may be disposed on the front and rear sides of the drum (240), respectively. A drum opening may be provided in the front plate (243) at a position corresponding to the opening of the first housing (210) and the tub opening (231) of the tub (230). The drum (240) may receive laundry. The drum (240) may rotate inside the tub (230) by receiving rotational power from a motor (260). While rotating inside the tub (230), the drum (240) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the drum (240) may include a lifter (241) and / or a plurality of through holes (242). The lifter (241) may, for example, lift the laundry while the drum (240) rotates to cause the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby ensuring that multiple sides of the laundry are evenly cleaned. The through holes (242) may, for example, be passages formed to allow the laundry water contained in the tub (230) to flow into the interior of the drum (240) or to discharge the laundry water inside the drum (240) to the outside. According to one embodiment, the lifter (241) or the through holes (242) may be omitted.

[0047] The input unit (251) may include any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the first clothing processing device (200), for example. The user may input power on / off and washing setting information (e.g., start / stop operation, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the first clothing processing device (200) through the input unit (251). For example, the input unit (251) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (251) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that the user can grasp and rotate. According to one embodiment, the input unit (251) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely via a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (251) as an infrared signal. According to one embodiment, the input unit (251) may include a microphone. Setting information based on the user's voice can be obtained through a microphone.

[0048] The display unit (252) can display various laundry setting information entered by the user and / or operating status information of the first clothing processing device (200). The display unit (252) may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, Micro LED, etc. For example, the display unit (252) may be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and the present document is not limited to a specific type of display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (252) may include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (252) may operate to provide the user auditorily with information to guide user input and / or information related to the currently ongoing process.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a motor (260) for rotating a drum (240). The motor (260) may include a motor (261) and a drive shaft (262) for transmitting driving force generated from the motor (261) to the drum (240). The motor (261) is composed of a fixed stator (2611) and a rotor (2612) that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator (2611), so as to convert electric force into mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated from the motor (261) may be transmitted to the drum (240) through the drive shaft (262). The drive shaft (262) may be provided, for example, to be pressed into the rotor (2612) of the motor (261) and rotate together with the rotor (2612). The drive shaft (262) may, for example, have a portion of it penetrating the rear wall of the tub (230) to connect the drum (240) and the motor (261). The motor (260) may rotate the drum (240) in the forward or reverse direction to perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying operations.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a water supply device (270) and a detergent dispensing device (213) for supplying washing water to a drum (240) and / or a tub (230). The water supply device (270) may include at least one water supply pipe (271) and at least one water supply valve (272). At least one water supply pipe (271) may be arranged to supply washing water into the interior of the tub (230) using an external water supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (271) may be connected to a detergent dispensing device (213) disposed within the first housing (210). Here, the detergent dispensing device (213) may include at least one detergent container, and each space of the detergent container may be supplied with detergent or rinse agent (or fabric softener), etc. Washing water that has passed through the detergent dispensing device (213) can be supplied to the tub (230) along with detergent (or rinse agent), for example, through the detergent supply pipe (2131). At least one of the other water supply pipes (271) can be directly connected to the tub (230). For example, washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (271) directly connected to the tub (230) can be supplied directly to the tub (230) without passing through an intermediate configuration such as the detergent dispensing device (213).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a drainage device (280) for draining laundry water contained in a drum (240) and / or a tub (230). The drainage device (280) may include a drain valve (281), a first drain pipe (282), a second drain pipe (283), and a pump chamber (284). The drainage device (280) may be positioned, for example, at the bottom of the tub (230) to discharge laundry water discharged from the tub (230) to the outside of the first garment processing device (200).

