KR20220161164A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus. A laundry treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a dryer including a first cabinet and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet; a refresher including a second cabinet disposed on one side of the first cabinet and having a space for accommodating laundry therein; a heating device having a condenser for heating the air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet; and a steam generating device disposed in the heating device to exchange heat with the condenser and generating steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Description

Clothes processing device {LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS}

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, and more particularly, to a steam generator for supplying steam into the laundry treatment apparatus.

The clothes handling device is a device that manages a sanitary state of clothes accommodated in a cabinet through actions such as washing, drying, and refreshing.

Dryers and refreshers, which are types of clothes handling devices, may include a steam generating device that sprays steam into a cabinet to sterilize clothes accommodated in the cabinet and remove wrinkles from the clothes.

However, when a plurality of devices needing to supply steam are provided in a conventional laundry treatment device, since each device operates a steam generating device, energy consumption is excessive.

In addition, when steam is supplied to a plurality of devices with a single steam generating device, as in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1476178, the structure of the steam flow path becomes complicated and the efficiency of steam supply decreases.

Korea Patent Registration 10-1476178

The present disclosure aims to address the foregoing and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to supply steam to a laundry treatment device.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to supply steam to a plurality of clothes handlers.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to supply steam to a plurality of laundry machines using a single steam generating device.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to increase the efficiency of steam supply.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to supply steam by utilizing the pressure of a fan.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to improve energy efficiency of a laundry treatment apparatus.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to simplify the steam supply passage.

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

A laundry treatment apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a dryer including a first cabinet and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet.

The laundry treatment apparatus includes a refresher including a second cabinet disposed on one side of the first cabinet and having a space in which clothes are accommodated.

The laundry treatment apparatus includes a heating device including a condenser for heating air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet.

The laundry treatment device includes a steam generator disposed in the heating device to exchange heat with the condenser.

The steam generating device generates steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet.

The steam generating device may be disposed inside the first cabinet and positioned at a height corresponding to a lower portion of the drum.

The heating device may include a heat exchange channel in which the condenser is disposed.

Air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet may flow through the heat exchange channel.

The steam generator may be disposed above the heat exchange channel.

The heating device may include a condenser cover disposed above the condenser.

The condenser cover may be disposed between the heat exchange channel and the steam generator.

The steam generating device may be seated on an upper side of the condenser cover.

The steam generator may include a heat exchange plate disposed above the heat exchange channel.

The heat exchange plate may be coupled to the condenser cover.

The heat exchange plate may include an edge coupled to the condenser cover.

The heat exchange plate may include a body protruding downward from the edge.

The condenser cover may include a body accommodating groove into which the body is inserted.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a washing machine including a third cabinet, a tub, and a second drum disposed above and below the first cabinet.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a first water supply pipe supplying water into the tub.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a second water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe.

The second water supply pipe may be connected to the steam generator.

The laundry treatment device may include a fan that blows air heated by the heating device into the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet.

The steam generator may supply steam toward the fan.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a blowing duct in which the fan is accommodated.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a first air supply duct connecting the blower duct and the drum.

The laundry treatment device may include a second air supply duct connecting the blower duct and the refresher.

The steam generating device may supply steam into the blowing duct.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a discharge channel disposed between the condenser and the blowing duct.

The laundry treatment device may include a steam supply pipe connecting the steam generating device and the discharge channel.

The laundry treatment device may include a switching device for adjusting a direction of air discharged from the blower duct.

The laundry treatment device may include a first steam supply pipe connecting the steam generating device and the drum.

The laundry treatment device may include a second steam supply pipe connecting the steam generator and the refresher.

The laundry treatment device may include a hub connected to the first steam supply pipe and the second steam supply pipe.

The laundry treatment device may include a steam flow path switching device connected to the hub.

The first steam supply pipe may extend along an extension direction of the first air supply duct.

The laundry treatment device may include an auxiliary heater spaced apart from the steam generating device.

The auxiliary heater may be connected to the first steam supply pipe and the drum.

The laundry treatment device may include an inner plate disposed inside the second cabinet.

