WO2025136005A1 - Clothing treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing; a flow duct communicatively connected to the drum to form a flow path for air discharged from the drum; a heat exchange unit comprising an evaporator provided inside the flow duct to dehumidify the air discharged from the drum, and a condenser provided to heat the air that has passed through the evaporator; and a water collection unit disposed below the evaporator to be communicatively connected to the heat exchange unit, and configured to collect condensed water from the evaporator, wherein the water collection unit includes a partition wall having a flat shape protruding upward from the bottom surface of the water collection unit, and the partition wall is arranged to overlap the evaporator while being spaced apart from the lower surface of the evaporator.

Description

Garment treatment device

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a commercial clothing treatment device capable of performing at least one of a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from clothing using detergent and a drying cycle for sterilizing, removing wrinkles, deodorizing, and drying clothing by supplying steam or hot air to the clothing.

A clothing treatment device refers to a washing machine that washes clothing and other items through a washing cycle, and a dryer that dries items through a drying cycle. In general, washing machines and dryers can be installed as separate devices, but in order to overcome space constraints and improve user convenience, there is a clothing treatment device that can perform washing and drying at the same time.

In order to execute the washing process, the clothing treatment device is provided with a cabinet, a tub for storing water, a drum providing a space for accommodating the subject of treatment, a driving unit fixed to the tub and rotating the drum, a support unit for supporting the tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the tub, and a drain unit for draining water from the tub.

Meanwhile, in order to execute the drying process, the clothing treatment device is equipped with a flow path for extracting air from inside the tub and resupplying it to the tub, and a heat exchanger provided in the flow path for sequentially executing dehumidification and heating of the air.

That is, among the conventional clothing treatment devices, there was a device that had both a device for washing and a device for drying inside the cabinet, so that the washing and drying operations could be selectively performed according to the user's convenience.

The conventional clothing treatment device having the structure described above has a problem in that it is difficult to apply to a commercial clothing treatment device that must frequently and quickly treat a large number of objects to be treated. That is, in the case of a commercial clothing treatment device, a treatment space that can accommodate heavy and bulky clothing is required, and a heat exchanger for rapid washing and drying of the objects to be treated is required, so it was difficult to install both a washing device and a drying device in a cabinet with a limited volume. It is possible to install both a washing device and a drying device by designing the cabinet to have a large volume, but in this case, there was a problem in that it was difficult to manufacture or transport. Therefore, in the case of a commercial clothing treatment device, the combination or arrangement between the washing device and the drying device was one of the important design considerations.

In addition, in the case of commercial clothes treatment devices, the capacity may be larger than that of household clothes treatment devices. In order to dry a large amount of clothes, the strength of the hot air may be increased. This may increase the air flow rate bypassing the heat exchanger, and may change the location where the condensate condensed in the heat exchanger is collected. Therefore, in the case of commercial clothes treatment devices, reducing the air flow rate bypassing the heat exchanger and arranging the water collection unit to collect the water condensed in the heat exchanger may be one of the important design considerations.

The present invention aims to provide a clothes treatment device capable of selectively installing a drying device for performing a drying cycle for drying clothes in a washing machine for performing a washing cycle.

The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothes treatment device equipped with a heat duct that improves the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothes treatment device having a water collecting unit that reduces air bypassing the evaporator and collects condensate condensed in the evaporator.

One embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing; a flow duct provided to communicate with the drum and form a flow path for air discharged from the drum; an evaporator provided inside the flow duct to dehumidify air discharged from the drum; and a condenser provided to heat air passing through the evaporator; and a water collecting unit disposed below the evaporator and communicating with the heat exchange unit, the water collecting unit comprising a partition wall provided in a plate shape that protrudes upward from a bottom surface of the water collecting unit, and the partition wall may be disposed to overlap the evaporator and be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the evaporator.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the water collecting unit includes a first water collecting unit positioned in front of the partition wall and a second water collecting unit positioned in the rear of the first water collecting unit, and the second water collecting unit may be provided so that the rear end is positioned in front of the front of the condenser.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the first water collecting section may have its front end positioned in front of the front of the evaporator.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the water collection unit includes a drainage port through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge the collected water to the outside, and the drainage port may be arranged to overlap the partition wall and be divided into two by the partition wall.

One embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a support plate that is mounted on an upper surface of the water collecting portion and is provided to support the evaporator and the condenser, and the support plate may include a penetration portion that is provided to expose the support portion on which the evaporator and the condenser are mounted and the water collecting portion so that the duct and the water collecting portion communicate with each other.

The support part of one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a first support part provided to support the evaporator and a second support part provided to support the condenser, and the first support part may be provided to be located above the partition wall and spaced apart from the partition wall.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the first support portion includes a flow resistance plate that extends from a lower surface toward a bottom surface of the water collecting portion but is provided so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface, and the flow resistance plate may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the partition.

The heat exchanger of one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a compressor provided outside the duct to compress a refrigerant, and a refrigerant pipe forming a path through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor passes through the condenser and the evaporator and moves to the compressor, and an auxiliary water collecting unit disposed below the refrigerant pipe to collect water condensed in the refrigerant pipe.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the water collection unit includes a drainage port through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge collected water to the outside, and the auxiliary water collection unit includes an auxiliary drainage port through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge collected water to the outside, and may include a condensation pipe provided to guide water passing through the drainage port and the auxiliary drainage port to the outside.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the evaporator and the condenser may be arranged such that the distance between the evaporator and the condenser increases from the inside to the outside of the evaporator.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the water collection unit may be provided to have a larger area than the lower surface of the evaporator.

In one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the water collection unit may be provided to extend in a downstream direction of the evaporator, but may be provided to be positioned in front of the front of the condenser.

One embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a detachable module that is detachably installed in the cabinet and allows air discharged from the drum to be introduced and circulated into the drum, and the duct can be installed inside the detachable module.

The present invention has the effect of allowing a washing machine performing a washing cycle to selectively install a drying device performing a drying cycle for drying clothes.

The present invention can provide a clothes treatment device equipped with a heat duct that improves the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

The present invention can provide a clothes treatment device having a water collecting unit that reduces air bypassing the evaporator and collects condensate condensed in the evaporator.

Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is separated/combined.

Figure 3 illustrates the washing machine body of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates the euro duct structure of the detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates the layout of the internal configuration of the detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section of an inlet duct and an evaporation duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a guide that protects the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates the upper surface of a duct having a washing unit for washing the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates the washing nozzle of the clothing treatment device of the present invention spraying water in front of the evaporator.

Figure 11 shows the distribution of water sprayed into the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a heat exchange duct of a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a water collection unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates the back surface of the mounting panel of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates a fan housing of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 17 illustrates a refrigerant circuit including an auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 18 illustrates the specific structure of the front panel of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1(a), the clothing treatment device (10) of the present invention may include a washing body (100) for treating clothing. The washing body (100) may be equipped to perform a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from the clothing using water and detergent.

The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a detachable module (1000) coupled to the washing machine body (100). The detachable module (1000) may be provided to supply hot air to the inside of the washing machine body (100).

The above washing machine body (100) may be equipped to perform a drying cycle capable of removing moisture from the clothing when the detachable module (1000) is combined.

Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can utilize the washing machine body (100) as a washing machine when the washing machine body (100) is independently provided, and can utilize the washing machine body (100) as both a washing machine and a dryer when the washing machine body (100) and the detachable module (1000) are provided together.

As a result, depending on the user's situation and choice, only the washing machine body (100) may be installed, or the detachable module (1000) may be installed by combining it with the washing machine body (100).

In particular, when the washing machine body (100) is equipped to process a large amount of clothes, such as a commercial clothes treatment device, and thus has a larger overall volume than a home clothes treatment device, the option to selectively combine the detachable module (1000) may be more useful to any user who may have installation space constraints.

