Clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a drum configured to accommodate laundry therein; a drying device; and a filter unit configured to be mounted on the drying device. The drying device may include a heat exchanger, a nozzle device, and a nozzle-moving device configured to move the spray position of the nozzle device. The filter unit may include a filter. The nozzle-moving device may be configured to move the nozzle device between a first position in which the nozzle device faces the heat exchanger and a second position in which a cleaning nozzle faces the filter unit.

Description

Clothing processing device

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

[0002] A garment processing device is a device for processing and / or managing garments. A garment processing device may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a combined washing machine and dryer.

[0003] A washing machine with a drying function is a device that utilizes the driving force of a drive motor to agitate the materials, water, and detergent placed inside the tub, thereby enabling washing through mutual friction.

[0004] The processes performed by the washing machine combined with a dryer may include a washing process that washes the laundry by supplying detergent and water to a tub containing the laundry and rotating the drum, a rinsing process that rinses the laundry by supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum, and a spin-drying process that removes water from the laundry by draining water from the tub and rotating the drum.

[0005] The process performed by the combined dryer and washing machine may include a drying process in which heat generated from a drying device is blown into a receiving space containing the laundry to dry the laundry. To perform the drying process, the combined dryer and washing machine may include a drying device. The drying device may include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be cleaned by washing water sprayed from a washing nozzle.

[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 garment processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry inside, a drying device, and a filter unit configured to be mounted on the drying device. The drying device may include a heat exchanger, a nozzle device, and a nozzle moving device configured to move the spray position of the nozzle device. The filter unit may include a filter. The nozzle moving device may be configured to move the nozzle device between a first position in which the nozzle device faces the heat exchanger and a second position in which the washing nozzle faces the filter unit.

[0008] A garment processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry inside, a drying device, and a filter unit configured to be mounted on the drying device. The drying device may include a heat exchanger, a nozzle device, and a nozzle moving device configured to move the spray position of the nozzle device. The filter unit may include a filter. The garment processing device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuitry and a memory storing one or more instructions. When executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the instructions may include the operation of cleaning the heat exchanger using the nozzle device located on the heat exchanger, the operation of controlling the nozzle moving device to move the nozzle device to the upper side of the filter unit, and the operation of cleaning the filter using the nozzle device located on the filter unit.

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a disassembled portion of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a filter frame according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIGS. 8A, FIGS. 8B, and FIGS. 8C are drawings for explaining the operation of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are drawings for explaining the operation of cleaning a first filter or a second filter of a filter unit according to one embodiment, respectively.

[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] FIGS. 1 through 9b disclosed below and the various embodiments used in this patent document to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure 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. The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments.

[0021] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0022] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0024] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0025] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0026] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0027] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0029] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0030] A washing machine according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. A washing machine is an example of a clothing processing device, and a clothing processing device is a concept that encompasses a device for washing clothing (clothing to be washed, clothing to be dried), a device for drying clothing, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying of clothing.

[0031] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0032] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. A front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine capable of drying laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine capable of drying may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine capable of drying may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with washing methods other than those described above.

[0033] A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0034] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least one part of the door may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing is visible.

[0035] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned inside the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0036] The tub can be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0037] The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

[0038] The drum may be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence to be received inside the drum or withdrawn from the drum.

[0039] The drum can rotate inside the tub and perform respective actions according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A number of through holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub can flow into the interior of the drum or out of the exterior of the drum.

[0040] The washing machine may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum. The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum.

[0041] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycles.

[0042] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent dispenser and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent dispenser. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent dispenser.

