KR20130094584A - Apparatus for treating laundry - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A machine for processing laundry is provided to minimize space by separating a tank storing condensate water into a tank coming out from a cabinet and a tank fixed inside the cabinet, thereby improving user convenience. CONSTITUTION: A machine for processing laundry includes a cabinet, a drum (110), a sump (161), a fixed condensate water tank (168), and a drawer type condensate water tank (169). The drum is always arranged in the cabinet to accommodate laundry. The drum has an opening, both in the front and the rear and a non-circular closed curve cross section having an irregular distance from the center of the rotation in order to rotate. The condensate water generated in the drum gathers in the sump. The condensate water gathering in the sump is accommodated in the condensate water tank. The drawer type condensate water tank accommodates the condensate water stored in the fixed condensate water tank and can come out from the cabinet. [Reference numerals] (110) Drum; (161) Sump; (162) Pump; (163) Steam valve; (164) Steam filter; (165) Steam generator; (167) Tank valve; (168) Fixed-type condensate water tank; (169) Truck-type condensate water tank

Description

Laundry Processing Equipment {Apparatus for treating laundry}

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine, and more particularly, to a laundry treatment machine for efficiently treating condensate generated in the drum.

The laundry treatment apparatus refers to all devices for managing or treating clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as “laundry”), such as washing, drying, or removing wrinkles in a home or a laundry. The laundry treatment machine uses the chemical decomposition action of water and detergent and physical action such as friction between water and laundry, washing machine to separate contaminants from laundry, dryer to dehydrate and dry wet laundry, and heated laundry. In addition to preventing the allergy caused by the laundry by spraying steam, there is a refresher for washing the laundry simply.

A dryer is a home appliance which usually drys laundry which has been washed with high temperature air. Typically the dryer has a drum that rotates to receive the laundry. The laundry is accommodated and supplied with high temperature dry air to the rotating drum, and the humid air in the drum is evacuated. The drum of such a dryer is formed to be rotatable, so there is a problem that the accommodation space is hardly secured.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus for efficiently treating the condensate generated in the drum.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet; A drum disposed in the cabinet to accommodate laundry, the drum being rotatable in a cross section of a non-circular closed curve having front and rear openings and not having a constant distance from the center of rotation; Sump that condensate generated in the drum is collected; A fixed condensate tank in which all the condensate is received in the sump; And a drawer-type condensate tank, in which condensed water contained in the fixed condensate tank is introduced and drawn out from the cabinet.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the laundry treatment machine of the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

First, there is an advantage of storing the condensate generated in the drum utilizing a minimum space.

Second, there is an advantage of dividing the tank storing the condensed water into a tank drawn out from the cabinet and a tank fixed in the cabinet to minimize the space and facilitate the user's convenience.

Third, the pump for pumping the condensate collected in the sump operates according to the level of the sump, thereby preventing failure and saving energy.

Fourth, there is also an advantage of using the condensate efficiently by making steam by using the condensate generated in the drum.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an internal perspective view of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the laundry treatment apparatus shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the arrangement of the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a partial front view showing the arrangement of the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a sealing structure of the drum and the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a partial perspective view showing a front panel of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a partial front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the suction duct of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a partial rear view illustrating the structure of a suction duct of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a structural diagram of a driving unit of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a partial internal structural view of the hot air supply of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a partial schematic view of the hot air supply unit illustrated in FIG. 11.
13 is a front view showing an inter-axial distance adjusting device of the laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a schematic diagram showing an inter-axial distance adjusting apparatus of the laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a partial configuration diagram showing a drum guide of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a partial structural view of a circular guide of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a structural diagram showing the roller arrangement of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a graph showing vibration according to the roller arrangement of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a schematic view showing the condensate flow of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a laundry treatment apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an internal perspective view of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the laundry treatment apparatus shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the arrangement of the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a partial front view showing the arrangement of the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet 101 to form the exterior, the drum 110 is disposed inside the cabinet 101 is accommodated in the rotatable drum 110, the cross-section of the upper drum 110 An upper circular guide 140 rotatable while supporting a constant curvature, and a lower circular guide 150 rotatable while supporting a constant cross-section curvature of the lower portion of the drum 110.

Cabinet 101 is to form the appearance of the laundry treatment machine, the front door is formed with a cabinet entry hole through which the laundry enters the drum 110, the door 106 for opening and closing the cabinet entrance hole is rotatably connected. The front of the cabinet 101 is provided with a control panel 109 for the user to input the operation command or to display the operating state of the laundry treatment machine to the user.

In the cabinet 101, a panel 120 supporting the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 is provided. The panel 120 is provided at the front or the rear of the drum 110. The outer circumference of the panel 120 corresponds to the cross section of the drum 110 and is formed as a non-circular closed curve. The panel 120 may be fixed to the cabinet 101.

The panel 120 includes an upper support roller 141 for rotatably supporting the upper circular guide 140, and a lower support roller 151 for rotatably supporting the lower circular guide 150. The panel 120 includes a front panel 120a provided at the front rear of the cabinet 101 and a rear panel 120b provided at the front of the rear of the cabinet 101.

The front panel 120a supporting the front upper circular guide 140a and the front lower circular guide 150a is provided at the front rear of the cabinet 101. The front panel 120a is provided with a front upper circular guide 140a and a front lower circular guide 150a for maintaining the shape of the drum 110.

The front panel 120a is disposed in front of the opened drum 110 to close the opened portion in front of the drum 110. In this case, the closing means covering the opened part of the drum 110.

The front panel 120a supports the front upper circular guide 140a and the front lower circular guide 150a such that the front upper circular guide 140a and the front lower circular guide 150a are rotatable. The front panel 120a is coupled to the cabinet 101 to support the front upper circular guide 140a and the front lower circular guide 150a that support the load of the drum 110.

The front panel 120a includes a front upper support roller 141a for rotatably supporting the front upper circular guide 140a, and a front lower support roller 151a for rotatably supporting the front lower circular guide 150a. do.

The front panel 120a corresponds to the cabinet entrance hole of the cabinet 101 to form a panel entrance hole 121 through which laundry enters and exits the drum 110. The panel access hole 121 is formed between an upper portion of the front lower circular guide 150a and a lower portion of the front upper circular guide 140a. The panel access hole 121 is opened and closed by the door 106.