In addition, since the detachable module (1000) is provided separately from the washing body (100), the size, volume, and weight of the washing body (100) can be prevented from becoming excessive, and the process of manufacturing the washing body (100) and the detachable module (1000) and the process of installing or transporting the washing body (100) and the detachable module (1000) can also be made easier.

Referring to Fig. 1(b), the washing machine body (100) may include a cabinet (110) forming an exterior.

The above cabinet (110) may include a front panel (111) that forms at least a portion of the front of the washing machine body (100) and forms an opening through which clothes are taken in and out, and a door (130) that opens and closes the opening.

Meanwhile, various electrical appliances capable of processing clothes can be accommodated inside the cabinet (110). Therefore, in order to easily repair or replace the electrical appliances, the clothes processing device of the present invention may further include a cover panel (112) that is positioned lower than the front panel (111) and forms a part of the front of the cabinet (100). The cover panel (112) may be detachably provided lower than the door (130).

Accordingly, even if a wall or other home appliance is placed on the side of the cabinet (110), the cover panel (112) can be separated and combined without being affected by this. When the cover panel (112) is separated, the components placed inside the cabinet (100) can be checked, repaired, and replaced even without separating the door (130).

The above-mentioned detachable module (1000) may include a case (1100) that is mounted on the cabinet (110) and forms an exterior.

The case (1100) above can accommodate a path through which air inside the washing machine body (100) can circulate, and an electrical component that heats the air.

The above case (1100) may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, and a front door (1150) that is rotatably provided on the front panel (1110) to expose the front panel (1110) or the inside of the case (1100).

The above front door (1150) not only serves to protect the internal components of the case (1100), such as the control panel installed on the front panel (1110), but can also provide aesthetic appeal by being made of the same material as the cabinet (110).

The above-mentioned detachable module (1000) can be installed on the upper part of the cabinet (110).

Thereby, the detachable module (1000) can be easily installed or removed from the cabinet (110).

In addition, since the cabinet (110) supports the detachable module (1000), the load of the detachable module (1000) can be prevented from being applied to components inside the cabinet (110), and vibrations occurring inside the cabinet (110) can also be blocked from being transmitted to the detachable module (1000).

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is separated/combined.

The above-mentioned detachable module (1000) can be detachably coupled to the upper portion of the cabinet (110). As a result, the above-mentioned detachable module (1000) can be coupled to or detached from the cabinet (110) as needed.

When the detachable module (1000) is detached from the cabinet (110), the washing machine body (100) can perform the function of a washing machine, and when the detachable module (100) is attached to the cabinet (110), the washing machine body (100) can also perform the function of a dryer.

The above cabinet (110) may further include a side panel (113) that is coupled to the rear of the front panel (111) and extends rearward to form a side, and a rear panel (114) that is coupled to the back surface of the side panel (113) to form a back surface.

The above cabinet (110) may further include a fixed frame (116) capable of fixing the positions of two side panels (113).

The above fixed frame (116) is arranged on the upper front side of the side panel (113) and can fix the side panel (113) on both sides.

The above fixed frame (116) can provide an area or configuration in which the front panel (111) can be fixed to the front, and can also support a configuration that must be exposed on the front of the cabinet (110), such as a detergent box, a control panel, and a coin insertion port.

The above front panel (111) can be detachably attached to at least one of the fixed frame (116) and the side panel (113).

An upper panel forming the upper surface of the cabinet (110) can be combined on the upper portions of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

The upper panel (114) can be detachably connected to the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

The upper panel (114) can be combined with the upper portion of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114) to cover the inside of the cabinet (110) when the detachable module (1000) is not installed in the cabinet (110).

In addition, when the upper panel (114) is separated from the cabinet (110), the detachable module (1000) can be installed on the upper portion of the front panel (111), the side panel (113), and the rear panel (114).

The cabinet (110) above may have an upper step (H3) formed on the upper side so that the upper panel (114) and the detachable module (1000) can be stably installed.

When the upper panel (114) and the detachable module (1000) are installed on the upper part of the cabinet (110), they can be supported by the upper step (H3) and prevented from being detached from the cabinet (110).

The above upper step (H3) may be provided so as to protrude more than other parts at the top of the cabinet (110).

Alternatively, the upper step (H3) may be provided to be more recessed than other parts of the upper part of the cabinet (110).

For example, when the front panel (111) is coupled to the front of the side panel (113), the upper end of the front panel (111) may be coupled higher than the upper end of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3).

When the upper part of the front panel (111) forms an upper step (H3), the upper part of the fixed frame (116) can also be formed higher than the upper part of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3).

Even if the height of the front panel (111) is shorter than the height (H2) of the side panel (113), it can be joined to at least one of the side panel (113) and the fixed frame (115) at a position higher than the upper end of the side panel (113) to form the upper step (H3).

As a result, the sum (H1) of the height of the front panel (111) and the height of the cover panel (112) can be provided to be longer than the height (H2) of the side panel (113).

In addition, the height (H1) of the rear panel (114) may be provided longer than the height (H2) of the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3). That is, the height (H1) of the rear panel (114) may be provided longer than the height of the side panel (H2) by the upper step (H3).

As a result, the upper part of the front panel (111) and the upper part of the rear panel (114) can form the upper step (H3).

The upper part of the front panel (111) and the upper part of the rear panel (114) can support the upper panel or the front and rear of the lower surface of the case (1100).

As a result, the upper step (H3) may be provided in any shape as long as it can stably fix at least one of the case (1100) and the upper panel.

Alternatively, the upper part of the front panel (111) and the upper part of the rear panel (114) may be provided lower than the side panel (113) to form an upper step (H3). In this case, the upper step (H3) may be provided by being sunken in from the upper part of the cabinet (110).

The case (1100) of the above detachable module may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, side panels (1120) extending rearward from both ends of the front panel (1110), a rear panel (1130) provided to connect the back surfaces of the side panels (1120) to each other, and an upper panel (1140) coupled to upper surfaces of the front panel (1110), the side panels (1120), and the rear panel (1130).

The width of the front panel (1110) may be provided to correspond to the width of the front panel (110), the length of the side panel (1120) may be provided to correspond to the length of the side panel (113), and the width of the rear panel (1130) may be provided to correspond to the width of the rear panel (114).

The lower surface of the case (1100) and the upper surface of the cabinet (110) can be properly coupled to each other without a space between them.

Accordingly, when the case (1100) is installed in the cabinet (110), the cabinet and the case (1100) can be arranged parallel in the height direction, and an effect similar to that of the case (1100) extending vertically from the cabinet (110) can be produced.

In addition, moisture or outside air can be prevented from entering the joint portion of the case (1100) and the cabinet (110).

The above case (1100) may be provided with a lower step (H5) on the lower surface that can be installed on the upper step (H3) of the cabinet (110).

The above lower step (H5) may be provided in a shape that can be interlocked with the upper step (H3) of the commercial building.

When the above case (1100) is mounted on the cabinet (110), the lower step (H5) can be supported on the upper step (H3). For example, the lower step (H5) can be provided to contact the upper step (H3).

The lower step (H5) may be provided so that the upper step (H3) protrudes, and may be provided so that it is sunken in by the length to which the upper step (H3) protrudes. Alternatively, the lower step (H5) may be provided so that the upper step (H3) is sunken in, and may be provided so that it protrudes by the depth to which the upper step (H3) is sunken in.

For example, the lower step (H5) may be formed and provided such that the lower part of the front panel (1110) is positioned higher than the lower part of the side panel (1120).

The height (H3) of the front panel (1110) may be provided shorter than the height (H4) of the side panel (1120) by a lower step (H5).

Additionally, the height (H3) of the rear panel (1130) may be provided shorter than the height (H4) of the side panel (1120) by a lower step (H5).

As a result, the lower step (H5) can be formed at the front lower part and the rear lower part of the case (1100), respectively.