[0052] According to one embodiment, a drain valve (281) may be provided to open and close a drain (232). When the drain valve (281) is opened, the laundry water contained in the tub (230) may flow through the drain (232) to a drainage device (280). According to one embodiment, a first drain pipe (282) and a second drain pipe (283) may form a flow path that guides the laundry water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream end relative to the pump room (284) is referred to as the first drain pipe (282) and the downstream end as the second drain pipe (283). The first drain pipe (282) and the second drain pipe (283) may be formed as a single unit. The first drain pipe (282) may, for example, be connected to the drain (232) at one end and connected to the pump room (284) at the other end. Wash water can move into the pump room (284) along the first drain pipe (282). The second drain pipe (283) can, for example, be connected at one end to the pump room (284) and at the other end to the outside of the first clothing processing device (200). Thus, wash water passing through the pump room (284) can be discharged to the outside of the first clothing processing device (200) along the second drain pipe (283).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the pump room (284) is positioned at the bottom of the tub (230) to store washing water drained from the tub (230). Inside the pump room (284), for example, a drainage pump (2841) for discharging the stored washing water to the outside may be positioned. The washing water pumped by the drainage pump (2841) may be guided to the outside of the first housing (210) through the second drain pipe (283).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may include a balancer (2150). The balancer (2150) may include, for example, a balancer housing (2151) forming an annular channel (2151a) and a plurality of mass bodies (2153) disposed in the annular channel (2151a) and moving along the annular channel (2151a) to perform a balancing function of the drum (240). The plurality of mass bodies (2153) may, for example, have a ball shape (sphere shape). The plurality of mass bodies (2153) may move in a direction opposite to the direction of eccentricity generated in the drum (240) by the laundry when the drum (240) rotates, thereby compensating for the eccentricity generated by the laundry.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second clothing processing device of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0056] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1a through 2 and FIG. 4 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 3.

[0057] The second garment processing device (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 is an exemplary device for explaining the overall configuration of a dryer and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, a second clothing processing device (300) according to one embodiment may include a second housing (310), a second door (320), a drum (330), an air circulation path (350), a driving unit (360), or a heat pump (370).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the second housing (310) may be provided to accommodate components such as a drum (330) or a heat pump (370) inside. The second housing (310) may be formed in the shape of a cuboid, for example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second housing (310) may include an upper frame (310a), a lower frame (310b), a rear frame (310d), a front frame (310c), a left frame (310e), and a right frame (not shown). An opening may be formed in the front frame (310c), and a second door (320) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening. Here, at least two of the upper frame (310a), lower frame (310b), front frame (310c), rear frame (310d), left frame (310e), or right frame may be formed integrally or each may be manufactured separately and assembled. Additionally, each of the upper frame (310a), lower frame (310b), front frame (310c), rear frame (310d), left frame (310e), or right frame may be formed by press molding with steel plate material or injection molding with resin material.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second door (320) may be made of a material that is at least partially transparent so that the user can see inside. The user can open and close the second door (320) to put into or take out a drying object (e.g., clothing) from a drum (330) located inside the main body. The second door (320) may be locked by a locking device (not shown) so that it does not open while the second clothing processing device (300) is in operation, for example.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second door (320) may include a door frame (331) or a glass member (332). The glass member (332) may be formed of a transparent tempered glass material, for example, so as to allow viewing of the interior of the second housing (310). The glass member (332) may be provided to protrude toward the interior of the drum (330), for example, to prevent the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) from shifting toward the second door (320) when the second clothing processing device (300) is operated.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the drum (330) has a cylindrical shape and may have an opening (320a) formed on one side. Specifically, the drum (330) has a cylindrical shape arranged horizontally within the second housing (310), and may have an opening (320a) formed in the front portion of the drum (330). The opened portion may be located at a position corresponding to the second door (320). A user may insert a drying object into the drum (330) or withdraw a drying object from the inside of the drum (330) through the opening (320a) of the drum (330). The drum (330) may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from a driving unit (360).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the drum (330) may include a plurality of lifters (321) spaced apart at regular intervals along the circumferential direction on the inside. The lifters (321) can, for example, lift an object to be dried (e.g., clothing) while the drum (330) rotates, causing the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple sides of the object to be dried (e.g., clothing) to be dried evenly.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the air circulation path (350) may include an inlet path (351), a connecting path (352), or an outlet path (353). When the second garment processing device (300) is in operation, high-temperature, high-humidity air may be introduced into the inlet path (351) to dry a drying object (e.g., clothing) introduced into the drum (330), and high-temperature, low-humidity air may be discharged through the outlet path (353). The high-temperature, high-humidity air introduced through the inlet path (351) may be heated and dehumidified by a heat pump (370) while passing through the connecting path (352) and converted into high-temperature, low-humidity air.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the inlet passage (351) may be formed by an inlet duct (311). The inlet duct (311) may be located, for example, at the front lower part of the drum (330). That is, the inlet duct (311) may be positioned adjacent to the front frame (310c) of the second housing (310), but is not limited thereto. For example, a filter member (312) may be further provided in the inlet duct (311). Air entering the inlet passage (351) through the inlet port (351a) inside the drum (330) may contain foreign substances (e.g., dust or lint), and such foreign substances may be filtered by the filter member (312) when the air enters the inlet passage (351).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the connecting channel (352) may be provided at the bottom of the drum (330). Air filtered by the filter member (312) may pass through the inlet channel (351) and enter the connecting channel (352). As the air passes through the connecting channel (352), it may be heated and dehumidified by the heat pump (370). The process of heating and dehumidifying the air by the heat pump (370) will be described later.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the discharge channel (353) may be formed by a discharge duct (313). The discharge duct (313) may be located, for example, at the rear of the drum (330). That is, the discharge duct (313) may be positioned adjacent to the rear frame (310d) of the second housing (310), but is not limited thereto. The discharge duct (313) may be connected, for example, to the rear of the drum (330). Thus, high-temperature, low-humidity air passing through the discharge channel (353) may be discharged to an outlet (353a) located at the rear of the drum (330) to dry an object (e.g., clothing) inside the drum (330).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the drive unit (360) may include a drive motor (361), a pulley (362), a drive belt (363), or a blower (364). The drive unit (360) may, for example, rotate the drum (330) or use the blower (364) to form a flow of air within the air circulation path (350). The illustrated drive unit (360) is configured such that a single drive motor (361) rotates the drum (330) and simultaneously rotates the blower (364), but this is exemplary, and a plurality of drive motors may be configured to rotate the drum (330) and the blower (364) independently, respectively.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the drive motor (361) may be provided to transmit rotational power to the pulley (362) and the blower (364). The drive motor (361) may be provided inside the second housing (310). The drive motor (361) may be positioned, for example, at the bottom of the drum (330).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the drive belt (363) is connected to the pulley (362) and may be arranged so that a portion of it wraps around the outer surface of the drum (330). That is, the drive belt (363) can transmit the rotational power of the pulley (362) to the drum (330) to rotate the drum (330). The drum (330) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, for example, depending on the drive of the drive motor (361).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the blower (364) may receive rotational power from the drive motor (361). The blower (364) may be provided, for example, to form a flow of air in the air circulation path (350) so that air can circulate inside. The blower (364) may be provided, for example, in the connecting path (352), but is not limited thereto. The blower (364) may be placed, for example, adjacent to the inlet path (351). Alternatively, the blower (364) may be placed at the part where the inlet path (351) and the connecting path (352) are connected. Thus, by the rotation of the blower (364), air inside the drum (330) can be effectively introduced into the inlet path (351).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the heat pump (370) may include an evaporator (371), a compressor (372), a condenser (373), or an expansion valve (374). The evaporator (371), the compressor (372), the condenser (373), or the expansion valve (374) may be positioned at the bottom of the drum (330). The heat pump (370) may be positioned in a modular manner so as to be detachably placed within the second housing (310). In the heat pump (370), the configuration including the evaporator (371) and the compressor (372), where heat exchange between air and refrigerant takes place, may be referred to as a heat exchanger.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the evaporator (371) may be configured to evaporate the refrigerant, which has become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state while passing through the expansion valve (374). As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, heat exchange takes place between the evaporator (371) and the surrounding gas. Air passing through the connecting passage (352) passes through the evaporator (371) first, and the evaporator (371) can absorb the latent heat of the air as it evaporates the liquid refrigerant. As the temperature of the air with absorbed latent heat decreases, the moisture contained in the air can condense.