Discharge holes 128 and 129 through which air in the drum 110 is discharged are formed in the front panel 120a. The discharge holes 128 and 129 may be formed in plural. A suction duct 131 for sucking air discharged from the drum 110 is coupled to the front panel 120a. The suction duct 131 is coupled to the front panel 120a corresponding to the discharge holes 128 and 129.

The rear front of the cabinet 101 is provided with a rear panel 120b supporting the rear upper circular guide 140b and the rear lower circular guide 150b. The rear panel 120b is provided with a rear upper circular guide 140b and a rear lower circular guide 150b for maintaining the shape of the drum 110.

The rear panel 120b is disposed behind the opened drum 110 to close the opened portion behind the drum 110. In this case, the closing means covering the opened part of the drum 110.

The rear panel 120b supports the rear upper circular guide 140b and the rear lower circular guide 150b such that the rear upper circular guide 140b and the rear lower circular guide 150b are rotatable. The rear panel 120b is coupled to the cabinet 101 to support the rear upper circular guide 140b and the rear lower circular guide 150b that support the load of the drum 110.

Like the front panel 120a, the rear panel 120b includes a rear upper support roller (not shown) rotatably supporting the rear upper circular guide 140b and a rear side rotatably supporting the rear lower circular guide 150b. A lower support roller (not shown) is provided. The rear upper support roller (not shown) has the same shape and structure as the front upper support roller 141a, and the rear lower support roller (not shown) has the same shape and structure as the front lower support roller 151a. Omit.

The rear panel 120b is provided with a suction hole 127 through which air heated by a heater (not shown) is sucked into the drum 110. The suction hole 127 is formed between an upper portion of the rear lower circular guide 150b and a lower portion of the rear upper circular guide 140b. An intake duct 139, which is a passage through which heated air flows into the drum 110, is coupled to the rear panel 120b. The intake duct 139 is coupled to the rear panel 120b in correspondence with the suction hole 127.

The rear panel 120b is provided with a rotating disk 119 having a rotatable disk shape. The rotating panel 119 is rotatably coupled to the center of the rear panel 120b. The rotary panel 119 is rotated by the laundry flowing in the rotation of the drum 110 to prevent the laundry from damage due to friction with the rear panel (120b).

The rotating panel 119 is coupled to the inside of the drum 110 to cover the suction hole 127 of the rear panel 120b. The rotating panel 119 is rotatably coupled to the drum 110 side, that is, the opposite side of the intake duct 139 in the rear panel 120b. The rotating panel 119 is provided with a rotating panel hole 119a through which heated air sucked into the suction hole 127 passes and enters the drum 110. The rotating panel hole 119a is preferably formed in a fine size to which laundry is not caught.

The drum 110 rotates to accommodate the laundry. The drum 110 has a tubular shape in which laundry is accommodated therein and the front and / or the rear are opened to allow air to pass from the rear to the front. In this case, the front of the drum 110 means the front direction of the cabinet 101 in which the front panel 120a is disposed, and the rear of the drum 110 is the rear direction of the cabinet 101 in which the rear panel 120b is disposed. Means.

Only one of the front and rear of the drum 110 may be opened, and both the front and the rear of the drum 110 may be opened. The inner surface of the drum 110 may be provided with a lifter (not shown) so that the laundry contained in the rotation of the drum 10 can be lifted and dropped.

The drum 110 is formed as a cross section of a non-circular closed curve whose distance from the center of rotation is not constant. A portion of the cross section of the drum 110 has a constant curvature since the distance from the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140 or the lower circular guide 150 is constant. The drum 110 is preferably formed according to the shape of the cabinet in order to secure the maximum accommodation space in the cabinet 101.

The drum 110 is formed as a cross section of a non-circular closed curve whose distance from the center of rotation is not constant. In the present embodiment, according to the shape of the rectangular cabinet 101 whose vertical length is longer than the left and right lengths, it is preferable that the upper and lower end distances of the cross section of the drum 110 are larger than both side end distances. A portion of the cross section of the drum 110 may have a constant curvature, that is, a constant radius. In addition, a part of the cross section of the drum 110 may be a straight line.

The drum 110 is preferably formed of a material of a metal or polymer compound which is bent while being elastic to rotate while maintaining a cross section of a non-circular closed curve. The drum 110 is supported by the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 to rotate while maintaining the cross-sectional shape of the non-circular closed curve.

A portion of the drum 110 having a constant cross section curvature is supported by the upper circular guide 140, and a portion of the drum 110 having a constant cross section curvature is supported by the lower circular guide 150.

The upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 is preferably the same shape. The diameter of the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 is preferably the same.

The upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 are alternately arranged to be supported by the panel 120. The lower portion of the upper circular guide 140 and the upper portion of the lower circular guide 150 are disposed to overlap. Most of the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 is preferably overlapping. It is preferable that the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140 and the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150 are disposed between the lower portion of the upper circular guide 140 and the upper portion of the lower circular guide 150.

The front panel 120a is disposed at the front of the drum 110, and the rear panel 120b is disposed at the rear of the drum 110. The front of the opened drum 110 is closed by the front panel 120a, and the rear of the opened drum 110 is closed by the rear panel 120b. In this case, the closing means being disposed in the opened portion of the drum 110 to cover the opened portion. It is preferable to seal between the front of the drum 110 and the front panel 120a, and between the rear of the drum 110 and the rear panel 120b.

The upper circular guide 140 supports a portion where the cross section curvature of the upper drum 110 is constant. The upper circular guide 140 is formed in a circular ring shape and provided on the panel 120 to be rotatable. The upper circular guide 140 contacts the inner surface of the upper drum 110 to apply a vertical force to the drum 110 in the outward direction to support the drum 110. The upper circular guide 140 supports the load of the drum 110 and rotates with the drum 110.

The portion of the drum 110 supported by the upper circular guide 140 has a constant distance from the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. The upper circular guide 140 is preferably disposed so that the rotation center is higher than the rotation center of the drum to support the upper inner surface of the drum 110.

The upper circular guide 140 is preferably in contact with the inner surface of the upper drum 110 in as many parts as possible to support the load of the drum 110. The upper circular guide 140 is formed sufficiently large so that the rotation center of the drum 110 is located therein.