When the case (1100) is installed in the cabinet (110), the upper step (H3) and the lower step (H4) are engaged, so that the upper step (H3) is supported between the side panels (1120) of the case (1100), thereby preventing the case (1100) from falling over to the left and right.

The front panel (1110) above may be provided with a filter communication hole (1111) communicating with the internal space. The filter communication hole (1111) may be provided so that a filter provided inside the detachable module (1000) may be pulled out and inserted.

The front panel (1110) may further include a filter door (1113) that opens and closes the filter communication hole (1111). The filter door (1113) is rotatably coupled to one side of the filter communication hole (1111) and may selectively open the filter communication hole (1111).

The front panel (1110) may further include an internal communication hole (1112) capable of sucking in outside air. The internal communication hole (1112) may be provided so as to penetrate the front panel (1110) and be spaced apart from the filter communication hole (1111). The internal communication hole (1112) may be provided so as to introduce outside air into the case (1100).

The above case (1100) may include a front door (1150) positioned in front of the front panel (1110).

The above front door (1150) may be rotatably coupled to the upper panel (1140) or the front panel (1110) and may be provided to shield components such as the internal communication hole (1112) and the filter door (1113) arranged on the front panel (1110).

The above front panel (1110) may further include a control communication hole (1115) that is spaced apart from the internal communication hole (1112) and the filter communication hole (1111) to communicate the interior, and a rotating body (1114) that opens and closes the control communication hole (1115).

The above front door (1150) may be provided with an area corresponding to the area of the front panel (1110).

The above front door (1150) can be rotatably provided in front of the upper surface panel (1140) or on the upper part of the front panel (1110). Accordingly, if there is no external force, the front panel (1110) can be automatically shielded, thereby preventing the front panel (1110) from being arbitrarily exposed to the outside.

Figure 3 illustrates the washing machine body of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The washing machine body (100) may include a tub (200) accommodated inside the cabinet (110) to store water, a support member (300) that supports the tub (200) inside the cabinet (110), a drum (400) accommodated inside the tub (200) to accommodate clothes, a driving member (500) that is fixed to the support member (300) to rotate the drum (400), a water supply member (600) that supplies water to the tub (200), and a drain member (700) that drains water accommodated in the tub (200) to the outside of the cabinet (110).

The above tub (200) is provided in a cylindrical shape, but may be provided with a material having greater rigidity than resin so that it can handle the weight and vibration of a large amount of clothing and water. For example, it may be provided with a metal material.

It can be provided in a cylindrical shape accommodated in the tub (200) between the drum (400).

The above drum (400) may also be made of metal so as to stably rotate a large amount of clothing while containing a large amount of water.

The vibration generated when the drum (400) rotates can be transmitted to the tub (200) due to the water and clothing. At this time, since the tub (200) itself is made of a metal material, it is heavier than when it is made of a resin series, so the vibration amplitude or vibration energy generated by the tub (200) can be greater than that of a home clothing treatment device.

Accordingly, the support member (300) can be concentratedly placed at the bottom of the tub (200) so as to not only support the heavy tub (200), but also stably support the tub (200) inside the cabinet (110) even when the tub (200) vibrates.

The above support member (300) may be provided to support the tub (200) by contacting the lower surface periphery of the tub (200), and may be provided to support the tub (200) by receiving at least a portion of the lower portion of the tub (200).

The above support member (300) may be provided so that at least a portion thereof can secure the tub (200) and support the tub (200) while vibrating together with the tub (200).

The above washing machine body (100) may further include a load member (800) that can reduce the width of vibration occurring in the tub (200) or attenuate vibration. The load member (800) may be fixed by being connected to a support member (300) rather than the tub (200).

Accordingly, the load member (800) can secure an area and volume without being limited by the shape or size of the tub (200). As a result, the load member (800) can add a stronger weight to the tub (200) and the support member (300), thereby attenuating vibration transmitted from the tub (200).

The above washing machine body (100) may further include a connecting part (2000) that connects the inside of the tub (200) and the connecting module (1000) when the connecting module (1000) is combined.

The above-mentioned connecting part (2000) may be coupled to the tub (200) and provided to guide hot air generated in the detachable module (1000) into the interior of the tub (200).

The above-mentioned connecting part (2000) can be detachably installed in the tub (200). Accordingly, when the detachable module (1000) is not installed in the washing machine body (100), the connecting part (2000) can be separated and removed from the tub (200).

The above washing machine body (100) can fix a door (120) that opens and closes the inlet of the tub (200) to the tub (200).

When the door (120) is coupled to the cabinet (110) to open and close the inlet of the tub (200), vibration from the tub (200) may be transmitted to the door (120) and the cabinet (110). At this time, when the tub (200) is made of a metal material and is heavy in itself, and a large amount of water and clothing are stored in the tub (200), the door (120) and the cabinet (110) may not be able to stably support the force and vibration transmitted from the tub (200).

Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can install the door (120) in the tub (200). When the door (120) is coupled to the tub (200), the door (120) vibrates integrally with the tub (200), so that the door (120) can be prevented from being broken or damaged by the vibration of the tub (200).

In addition, since the position where the door (120) opens and closes the inlet of the tub (200) is fixed, even if the tub (200) vibrates, the door (120) can stably seal the inlet of the tub (200).

Figure 4 illustrates a detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above detachable module (1000) may be detachably installed on the upper portion of the washing machine body (100) and may be installed to supply hot air into the inside of the tub (200).

The case (1100) forming the exterior of the above-described detachable module (1000) may include a front panel (1110) forming the front, side panels (1120) extending rearward from both sides of the front panel (1100), a rear panel (1130) connecting the rears of the side panels (1120) or positioned to face the front panel (1110), and an upper panel (1140) positioned above the front panel (1110), the side panels (1120), and the rear panel (1130) to prevent the internal configuration of the case (1100) from being exposed to the outside.

The case (1100) above may omit the configuration of a lower panel or the like that shields the lower portion. As a result, the communication between the inside of the case (1100) and the tub (200) may not be obstructed.

The above case (1100) may further include a case frame (1190) that supports the front panel (1110), side panel (1120), rear panel (1130), and top panel (1140) by being combined, and maintains the shape.

The above case frame (1190) is provided along the corner shape of a rectangular solid, so that the case (1100) can be supported on the cabinet (110) of the washing machine body (100) and can support the load of the internal configuration of the detachable module (1000).

Since the above detachable module (1000) can be provided independently from the washing machine body (100), it can additionally include a control panel (1180) that can control the electrical components inside the above detachable module (1000).

The above control panel (1180) is installed on the front panel (1110) so that it can be easily exposed to users and workers even when the detachable module (1000) is installed on the washing machine body (100).

The control panel (1180) is fixed to the back surface of the above-described rotating body (1114) and can be rotatably coupled to the front panel (1110). When the above-described rotating body (1114) is rotated on the front panel (1110), the control panel (1180) can be selectively exposed.

The above-mentioned rotary body (1114) can be rotatably coupled to the front of the front panel (1110) at the bottom of the control communication hole (1115). Accordingly, the rotary body (1114) is opened so that the back side faces upward when rotating, so that the control panel (1180) positioned higher than the washing body (100) can be easily installed and repaired/replaced.

The above detachable module (1000) may include a duct (1200) accommodated inside the case (1100) and capable of moving air inside the tub (200).

The above-mentioned euro duct (1200) may be provided as a circulation duct so that air from the tub (200) can be introduced, passed through, and guided back toward the tub (200).

Accordingly, the detachable module (1000) can install the duct (1200) capable of circulating the air inside the tub (200) outside the cabinet (110), thereby maximally expanding the volume of the tub (200) inside the main body (100) to be suitable for a commercial clothing treatment device.

Figure 5 illustrates the euro duct structure of the detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above-mentioned duct (1200) can form a path through which air contained inside the tub (200) can be introduced, move to the outside of the tub (200), and then be introduced back into the tub (200).