The inner plate may be connected to the second air supply duct.

The second steam supply pipe may be connected to the inner plate.

The second steam supply pipe may be spaced apart from the second air supply duct.

The steam generating device may include a first steam generating device generating steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet.

The steam generating device may include a second steam generating device generating steam supplied to the second drum and the inner space of the second cabinet.

The laundry treatment device may include a lower steam supply pipe connecting the first steam generating device and a lower portion of the refresher.

The laundry treatment device may include an upper steam supply pipe connecting the second steam generator and the refresher.

The laundry treatment device may include a steam outlet connecting the lower steam supply pipe and the refresher and opening toward the inner space of the second cabinet.

The laundry treatment device may include a steam discharge slit connecting the upper steam supply pipe and the refresher.

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

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, steam generated by the steam generator may be supplied to the dryer and the refresher.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, steam may be supplied to the dryer and the refresher with a single steam generator.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, steam supply efficiency may be increased by supplying steam using a fan pressure.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, energy efficiency may be improved by heat exchange between the condenser and the steam generator.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the steam supply passage may be simplified by the structure of the steam supply pipe.

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

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a conceptual diagram of a duct system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is an internal structure diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 is a perspective view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
7 is a diagram illustrating driving of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 is a cross-sectional view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is an exploded perspective view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 is a perspective view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 is an internal structure diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a perspective view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 is a rear perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
14 is a rear perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 , the outer appearance of the laundry treatment device A will be described.

A laundry treating apparatus (A) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more laundry treating machines. The laundry treatment machine refers to a device for washing, drying, and/or refreshing objects (eg, clothes, towels, blankets, etc.).

The laundry treatment device A may include a controller 81 (see FIG. 2 ) that controls driving of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , the refresher 3 , and the heating device 50 . The controller 81 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 81 may control the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, the refresher 3, and the heating device 50 based on electrical signals received from the control panel 8, which will be described later. The controller 81 may communicate with the control panel 8 .

The dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 may be arranged vertically. A control panel 8 may be disposed between the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 . The control panel 8 may be arranged vertically with the refresher 3.

The laundry treatment device A may include a heating device 50 . The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the dryer 1 . The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the refresher 3 . The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the washing machine 2 . The hot air supplied to each of the clothes processors may be introduced back into the heating device 50 and circulated.

The laundry treatment device A may include a machine room S (see FIG. 2 ). The machine room (S) may provide a space in which the heating device 50 is disposed. The machine room (S) may be a concept meaning a space in which the heating device 50 and components other than the heating device 50 are disposed.

The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the washing machine 2 . The heating device 50 may recover hot air supplied to the washing machine 2 .

The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the dryer 1 . The heating device 50 may recover hot air supplied to the dryer 1 .

The heating device 50 may supply hot air to the refresher 3 . The heating device 50 may recover hot air supplied to the refresher 3 .

The heating device 50 may supply steam to the washing machine 2 . The heating device 50 may supply steam to the dryer 1 . The heating device 50 may supply steam to the refresher 3 .

The heating device 50 may include a heat pump device. The heat pump device may include a compressor (not shown), a condenser 52, an evaporator 53, and an expansion device (not shown). The heating device 50 may include a fan 60 (see FIG. 5). The heat pump device may also be referred to as a "heat exchange unit".

The heating device 50 may be disposed vertically with the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1.

The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first cabinet 10 . The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the second cabinet 20 . The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the third cabinet 30 .

The washing machine 2, the dryer 1, and the heating device 50 (or the machine room S) may be arranged in a vertical direction, and the refresher 3 may be disposed on the side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1 (Lateral). side) can be placed. The heating device 50 may be disposed on a lateral side of the refresher 3.

Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1, a case in which the dryer 1 is disposed above the washing machine 2 and the heating device 50 is disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1 will be described as an example. . However, the vertical arrangement of the washing machine 2, the dryer 1, and the heating device 50 is not limited thereto.

The refresher 3 may be disposed on one side (lateral side) of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1 .

The width of the refresher 3 in the front and rear direction may be smaller than the width of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1 in the front and rear direction.