The upper circular guide 140 rotates with the drum 110 in contact with a portion of the cross section curvature of the upper portion of the drum 110 so that the drum 110 rotates while maintaining the cross-section of the non-circular closed curve. The upper circular guide 140 is preferably supported by the panel 120 to be rotatable.

The upper circular guide 140 is provided in plurality, and the upper upper circular guide 140a supporting the upper inner surface of the upper edge of the drum 110 and the rear upper circular guide 140b supporting the inner inner surface of the rear edge of the drum 110. ) Is provided. The front upper circular guide 140a is supported by the front panel 120a, and the rear upper circular guide 140b is supported by the rear panel 120b.

The front upper circular guide 140a is provided at the front panel 120a such that the panel access hole 121 of the front panel 120a is disposed therein. That is, the ring-shaped front upper circular guide 140a is provided such that the panel access hole 121 is disposed therein.

The lower circular guide 150 supports a portion where the cross section curvature of the lower portion of the drum 110 is constant. The lower circular guide 150 is formed in a circular ring shape and provided on the panel 120 to be rotatable. The lower circular guide 150 contacts the inner surface of the lower drum 110 to apply a vertical force to the drum 110 in the outward direction to support the drum 110. The lower circular guide 150 maintains the shape of the drum 110 and rotates together with the drum 110.

The portion of the drum 110 supported by the lower circular guide 150 has a constant distance from the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150. The lower circular guide 150 is preferably disposed so that the rotation center is lower than the rotation center of the drum to support the lower inner surface of the drum 110.

The lower circular guide 150 is preferably in contact with the inner surface of the lower drum 110 in as many parts as possible to support the load of the drum 110. The lower circular guide 150 is formed sufficiently large so that the rotation center of the drum 110 is located therein.

The lower circular guide 150 rotates together with the drum 110 in contact with a constant section curvature of the lower portion of the drum 110 so that the drum 110 rotates while maintaining a cross section of a non-circular closed curve. The lower circular guide 150 is preferably supported by the panel 120 to be rotatable.

The lower circular guide 150 is provided in plural, the lower front circular guide 150a supporting the lower inner surface of the front edge of the drum 110 and the lower lower circular guide 150b supporting the lower inner surface of the rear edge of the drum 110. ) Is provided. The front lower circular guide 150a is supported by the front panel 120a, and the rear lower circular guide 150b is supported by the rear panel 120b.

The front lower circular guide 150a is provided at the front panel 120a such that the panel access hole 121 of the front panel 120a is disposed therein. That is, the ring-shaped front lower circular guide 150a is provided such that the panel access hole 121 is disposed therein.

The upper front circular guide 140a and the lower front circular guide 150a are disposed on the front side of the cabinet 101 opposite to the drum 110 with respect to the front panel 120a. That is, the upper front circular guide 140a and the lower front circular guide 150a are disposed between the front side of the cabinet 101 and the front panel 120a.

The upper front circular guide 140a and the lower front circular guide 150a are staggered so as to be supported by the front panel 120a. The lower portion of the upper front circular guide 140a and the upper portion of the lower front circular guide 150a are disposed to overlap, and in this embodiment, the lower front circular guide 150a is disposed in front of the upper front circular guide 140a.

The upper rear circular guide 140b and the lower rear circular guide 150b are disposed on the rear side of the cabinet 101 opposite to the drum 110 with respect to the rear panel 120b. That is, the upper rear circular guide 140b and the lower rear circular guide 150b are disposed between the rear side of the cabinet 101 and the rear panel 120b.

The upper rear circular guide 140b and the lower rear circular guide 150b are staggered so as to be supported by the rear panel 120b. The lower portion of the upper rear circular guide 140b and the upper portion of the lower rear circular guide 150b are disposed to overlap, and in this embodiment, the lower rear circular guide 150b is disposed behind the upper rear circular guide 140b.

The upper support roller 141 is provided between the upper circular guide 140 and the panel 120 to support the upper circular guide 140. The upper support roller 141 is rotatably coupled to the panel 120. The upper support roller 141 supports the inner surface of the ring-shaped upper circular guide 140. The upper support roller 141 rotates relative to the upper circular guide 140 to allow the upper circular guide 140 to rotate together with the drum 110.

When the upper circular guide 140 is coupled to the inner surface of the drum 110 and rotated together with the drum 110, or rotated off the drum 110, the upper support roller 141 moves the upper circular guide 140. Relative rotation in the panel 120. The upper support roller 141 supports the upper circular guide 140 and is provided between the upper circular guide 140 and the panel 120 so that the upper circular guide 140 can be rotated relative to the panel 120. Accordingly, when the drum 110 is rotated, the upper circular guide 140 may be rotated together with the drum 110.

In a state where the outer surface of the upper support roller 141 and the inner surface of the upper circular guide 140 are in contact with each other, the upper circular guide 140 is rotated. The rotation axis of the upper support roller 141 is fixedly coupled to the panel 120, the upper support roller 141 is rotated in the panel 120, the inner surface of the upper circular guide 140 is the outer surface of the upper support roller 141 Is rotated relative to the upper support roller 141 during the rotation of the upper circular guide 140 in contact with.

The upper support roller 141 is preferably provided in plurality. The plurality of upper support rollers 141 are provided at least one on the upper side and at least one on the lower side based on the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140. The plurality of upper support rollers 141 may be disposed below the center of rotation of the upper upper support roller 141-1 and the upper circular guide 140 provided on the upper side with respect to the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. It includes a lower upper support roller (141-2) provided.

The upper upper support roller 141-1 contacts the upper inner surface based on the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. The upper upper support roller 141-1 is disposed between the upper portion of the upper circular guide 140 and the upper portion of the lower circular guide 150.

The upper upper support roller 141-1 may be provided in plural and two are provided in this embodiment. The two upper upper support rollers 141-1 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140.

The lower upper support roller 141-2 contacts the lower inner surface based on the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. The lower upper support roller 141-2 is disposed between the upper portion of the lower circular guide 150 and the lower portion of the upper circular guide 140. The lower upper support roller 141-2 is preferably disposed below the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150.

The lower upper support roller 141-2 may be provided in plural and two are provided in the present embodiment. The two lower upper support rollers 141-2 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140.