The above Euro duct (1200) comprises an inlet pipe (1210) coupled to the outlet (270) of the tub (200) and through which air inside the tub (200) is introduced, an inlet duct (1220) coupled to the end of the inlet pipe (1210) and through which air introduced from the tub (200) moves, a heat exchange duct (1230) positioned at the end of the inlet duct (1220) and through which air introduced from the inlet duct (1220) is heat-exchanged, a fan housing (1240) coupled to the end of the heat exchange duct (1230) and having a blower fan that moves the air, an exhaust duct (1250) coupled to the end of the fan housing (1240) and extending through which the heat-exchanged air moves, and an exhaust duct (1250) coupled to the end of the exhaust duct (1250) and through which air introduced from the tub (200) moves. It may include an exhaust pipe (1260) for discharging air toward the inlet (260).

The above inlet pipe (1210) and the above discharge pipe (1260) are made of an elastic material such as a corrugated pipe, so that the tub (200) can be prevented from being broken or damaged even if it vibrates independently of the attachment/detachment module (1000).

The above inlet pipe (1210) can have one end connected to the outlet (270) and the other end connected to the inlet duct (1220).

The above inflow duct (1220) may be equipped with a filter that can filter air flowing in from the tub (200). Accordingly, the inflow duct (1220) may have its inlet positioned in front of the inflow pipe (1210) so that the filter can be easily attached, detached, and replaced.

The above inflow duct (1220) may be opened at the front so that a filter can be withdrawn and inserted, and the inflow pipe (1210) may be provided to communicate between the front and rear ends of the inflow duct (1220). The inflow duct (1220) may be arranged above the inflow pipe (1210) so that a portion of the lower portion communicates with the end of the inflow pipe (1210).

Accordingly, the entire configuration of the duct (1200) positioned downstream from the inlet duct (1220) can be extended without being limited by the shape and height of the inlet pipe (1210) and the outlet (270).

A heat exchange unit (1500) described later, which can exchange heat with air passing through the inlet duct (1220), may be installed inside the above heat exchange duct (1230).

The above heat exchange duct (1230) may include an evaporation duct (1231) through which the air is cooled as it passes through, and a condensation duct (1233) through which the air is heated as it passes through.

Meanwhile, the heat exchange duct (1230) may further include a connecting duct (1232) that is arranged between the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233) and connects the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233).

The above connecting duct (1232) separates the evaporation duct (1231) and the condensation duct (1233) to prevent air passing through the evaporation duct (1231) from being sufficiently cooled or air passing through the condensation duct (1233) from being sufficiently heated.

The fan housing (1240) above is arranged downstream of the condensation duct (1233) and can move air from the inlet pipe (1210) to the condensation duct (1233) at a negative pressure. Accordingly, air can be evenly moved into the inlet pipe (1210), the inlet duct (1210), and the heat exchange duct (1230) regardless of the shapes of the inlet pipe (1210), the inlet duct (1210), and the heat exchange duct (1230).

The above exhaust duct (1250) can provide a path through which air discharged from the fan housing (1240) can be concentrated and moved to the inlet (260) of the tub (200).

The above discharge pipe (1260) may extend downward from the end of the discharge duct (1250) and may extend toward the inlet (260) positioned lower than the discharge duct (1250).

Meanwhile, when the detachable module (1000) is coupled to the washing machine body (100), a connecting part (2000) that connects the discharge pipe (1260) and the inlet (260) to each other may be additionally installed.

The inlet (260) of the above tub (200) is provided in the inlet (221), and a nozzle or various sensors may be arranged in the inlet (221). Therefore, the discharge pipe (1260) may be difficult to properly connect to the inlet (260) arranged on the outer surface of the inlet (221), and may interfere with the nozzle or sensor.

Therefore, the above-mentioned connecting portion (2000) is arranged to maintain communication between the discharge pipe (1260) and the inlet (260), so that air discharged from the discharge pipe (1260) can be guided to completely flow into the inlet (260).

The lower part of the above-mentioned connecting portion (2000) can be attached to the inlet (210) and tightly coupled to the inlet (260), and the upper part can be attached to the end of the discharge pipe (1260).

When the blower fan accommodated in the fan housing (1240) rotates, air that may contain moisture may be discharged from the tub (200) through the discharge port (270) and may be introduced into the inlet pipe (1210). (No. 1) The air introduced into the inlet pipe (1210) may be filtered by a filter while passing through the inlet duct (1220). (No. 2) The air filtered by the filter may move to the heat exchange duct (1230). (No. 3)

The air passing through the above heat exchange duct (1230) is cooled, the moisture contained in it is condensed and removed, and as it is heated, it changes into high-temperature dry hot air and can move to the fan housing (1240). (No. 4)

The air that enters the fan housing (1240) can be discharged at high pressure by a blower fan (No. 5). The air discharged from the fan housing (1240) can move along the exhaust duct (1250). (No. 6)

Air passing through the above exhaust duct (1250) can be guided to the exhaust pipe (1260). (No. 7)

Air passing through the discharge pipe (1260) can move along the connecting portion (2000) and flow into the inlet (260). (No. 8) The air flowing into the inlet (260) can dry clothes contained inside the drum (400) and then be discharged again through the discharge port (270).

Figure 6 illustrates the layout of the internal configuration of the detachable module of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above-described detachable module (1000) may include a mounting panel (1170) that is supported by being coupled to at least one of the side panel (1120) and the rear panel (1130), and the heat exchange duct (1230), the compressor (1530), and the fan housing (1240) may be mounted on the mounting panel.

The above inflow duct (1220) may be positioned so as to be offset to one side of the above detachable module (1000), and the front side may be connected to the rear side of the above front panel (1111). In addition, the above inflow pipe (1210) may be connected to the lower surface of the above inflow duct so that air discharged from the above tub (200) may be introduced.

Meanwhile, a water collecting unit (1700) for collecting condensate may be placed at the bottom of the evaporator (1510). The water collecting unit may be mounted on the mounting panel (1170), a support plate (1800) may be mounted on the upper surface of the water collecting unit, and the evaporator may be mounted on the support plate. The water collecting unit may be provided to form a path for air passing through the inlet duct (1220) together with the evaporation duct (1231).

Meanwhile, the condensation duct (1233) may be spaced apart from the mounting panel (1170) by the evaporator (1510) being installed in the water collecting unit (1700). Accordingly, in order to stably install the heat exchange duct (1230), the mounting panel may be provided with a protruding support portion (1171) that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the mounting panel toward the condensation duct to support the condensation duct.

In other words, the water collection unit (1700) can be placed in the space between the evaporator (1510) and the mounting panel (1170) created by the condensation duct (1233) being installed on the protruding support member (1171).

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the protruding support members (1171) are provided one on each side to support both sides of the condensation duct (1233), and the space between the protruding support members may be open. This may be to minimize the area in contact with the condensation duct and increase heat exchange efficiency.

Additionally, the compressor (1530) may be mounted on the mounting panel (1170) spaced apart from the heat exchange duct (1230).

Meanwhile, the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) to be described later may be provided adjacent to the side facing the side equipped with the inlet duct (1220).

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section of an inlet duct and an evaporation duct of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The front of the above inflow duct (1220) may be coupled to a position spaced from the center of the front panel (1110) of the above detachable module (1000) and supported by the above detachable module, and may be provided to extend from the front toward the rear. For example, when viewed from the front, it may be offset to the right of the front panel and supported by the front panel and extended toward the rear, and the front of the above inflow duct may be provided at a position corresponding to the filter communication hole (1111).

In addition, the lower surface of the inflow duct (1220) may be provided to be combined with the inflow pipe (1210) and communicate with the tub (200). Meanwhile, in order to facilitate the inflow pipe connecting the discharge port (270) and the inflow duct, the discharge port may be provided to be offset so as to be close to the position where the inflow duct is arranged. For example, when the inflow duct is provided to be offset to the right when viewed from the front, the discharge port may be provided to be offset to the right from the center of the tub (200).