[0043] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0044] The washing machine may include a detergent dispenser configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent dispenser may include a manual detergent dispenser in which the user must add the detergent to be used for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent dispenser that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during a wash cycle. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent dispenser may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent dispenser. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. The term "detergent" is used as a collective term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0045] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0046] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0047] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0048] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0049] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0050] For example, at least one output interface can convey information to the user regarding the washing course, the washing machine's operating time, and washing settings, rinse settings, and spin settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0051] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0052] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0053] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0054] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0055] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0056] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0057] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0058] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a disassembled portion of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 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 FIGS. 6 through 9b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components inside. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward (e.g., in the +x direction).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing a laundry inlet (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by means of a hinge. At least one part of the laundry door (17) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing (10) is visible. As an example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter unit (95).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a tub (20) disposed inside a housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side. The tub opening (21) may be formed corresponding to a laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be formed to face approximately forward.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a damper (25). The damper (25) may be positioned to connect the tub (20) and the housing (10). The damper (25) may absorb vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum (30) and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0070] According to one embodiment, a clothing processing device (1) may include a drum (30) provided to receive laundry. The drum (30) may include at least one lifter (33) for performing washing by raising and dropping the laundry. The lifter (33) may be formed on the inside of the drum (30).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the drum (30) may be positioned inside the tub (20) such that a drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet (11) and a tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21), and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be received inside the drum (30) or withdrawn from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward (e.g., in the +x direction).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the drum (30) can rotate inside the tub (20) and perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying. A plurality of through holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30) so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the interior of the drum (30) or flow out of the drum (30).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a driving device (36) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (36) may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying process.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to a tub (20). The water supply device (40) may include water supply valves (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. As an example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include a hot water valve (41) for supplying hot water and a cold water valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the water supply device (40) may include water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be connected to water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may be provided as hoses or pipes made of a flexible material. For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a hot water pipe (43) connected to a hot water valve (41) and a cold water pipe (44) connected to a cold water valve (42). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) may guide water from the water supply valves (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) may extend from the water supply valve (62) to the tub (20). Water may be supplied through the tub (20) to the lower detergent supply device (60). Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). The water supply valves (41, 42) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to a tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a general term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc. One of the upper detergent supply device (50) and the lower detergent supply device (60) may be omitted.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be located on the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user must add the detergent to be used each time laundry is performed, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during laundry. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) through a detergent connecting pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid laundry detergent and / or fabric softener, etc., to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described example.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be located at the bottom of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located below the tub (20) in the vertical direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The lower detergent supply device (60) may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user must add the detergent to be used each time laundry is performed, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during laundry. As an example, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be configured to supply liquid laundry detergent and / or fabric softener, etc., to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a drainage device (70) configured to discharge water contained in a tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for discharging water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) for circulating water from the tub (20) back to the tub (20) via a lower detergent supply device (86).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connecting pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a control panel (15) disposed on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (15) may provide a user interface for the user and the garment processing device (1) to interact. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface. The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0085] According to one embodiment, at least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment processing device (1) to a user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing course and the operating time of the garment processing device (1), as well as washing settings, rinsing settings, and spin settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the garment processing device may be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry contained inside a drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it into the interior of a tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat the air discharged from the tub (20), and to circulate the dried and heated air into the interior of the tub (20) to dry the clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be placed on the upper part of the tub (20), but is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may include a drying case (81) on which a heat pump for drying air may be installed. The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) coupled to the drying base (81a) and positioned to form a flow path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover an open upper surface of the drying base (81a). Here, the drying case (81) may be referred to as a drying frame or a drying housing.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the drying device (80) may include a rear cover (81c) that can be attached to the rear side of the drying base (81a). The rear cover (81c) may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the drying device (80). A water supply valve (41, 42) may be mounted on the rear cover (81c). The water supply valve (41, 42) may be positioned to be fixed by the rear cover (81c).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may be configured as a heat pump. The drying device (80) may include a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), condenser (92), and evaporator (93), etc., constituting the heat pump, may be placed within the drying case (81). For example, the drying device (80) may include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). As an example, the drying device (80) may be mounted as a single module.

[0090] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air flows into the interior of the drum (30) to dry the clothes.

[0091] The refrigerant expanded by passing through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) can be referred to as heat exchangers.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) can increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). For example, the drying device (80) may replace heat pump components with the drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the interior of the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) may be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) may be placed downstream of the condenser (92) along the flow of air passing through the drying device (80). Additionally, the drying heater (99) may be provided in a relatively small size to minimize path resistance. For example, the drying heater (99) may be a sheath heater.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a drying device (80) may be positioned above a tub (20). An inlet passage (85) may be formed in the drying device (80) to receive air discharged from the tub (20). A heating passage (86) may be formed in the drying device (80) for heat exchange of the air entering the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85). A supply passage (87) may be formed in the drying device (80) to supply the heat-exchanged air passing through the heating passage (86) to the tub (20).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the inlet passage (85) may be arranged so that air passing through the interior of the tub (20) can be introduced into the drying device (80). The inlet passage (85) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (85) may be in communication with the exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to a tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may be positioned to guide air discharged from the tub (20) into an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be in communication with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include a filter section (95). The filter section (95) may be positioned adjacent to an inlet passage (85). The filter section (95) may be configured to filter foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air entering from the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P). After passing through the filter section (95), the air entering through the inlet passage (85) may move to a heating passage (86). The filter section (95) may be located on the passage where the air entering the drying device (80) moves to the evaporator (93) and the condenser (92).

[0097] According to one embodiment, a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93) may be disposed in the heating channel (86). Since the air entering the heating channel (86) has passed through the interior of the tub (20), it may be humid. The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (93) disposed in the heating channel (86) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) may pass through the condenser (92) and be heated again.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may include a nozzle device (96) for cleaning the condenser (92) and / or evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be provided in the heating channel (86). The nozzle device (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray cleaning water toward the condenser (92) and / or evaporator (93).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from a drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide washing water sprayed by the nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) may be connected to a drain device (70). Water discharged from the drying device (80) may flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). Water flowing into the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) may be discharged to the outside of the garment processing device (1).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the supply channel (87) may be arranged to pass through the condenser (92) and supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20). The supply channel (87) may be in communication with the heating channel (86) and may extend downward (e.g., in the -z direction) to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may include a supply fan (87a). The supply fan (87a) may be positioned to form an airflow so that air passing through the supply channel (87) flows into the interior of the tub (20). The supply fan (87a) may be positioned to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the supply fan (87a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the inlet channel (85), the heating channel (86), and the supply channel (87) can form a circulation structure that circulates air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (80).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may be configured such that air discharged from the tub (20) passes sequentially through the inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) of the drying device (80) located above the tub (20), and then is supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0104] According to one embodiment, heated air from a drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of a drum (30). To ensure that the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, a tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). To increase the distance and / or time the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into contact with the laundry more, the tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned apart. By increasing the contact area between the heated air and the laundry, drying efficiency can be improved.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may include an exhaust passage (P) for air discharged from inside the tub (20) to flow to the drying device (80). The exhaust passage (P) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80). The exhaust passage (P) may be formed to discharge humid air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust passage (P) may be positioned at the rear of the tub (20).