The upper upper support roller 141-1 is preferably larger in diameter than the lower upper support roller 141-2. This is because the load of the drum 110 supported by the upper circular guide 140 is mostly supported by the upper upper support roller 141-1.

The lower support roller 151 is provided between the lower circular guide 150 and the panel 120 to support the lower circular guide 150. The lower support roller 151 is rotatably coupled to the panel 120. The lower support roller 151 supports the inner surface of the ring-shaped lower circular guide 150. The lower support roller 151 rotates relative to the lower circular guide 150 to allow the lower circular guide 150 to rotate together with the drum 110.

When the lower circular guide 150 is coupled to the inner surface of the drum 110 and rotated together with the drum 110, or rotated off the drum 110, the lower support roller 151 rotates the lower circular guide 150. Relative rotation in the panel 120. The lower support roller 151 is provided between the lower circular guide 150 and the panel 120 so that the lower circular guide 150 can be rotated relative to the panel 120 while supporting the lower circular guide 150. Accordingly, when the drum 110 is rotated, the lower circular guide 150 may be rotated together with the drum 110.

In a state where the outer surface of the lower support roller 151 and the inner surface of the lower circular guide 150 are in contact with each other, the lower circular guide 150 is rotated. The rotation axis of the lower support roller 151 is fixedly coupled to the panel 120, so that the lower support roller 151 is rotated in the panel 120, and the inner surface of the lower circular guide 150 is the outer surface of the lower support roller 151. It is contacted to rotate relative to the lower support roller 151 during the rotation of the lower circular guide 150.

The lower support roller 151 is preferably provided in plurality. The plurality of lower support rollers 151 are provided at least one upper side and at least one lower side based on the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150. The plurality of lower support rollers 151 are positioned on the lower side based on the rotation center of the upper lower support roller 151-1 and the lower circular guide 150 provided on the upper side with respect to the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150. It includes a lower lower support roller (151-2) provided.

The upper lower support roller 151-1 contacts the upper inner surface based on the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150. The upper lower support roller 151-1 is disposed between the upper portion of the lower circular guide 150 and the lower portion of the upper circular guide 140. The upper lower support roller 151-1 may be disposed above the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140.

The upper lower support roller 151-1 may be provided in plural and in this embodiment, two are provided. The two upper lower support rollers 151-1 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150.

The lower lower support roller 151-2 contacts the lower inner surface based on the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150. The lower lower support roller 151-2 is disposed between the lower portion of the upper circular guide 140 and the lower portion of the lower circular guide 150.

The lower lower support roller 151-2 may be provided in plural, and two in this embodiment. The two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150.

The upper lower support roller 151-1 is preferably smaller in diameter than the lower lower support roller 151-2. This is because the lower lower support roller 151-2 supports most of the load of the drum 110 supported by the lower circular guide 150.

The driving unit 170 rotates the drum 110. The driving unit 170 is formed in various forms capable of rotating the drum 110 and includes a driving belt 175 and a motor 172 in this embodiment.

The drive belt 175 and the motor 172 allow the drum 110 to rotate while maintaining a cross section of the non-circular closed curve. The driving belt 175 is in contact with the outer surface of the drum 110 so as not to slide, applies a vertical drag to the drum 110 in the inward direction, and receives the rotational force of the motor 172 to rotate the drum 110.

The drive belt 175 is preferably bent and the material of the elastic high molecular compound or metal. The drive belt 175 is formed of a material having a high friction coefficient so as not to slip with the outer surface of the drum 110, or an uneven surface is formed on the inner surface of the drive belt 175 and the outer surface of the drum 110 so as not to slip between each other. Do.

The motor 172 generates a rotational force to transfer the drive belt 175. The rotational force generated by the motor 172 is transmitted by the drive belt 175 to rotate the drum 110.

The driving belt 175 applies the vertical drag in the inward direction to the drum 110 and the drum 110 together with the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150 for applying the vertical drag in the outward direction. ) To support the load and to allow the drum 110 to maintain its shape and rotate. That is, the driving belt 175 rotates the drum 110 and supports the drum 110.

The hot air supply unit 130 heats the air and supplies the air into the drum 110 and discharges the air in the drum 110. The hot air supply unit 130 includes a heater (not shown) for heating air, an intake duct 139 for guiding the air heated by the heater into the drum 110, and a suction for sucking air discharged from the drum 110. A duct 131 and an exhaust duct 133 through which the air sucked into the suction duct 131 flows.

The suction duct 131 is coupled to the front panel 120a corresponding to the discharge holes 128 and 129. The suction duct 131 is disposed in front of the front panel 120a. Suction duct 131 may be provided with a filter for filtering foreign matter in the air. The suction duct 131 is connected to the exhaust duct 133. The exhaust duct 133 may be provided with a blowing fan (not shown) for flowing air. Air flowing into the exhaust duct 133 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 101 or connected to the intake duct 139 to circulate the air.

Intake duct 139 may be provided with a blowing fan (not shown) for flowing air. The intake duct 139 may be provided with a heater. The intake duct 139 is coupled to the rear panel 120b in correspondence with the suction hole 127.

The fixed condensate tank 168 and the drawer type condensate tank 169 accommodate condensate generated in the drum 110.

The fixed condensate tank 168 is formed in a cuboid shape having a low height. Upper and lower surfaces of the fixed condensate tank 168 are formed corresponding to the upper plate of the cabinet 101. The fixed condensate tank 168 is formed at a low height so that the height of the cabinet 101 does not increase and the condensate storage capacity is maximized, and is disposed between the top plate of the cabinet 101 and the drum 110.

The drawer type condensate tank 169 is connected to the fixed condensate tank 168 and the condensate contained in the fixed condensate tank 168 is received therein. The drawer type condensate tank 169 is provided to be withdrawn from the cabinet 101 by sliding in the front-rear direction. The drawer type condensate tank 169 may be withdrawn from the cabinet 101 to allow the user to remove condensate contained therein.

The drawer type condensate tank 169 is formed to be accommodated in a space formed by the fixed condensate tank 168 and one side of the cabinet 101 and the drum 110. The drawer type condensate tank 169 minimizes the space occupied in the cabinet 101 and allows the fixed condensate tank 168 and one side of the cabinet 101 and the space formed by the drum 110 to accommodate the condensate as much as possible. It is formed to correspond. The drawer type condensate tank 169 is formed in a shape similar to a triangular prism formed long in the front and rear directions. The top surface of the drawer type condensate tank 169 is formed horizontally, the side is formed vertically and the other surface is formed with a curved surface corresponding to the drum (110).