At the rear of the refresher 3, a rear case 310 in which a hot air passage or a steam passage to be described later is disposed may be disposed.

The washing machine 2 includes a second cabinet 20 having a second inlet 22 (see FIG. 2 ) formed on the front side, and a second door 21 rotatably connected to the second cabinet 20 .

The dryer 1 includes a first cabinet 10 having a first inlet 12 (see FIG. 2) formed on the front side, and a first door 11 rotatably connected to the first cabinet 10.

The refresher 3 includes a third cabinet 30 in which a space for storing clothes is formed and a third inlet 32 (see FIG. 3) is formed, and a third cabinet 30 rotatably connected to the third cabinet 30. It includes 3 doors (31). The third inlet 32 may be referred to as an “opening”.

The first cabinet 10, the second cabinet 20, and the third cabinet 30 are upper panels 103, 203, and 303, lower panels 104, 204, and 304, and front panels 101, 201, respectively. , 301), rear panels 102, 202, 302 and side panels 105, 205, 305.

Hereinafter, internal structures of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the heating device 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2 of the laundry treatment apparatus A by cutting them in the longitudinal direction.

The washing machine 2 includes a second cabinet 20, a second door 21 rotatably connected to the second cabinet 20, and a tub 23 disposed inside the second cabinet 20; A second drum 24 rotatably disposed in the tub 23 and accommodating clothes therein, a motor 25 transmitting power to the second drum 24, and It may include a drain pump 26 for discharging water to the outside, a water supply valve 27 connected to an external water source (not shown), and a drawer 28 for storing detergent.

The drain pump 26 may be connected to the tub 23 through the first drain pipe 261 . The drain pump 26 may discharge water introduced through the first drain pipe 261 and the drain pipe 532 to the outside of the laundry treatment device A through the second drain pipe 262 .

The water supply valve 27 may open and close a water supply line connecting an external water source (not shown) and the washing machine 2 . The water supply valve 27 may control the flow rate of water flowing into the washing machine 2 from the external water source.

The dryer 1 includes a first cabinet 10, a first door 11 rotatably connected to the first cabinet 10, and rotatably disposed in the first cabinet 10, and clothes therein. It may include a first drum 13 that is accommodated.

The heating device 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the second upper panel 203 . The heating device 50 may be disposed inside the first cabinet 10 .

The heating device 50 includes a condenser 52 that heats air by exchanging heat between a high-temperature refrigerant and air, a fan 60 that blows heated air through the condenser 52, and a heating device 50. It may include an evaporator 53 that cools and dehumidifies air by exchanging heat between introduced air and a low-temperature refrigerant. The condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 may also be referred to as "heat exchange units".

Air heated while passing through the condenser 52 (hereinafter referred to as "hot air") may be blown by the fan 60, and at least one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 1, or the refresher 3 Either one can be supplied.

The heating device 50 may be connected through the first drum 13 and the first air supply duct 43. The hot air generated by the heating device 50 may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to the inside of the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43 . The first air supply duct 43 may extend upward from the heating device 50 .

The heating device 50 may be connected through the tub 23 and the third air supply duct 48 . The hot air generated by the heating device 50 may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied into the tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 . The third air supply duct 48 may extend downward from the heating device 50 .

The hot air generated by the heating device 50 may be blown by the fan 60 and supplied to the outside of the laundry treatment device A through the dehumidifying duct 46 . Air blown by the fan 60 may be supplied to the indoor space through the dehumidifying duct 46 . An opening member 463 may be disposed in front of the dehumidifying duct 46 . The opening member 463 may open and close the front of the dehumidification duct 46 .

The air supply ducts 43, 45, and 48 may be named as any one of the first to third air supply ducts. For example, the air supply duct connected to the dryer 1 may be named the first air supply duct 43, the air supply duct connected to the refresher 3 may be named the second air supply duct 45, and the washing machine ( The air supply duct connected to 2) may be referred to as a third air supply duct 48.

Air supplied to the washing machine 2, the dryer 1, or the refresher 3 may be recovered by the heating device 50.