[0106] According to one embodiment, air inside the tub (20) can be discharged into the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged into the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of the exhaust passage (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be arranged to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a duct cover (29) for forming at least a portion of the exhaust passage (P). The duct cover (29) may be positioned to cover the open rear of the tub duct (28). For example, the tub (20) may include the duct cover (29). The duct cover (29) may form at least a portion of the exhaust passage (P) through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the drying device (80).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may form an exhaust passage (P) as a duct cover (29) is coupled to a tub duct (28).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the tub duct (28) may include a recess (28a) that forms a part of an exhaust passage (P) through which air discharged from the interior of the tub (20) flows. A reinforcing rib (23) may be disposed on the rear surface of the tub (20) to reinforce the rigidity of the tub (20), and the recess (28a) may be a recessed portion from the end of the reinforcing rib (23) protruding from the rear surface of the tub (20). The recess (28a) may be provided in a portion of the rear surface of the tub (20) where the reinforcing rib (23) is not formed. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the interior of the tub (20) may be formed in the recess (28a). The tub duct (28) may include a partition rib (28d) provided along the perimeter of the recess (28a). The partition rib (28d) can distinguish between the area where the reinforcing rib (23) is formed and the area where the recess (28a) is formed on the back side of the tub (20).

[0111] A tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may include a duct connection (28b) that forms another part of the exhaust passage (P) through which air passes through the recess (28a). The duct connection (28b) may protrude outward from the outer surface of the tub (20). The duct connection (28b) may protrude approximately upward from the outer surface of the tub (20).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the duct connection (28b) can connect the drying device (80) and the recess (28a). The duct connection (28b) can be connected to the inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80). The duct connection (28b) can form a single passage that forms an exhaust path (P) together with the recess (28a) and the duct cover (29).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the duct connection (28b) may be covered by a duct cover (29). One side of the duct connection (28b) may be open. The duct cover (29) may cover the open side of the duct connection (28b).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the duct cover (29) may be positioned to cover both the recess portion (28a) and the duct connection portion (28b). For example, the duct cover (29) may cover both the open side of the recess portion (28a) and the open side of the duct connection portion (28b). An exhaust passage (P) may be formed by the duct cover (29) covering the recess portion (28a) and the duct connection portion (28b). For example, the duct cover (29) may cover only the recess portion (28a).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the duct cover (29) may be positioned to cover the open rear of the recess (28a) and / or the open rear of the duct connection (28b). The exhaust passage (P) may be a single passage formed by the tub duct (28) and the duct cover (29) together.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the tub duct (28) may include a stepped portion (28c) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage (P). The exhaust passage (P) may be configured such that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (28b) is greater than the width of the portion formed by the recess portion (28a) by the stepped portion (28c).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the water supply valves (41, 42) of the garment processing device (1) may be positioned by utilizing the remaining space created by this mounting structure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply valves (41, 42) may be mounted between the inlet guide (84) and the cooling fan (91a). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located in the center of the rear of the drying device (80). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located behind the condenser (92). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located in an area partitioned from the path through which the drying air flows. The location of the water supply valves (41, 42) is not limited thereto.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the garment processing device (1) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided on the lower side of the tub (20) to heat the washing water during washing. Additionally, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust path (P) during the drying process, and the washing water heater (24) can generate steam by heating the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust path (P), and the tub exhaust port (27). That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the garment during the drying process, thereby minimizing the formation of wrinkles on the garment.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a filter frame according to one embodiment.