[0074] According to one embodiment, a compressor (372) may be configured to compress a gaseous refrigerant received from an evaporator (371). The compressor (372) may compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. Specifically, the compressor (372) may compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state by receiving electrical energy from an external source and utilizing rotational force such as an electric motor. Alternatively, the compressor (372) may compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the condenser (373) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant received from the compressor (372). The condenser (373) can dissipate the heat generated while condensing the refrigerant to the outside of the condenser (373). The gas, which has become low-temperature, low-humidity after passing through the evaporator (371) in the connecting path (352), can become high-temperature, low-humidity by the heat dissipation of the condenser (373) as it passes through the condenser (373). That is, while the high-temperature, high-humidity air passes through the connecting path (352), it is converted into a high-temperature, low-humidity state by the evaporator (371) and the condenser (373) and can be discharged into the drum (330) through the discharge path (353). The condensed refrigerant can then move back to the evaporator (371) and circulate inside the heat pump (370).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the heat pump (370) may further include a refrigerant temperature sensor (375). The refrigerant temperature sensor (375) may be placed, for example, along a path through which the refrigerant passes. For example, the refrigerant temperature sensor (375) may be placed to measure the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the condenser (373). However, it is not limited thereto, and the refrigerant temperature sensor (375) may be placed along a path between the compressor (372) and the condenser (373) to measure the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (372).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second garment processing device (300) may further include a heater (380) provided inside the air circulation path (350). The heater (380) may be located, for example, on the discharge path (353). In particular, the heater (380) may be positioned downstream of the evaporator (371) and the condenser (373). Thus, the heater (380) can further heat the air that has passed through the heat pump (370). By further heating the air in assistance to the condenser (373), the heater (380) can raise the temperature of the air supplied to the drum (330) more rapidly.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of combining a first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device in a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0079] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 4 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1a through 3 and FIG. 5 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 4.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, a clothing processing system (100) according to one embodiment may include a first clothing processing device (200) and a second clothing processing device (300).