The heating device 50 may be connected through the first drum 13 and the first exhaust duct 41 . The hot air introduced into the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43 dries the laundry stored in the first drum 13, and then passes through the first exhaust duct 41 to the heating device 50. can be recovered within The first exhaust duct 41 may extend downward from the first drum 13 .

The heating device 50 may be connected through the tub 23 and the third exhaust duct 47 . The hot air introduced into the tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 dries the laundry accommodated inside the second drum 24 and is recovered into the heating device 50 through the third exhaust duct 47. It can be. The third exhaust duct 47 may extend upward from the tub 23 .

The exhaust ducts 41, 44, and 47 may be named as any one of the first to third exhaust ducts. For example, an exhaust duct connected to the dryer 1 may be referred to as a first exhaust duct 41, an exhaust duct connected to the refresher 3 may be referred to as a second exhaust duct 44, and a washing machine ( The exhaust duct connected to 2) may be referred to as a third exhaust duct 47.

The hot air generated by the heating device 50 is supplied to the washing machine 2, the dryer 1, and the refresher 3 to dry the clothes accommodated in the respective clothes processors 1, 2, and 3, and then to the heating device. It can be recovered as (50). That is, the hot air generated by the heating device 50 may be circulated within the laundry treatment device A. The hot air collected by the heating device 50 after drying the clothes accommodated in each of the plurality of clothes processors 1, 2, and 3 contains a larger amount of moisture than when drying the clothes stored in one clothes processor. .

The evaporator 53 heat-exchanges the air recovered into the heating device 50 with the refrigerant, lowers the temperature of the recovered air, and removes moisture contained in the air. The air recovered by the heating device 50 may exchange heat with the evaporator 53 to generate condensed water.

The heating device 50 may include a drain pan 531 disposed below the evaporator 53 . The drain pan 531 may accommodate condensed water generated in the evaporator 53 .

The drain pan 531 may be connected to the drain pump 26 through the drain pipe 532 . The drain pipe 532 may extend downward from the drain pan 531 and be connected to the drain pump 26 .

The condensed water accommodated in the drain pan 531 may flow into the drain pump 26 through the drain pipe 532 and may be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus A by the drain pump 26 .

The laundry treatment device A includes a steam generating device 9 that generates steam. The steam generator 9 may be disposed in the machine room S.

The steam generating device 9 may be disposed in the heating device 50. The steam generator 9 may be arranged to exchange heat with the condenser 52 . The steam generating device 9 may be disposed upstream of the fan 60. The steam generator 9 may be disposed above the condenser 52. The steam generator 9 may be disposed inside the first cabinet 10 . The steam generator 9 may be located at a height corresponding to the lower part of the first drum 13 .

Water introduced into the washing machine 2 through an external water source (not shown) may be supplied into the tub 23 through the first water supply pipe 271 . The water supply valve 27 may control the amount of water introduced through the first water supply pipe 271 . The washing machine 2 may include a first water supply pipe 271 supplying water into the tub 23 .

The steam generator 9 may receive water from the external water source (not shown). The steam generator 9 may receive water introduced through the first water supply pipe 271 . The laundry treatment apparatus A may include a second water supply pipe 99 (see FIG. 5 ) branched from the first water supply pipe 271 . The second water supply pipe 99 (see FIG. 5 ) may be branched from the first water supply pipe 271 and connected to the steam generator 9 . The steam generator 9 may receive water through the second water supply pipe 99 .

Hereinafter, the internal structure of the refresher 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . 3 shows the internal structure of the refresher 3 of the laundry treatment device A by cutting it in the longitudinal direction.

The refresher 3 may include a third cabinet 30 forming a space 33 in which clothes are accommodated.

The refresher 3 may include a hanger 36 on which clothes are hung and an inner plate 34 disposed below the inner space 33 .

The hanger 36 may be disposed between the third upper panel 303 and the third lower panel 304 and may be disposed closer to the third upper panel 303 than the third lower panel 304 .