[0120] 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. All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIG. 1 through 5 and FIG. 7 through 9b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 6.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, a clothing processing device according to one embodiment (e.g., clothing processing device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a drying device (e.g., drying device (80) of FIG. 2). The drying device (80) may include a filter section (95). The filter section (95) may include a filter frame (951). The filter section (95) shown in FIG. 6 may be substantially the same as the filter section (95) shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may be configured to accommodate at least one filter (e.g., the filter (952) of FIG. 8a). The filter frame (951) may be formed to support and / or fix at least one filter (952).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include a filter inlet (9511). The filter inlet (9511) may be a space provided to accommodate at least one filter (952) within the filter frame (951).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the filter inlet (9511) may be positioned to face the upper door (e.g., the upper door (19) of FIG. 1). A user may open the upper door (19) to access the filter inlet (9511) and use the filter inlet (9511) to pull out the filter unit (95) mounted on the drying device (e.g., the drying device (80) of FIG. 2). For example, the filter inlet (9511) may serve as a handle.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include an upper opening (951a) and a lower opening (951b). The upper opening (951a) may be formed at the upper part of the filter frame (951). The lower opening (951b) may be formed at the lower part of the filter frame (951). The upper opening (951a) and the lower opening (951b) may be positioned to face each other.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include a first side opening (951c) and a second side opening (951d). The first side opening (951c) and the second side opening (951d) may be formed spaced apart on opposite sides. The first side opening (951c) and the second side opening (951d) may be passages through which air circulating between the drum (e.g., the drum (30) in FIG. 2) and the drying device (80) passes while the drying device (80) is operated to dry laundry. Air introduced from the drum (30) may be filtered by the filter (952) while passing through the first side opening (951c) and the second side opening (951d) before passing through the heat exchanger.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the upper opening (951a) and the lower opening (951b) may be closed while the operation of drying laundry is performed. The upper opening (951a) and the lower opening (951b) may be closed by a cover member (e.g., the cover member (170) of FIG. 8a) described later. In this regard, FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 8c describe this later.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include a partition (9512). The partition (9512) may be formed to separate the space of a plurality of filters (952). For example, if two filters are accommodated in the filter frame (951), the partition (9512) may be located between the two filters. The partition (9512) may be formed to separate the positions between the plurality of filters. The partition (9512) may form at least one opening to allow air to flow.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may be formed integrally with the drying device (80). For example, the filter frame (951) may be formed integrally with the drying case (81). However, it is not limited thereto, and the filter frame (951) may be provided to be separable from the drying case (81).

[0130] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0131] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 7 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. 1 through 6 and FIG. 8a through 9b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 7.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 7, a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment may include an input device (110), a sensor unit (120), a communication unit (130), at least one processor (140), a memory (150), a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), a drainage device (70), and a drying device (80). The drying device (80) may include a nozzle moving device (160). The input device (110) may be referred to as an input interface.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (120) may include a dehydration sensor (121), a current sensor (122), or a door sensor (123), but this is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The dehydration sensor (121) is, for example, a sensor provided to detect the water level inside the tub (20) and may be provided to determine the progress of dehydration during the dehydration process. At least one processor (140) may receive a sensing value regarding the water level inside the tub (20) from the dehydration sensor (121) and use it as a reference for controlling the dehydration process. The current sensor (122) may, for example, be provided to detect the current flowing through the motor of the driving device (36). At least one processor (140) may estimate the torque value applied to the motor using the sensing value sensed by the current sensor (122). At least one processor (140) may, for example, estimate the amount of laundry introduced into the rotating tub based on the estimated torque value. A door sensor (123) may be provided to determine whether the user has closed the door (17) before at least one processor (140) performs a washing operation.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (130) may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the clothing processing device (1) and a wireless communication system, between the clothing processing device (1) and another device, or between the clothing processing device (1) and an external server. According to some embodiments, the communication unit (130) may include one or more modules that connect the clothing processing device (1) to one or more networks. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (130) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless internet module, a short-range communication module, or a location information module.

[0135] A mobile communication module can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network built, for example, according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, for example, voice call signals, video call call signals, or various forms of data related to the transmission and reception of text / multimedia messages.

[0136] The wireless internet module may be, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), but is not limited thereto, and may transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless internet technology within a scope that includes internet technologies not listed above.

[0137] The short-range communication module is intended for short-range communication and can support short-range communication using at least one of the following technologies: Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus). The short-range communication module can support wireless communication between the clothing processing device (1) and a wireless communication system, between the clothing processing device (1) and another device, or between the clothing processing device (1) and a network where another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless short-range communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0138] The location information module may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module, as a module for obtaining the location of the clothing processing device (1). If the clothing processing device (1) utilizes a GPS module, it can receive information regarding the location of the clothing processing device (1) by using signals sent from GPS satellites. If the clothing processing device (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, it can receive information regarding the location of the clothing processing device (1) based on information from a Wireless Access Point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0139] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (140) can control the overall operation of the clothing processing device (1). To this end, the at least one processor (140) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The at least one processor (140) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU). The at least one processor may include a processing circuit.

[0140] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (140) can control hardware or software components connected to at least one processor (140) by running an operating system or application, and can also perform various data processing and operations. Additionally, at least one processor (140) can load instructions or data received from at least one of other components into volatile memory for processing, and store various data in non-volatile memory.

[0141] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (140) can control a washing process using a signal received from an input device (110) or a communication unit (130). Specifically, at least one processor (140) can control at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process. That is, at least one processor (140) can control the operation of a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), or a drainage device (70) to control at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process. At this time, at least one processor (140) can receive operation information regarding a clothing processing device (1) from a sensor unit (120) and perform feedback control.

[0142] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (140) can control the operation of the drying device (80). At least one processor (140) can operate the drying device (80) during the process of drying laundry contained in the drum (30). At least one processor (140) can operate the drying device (80) to remove moisture from the air introduced from the drum (30), reheat it, and introduce it back into the drum (30).