[0081] A clothing processing system (100) can be assembled by positioning a second clothing processing device (300) on top of a first clothing processing device (200). The second clothing processing device (300) can be assembled by placing it over the first clothing processing device (200) and then moving the second clothing processing device (300) in a rearward direction (e.g., -y direction).

[0082] In the process of assembling the second clothing processing device (300) with the first clothing processing device (200) as illustrated, the upper portion of the first front frame (201) may be worn out or damaged by the weight of the second clothing processing device (300). In particular, the rear portion (e.g., the -y direction surface) of the upper portion of the first front frame (201) may be damaged by friction with the second clothing processing device (300). The present disclosure proposes a structure capable of preventing such damage and supporting the weight of the second clothing processing device (300). A specific structure for this is described below in FIG. 5.

[0083] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the front portion where the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device meet among the sides of a clothing processing system according to one embodiment.

[0084] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 5 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1a through 4 and FIG. 6 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 5.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, a clothing processing system (e.g., the clothing processing system (100) of FIG. 1a) may include a first clothing processing device (200) and a second clothing processing device (300). The first clothing processing device (200) may include a first housing (210), a first front frame (201), and a first door (220). The second clothing processing device (300) may include a second housing (310) and a second front frame (301).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) may include a groove (2011). The groove (2011) may be formed in a portion facing the first housing (210). The groove (2011) may be formed in a portion adjacent to the front of the side (211) of the first housing (210). The groove (2011) may be formed so as to be separated (or spaced apart) from the first housing (210).

[0087] According to one embodiment, a portion of the groove (2011) may be formed to be separated from the bottom of the second housing (310). The top of the groove (2011) may be formed to be separated from the second side (311) of the second housing (310). If the groove (2011) is not formed on the upper rear portion (e.g., -y direction) of the first front frame (201), the bottom portion of the second housing (310) and the first front frame (201) may come into contact. When the bottom portion of the second housing (310) and the first front frame (201) come into contact, as shown in FIG. 4, during the process of assembling a clothing processing system (e.g., clothing processing system (100) of FIG. 4), the portion corresponding to the groove (2011) may be worn or damaged due to friction or collision, and as a result, a defect may occur. In the present disclosure, this problem can be improved by forming the groove (2011). The present invention can solve the problem of such wear or damage by forming a groove (2011) without changing the frame structure of each component.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) may include a decorative member fastening hole (2012). The decorative member fastening hole (2012) may be formed in a side rib (e.g., a side facing the +x direction) of the first front frame (201). A plurality of decorative member fastening holes (2012) may be formed. A decorative member (e.g., the decorative member (900) of FIG. 9) to be described later may be coupled through the decorative member fastening hole (2012).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first garment processing device (200) may further include a support frame (400). The support frame (400) may include a flange portion (410). The flange portion (410) may be located between the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201). The flange portion (410) may be located between the first side (211) of the first housing (210) and the edge portion of the first front frame (201).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the flange portion (410) may be positioned to contact the groove portion (2011) of the first front frame (201). The flange portion (410) may be located in the gap (G) formed between the groove portion (2011) and the first housing (210). The flange portion (410) may be located between the groove portion (2011) and the first side (211) of the first housing (210) to support the rigidity around the gap (G).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the flange portion (410) may be smaller than or equal to the gap (G) formed between the groove portion (2011) of the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210). For example, the width of the gap (G) may be 4 mm to 6 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may be arranged to be coupled with the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201). A portion of the support frame (400) may be coupled to the first housing (210) by a fastening member. A portion of the support frame (400) may be coupled to the first front frame (201) by a fastening member.