A filter (1221) for removing foreign substances contained in air introduced from the tub (200) may be detachably provided inside the inflow duct (1220). The filter may be provided to be inclined to increase the contact surface with the air. For example, one side of the filter may be coupled to the upper surface at the front of the inflow duct, and the other side may be coupled to the lower surface at the rear of the inflow duct.

Meanwhile, the inflow duct (1220) may be provided in a form in which the lower surface is open, and in this case, a filter mounting portion (1222) may be provided so that the other side of the filter is mounted except for the portion where the inflow pipe (1210) is coupled, and may be provided to form a part of the lower surface of the inflow duct.

In addition, the front of the inflow duct (1220) can be opened to allow the filter (1221) to be withdrawn and connected to the front panel (1110) to communicate with the outside through the filter communication hole (1111).

Referring to FIG. 2, the front panel (1110) may be provided with a filter door (1113) that is rotatably provided on the front panel, and the filter communication hole (1111) may be opened and closed by the filter door. Since the filter can be withdrawn to the outside through the filter communication hole, maintenance and repair may be easy.

Meanwhile, the inflow duct (1220) is connected to the heat exchange duct (1230), so that the inflow duct and the heat exchange duct (1230) can be communicated.

The above heat exchange duct (1230) may include the above evaporation duct (1231), the above condensation duct (1233), and the above connecting duct (1232) connecting the above evaporation duct and the above condensation duct.

The front of the above evaporation duct (1231) and the rear of the above inflow duct (1220) can be combined, so that the inflow duct and the above evaporation duct can communicate with each other. The above evaporator (1510) provided inside the above evaporation duct can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the front of the above evaporation duct. That is, the above inflow duct and the above evaporator can be arranged to be inclined.

Accordingly, the evaporation duct (1231) may not be extended in a straight line but may be extended at an angle, and the evaporator (1510) may be provided inside the evaporation duct extended at an angle. That is, the inlet and outlet of the evaporation duct may be arranged at an angle, and the evaporator may be arranged parallel to the outlet of the evaporation duct.

For example, since the inflow duct (1220) is arranged to be offset to the right side of the detachable module (1000), the evaporation duct (1231) can be extended to be inclined to the left. Accordingly, the evaporation duct can be provided with an outer side (right side) wider than an inner side (left side). As a result, the length of the detachable module (1000) in the front-rear direction can be reduced, and the flow path can be formed longer relative to the space, so that the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the area of the front of the evaporator (1510) may be provided to be larger than the area of the rear of the inlet duct (1220). Accordingly, since the evaporation duct (1231) must accommodate the evaporator, the front of the evaporation duct may be provided to be larger than the rear of the inlet duct (1220).

Due to the difference in the area of the inflow duct (1220) and the evaporation duct (1231) and the difference in the angle of arrangement of the evaporator (1510), there is a risk that air may leak between the inflow duct and the evaporation duct. To solve this problem, an extension plate (1223) may be provided to connect the lower surface of the inflow duct and the upper surface of the water collecting unit (1700). This prevents air from leaking out of the flow duct toward the evaporation duct from the inflow duct.

Meanwhile, since the extension plate (1223) is provided to shield the space between the evaporation duct (1231) and the inflow duct (1220), its shape may vary depending on the arrangement of the evaporation duct and the inflow duct.

In addition, a washing unit (1400) may be provided on the upper surface of the evaporation duct (1231) to spray water toward the front surface of the evaporator (1510). Details regarding the washing unit will be described later.

Figure 8 illustrates a guide that protects the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above evaporator (1510) may be provided with fins to increase the heat exchange area between air and refrigerant and to improve the flow of air. Since there is a high possibility of contaminants attaching between the fins, periodic cleaning and maintenance of the fins of the evaporator are important factors in maintaining the performance of the heat exchange unit.

A cleaning tool with a brush attached can be used to clean the above evaporator (1510). At this time, the brush of the cleaning tool must contact the evaporator to remove foreign substances, and if a rigid object provided to support the brush contacts the evaporator, there is a risk of damage to the evaporator.

Accordingly, the duct (1200) may include a guide arranged in front of the evaporator (1510) to prevent the rigid body from coming into contact with the evaporator. The guide includes a frame (1271) provided to be coupled to the inner wall of the inlet duct (1220) or the evaporation duct (1231) and a blocking rod (1272) extended to connect the upper and lower portions of the frame, and the blocking rods may be provided in multiple pieces and spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions.

However, since the cleaning brush must come into contact with the evaporator (1510), the distance between the guide (1270) and the evaporator may be limited. That is, the distance may be provided to be equal to or shorter than the length of the cleaning brush, and it may be preferable for the guide to be provided in the evaporation duct (1231).

In addition, the distance between the plurality of blocking rods (1272) can be adjusted so that a rigid object supporting the cleaning brush does not pass through. If the blocking rods are provided in multiple numbers to reduce the distance, it can be easy to block the cleaning tool from contacting the evaporator, but since the material cost increases, it may be required to adjust appropriately. For example, the distance between the blocking rods can be provided to be larger than the diameter of the blocking rods.

Since the cleaning tool passes through the inflow duct (1220) through the filter communication hole (1111), the frame (1271) may be provided to correspond to the cross-sectional area of the inflow duct. Since a cleaning tool larger than the cross-sectional area of the inflow duct cannot enter, even if the frame (1271) is provided with an area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the inflow duct, the cleaning tool can be prevented from coming into contact with the evaporator (1510). That is, since the cross-sectional area of the inflow duct is provided to be smaller than the area of the front surface of the evaporator, the area of the frame may be provided to be smaller than the area of the front surface of the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the evaporator (1510) may be provided at an angle relative to the extension direction of the inflow duct (1220), and the front portion of the evaporation duct (1231) coupled with the rear portion of the inflow duct may be provided to extend from the rear portion of the inflow duct toward the evaporator. When the guide is located at the front portion of the evaporation duct, the guide may be arranged at an angle relative to the front portion of the evaporator. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide may be arranged at an angle relative to the cross-sectional area of the evaporation duct and may be arranged at an angle relative to the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the lower surface of the inflow duct may be positioned higher than the lower surface of the evaporation duct, and the lower surface of the frame may be arranged parallel to the lower surface of the inflow duct. Accordingly, a space may be provided between the lower surface of the evaporation duct and the lower surface of the frame, and foreign substances may be discharged through the space, making maintenance and repair easy.

Figure 9 illustrates the upper surface of a duct having a washing unit for washing the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above blower fan (1600) is coupled to the fan housing (1240) to move the air in the duct (1200) and exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit (1500).

The air flowing in through the above inflow duct (1220) is air discharged from the tub (200) and may contain foreign substances such as lint separated from clothing. Even if a filter is provided inside the above inflow duct (1220) to filter out the foreign substances, some of the foreign substances may move toward the evaporator (1510). In particular, since the evaporator (1510) is provided to cool the air, there are many cases where moisture contained in the air condenses and the surface is wet. Therefore, foreign substances passing through the above inflow duct (1220) may easily come into contact with the surface of the above evaporator (1510) and the clumped state may become larger.

The detachable module (1000) of the present invention may further include a washing unit (1400) that is provided to spray water into the evaporator (1510) or the inside of the heat exchange duct (1230) to remove foreign substances attached to the evaporator (1510).

The above washing unit (1400) may be equipped to receive water from an external water source or receive water from a water supply unit (600) and spray water inside the evaporation duct (1231).

The above washing unit (1400) may be placed between the evaporation duct (1231) and the inlet duct (1220), or may be placed upstream of the evaporator (1510) inside the evaporation duct (1231).