[0143] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (140) can control the operation of the nozzle moving device (160). At least one processor (140) can control the position of water sprayed from the nozzle nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) by adjusting the position of the nozzle moving device (160). For example, at least one processor (140) can perform heat exchanger cleaning by using the nozzle moving device (160) to position the nozzle nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) toward the heat exchanger. For example, at least one processor (140) can clean the filter by using the nozzle moving device (160) to position the nozzle nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) toward the filter section (95).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the memory (150) may store data that supports various functions of the clothing processing device (1). The memory (150) may store, for example, a number of applications used in the clothing processing device (1), data for the operation of the clothing processing device (1), commands, and instructions. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Additionally, at least some of these applications may be stored in the memory (150) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the clothing processing device (1). Applications may be stored in the memory (150), for example, and driven by at least one processor (140) to perform the operation (or function) of the clothing processing device (1). Instructions may be executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (140). According to some embodiments, the memory (150) may be included as part of the configuration of at least one processor (140).

[0145] According to one embodiment, when the instructions of the memory (150) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (140), the garment processing device (1) may include an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger using a nozzle device (96) located on the heat exchanger. The garment processing device (1) may clean the heat exchanger by positioning the nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) so that it faces the heat exchanger, and then spraying cleaning water through the nozzle device (96).

[0146] According to one embodiment, when the instructions of the memory (150) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (140), the garment processing device (1) may include an operation to control the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the filter section (95). The garment processing device (1) may move the position of the nozzle nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) by operating the motor of the nozzle moving device (160). When the nozzle device (96) is moved to the upper side of the filter section (95), a cover member (e.g., the cover member (170) of FIG. 8) covering the upper opening (e.g., the upper opening (951a) of FIG. 6) and the lower opening (e.g., the lower opening (951b) of FIG. 6) of the filter section (95) may be pushed by the nozzle device (96). As the cover member (170) is pushed by the nozzle device (96), at least one of the upper opening (951a) or lower opening (951b) of the filter section (95) may be opened. As the cover member (170) is pushed by the nozzle device (96), the lower opening (951b) of the filter section (95) may be opened. The process of the cover member (170) being pressurized by the movement of the nozzle device (96) is described later in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0147] According to one embodiment, when the instructions of the memory (150) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (140), the garment processing device (1) may include an operation of washing the filter (952) using a nozzle device (96) located on the filter section (95). The garment processing device (1) may control the nozzle moving device (160) to position the nozzle device (96) on the filter section (95), and then spray washing water toward the filter (952) through the nozzle device (96). The lint washed by the washing water may be discharged to the outside through the lower opening (951b).

[0148] According to one embodiment, when the instructions of the memory (150) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (140), the garment processing device (1) may include an operation of controlling the nozzle moving device (160) to reciprocate the nozzle device within a predetermined interval while water is sprayed through the nozzle device (96). The garment processing device (1) can enhance washing performance by operating the motor of the nozzle moving device (160) to reciprocate the nozzle device (96) while water is sprayed from the nozzle device (96).