6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a sealing structure of the drum and the circular guide of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the upper support roller 141 is formed with a roller groove 142 recessed in a V or U shape. In addition, the inner surface of the upper circular guide 140 is provided with a roller insertion member 149 inserted into the roller groove 142. One side of the roller insertion member 149 is fixed to the inner surface of the upper circular guide 140 and the other side protrudes corresponding to the shape of the roller groove 142. The roller insertion member 149 is preferably formed of an elastic member so as to increase frictional force with the upper support roller 141 and to reduce vibration or noise during rotation of the upper circular guide 140.

The above-described roller groove 142 may be applied to the lower support roller 151, and the roller insertion member 149 may be provided on the inner surface of the lower circular guide 150.

In the embodiment, the drum 110 has a drum guide 113 that seals between the drum 110 and the upper circular guide 140 and prevents the drum 110 from being separated from the upper circular guide 140. Can be. In addition, the panel 120 is provided with a panel sealer 123 to seal between the drum 110 and the panel 120. The panel sealer 123 is supported by the panel bracket 122 coupled to the panel 120.

The drum guide 113 is provided to surround the edge of the drum 110. The drum guide 113 is in contact with the outer surface of the upper circular guide 140. The drum guide 113 may be formed of a material having a small coefficient of friction so that the drum 110 may smoothly rotate even when the drum guide 113 contacts the upper circular guide 140 and / or the panel sealer 123. The drum guide 113 is preferably formed of a synthetic material impregnated with PTFE oil, and may be formed of a fabric or a rubber material according to an embodiment. The drum guide 113 is provided in plurality, preferably provided at the front edge of the drum 110 and the rear edge of the drum 110, respectively.

The drum guide 113 may include a drum guide edge portion 113-1 surrounding the edge of the drum 110 and a first bent to contact a part of the side surface of the upper circular guide 140 to protrude into the drum 110. The drum guide protrusion 113-2 and the second drum guide protrusion 113-3 protruding into the drum 110 from the first drum guide protrusion 113-2 so that the side thereof contacts the panel sealer 123 are provided. Is formed.

The drum guide edge portion 113-1 surrounds the edge of the drum 110. The drum guide edge portion 113-1 surrounds an outer surface and an inner surface portion and side surfaces of the edge of the drum 110. The portion surrounding the inner surface of the drum 110 of the drum guide rim 113-1 is in contact with the outer surface of the upper circular guide 140. The portion surrounding the inner surface of the drum 110 in the drum guide edge portion 113-1 extends to the first drum guide protrusion 113-2.

The first drum guide protrusion 113-2 protrudes from the inner surface of the drum 110 into the drum 110. The first drum guide protrusion 113-2 is bent from a portion surrounding the inner surface of the drum 110 in the drum guide edge portion 113-1 to protrude into the drum 110.

The first drum guide protrusion 113-2 is in side contact with a portion of the side of the upper circular guide 140. The first drum guide protrusion 113-2 prevents the drum 110 from being separated from the upper circular guide 140 when the drum 110 rotates. When the drum 110 rotates, the drum 110 vibrates in the front-back direction or tilted due to the unbalance of the drum 110. When the drum 110 vibrates, the side of the first drum guide protrusion 113-2 guides the side of the upper circular guide 140 to prevent the drum 110 from being separated from the upper circular guide 140.

The second drum guide protrusion 113-3 extends from the first drum guide protrusion 113-2 and is bent from the first drum guide protrusion 113-2 to protrude into the drum 110. The second drum guide protrusion 113-3 protrudes further into the drum 110 than the first drum guide protrusion 113-2.

The second drum guide protrusion 113-3 is disposed between the panel 120 and the panel sealer 123. The side of the second drum guide protrusion 113-3 is in contact with the side of the panel sealer 123. The second drum guide protrusion 113-3 together with the panel sealer 123 seals between the drum 110 and the panel 120.

The panel bracket 122 is coupled to the panel 120 to support the panel sealer 123. The panel bracket 122 is formed in a rim shape in which an inner side protrudes toward the panel 120 to form a space between the panel 120 and the panel 120. The outer periphery of the panel bracket 122 corresponds to the outer periphery of the panel 120 to form a non-circular closed curve. The panel sealer 123 and the second drum guide protrusion 113-3 of the drum guide 113 are disposed in the space between the panel bracket 122 and the panel 120.

The panel sealer 123 is provided on the upper side of the panel bracket 122. The panel sealer 123 seals between the panel 120 and the drum 110 together with the drum 110 and the drum guide 113. The panel sealer 123 is provided in contact with the side surface of the panel 120 of the panel bracket 122. The side of the panel sealer 123 is in contact with the side of the second drum guide protrusion 113-3. The upper surface of the panel sealer 123 is in contact with the inner surface of the drum 110. The panel sealer 123 is disposed between the panel bracket 122 and the second drum guide protrusion 113-3 of the drum guide 113.

The panel sealer 123 is formed in the shape of a rim. The outer circumference of the panel sealer 123 corresponds to the outer circumference of the panel bracket 122 and is formed as a non-circular closed curve.

The panel sealer 123 may be formed of a synthetic material in which polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) oil having a low coefficient of friction is sealed to seal and reduce friction. In some embodiments, the panel sealer 123 may be formed of a fabric or rubber material. The panel sealer 123 may be formed by overlapping a plurality of members formed of different materials.

Although the center has been described above with respect to the upper circular guide 140, the description of the drum guide 113 and the panel sealer 123 may be applied to the lower circular guide 150. That is, the drum guide 113 is in contact with the outer surface of the lower circular guide 150 at the lower side of the drum 110.

7 is a partial perspective view showing a front panel of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a partial front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the suction duct of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a partial rear view illustrating the structure of a suction duct of a laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The front panel 120a has a panel protrusion 124 protruding forward from the periphery of the panel access hole 121. The panel protrusion 124 is formed by the periphery of the panel access hole 121 of the front panel 120a protruding toward the cabinet 101. The panel protrusion 124 protrudes toward the cabinet 101 to open and close the panel access hole 121 formed in the center by the door 106. The panel protrusion 124 protrudes toward the cabinet 101 to form a space in which the front upper circular guide 140a and the front lower circular guide 150a are installed.