[0093] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a first garment processing device according to one embodiment.

[0094] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 6 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1a through 5 and FIG. 7 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 6.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, a first garment processing device (200) according to one embodiment may include a first front frame (201), a first housing (210), and a support frame (400).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may include a first portion (430) and a second portion (420). The second portion (420) may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular from the first portion (430). The second portion (420) may be substantially parallel to the first side (211) of the first housing (210). In addition to the support frame (400), other frames may be additionally provided to support the first clothing processing device (200).

[0097] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first part (430) may be positioned to support the upper part of the first front frame (201).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rib (2111) and a second rib (2112) extending from the edge of the first side (211). The first rib (2111) may extend vertically from the edge of the first side (211) toward the first front frame (201). The second rib (2112) may extend vertically from the upper edge of the first side (211). The first rib (2111) and the second rib (2112) may extend inwardly toward the first housing (210). The first rib (2111) may extend vertically toward the first side (211). The second rib (2112) may extend vertically toward the first side (211).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may include a flange portion (410). The flange portion (410) may extend vertically from the second portion (420). The flange portion (410) may be positioned to be in contact with the first rib (2111). The flange portion (410) may be positioned to overlap the first rib (2111). The flange portion (410) may be positioned to be in contact with the upper portion of the first rib (2111). The flange portion (410) may be coupled to the first rib (2111) by a fastening member.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may include an upper fastening portion (431). The upper fastening portion (431) may extend from the first portion (430). The upper fastening portion (431) may be placed on the second rib (2112). The upper fastening portion (431) may be coupled to the second rib (2112) by a fastening member.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a support frame and a first housing are combined in a first clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the first front frame is additionally combined in FIG. 7.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a deco member is additionally combined in FIG. 8.

[0104] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. Likewise, all features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIGS. 1a through 6 may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 7 through 9.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, a first garment processing device according to one embodiment (e.g., the first garment processing device (200) of FIG. 1) may include a first front frame (201), a first housing (210), and a support frame (400).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may be coupled to the first housing (210) as shown in FIG. 7. The support frame (400) may be coupled to the first side (211) of the first housing (210). An upper fastening portion (431) extending from the first portion (430) of the support frame (400) may be fastened to the second rib (2112) of the first housing (210). A flange portion (410) extending from the second portion (420) of the support frame (400) may be fastened to the first rib (2111) of the first housing (210).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the flange portion (410) may include a fastening hole (411). The fastening hole (411) may be formed to allow a fastening member to pass through. By the fastening member passing through the fastening hole (411), the flange portion (410) may be coupled to the first housing (410) (or the first rib (2111)).

[0108] According to one embodiment, after the support frame (400) is coupled to the first housing (210), the first front frame (201) and the support frame (400) can be coupled as shown in FIG. 8. The first front frame (201) and the support frame (400) can be coupled by a fastening member. A groove (2011) may be formed in the first front frame (201) to secure a space for the flange portion (410) located between the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210).

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a first garment processing device (200) according to one embodiment may include a deco member (900). The deco member (900) may be positioned to cover the side of the first front frame (201). The deco member (900) may be fastened to a deco member fastening hole (2012) of the first front frame (201).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the deco member (900) may be positioned so that the gap (G) formed between the groove (2011) of the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210) and the support frame (400) are not visible from the outside. The deco member (900) may serve to cover the gap (G) and the support frame (400) so that they are not visible from the outside. For example, the deco member (900) may be made of the same material as either the first front frame (201) or the first housing (210) to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the first clothing processing device (200). For example, the deco member (900) may be an injection-molded product, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the length of the deco member (900) (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) may be substantially the same as the height (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the first front frame (201). The top of the deco member (900) may be positioned to protrude upward relative to the first housing (210).

[0112] A clothing processing system (100) according to one embodiment may include a first clothing processing device (200) comprising a first housing (210) and a first front frame (201) coupled to the front of the first housing (210), and a second clothing processing device (300) comprising a second housing (310) and a second front frame (301) coupled to the front of the second housing (310), and positioned to be coupled to the upper portion of the first clothing processing device (200). The first front frame (201) may include a groove (2011) formed on the upper portion facing the first housing (210) so as to be separated from the first housing (210).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the groove (2011) may be formed spaced apart from the first housing (210) to limit direct contact between the lower part of the second housing (310) or between the second front frame (301) and the upper corner of the first front frame (201) during the process in which the second clothing processing device (300) is coupled to the upper part of the first clothing processing device (200).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the groove (2011) may include a space formed to avoid direct contact between the second housing (310) or the second front frame (301) and the upper corner of the first front frame (201) during the process in which the second clothing processing device (300) is coupled to the upper part of the first clothing processing device (200).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first clothing processing device (200) may further include a support frame (400) positioned to be coupled with the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may include a flange portion (410) formed to extend laterally and be positioned between the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the flange portion (410) may include a fastening hole (411) formed to be coupled to the lateral side of the first housing (210) by a fastening member.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the flange portion (410) may be positioned to contact the groove portion (2011) of the first front frame (201).