The inner plate 34 may be disposed between the third upper panel 303 and the third lower panel 304, and may be disposed closer to the third lower panel 304 than the third upper panel 303. .

Clothes G accommodated in the inner space 33 of the third cabinet 30 may be positioned between the hanger 36 and the inner plate 34 .

The height H of the inner space 33 may mean a height between the hanger 36 and the inner plate 34 . The height H of the inner space 33 may be increased compared to when the heating device 50 is disposed between the inner plate 34 and the third lower panel 304 . Accordingly, unlike conventional refreshers, the refresher 3 of the present disclosure can accommodate clothing G having a large height in the vertical direction, such as a long coat or suit.

In addition, the refresher 3 of the present disclosure may have a front-and-back width corresponding to the width of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 1 in the front-and-back direction, compared to conventional refreshers. Therefore. The refresher 3 of the present disclosure can accommodate a larger amount of clothes in the front-back direction than the conventional refresher. The width W of the refresher 3 in the front-back direction may mean a width between the third door 31 and the third rear panel 302 .

A storage space 35 may be formed between the inner plate 34 and the third lower panel 304 . In the storage space 35, clothes of a relatively small volume, such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, and gloves, may be stored.

The inner plate 34 may be connected to the second air supply duct 45 . The third cabinet 30 may be connected to the second exhaust duct 44 .

The inner plate 34 may include a first plate 341 spaced apart from the upper side of the third lower panel 304 and a second plate 342 extending obliquely upward from the first plate 341. . The second plate 342 may obliquely extend upward from the first plate 341 toward the third rear panel 302 .

The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the second plate 342 . In the second plate 342, an air supply port 308 opened toward the inner space 33 may be formed. The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the air supply port 308 . The hot air supplied from the heating device 50 may be discharged to the inner space 33 through the air supply port 308 .

The second air supply duct 45 includes a first hot air duct 451 disposed behind the third rear panel 302 and a second hot air duct 452 disposed in front of the third rear panel 302. can include

The first hot air duct 451 may be disposed inside the rear case 310 . The second hot air duct 452 may be disposed within the storage space 35 . The first hot air duct 451 and the second hot air duct 452 may be coupled to the third rear panel 302 . The first hot air duct 451 may extend upward within the rear case 310 and be connected to the heating device 50 . The second hot air duct 452 may extend upward and be coupled to the second plate 342 .

The second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the third rear panel 302 . An exhaust port 309 opened toward the inner space 33 may be formed in the third rear panel 302 . The second exhaust duct 44 may be coupled to the third rear panel 302 to correspond to the exhaust port 309 . The hot air discharged into the inner space 33 of the refresher 3 may be introduced into the second exhaust duct 44 through the exhaust port 309 after drying the clothes G.

The second exhaust duct 44 may pass through the third rear panel 302 and extend into the rear case 310 . The second exhaust duct 44 may pass through the third rear panel 302 and extend downward within the rear case 310 to be connected to the heating device 50 .

The refresher 3 may include a roller 39 protruding downward from the third lower panel 304 . A plurality of rollers 39 may be disposed spaced apart in the front-back direction. The roller structure of the refresher 3 may be equally applied to the second lower panel 204 of the washing machine 2 . The rollers of the washing machine 2 and the refresher 3 can support the load of the laundry treatment apparatus A when the laundry treatment apparatus A is moved.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4 , the duct system DS in the laundry treatment apparatus A of the present disclosure will be described. In FIG. 4, the left side of the reference line Y shows the duct systems DS of the dryer 1 and the washing machine 2, and the right side of the reference line Y in FIG. 4 shows the duct system DS of the refresher 3. is shown. In FIG. 4, the left side of the reference line (Y) conceptually shows the duct system (DS) by cutting the dryer (1) and the washing machine (2) in a plane perpendicular to the left and right directions, and the right side of the reference line (Y) in FIG. is a conceptual illustration of the rear surface of the refresher 3 for the expression of the duct system DS. The orientation concept used in the description of FIG. 4 may be the same as that shown in FIG. 1 .