The above washing unit (1400) may have a nozzle arranged to spray water supplied to the upper surface.

The above washing unit (1400) may include a washing cover (1410) provided in a plate shape to form at least a portion of the upper surface of the euro duct (1200), and a washing nozzle (1420) provided to penetrate the washing cover and connect to a water source to spray water.

The above washing cover (1410) may be provided to form at least a portion of the upper surface of the evaporation duct (1231), and may be provided as a portion of the upper surface of the duct (1200), or may be provided to be mounted on the upper surface of the evaporation duct and detachably installed. When mounted on the upper surface of the evaporation duct, the washing nozzle (1420) may be provided to penetrate both the washing cover and the evaporation duct.

In addition, the washing cover (1410) may be arranged to overlap with the evaporator (1510), and the area of the washing cover may be provided to be larger than the area of the upper surface of the evaporator. That is, the washing cover may be arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the upper surface of the evaporator, or may be provided to include the entire upper surface of the evaporator, and may be provided to protrude beyond the front surface of the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the cleaning cover (1410) may be provided so as to correspond to the connection shape of the inflow duct (1220) and the heat exchange duct (1230). That is, the shape of the cleaning cover may vary depending on the angle that the evaporator (1510) makes with the inflow duct. For example, when the evaporator is arranged so that the distance between the outer surface of the evaporator and the outer surface of the inflow duct is longer than the distance between the inner surface of the evaporator and the inner surface of the inflow duct, the cleaning cover may be provided in a trapezoidal shape in which the outer surface is longer than the inner surface, or may be provided in a triangular shape.

In addition, the washing nozzle (1420) may be provided to penetrate the washing cover (1410) so as to form an incline and to spray water so that the sprayed water is inclined toward the front surface of the evaporator (1510), and the washing nozzle may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged spaced apart from each other.

The above-mentioned cleaning nozzle (1420) may include a circular cleaning nozzle (1422) having a circular nozzle and a fan-shaped cleaning nozzle (1421) provided spaced apart from the circular cleaning nozzle and having a fan-shaped nozzle with a width greater than the thickness.

The above circular washing nozzle (1422) may be provided to spray water in a circular shape toward the front of the evaporator (1510), and the above fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) may be provided to spray water in a trapezoidal shape toward the front of the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) may be provided to be positioned in front of the evaporator (1510), and the circular washing nozzle (1422) may be provided to be positioned in front of the fan-shaped washing nozzle, and the circular washing nozzle may be provided in greater numbers than the fan-shaped washing nozzle.

Referring to FIG. 9, the fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) is provided in front of the evaporator (1510), and one is provided in the center of the washing cover (1410), and the circular washing nozzle (1422) is provided in front of the fan-shaped washing nozzle, and two circular washing nozzles can be arranged symmetrically left and right with the fan-shaped washing nozzle as the center. The fan-shaped washing nozzle has a large spray port area and can wash a wide area, but the water pressure is weak, so it is arranged close to the evaporator, and the circular washing nozzle has a relatively narrow spray port area and can wash a narrow area, but the water pressure is strong, so it is arranged far from the evaporator, thereby preventing damage to the evaporator due to water pressure, expanding the washing area, and effectively removing foreign substances.

Figure 10 illustrates the washing nozzle of the clothing treatment device of the present invention spraying water in front of the evaporator.

The above washing nozzle (1420) can be divided into a gentle slope washing nozzle (1423) and a steep slope washing nozzle (1423) depending on the angle between the front surface of the evaporator (1510) and the water being sprayed, and the gentle slope washing nozzle can be arranged closer to the evaporator (1510) than the steep slope washing nozzle. Since the water pressure applied to the evaporator increases as the angle between the front surface of the evaporator and the washing nozzle increases, the gentle slope washing nozzle can be arranged closer to the evaporator than the steep slope washing nozzle to prevent damage to the evaporator.

The first angle formed by the central axis of the above circular washing nozzle (1423) and the front surface of the above evaporator (1510) and the second angle formed by the central axis of the above fan-shaped washing nozzle (1424) and the front surface of the above evaporator may be provided to be different from each other.

The above-described gentle slope cleaning nozzle (1423) may be provided so as to penetrate the cleaning cover (1410) at an angle such that the angle formed between the central axis of the gentle slope cleaning nozzle and the front surface of the evaporator (1510) is smaller than the angle formed between the central axis of the steep slope cleaning nozzle (1424) and the front surface of the evaporator, and the first angle formed between the extension of the central axis of the gentle slope cleaning nozzle and the front surface of the evaporator may be an angle such that the extension of the central axis of the gentle slope cleaning nozzle faces the center of the evaporator.

The above steep-angled washing nozzle (1424) may be provided so as to penetrate the washing cover (1410) at an angle such that the angle formed between the central axis of the steep-angled washing nozzle and the front surface of the evaporator (1510) is greater than the angle formed between the central axis of the gentle-angled washing nozzle (1423) and the front surface of the evaporator, and the second angle formed between the extension of the central axis of the steep-angled washing nozzle and the front surface of the evaporator may be an angle such that the extension of the central axis of the steep-angled washing nozzle faces upward from the center of the evaporator.

That is, the central axes of the above-mentioned gentle slope washing nozzle (1423) and the above-mentioned steep slope washing nozzle (1424) are provided so as to face the center of the above-mentioned evaporator (1510), but may be provided at different angles depending on the difference in distance from the front of the above-mentioned evaporator.

The above-mentioned gentle slope cleaning nozzle (1423) can remove foreign substances by sweeping the surface of the evaporator (1510) since the water pressure applied in the direction of gravity is greater, and the above-mentioned steep slope cleaning nozzle (1424) can remove foreign substances by shaking off the evaporator by vibrating it since the water pressure applied in the same direction as the flow path is greater. In other words, it can be effective in removing various types of foreign substances attached to the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the washing nozzle (1420) may be equipped with a direct water valve to enable direct water supply, and the direct water valve may be provided at the rear of the detachable module (1000).

Meanwhile, the above-described gentle slope cleaning nozzle (1423) may be provided as the fan-shaped cleaning nozzle (1421) having a fan-shaped nozzle, and the above-described steep slope cleaning nozzle (1424) may be provided as the circular cleaning nozzle (1422) having a circular nozzle. However, this is not limited thereto, and it is not excluded that the above-described gentle slope cleaning nozzle may be provided as the circular cleaning nozzle, or that the above-described steep slope cleaning nozzle may be provided as the fan-shaped cleaning nozzle.

The number of the above steep slope washing nozzles (1424) may be provided to be greater than the number of the above gentle slope washing nozzles (1423). As a result, the washing range of the above steep slope washing nozzle, which is provided to cover a relatively narrow range, can be supplemented.

Figure 11 shows the distribution of water sprayed into the evaporator of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) above can spray water in a trapezoidal shape in which the spray port is provided in a slit shape so that the lower side is longer than the upper side, and the upper side can be sprayed so that it is spaced downward from the upper surface of the evaporator (1510).

The above circular washing nozzle (1422) can spray water upwards more than the fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) so that the water comes into contact with the upper surface of the evaporator.

In this way, water can be sprayed over the entire front surface of the evaporator (1510). In particular, by spraying water so that the fan-shaped washing nozzle (1421) and the circular washing nozzle (1422) overlap in the central area where foreign substances are likely to adhere, foreign substances can be effectively removed.

Even if the above washing nozzle (1420) sprays water higher than the center of the evaporator (1510), the water flows down by gravity and washes the lower part of the evaporator, so the entire front of the evaporator can be washed.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a heat exchange duct of a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a support plate (1800) may be provided that is mounted on the upper surface of the water collecting unit (1700) and supports the evaporator (1510) and the condenser (1520). Accordingly, the shape of the support plate may vary depending on the arrangement of the evaporator and the condenser. For example, the evaporator and the condenser may be arranged to be inclined in a 'V' shape, and the support plate may be provided in the form of a plate that extends from the front of the evaporator toward the rear of the condenser so as to support the evaporator and the condenser.