The first discharge hole 128 is formed at the lower side surface of the panel protrusion 124. The first discharge hole 128 is formed at the lower side of the panel protrusion 124 so that the air in the drum 110 is discharged downward.

The second discharge hole 129 is formed under the front panel 120a. The second discharge hole 129 is formed below the panel protrusion 124 of the front panel 120a. The second discharge hole 129 is formed in a portion of the front panel 120a corresponding to the space between the lower portion of the front upper circular guide 140a and the lower portion of the front lower circular guide 150a of the front panel 120a. The second discharge hole 129 is formed in the front panel 120a such that air in the drum 110 is discharged between the lower part of the front upper circular guide 140a and the lower part of the front lower circular guide 150a.

The suction duct 131 sucks air in the drum 110 discharged into the first discharge hole 128 and the second discharge hole 129. Air sucked into the suction duct 131 flows to the exhaust duct 133.

The suction duct 131 is coupled to the front panel 120a in correspondence with the first discharge hole 128 and the second discharge hole 129. The suction duct 131 surrounds the lower part of the front upper circular guide 140a and the lower part of the front lower circular guide 150a and is spaced apart from the front panel 120a to communicate with the first discharge hole 128 and the second discharge hole. Combined.

The suction duct 131 is divided into a plurality of members, and in this embodiment, the suction duct 131 includes the first suction duct member 131-1, the second suction duct member 131-2, and the third suction duct. And a member 131-3.

The first suction duct member 131-1 forms a front surface of the suction duct 131. An upper portion of the first suction duct member 131-1 is connected to the protruding end of the panel protrusion 124. An upper portion of the first suction duct member 131-1 is coupled to the front panel 120a around the first discharge hole 128.

The second suction duct member 131-2 surrounds the lower portion of the front upper circular guide 140a and is coupled to the front panel 120a. The upper portion of the second suction duct member 131-2 is connected to the protruding starting point of the panel protrusion 124. An upper portion of the second suction duct member 131-2 is coupled to the front panel 120a around the first discharge hole 128. The lower portion of the second suction duct member 131-2 is coupled to the front panel 120a around the second discharge hole.

The third suction duct member 131-3 surrounds the lower portion of the front lower circular guide 150a and is coupled to the front panel 120a. An upper portion of the third suction duct member 131-3 is coupled to the front panel 120a near the second discharge hole.

An upper portion of the first suction duct member 131-1 and an upper portion of the second suction duct member 131-2 form a hole communicating with the first discharge hole 128, and the second suction duct member 131-2 ) And the upper portion of the third suction duct member 131-3 form a hole in communication with the second discharge hole 129. The lower portion of the first suction duct member 131-1 and the lower portion of the third suction duct member 131-3 are connected to the exhaust duct 133.

10 is a structural diagram of a driving unit of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The driving unit 270 according to another embodiment of the present invention rotates the upper circular guide 140 or the lower circular guide 150 to rotate the drum 110. In this embodiment, the driving unit 270 rotates the upper circular guide 140, and in particular, the driving unit 270 preferably rotates the rear upper circular guide 140b.

The driving unit 270 may be implemented in various forms to rotate the upper circular guide 140.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the driving unit 270 is connected to the upper circular guide 140 and has a driving wheel 273 having the same rotation axis, a motor 271 for generating rotational force, and a motor 271. It may include a drive belt 272 for transmitting a rotational force to the drive wheel (273).

Referring to FIG. 10B, the driving unit 270 may be a motor 271 directly connected to the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140.

In the present embodiment, the drum guide 113 is preferably made of a material having a high coefficient of friction so that the portion in contact with the upper circular guide 140 so as not to slip with the upper circular guide 140. That is, the drum guide 113 preferably has a high friction force with the upper circular guide 140.

In order to prevent the drum guide 113 from slipping with the upper circular guide 140, an unevenness is formed in a portion contacting the upper circular guide 140 of the drum guide 113, and an unevenness is formed on an outer surface of the upper circular guide 140. Can be.

11 is a partial internal structural view of the hot air supply of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a partial schematic view of the hot air supply unit illustrated in FIG. 11.

In the present embodiment, the exhaust duct 133 is provided with a turbo fan 132 that sucks air in the drum 110. The exhaust duct 133 is disposed below the suction duct 131. In the exhaust duct 133, a turbo fan 132 provided below the suction duct 131 is disposed. Side surface of the turbo fan 132 is preferably disposed corresponding to the lower side of the suction duct (131).

The rear side of the turbo fan 132 is provided with a blowing fan 134 for flowing air in the exhaust duct 133. The blowing fan 134 is disposed in the exhaust duct 133 and flows air in the exhaust duct 133 to discharge to the outside of the cabinet 101 or to guide the exhaust duct 133.

13 is a front view showing an inter-axial distance adjusting device of the laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Laundry processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower circular guide 150 further includes an interaxial distance adjusting device 220 to rotatably support. The interaxial distance adjusting device 220 is coupled to the panel 120 so that the distance from the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140 to the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150 is changed.

The interaxial distance adjusting device 220 is preferably formed in a circular ring shape corresponding to the lower circular guide 150. The interaxial distance adjusting device 220 is provided with a lower support roller 251 for supporting the lower circular guide 150. The lower support roller 251 is rotatably coupled to the interaxial distance adjusting device 220. The lower support roller 251 supports the inner surface of the ring-shaped lower circular guide 150.

The interaxial distance adjusting device 220 is preferably coupled to the panel 120 to be rotatable. The shaft distance adjusting device 220 and the panel 120 are coupled to the rotating pin 221 to rotate relative. The shaft distance adjusting device 220 rotates about the rotation pin 221 to change the distance from the rotation center of the upper circular guide 140 to the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150.

The rotary pin 221 may be disposed outside the lower circular guide 150. The rotary pin 221 is preferably disposed below the center of rotation of the lower circular guide 150.

When the drum 110 is coupled to the upper circular guide 140 and the lower circular guide 150, the inter-gap distance adjusting device 220 is rotated so that the lower circular guide 150 is rotated from the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. By narrowing the distance to the center of rotation to facilitate the coupling of the drum (110).