[0149] FIGS. 8A, FIGS. 8B, and FIGS. 8C are drawings for explaining the operation of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0150] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIGS. 1 through 7 and FIGS. 9a through 9b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, a clothing processing device according to one embodiment (e.g., clothing processing device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a drying device (e.g., drying device (80) of FIG. 4) and a filter unit (95). According to one embodiment, the drying device (80) may include at least one of a drying case (81), a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), a nozzle device (96), a nozzle moving device (160), a cover member (170), or an elastic body (180). Here, the condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) may be referred to as heat exchangers. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are exemplary drawings for explaining the operation of a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment, and the structures and shapes depicted do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (95) may include a filter (952) and a filter frame (951). The filter unit (95) may be configured to be mounted on the drying device (80). The filter unit (95) may be positioned to filter air flowing from the drum (30) into the heat exchanger. For example, the filter unit (95) may be positioned upstream of the heat exchanger. For example, the filter unit (95) may be positioned on the side of the heat exchanger. The filter unit (95) may filter foreign substances flowing in with the air from the drum (30) to minimize contamination of the heat exchanger. For example, the filter unit (95) may be modularized to be detachable and / or replaceable from the drying device (80). In this case, the filter unit (95) may be referred to as a filtering module or a filter assembly.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the filter (952) may include a first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522). The filter (952) may have a dual filter structure. The first filter (9521) may be referred to as a primary filter. The second filter (9522) may be referred to as a secondary filter. Each of the first filter (9521) and the second filter (9522) may be arranged to filter dust in stages. For example, the first filter (9521) may be configured to filter coarse particles of dust, such as relatively large lint or fiber fragments, generated during the operation of the drying device (80). For example, the second filter (9522) may be configured to further filter finer particles that have passed through the first filter (9521).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the filter (952) may be formed so that its bottom is open. Dust filtered through the filter (952) may be washed by washing water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) described later and discharged through the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951). For example, the first filter (9521) may be formed so that its bottom is open. For example, the second filter (9522) may be formed so that its bottom is open.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) may be configured to move the direction in which the nozzle opening (961) of the nozzle device (96) is facing. The nozzle moving device (160) may be configured to move the injection position of the nozzle device (96). The nozzle moving device (160) may be configured to move the nozzle device (96) in a straight line in one direction. The nozzle moving device (160) may, for example, move the nozzle device in a straight line in a horizontal direction.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) may include a moving frame (161), a rack gear (162), a pinion gear (163), and a motor. The pinion gear (163) may be coupled to the motor. The pinion gear (163) may be rotated by the operation of the motor. The rack gear (162) may mesh with the pinion gear (163). The rack gear (162) may convert the rotational power of the motor into a linear direction.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the movable frame (161) may be coupled with a motor and a pinion gear (163). The movable frame (161) may be configured to move together with the motor and the pinion gear (163). The movable frame (161) may be formed integrally with, for example, the frame of the nozzle device (96), but is not limited thereto.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the movable frame (161) may be coupled with the nozzle device (96). The movable frame (161) may move together with the nozzle device (96). When the pinion gear (163) moves relative to the rack gear (162) according to the operation of the motor, the nozzle device (96) coupled to the movable frame (161) may also move together accordingly.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the rack gear (162) may be placed on the drying case (81). The rack gear (162) may be placed to be fixed to the drying case (81).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the nozzle device (96) may be positioned so that the nozzle (961) faces downward. The nozzle device (96) may be positioned above the drying case (81). The nozzle device (96) may include at least one nozzle (961). The clothing processing device (1) may clean the heat exchanger or filter (952) by spraying cleaning water through at least one nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the cover member (170) may be positioned to cover at least one of the upper opening (951a) or lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951). A portion of the cover member (170) may cover the upper opening (951a) of the filter frame (951). A portion of the cover member (170) may cover the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951). The cover member (170) may be positioned to be movable. The cover member (170) may be positioned to be movable in a direction substantially the same as the direction of movement of the nozzle device (96).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the cover member (170) may include a first cover portion (171), a second cover portion (172), and a connecting portion (173). The first cover portion (171), the second cover portion (172), and the connecting portion (173) may be formed integrally. The first cover portion (171) may be positioned to cover the upper opening (951a) of the filter frame (951). The second cover portion (172) may be positioned to cover the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951). When the first cover portion (171) is moved, the second cover portion (172), which is connected by the connecting portion (173), may also be moved together. The first cover portion (171) and the second cover portion (172) may be positioned on the upper side of the filter frame and the lower side of the filter frame, respectively. The connecting portion (173) can be arranged to connect the first cover portion (171) and the second cover portion (172).

[0163] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic body (180) may be coupled to the cover member (170). One end of the at least one elastic body (180) may be coupled to the drying case (81). The at least one elastic body (180) may be configured to be compressed when the cover member (170) is pressed by the nozzle device (96). When the force applied to the cover member (170) is released, the at least one elastic body (180) may move the cover member (170) back to close the upper opening (951a) and lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951) by the compressed elastic force. That is, when the nozzle device (96) moves from the second position to the first position, the cover member (170) may return to a position covering the upper opening (951a) and lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951) by the elastic force of the at least one elastic body (180). At least one elastic body (180) may be a spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can clean the heat exchanger by spraying cleaning water after positioning the nozzle device (96) so that the nozzle (961) faces the heat exchanger as shown in FIG. 8a. The position of the nozzle device (96) for this purpose is referred to as the first position. Here, the cleaning water may be water.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can clean the heat exchanger by spraying water when the nozzle device (96) is in a first position. In order to prevent water sprayed through the upper opening (951a) and lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951) from leaking out during the process of spraying water through the nozzle device (96), a cover member (170) can cover the upper opening (951a) and lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951).

[0166] According to one embodiment, while the drying device (80) is operating to dry laundry, the nozzle device (96) may be positioned in a first position. During the operation of the drying device (80), air circulating through the drum (30) and the drying device (80) may flow into the heat exchanger by passing through the first side opening (951c) and the second side opening (951d) of the filter frame (951). At this time, to prevent air from leaking out through the upper opening (951a) and the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951), a cover member (170) may be positioned to close the upper opening (951a) and the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can control the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle device (96) toward the filter section (95) as shown in FIG. 8b. During the movement, the cover member (170) can be moved by the movement of the nozzle device (96).

[0168] According to one embodiment, as the nozzle device (96) moves to a second position by the nozzle moving device (160), the cover member (170) may be pressed by the nozzle device (96) (or the nozzle moving device (160)). For example, as the nozzle device (96) moves to the second position, the first cover member (171) may be pressed by the nozzle device (96). The nozzle device (96) may be moved until it is positioned at the upper opening (951a) of the filter member (95) after pressing and moving the cover member (170). Although the drawing shows the nozzle device (96) pressing the cover member (170), it is not limited thereto, and a part of the nozzle moving device (160) (e.g., the moving frame (161)) may be formed to press the cover member (170).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can wash the filter (952) by spraying washing water after positioning the nozzle device (96) at the upper opening (951a) of the filter frame (951) as shown in FIG. 8C. The position of the nozzle device (96) for washing the filter (952) is referred to as the second position. For example, the second position may be located at the upper opening (951a) of the filter section (95).