Meanwhile, the support plate (1800) may be composed of a through hole (1820) provided to connect the inside of the water collecting unit (1700) and the heat exchange duct (1230), a first support part (1811) provided to allow the evaporator (1510) to be installed, and a second support part provided to allow the condenser (1520) to be installed.

The above through hole (1820) may include a first through hole (1821) provided in front of the first support member (1811), a second through hole (1822) provided between the first support member and the second support member (1812), and an auxiliary through hole (1823) arranged below the connecting refrigerant pipe (1542) and spaced apart from the first through hole and the second through hole. Since the through hole is not provided at the rear of the second support member, the second support member may be provided with a larger area than the first support member.

Meanwhile, the water collecting unit (1700) may be provided to include a first water collecting unit (1720) provided at the lower portion of the first through hole (1821) and storing condensate discharged through the first through hole, and a second water collecting unit (1730) provided at the lower portion of the second through hole (1822) and storing condensate discharged through the second through hole. The water collecting unit may be provided to be positioned between the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct (1230) and the support plate (1800) and communicated with the heat exchange duct.

The first through-hole (1821) may be provided to be positioned at the bottom of the evaporator (1510), the second through-hole (1822) may be provided to be positioned between the evaporator and the condenser (1520), and the auxiliary through-hole (1823) may be provided to be positioned at the bottom of the connecting refrigerant pipe (1542) passing through the two heat exchangers (1510, 1520).

The above water collecting unit (1700) may be provided to include a first water collecting unit (1720) in which condensate discharged from the first through hole (1821) and the second through hole (1822) is stored, and an auxiliary water collecting unit (1740) in which condensate discharged from the second water collecting unit and the third through hole (1823) is stored.

The above-mentioned water collecting unit (1700) can be partitioned into the first water collecting unit (1720) and the second water collecting unit (1730) through a partition wall (1710). If the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit are provided to communicate with the inside of the heat exchange duct (1230), the air introduced into the heat exchange duct (1230) can move to the condenser through the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit without moving to the condenser (1520) through the evaporator (1510). This phenomenon can cause a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, but if the partition wall is provided to partition the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit, there is an effect of reducing the above-mentioned phenomenon.

When the above-mentioned bulkhead (1710) is provided, the first collection unit (1720) will be a space for storing condensate discharged from the evaporator (1510) through the first through-hole (1821), and the second collection unit (1730) will be a space for storing condensate discharged through the second through-hole (1822) (condensate that flies or moves in the direction in which the condenser is located in the evaporator).

The above auxiliary water collecting unit (1740) is a means for storing condensate falling from the connecting refrigerant pipe (1542). Some of the air introduced into the heat exchange duct (1230) may condense on the surface of the connecting refrigerant pipe (1542), and the condensate formed on the surface of the connecting refrigerant pipe (1542) may be discharged to the auxiliary water collecting unit (1740) through the auxiliary penetration hole (1823). The auxiliary water collecting unit (1740) may be provided as a space communicating with the first water collecting unit (1720) and the second water collecting unit (1730), or may be provided as a space separated from the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit. Considering the heat exchange efficiency mentioned above, it is preferable that the auxiliary water collecting unit be provided as a space separated from the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit.

Figure 13 illustrates a water collection unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above water collecting unit (1700) may include the partition wall (1710) provided in a plate shape protruding from the bottom surface of the water collecting unit to divide the water collecting unit into the first water collecting unit (1720) and the second water collecting unit (1730). The first water collecting unit may be provided in front of the partition wall, and the second water collecting unit may be arranged in the rear of the partition wall, and the second water collecting unit may be provided to be located in front of the front surface of the condenser (1520).

The above-mentioned baffle (1710) may be arranged below the evaporator (1510) so as to overlap with the evaporator, spaced apart from the lower surface of the evaporator, and provided so as to form a flow path between the evaporator and the baffle. That is, it may be positioned between the front surface of the evaporator and the rear surface of the evaporator to form a flow path.

Referring to Fig. 13(b), the flow path formed by the partition wall (1710) is provided with a labyrinth structure, and thus can be formed to be longer than the flow path passing through the evaporator (1510). Accordingly, since the flow resistance of the flow path formed by the partition wall is greater than that of the flow path passing directly through the evaporator, the amount of air that does not pass through the evaporator and bypasses the water collecting unit (1700) is reduced, and thus the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit (1500) can be improved. In addition, in order to increase the flow resistance of the flow path bypassing the water collecting unit, a plate-shaped flow resistance plate (1813) that is provided in front of the partition wall and protrudes from the first support unit so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water collecting unit can be included. The flow resistance plate can provide a longer labyrinth structure of the flow path, and thus the flow resistance can be further increased.

In addition, the water collecting unit (1700) may include a drain (1750) that is provided to penetrate the bottom surface of the water collecting unit to discharge condensate, and the drain may be located at the boundary between the first water collecting unit (1720) and the second water collecting unit (1730) and may be partitioned by the partition wall (1710). That is, the first water collecting unit and the second water collecting unit may be provided to share the drain (1750) and discharge condensate through the drain.

Figure 14 illustrates the back surface of the mounting panel of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the condensate inside the first collection unit (1720) and the second collection unit (1730) is discharged through a condensate drain pipe (1751) that simultaneously penetrates the first collection unit and the second collection unit and is connected to a drain (758) partitioned by the partition wall (1710), and the condensate inside the auxiliary collection unit (1900) can be discharged through an auxiliary condensate drain pipe (1911). The condensate discharged through the condensate drain pipe and the auxiliary condensate drain pipe can be discharged to the outside of the detachable module (1000) through a joint pipe (1752) provided in the firewood panel (1170).

The above-mentioned joint pipe (1752)) may be provided to include a condensate drain pipe (1751) fixed to the mounting panel (1170) and connected to the drain port (1750) and an auxiliary condensate drain pipe (1911) fixed to the mounting panel (1170) and connected to the auxiliary drain port (1910).

The above condensate drain pipe (1751) and the auxiliary condensate drain pipe (1911) are means for guiding condensate to the outside of the detachable module (1000), and the condensate drain pipe and the auxiliary condensate drain pipe may be provided to guide condensate to the drain pipe (710) provided in the cabinet (110). Meanwhile, the condensate combining pipe (1752) may be provided to connect the condensate drain pipe and the auxiliary condensate drain pipe and guide it to the drain pipe. As a result, condensed water from the water collecting unit (1700) and the auxiliary water collecting unit (1900) can be drained simultaneously.

Figure 15 illustrates a fan housing of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the fan housing (1240) may be provided to include a first fan housing body (1244) and a second fan housing body (1245) fixed to the mounting panel (1170) so as to be spaced apart along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the clothing treatment device, and a suction port (1241) provided to penetrate the first fan housing body.

One end of the above heat exchange duct (1230) is fixed to the first fan housing body (1244), and air discharged from the heat exchange duct is introduced into the first fan housing body and the second fan housing body (1245) through the intake port (1241).

Inside the first fan housing body (1244) and the second fan housing body (1245), a fan housing guide (1246) is provided to guide air drawn in through the intake port (1241) to the discharge port (1242).

The above blower fan (1600) may be equipped with an impeller (1610) positioned inside the fan housing guide (1246) and a fan motor (1620) fixed to the second fan housing body (1245) to rotate the impeller. In order to facilitate assembly or repair of the fan motor, the second fan housing body may further be equipped with a fan housing through-hole (1247) and a fan housing cover (1248) that closes the fan housing through-hole and to which the fan motor (1620) is fixed.

Figure 16 illustrates the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchanger of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

The above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may include a heat exchange fin (1552) that is provided to allow a refrigerant pipe (1570) to pass through and exchange heat with air introduced into the case (1100), an exchange duct (1553) that accommodates the heat exchange fin (1552) and induces air to move in one direction, and an auxiliary fan (1554) that introduces air into the exchange duct (1553).