14 is a schematic diagram showing an inter-axial distance adjusting apparatus of the laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the interaxial distance adjusting device 320 in this embodiment is an elastic body connecting the lower support roller 351 and the panel 120 to support the lower circular guide 150. The interaxial distance adjusting device 320 is provided in plural and connected to each of the plurality of lower support rollers 351.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the interaxial distance adjusting device 420 includes a moving panel 421 having a lower support roller 451 rotatably disposed to support the lower circular guide 150. The distance control elastic body 422 connects the moving panel 421 and the panel 120 and has an elastic force.

A plurality of lower support rollers 451 are rotatably coupled to the moving panel 421. The moving panel 421 is connected to the panel 120 and the distance control elastic body 422 to be relatively moved from the panel 120 by the elastic force.

15 is a partial configuration diagram showing a drum guide of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The drum guide 213 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a drum guide edge portion 213-1 surrounding the edge of the drum 110 and a first drum guide protrusion 213 protruding into the drum 110. -2) and a second drum guide protrusion 213-3 which is spaced apart from the first drum guide protrusion 113-2 and protrudes into the drum 110. In addition, the upper circular guide 240 according to another embodiment of the present invention is formed with a circular guide groove 248 inserted into the outer surface. A part of the first drum guide protrusion 213-2 is inserted into the circular guide groove 248.

Referring to FIG. 15A, the first drum guide protrusion 213-2 has a constant width, and the circular guide groove 248 is formed as a groove having a constant width corresponding thereto.

Referring to FIG. 15B, the first drum guide protrusion 213-2 is formed to have a narrower width toward the end, so that the cross section is formed in a wedge shape, and the circular guide groove 248 is correspondingly deepened. As the width becomes narrower, grooves are formed.

The above-described embodiment may be applied to the lower circular guide 250 as well as the upper circular guide 240.

16 is a partial structural view of a circular guide of a laundry treatment machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Laundry processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the upper support roller elastic body 243 for connecting at least one or more of the plurality of upper support rollers 241 to the panel 120 to have an elastic force, a plurality of lower support And a lower support roller elastic body 253 which connects at least one or more of the rollers 251 with the panel 120 to have an elastic force.

Among the plurality of upper support rollers 241, the upper upper support roller 241-1 is rotatably coupled to the panel 120 to be rotatable, and the lower upper support roller 241-2 is the upper support roller elastic body 243. It is preferable to be connected to the panel 120 by.

Further, the lower lower support roller 251-2 of the plurality of lower support rollers 251 is fixedly coupled to the panel 120 to be rotatable, and the upper lower support roller 251-1 is a lower support roller elastic body ( 253 is preferably connected to the panel 120.

According to an embodiment, the upper support roller 241 or the lower support roller 251, which is connected to the panel 120 by the upper support roller elastic 243 or the lower support roller elastic 253, is rotatable. The rotating shaft can be fixedly coupled to). That is, the lower upper support roller 241-2 or the upper lower support roller 251-1 may be fixedly coupled to the auxiliary panel 244 so as to be rotatable. The auxiliary panel 244 is preferably coupled to the panel 120 to be rotatable.

In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment, a rotation shaft is fixedly coupled to the auxiliary panel 244 so that the upper support roller 241 or the lower support roller 251 is rotatable, and the auxiliary panel 244 is the upper support roller elastic body 243 or The lower support roller elastic body 253 may be connected to the panel 120 to have an elastic force. In this case, the auxiliary panel 244 is preferably coupled to the panel 120 to be rotatable.

The upper support roller elastic 243 or the lower support roller elastic 253 is preferably a torsion spring or tension spring.

17 is a structural diagram showing the roller arrangement of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 18 is a graph showing vibration according to the roller arrangement of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The angle formed by the upper upper support roller 141-1 is referred to as a1 and the angle formed by the lower upper support roller 141-2 is referred to as a2 based on the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the upper circular guide 140. In addition, the angle formed by the upper lower support roller 151-1 is b1 and the angle formed by the lower lower support roller 151-2 is b2 based on the vertical line passing through the rotation center of the lower circular guide 150.

The two lower upper support rollers 141-2 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other to avoid the suction duct 131. The lower upper support roller 141-2 should avoid the upper portion of the suction duct 131, and the upper portion of the suction duct 131 corresponds to the first discharge hole 128 formed on the lower side of the panel protrusion 124. Therefore, the two lower upper support rollers 141-2 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other to avoid the first discharge hole 128. It is preferable that a2 is 50 ± 10 ° in this embodiment so that the two lower upper support rollers 141-2 avoid the suction duct 131.

The two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other to avoid the suction duct 131. The lower lower support roller 151-2 should avoid the lower portion of the suction duct 131, and the lower portion of the suction duct 131 corresponds to the second discharge hole 129 formed in the lower portion of the front panel 120a. The two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are spaced apart from each other to avoid the second discharge hole 129.

The two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are disposed to avoid the upper circular guide 140. Since the two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are disposed between the lower part of the upper circular guide 140 and the lower part of the lower circular guide 150, the two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are excessively spaced apart from each other. If so, it may interfere with the lower portion of the upper circular guide 140. Therefore, it is preferable that the two lower lower support rollers 151-2 are properly spaced apart from each other to avoid the upper circular guide 140.

In order to avoid the suction duct 131 and the upper circular guide 140 by the two lower lower support rollers 151-2, b2 is preferably 40 ± 10 ° in this embodiment.

The two lower upper support rollers 141-2 are preferably spaced apart from each other more than the two lower lower support rollers 151-2. That is, it is preferable that a2> b2.

The two upper upper support rollers 141-1 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other so that the vibration of the drum is small. FIG. 18A illustrates the drum 110 front-rear direction, that is, the axial vibration value according to the a1 value. Since the vibration of the drum 110 in the axial vibration should be within 3 mm so that the separation of the drum 110 does not occur, a1 is preferably 40 ± 10 °.

The upper lower support rollers 151-1 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other so that the vibration of the drum is small. FIG. 18B illustrates a vibration value of the drum 110 in front and rear directions, that is, axial direction, according to the b1 value. Since the axial vibration of the drum 110 should be within 3 mm so that the separation of the drum 110 does not occur, a2 is preferably 25 ± 10 °.