[0170] According to one embodiment, when a clothing processing device (1) washes a filter (952) by spraying washing water, dust can be discharged along the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951). The lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951) can be connected to a drain pipe (e.g., drain pipe (73) of FIG. 2) of a drainage device (e.g., drainage device (70) of FIG. 2). During the washing process of the filter (952), washing water and dust discharged through the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the drain pipe (73).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to any point between a first position and a second position. Here, the arbitrary point can be determined by a processor (e.g., the processor (140) of FIG. 7).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can clean the heat exchanger or filter (952) by positioning the nozzle device (96) at a first position or a second position. However, it is not limited thereto, and the clothing processing device (1) may clean the entire range of the heat exchanger and filter (952) by moving the nozzle device (96) to a second position while spraying cleaning water through the nozzle device (96) at the first position.

[0173] The first position is determined as the optimal position through experimentation depending on the product, and information regarding the first position can be stored in memory (150). The second position is determined as the optimal position through experimentation depending on the product, and information regarding the second position can be stored in memory (150). For example, the first position and the second position may each refer to the two ends of the maximum range at which the nozzle device (96) can move in a straight direction using the nozzle moving device (160).

[0174] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are drawings for explaining the operation of cleaning a first filter or a second filter of a filter unit according to one embodiment, respectively.

[0175] All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other figures of this specification. All features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described in relation to FIGS. 1 through 8c may be included, either alone or in combination with, the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, a clothing processing device according to one embodiment (e.g., clothing processing device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a drying device (e.g., drying device (80) of FIG. 2) and a filter unit (95).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the filter section (95) may include a filter (952) and a filter frame (951). The filter (952) may include a first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522). The filter frame (951) may include an upper opening (951a), a lower opening (951b), a first side opening (951c), and a second side opening (951d). The filter frame (951) may include a partition (9512) separating the first filter (9521) and the second filter (9522).

[0178] According to one embodiment, when washing the filter (952), the clothing processing device (1) may separate and proceed with washing the first filter (9521) and washing the second filter (9522). The clothing processing device (1) may wash the first filter (9521) or the second filter (9522) by controlling the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) or to the upper side of the second filter (9522).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when instructions of a memory (e.g., memory (150) of FIG. 7) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (140) of FIG. 7), the garment processing device (1) may control a nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to wash the first filter (9521).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to wash the first filter (9521). The nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) by the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (140) of FIG. 7). The clothing processing device (1) can wash the first filter (9521) using the nozzle device (96) to discharge contaminants attached to the first filter (9521) through the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951).

[0181] According to one embodiment, when instructions of a memory (e.g., memory (150) of FIG. 7) are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (140) of FIG. 7), the garment processing device (1) may control a nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle (961) of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to wash the second filter (9522).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to wash the second filter (9522). The nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) by the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (140) of FIG. 7). The clothing processing device (1) can wash the second filter (9522) using the nozzle device (96) to discharge contaminants attached to the second filter (9522) through the lower opening (951b) of the filter frame (951).

[0183] A clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry inside, a heat exchanger, a nozzle device (96), a drying device (80) comprising a nozzle moving device (160) configured to move the spraying position of the nozzle device (96), and a filter (952), and may include a filter section (95) configured to be placed in the drying device (80). The nozzle moving device (160) may be configured to move the nozzle device (96) between a first position in which the nozzle device (96) faces the heat exchanger and a second position in which the nozzle device (96) faces the filter section (95).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (95) may include a filter frame (951) configured to accommodate the filter (952).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include an upper opening (951a) formed on the upper side of the filter (952) and a lower opening (951b) formed on the lower side of the filter (952).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the device may include a cover member (170) positioned to cover at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b), and configured to open at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b) by being pressurized as the nozzle device (96) moves to the second position.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the cover member (170) may include a first cover portion (171) arranged to cover the upper opening (951a), a second cover portion (172) arranged to cover the lower opening (951b), and a connecting portion (173) connecting the first cover portion (171) and the second cover portion (172).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first cover portion (171) may be positioned to be pressurized as the nozzle device (96) moves to the second position.

[0189] According to one embodiment, a second position of the nozzle device (96) may be located at the upper opening (951a) of the filter section (95).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may further include at least one elastic body (180) coupled to the cover member (170) and configured to be compressed when the cover member (170) is pressed by the nozzle device (96).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (95) may be positioned on the side of the heat exchanger and on the upper side of the drum (30) to filter air flowing from the drum (30) to the heat exchanger.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the filter (952) may include a first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522) arranged sequentially along the filtering direction.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the nozzle moving device (160) can move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to wash the first filter (9521), or move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to wash the second filter (9522).