The auxiliary fan (1554) may be placed downstream of the exchange duct (1553) so as to evenly expose the air inside the case (1100) to the heat exchange fins (1552) through negative pressure.

The above auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may further include an auxiliary duct (1551) coupled upstream of the exchange duct (1553) to receive air inside the case (1100).

The above auxiliary duct (1551) can be extended closer to the front panel (1110) than the above exchange duct (1553) to induce a more desirable supply of outside air.

For example, the exchange duct (1553) may be extended vertically, and the auxiliary fan (1554) may be installed on the upper portion of the exchange duct (1553). The heat exchange fin (1552) may be positioned lower than the auxiliary fan (1554) inside the exchange duct (1553). The auxiliary duct (1551) may be further extended from the lower portion of the exchange duct (1553) toward the front duct (1110). Accordingly, outside air may be continuously introduced into the heat exchange fin (1552) through the front duct (1110), which is always exposed to the indoor space, so that the performance of the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) may be guaranteed.

Figure 17 illustrates a refrigerant circuit including an auxiliary heat exchanger of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

The above heat exchange unit (1500) may include an evaporator (1510) installed in the evaporation duct (1231), a condenser (1520) installed in the condensation duct (1233), a compressor (1530) that compresses refrigerant passing through the evaporator (1510) and supplies it to the condenser (1520), and an expansion valve (1540) that expands and cools the refrigerant passing through the condenser (1520) and guides it to the evaporator (1510).

The components of the heat exchange unit (1500), such as the evaporator (1510), the condenser (1520), the compressor (1530), and the expansion valve (1540), can form a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant pipe (1570) through which the refrigerant flows.

Meanwhile, the heat exchange unit (1500) may further include an auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) connected to the condenser (1520) and the evaporator (1510) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air, and a switching valve (1560) that selects whether the refrigerant delivered from the condenser (1520) is to be supplied to either the expansion valve (1540) or the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550).

By the operation of the above switching valve (1560), the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) can operate as an evaporator that heats the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (1570) or as a condenser that cools the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (1570).

Figure 18 illustrates the specific structure of the front panel of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 18(a), the rotating body (1114) may be provided to be rotatable on the front panel (1110) by a rotating hinge (1115) coupled to the front panel (1110).

The above-mentioned rotary hinge (1115) can be coupled to the lower part of the above-mentioned rotary body (1114) and can be coupled to the front panel (1110) positioned at the lower part of the above-mentioned control communication hole (1117).

The above-mentioned rotating body (1114) may further include a fan installation hole (1116) penetrating one surface, and a heat dissipation fan (1185) for cooling a control panel (1180) coupled to the back surface of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) may be installed in the fan installation hole (1116).

The heat dissipation fan (1185) is arranged on the front of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) to draw in outside air placed in front of the front panel (1110), and a control panel (1180) is coupled to the back of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) to be cooled by the drawn-in outside air.

Referring to Fig. 18(b), the rotating body (1114) may include a heat dissipation support member (1118) that is provided to protrude from the outer surface of the fan installation hole (1116) so as to support or fix the heat dissipation fan (1185).

The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan (1185) can be installed on the heat dissipation support member (1118) and positioned to face the fan installation hole (1116).

The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan (1185) may be provided to introduce outside air located in front of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) into the back surface of the above-mentioned rotating body (1114) or into the inside of the above-mentioned case (1100).

The above control panel (1180) may include a panel body (1181) facing the back surface of the rotating body (1114), a heat dissipation fin (1183) mounted on the front of the panel body (1181) and positioned to face the fan installation hole (1116) or the heat dissipation fan (1185), and a circuit board (1184) mounted on the panel body (1181) and capable of controlling electrical components inside the case (1100) while being cooled by the heat dissipation fin (1183).

The above panel body (1181) is provided in a case shape that accommodates the heat dissipation fin (1183), and may be provided with an open groove (1186) that moves air introduced from the heat dissipation fan (1185) on at least one of the outer surfaces.

For example, the panel body (1181) may include a mounting rib (1182) that is extended on both sides to accommodate the heat dissipation fin (1181) and is coupled to the rotation body (1114). As a result, the mounting rib (1182) and the panel body (1181) may form open grooves (1186) at the upper and lower portions.

The above open home (1186) is provided to discharge air introduced through the heat dissipation fan (1185) to the outside of the control panel (1180), thereby allowing air to be continuously introduced into the control panel (1180).

The above detachable module (1000) can be used to cool or heat exchange the inside of the case (1000) with air discharged through the open groove (1186) using the auxiliary heat exchanger (1550) or the blower fan (1600).

The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, and the scope of the rights is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, if a modified embodiment includes an element of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

cabinet; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing; A duct provided to communicate with the drum and form a path for air discharged from the drum; A heat exchanger including an evaporator provided inside the above duct to dehumidify air discharged from the drum, and a condenser provided to heat air passing through the evaporator; and A water collecting unit is provided to be positioned below the evaporator and communicate with the heat exchange unit, and is provided to collect water condensed in the evaporator; The above collection part includes a bulkhead provided in a plate shape protruding upward from the bottom surface of the collection part; A clothing treatment device characterized in that the baffle is arranged to overlap the evaporator and is spaced apart from the lower surface of the evaporator. In the first paragraph, The above collection unit A first collection unit located in front of the above bulkhead; and Including a second collection unit located at the rear of the first collection unit; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second collection section is provided so that the rear end is positioned further forward than the front of the condenser. In the second paragraph, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first collection section has a front end positioned ahead of the front of the evaporator. In the first paragraph, The above water collection unit includes a drainage hole through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge the collected water to the outside; A clothes treatment device characterized in that the drain is arranged to overlap the partition and is divided into two by the partition. In the first paragraph, It includes a support plate which is mounted on the upper surface of the water collecting section and is provided to support the evaporator and the condenser; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the support plate includes a support portion on which the evaporator and the condenser are installed, and a penetration portion provided to expose the water collecting portion and to communicate with the duct and the water collecting portion. In paragraph 5, The above support A first support member provided to support the above evaporator; and Including a second support member provided to support the above condenser; A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the first support member is positioned above the bulkhead and spaced apart from the bulkhead. In Article 6, The above first support portion includes a flow resistance plate that extends from the lower surface toward the bottom surface of the water collecting portion but is provided to be spaced apart from the bottom surface; A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above-mentioned fluid resistance plate is provided so as to be spaced apart from the partition. In the first paragraph, The above heat exchanger A compressor provided outside the above duct to compress the refrigerant; and A refrigerant pipe is included, which forms a path through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor passes through the condenser and the evaporator and moves to the compressor; A clothing treatment device characterized by including an auxiliary water collection unit arranged below the refrigerant pipe and provided to collect water condensed in the refrigerant pipe. In Article 8, The above water collection unit includes a drainage hole through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge the collected water to the outside; The above auxiliary water collection unit includes an auxiliary drainage port through which the bottom surface is penetrated to discharge the collected water to the outside; A clothing treatment device characterized by including a condensate drain pipe provided to guide water passing through the drain and auxiliary drain to the outside. In the first paragraph, A clothes treatment device characterized in that the evaporator and the condenser are arranged so that the distance between the evaporator and the condenser increases from the inside to the outside of the evaporator. In Article 10, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the water collection portion is provided with a larger area than the lower surface of the evaporator. In Article 10, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the water collection unit is provided to extend in a downstream direction of the evaporator, but is provided to be located in front of the front of the condenser. In the first paragraph, A detachable module is provided in the cabinet so as to be detachable, and air discharged from the drum is introduced and circulated to be introduced into the drum; A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above-mentioned euro duct is provided inside the above-mentioned detachable module.

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