The two upper upper support rollers 141-1 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other more than the two upper lower support rollers 151-1. That is, it is preferable that a1> b1.

The two lower upper support rollers 141-2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other more than the two upper upper support rollers 141-1. That is, it is preferable that a2> a1. At this time, a line connecting the centers of the two lower upper support rollers 141-2 and the two upper upper support rollers 141-1 forms an equilateral trapezoid whose base is longer than the top.

The two lower lower support rollers 151-2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other more than the two upper lower support rollers 151-1. That is, it is preferable that b2> b1. At this time, the line connecting the centers of the two lower lower support rollers 151-2 and the two upper lower support rollers 151-1 forms an equilateral trapezoid whose base is longer than the top.

19 is a schematic diagram showing the condensate flow of the laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sump 161 collects condensate generated in the drum 110. The sump 161 is provided below the drum 110 or in the suction duct 131 or the exhaust duct 133. The sump 161 is connected to the suction duct 131 or the exhaust duct 133 so that the sump 161 is generated in the form of water vapor in the drum 110 instead of being directly generated in the drum 110, and thus the suction duct 131 or the exhaust duct 133. It is desirable to collect condensate that has condensed past.

The sump 161 may include a sump level detector 161-1 measuring the height of condensate collected in the sump 161. The sump level sensor 161-1 is composed of a buoy and a strain gauge, and the buoy moves according to the water level, and the strain gauge measures the water level by measuring it.

Condensate accumulated in the sump 161 is pumped by the pump 162. The pump 162 pumps condensate collected in the sump 161 and pumps the condensate into the fixed condensate tank 168. The pump 162 may be operated when the level measured by the sump level detecting unit 161-1 is greater than or equal to the reference sump level.

The steam generator 165 supplies steam to the drum 110. The steam generator 165 receives condensed water collected in the sump 161 and heats it to generate steam, and supplies the generated steam to the drum 110. The steam generator 165 may be replaced with an atomizer that sprays the drum 110 according to an embodiment.

The steam generator 165 includes a steam level detector 165-1 measuring the height of the condensed water contained in the steam generator 165. The steam level detector 165-1 may measure the level of the steam generator 165 using an electrode.

The steam valve 163 guides the condensate collected in the sump 161 to the steam generator 165 or the fixed condensate tank 168. The steam valve 163 is a three-way valve to allow condensate pumped by the pump 162 to be directed to the steam generator 165 or the fixed condensate tank 168.

A steam filter 164 may be provided between the steam valve 163 and the steam generator 165. The steam filter 164 filters condensate flowing from the steam valve 163 to the steam generator 165 to filter foreign matter.

When the water level measured by the steam level detector 165-1 is equal to or less than the reference steam level, the steam valve 163 guides the condensed water collected in the sump 161 to the steam generator 165. However, when the water level measured by the steam level detector 165-1 is greater than or equal to the reference steam level, the steam valve 163 guides the condensate collected in the sump 161 to the fixed condensate tank 168.

A tank valve 167 is provided between the fixed condensate tank 168 and the drawer condensate tank 169. The tank valve 167 prevents condensate contained in the fixed condensate tank 168 when the drawer condensate tank 169 is drawn out of the drawer condensate tank 169. The tank valve 167 is provided in the drawer type condensate tank 169 and is opened when the drawer type condensate tank 169 is mounted in the cabinet 101 and is closed when the drawer type condensate tank 169 is withdrawn.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

101: cabinet 106: door
109: control panel 110: drum
113: Drum guide 113-1: Drum guide frame
113-2: first drum guide protrusion 113-3: second drum guide protrusion
120: panel 120a: front panel
120b: rear panel 121: panel entry hole
122: panel bracket 123: panel sealer
124: panel protrusion 127: suction hole
128: first discharge hole 129: second discharge hole
130: hot air supply unit 131: suction duct
131-1: First suction duct member 131-2: Second suction duct member
131-3: third suction duct member 132: turbo fan
133: exhaust duct 134: blowing fan
139: intake duct 140: upper circular guide
141: upper support roller 141a: front upper support roller
141-1: Upper upper support roller 141-2: Lower upper support roller
142: roller groove 149: roller insertion member
150: lower circular guide 151: lower support roller
151a: Front lower support roller 151-1: Upper lower support roller
151-2: lower lower support roller 161: sump
162: pump 163: steam valve
164: steam filter 165: steam generator
167: tank valve 168: fixed condensate tank
169: drawer condensate tank 170: drive unit
172: motor 175: drive belt

Claims (8)

cabinet;
A drum disposed in the cabinet to accommodate laundry, the drum being rotatable in a cross section of a non-circular closed curve having front and rear openings and not having a constant distance from the center of rotation;
Sump that condensate generated in the drum is collected;
A fixed condensate tank in which all the condensate is received in the sump; And
And a drawer-type condensate tank having condensate received in the fixed condensate tank and being drawn in and drawn out from the cabinet. The method of claim 1,
The fixed condensate tank is formed to correspond to the upper plate of the cabinet and a laundry treatment apparatus having a rectangular parallelepiped disposed between the upper plate of the cabinet and the drum. 3. The method of claim 2,
The drawer type condensate tank is a laundry treatment device accommodated in the space formed by one side of the cabinet and the drum. The method of claim 1,
And a tank valve provided between the fixed condensate tank and the drawer condensate tank and preventing condensate contained in the fixed condensate tank from flowing out to the drawer condensate tank when the drawer condensate tank is withdrawn. The method of claim 1,
A sump level sensor for measuring a height of condensate collected in the sump; And
And a pump for pumping the condensate collected in the sump and pumping the condensate into the fixed condensate tank. The method of claim 5, wherein
The pump is a laundry treatment device that is operated when the water level measured by the sump level detection unit is more than the reference sump level. The method of claim 1,
A steam generator for supplying steam to the drum; And
And a steam valve for guiding condensate collected in the sump to the steam generator or the fixed condensate tank. The method of claim 7, wherein
Further comprising a steam level detector for measuring the water level of the steam generator,
And the steam valve is configured to guide the condensed water collected in the sump to the steam generator when the water level measured by the steam level detector is equal to or less than a reference steam level.

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