[0119] According to one embodiment, a portion of the support frame (400) may be positioned to protrude upward from the first housing (210).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the support frame (400) may include a first portion (430) corresponding to the upper surface of the first housing (210) and a second portion (420) extending substantially perpendicularly from the first portion (430) and substantially parallel to the side of the first housing (210).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the flange portion (410) may be extended vertically from the second portion (420).

[0122] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first part (430) may be positioned to support the upper part of the first front frame (201).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the flange portion (410) may be smaller than or equal to the gap (G) formed between the groove portion (2011) of the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first clothing processing device (200) may be a washing machine.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the second clothing processing device (300) may be a dryer.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) may further include a decorative member (900) positioned to cover the side of the first front frame (201).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first front frame (201) may include a plurality of decorative member fastening holes (2012) formed to fasten the decorative member (900).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the deco member (900) may be positioned so that a portion of it protrudes upward relative to the first housing (210).

[0129] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood as a concept including a plural component unless the context clearly implies only the singular. Each of the phrases used in this disclosure, such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. It should be understood that the term “and / or” used in this disclosure encompasses any possible combination of one or more of the listed items. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” used in this disclosure are intended merely to specify the existence of the features, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of such terms is not intended to exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Expressions such as “first,” “second,” used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0130] The expression “configured to” as used in this disclosure may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with “suitable for,” “capable of,” “designed to,” “modified to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only that which is “specially designed” in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression “device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including said operation.

[0131] Meanwhile, terms such as “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0132] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of various embodiments.

Claims

1. In a clothing processing system (100), A first clothing processing device (200) comprising a first housing (210) and a first front frame (201) coupled to the front of the first housing (210); and The second clothing processing device (300) comprises a second housing (310) and a second front frame (301) coupled to the front of the second housing (310), and is positioned to be coupled to the upper part of the first clothing processing device (200). The above first front frame (201) is, A groove (2011) formed on the upper side of the first housing (210) so as to be separated from the first housing (210). Clothing processing system.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first clothing processing device (200) is, A support frame (400) further comprising the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201) arranged to be combined with each other. Clothing processing system.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above support frame (400) is, A flange portion (410) formed to extend laterally and be positioned between the first housing (210) and the first front frame (201), Clothing processing system.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above flange portion (410) is, A fastening hole (411) formed to be coupled to the lateral side of the first housing (210) by a fastening member, Clothing processing system.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above flange portion (410) is, A structured to be in contact with the groove (2011) of the first front frame (201), Clothing processing system.

6. In any one of paragraphs 2 through 5, A portion of the support frame (400) is positioned to protrude upward from the first housing (210). Clothing processing system.

7. In any one of paragraphs 2 through 6, The above support frame (400) is, A first portion (430) corresponding to the upper surface of the first housing (210); and A second part (420) extending substantially perpendicularly from the first part (430) and substantially parallel to the side of the first housing (210), Clothing processing system.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above flange portion (410) is vertically extended from the second portion (420), Clothing processing system.

9. In Paragraph 7, A portion of the first part (430) is positioned to support the upper part of the first front frame (201), Clothing processing system.

10. In Paragraph 3, The thickness of the flange portion (410) is smaller than or equal to the gap (G) formed between the groove portion (2011) of the first front frame (201) and the first housing (210). Clothing processing system.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The above first clothing processing device (200) is a washing machine, Clothing processing system.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above second clothing processing device (300) is a dryer, Clothing processing system.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, The above first front frame (201) is, A deco member (900) further comprising a deco member (900) positioned to cover the side of the first front frame (201), Clothing processing system.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above first front frame (201) is, A plurality of deco member fastening holes (2012) formed to fasten the deco member (900) above, Clothing processing system.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above deco member (900) is positioned such that a portion of it protrudes upward relative to the first housing (210). Clothing processing system.

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