[0194] A clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry inside, a heat exchanger, a nozzle device (96), a nozzle moving device (160) configured to move the spraying position of the nozzle device (96), a filter unit (95) configured to be mounted on the drying device (80) including a filter (952), at least one processor (140) including a processing circuitry, and a memory (150) for storing one or more instructions. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the clothing processing device may cause: to clean the heat exchanger using the nozzle device (96) located on the heat exchanger, to move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the filter section (95) by controlling the nozzle moving device (160), and to clean the filter (952) using the nozzle device (96) located on the filter section (95).

[0195] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the garment processing device may be caused to: control the nozzle moving device (160) to reciprocate the nozzle device (96) within a predetermined interval while water is sprayed through the nozzle device (96).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (95) may include a filter frame (951) configured to accommodate the filter (952).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the filter frame (951) may include an upper opening (951a) formed on the upper side of the filter (952) and a lower opening (951b) formed on the lower side of the filter (952).

[0198] According to one embodiment, it may include a cover member (170) arranged to cover at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b), and configured to open at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b) by being pressurized as the nozzle device (69) moves to the second position.

[0199] According to one embodiment, when the nozzle device (96) is moved to the upper side of the filter part (95), the cover member (170) can be moved by the pressure of the nozzle device (96).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) may further include at least one elastic body (180) coupled to the cover member (170) and configured to be compressed when the cover member (170) is pressed by the nozzle device (96).

[0201] According to one embodiment, the filter (952) may include a first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522) arranged sequentially along the filtering direction.

[0202] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the garment processing device may cause: to control the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to wash the first filter (9521), and to use the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to wash the second filter (9522).

[0203] 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 device, A drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry inside; A drying device (80) comprising a heat exchanger, a nozzle device (96), and a nozzle moving device (160) configured to move the spraying position of the nozzle device (96); and It includes a filter (952) and a filter section (95) configured to be placed in the drying device (80), and The nozzle moving device (160) is configured to move the nozzle device (96) between a first position in which the nozzle device (96) faces the heat exchanger and a second position in which the nozzle device (96) faces the filter section (95). Clothing processing device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The filter unit (95) above is, A filter frame (951) configured to accommodate the above filter (952), Clothing processing device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The filter frame (951) comprises an upper opening (951a) formed on the upper side of the filter (952) and a lower opening (951b) formed on the lower side of the filter (952). Clothing processing device.

4. In Paragraph 3, A cover member (170) configured to cover at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b), and to open at least one of the upper opening (951a) or the lower opening (951b) by being pressurized as the nozzle device (96) moves to the second position. Clothing processing device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above cover member (170) is, A first cover portion (171) positioned to cover the upper opening (951a); A second cover portion (172) positioned to cover the lower opening (951b); and A connecting part (173) connecting the first cover part (171) and the second cover part (172), Clothing processing device.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first cover portion (171) is positioned to be pressurized as the nozzle device (96) moves to the second position. Clothing processing device.

7. In any one of paragraphs 3 through 6, The second position of the nozzle device (96) is located at the upper opening (951a) of the filter section (95). Clothing processing device.

8. In any one of paragraphs 4 through 7, The apparatus further comprises at least one elastic body (180) coupled to the cover member (170) and configured to be compressed when the cover member (170) is pressed by the nozzle device (96). Clothing processing device.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The filter unit (95) above is, A portion disposed on the side of the heat exchanger and on the upper side of the drum (30) to filter the air to be introduced from the drum (30) to the heat exchanger, Clothing processing device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above filter (952) is, A first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522) arranged sequentially along the filtering direction, Clothing processing device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above nozzle moving device (160) is, Moving the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to wash the first filter (9521), or moving the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to wash the second filter (9522). Clothing processing device.

12. In a clothing processing device, A drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry inside; A drying device (80) comprising a heat exchanger, a nozzle device (96), and a nozzle moving device (160) configured to move the spraying position of the nozzle device (96); A filter section (95) including a filter (952) and configured to be mounted on the drying device (80); At least one processor (140) including processing circuitry; and It includes a memory (150) that stores one or more instructions, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the clothing processing device: The operation of cleaning the heat exchanger using the nozzle device (96) located on the heat exchanger; The operation of controlling the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the filter unit (95); and A process of causing the operation of cleaning the filter (952) using the nozzle device (96) located on the filter section (95), Clothing processing device.

13. In Paragraph 12, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the clothing processing device: While water is being sprayed through the nozzle device (96), the nozzle moving device (160) is controlled to cause the nozzle device (96) to move back and forth within a predetermined interval. Clothing processing device.

14. In Paragraph 12 or 13, The above filter (952) is, A first filter (9521) and a second filter (9522) arranged sequentially along the filtering direction, Clothing processing device.

15. In Paragraph 14, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the clothing processing device: The operation of controlling the nozzle moving device (160) to move the nozzle nozzle of the nozzle device (96) to the upper side of the first filter (9521) to clean the first filter (9521), and Using the nozzle moving device (160), the nozzle nozzle of the nozzle device (96) is moved to the upper side of the second filter (9522) to cause the operation of cleaning the second filter (9522). Clothing processing device.

Images