In FIG. 4 , the left side of the reference line Y may be referred to as a first conceptual diagram S1 . In FIG. 4 , the right side of the reference line Y may be referred to as a second conceptual diagram S2 .

The "duct system DS" may be a concept collectively referring to passages through which hot air is circulated in the laundry treatment apparatus A. "Duct system DS" may be a concept that collectively refers to flow passages interconnecting the heating device 50, the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the refresher 3. "Duct system DS" may be a concept collectively referring to passages through which air heated by the heating device 50 flows.

The heating device 50 may heat air and supply the heated air to the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the refresher 3, respectively.

The duct system DS may include a heat exchange channel 42 through which air is heated. The duct system DS may include a first air supply duct 43 connecting the heating device 50 and the dryer 1. The duct system DS may include a second air supply duct 45 connecting the heating device 50 and the refresher 3. The duct system DS may include a third air supply duct 48 connecting the heating device 50 and the washing machine 2. The duct system DS may include a dehumidifying duct 46 connected to the heating device 50 . The heated air passing through the heat exchange channel 42 is blown by the fan 60 to form the first air supply duct 43, the second air supply duct 45, the third air supply duct 48 and the dehumidification duct 46. ) may be supplied with at least one of them.

The duct system DS may include a first exhaust duct 41 connecting the heating device 50 and the dryer 1. The duct system DS may include a second exhaust duct 44 connecting the heating device 50 and the refresher 3. The duct system DS may include a third exhaust duct 47 connecting the heating device 50 and the washing machine 2 . The heated air supplied to the dryer 1 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the first exhaust duct 41 . The heated air supplied to the refresher 3 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the second exhaust duct 44 . The heated air supplied to the washing machine 2 may flow into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third exhaust duct 47 .

A heat exchange channel 42 through which air flows may be provided inside the heating device 50 . The heating device 50 may include a heat exchange unit disposed in the heat exchange channel 42 . The heat exchange unit may heat air flowing in the heat exchange channel 42 . The heat exchange unit may include a condenser 52 and an evaporator 53 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a fan 60 . The fan 60 may blow air in the heat exchange channel 42 . A fan 60 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 52 . Air heated by heat exchange with the evaporator 53 and the condenser 52 may be blown by the fan 60 . The fan 60 may be disposed inside the heat exchange channel 42 .

Air blown by the fan 60 may be supplied to at least one of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , the refresher 3 , and the dehumidification duct 46 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a blowing duct 420 surrounding the fan 60 . The duct system DS may include a blowing duct 420 . The fan 60 may be disposed inside the blowing duct 420 .

The inner space of the blowing duct 420 may be part of the heat exchange channel 42 .

The fan 60 and the blowing duct 420 may be disposed at the discharge end 42B of the heat exchange channel 42 . The discharge end 42B may be located downstream of the condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 .

The blowing duct 420 may include a first discharge port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43 . The blowing duct 420 may include a second discharge port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45 . The blowing duct 420 may include a third discharge port 426 connected to the third air supply duct 48 . The blowing duct 420 may include a fourth discharge port 428 connected to the dehumidifying duct 46 .

The first discharge port 425 may protrude upward from the blowing duct 420 . The first air supply duct 43 may connect the first drum 13 and the first discharge port 425 .

The second discharge port 427 may protrude from the blowing duct 420 to a lateral side. The second air supply duct 45 may connect the third cabinet 30 and the second discharge port 427 .

The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the blowing duct 420 . The third air supply duct 48 may connect the tub 23 and the third discharge port 426 .

The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude from the blowing duct 420 to a lateral side. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude in a direction opposite to that of the second discharge port 427 . The dehumidification duct 46 may be connected to the fourth discharge port 428 .

Inside the blowing duct 420, the rotating body 71 of the switching device 70 may be disposed. The rotating body 71 may be connected to the driving motor 711 and rotate inside the blowing duct 420 . The air blown by the fan 60 is driven by the switching device 70 to flow through the first air supply duct 43, the second air supply duct 45, the third air supply duct 48, and the dehumidification duct 46. At least one of them may be introduced.

The hot air introduced into the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43 dries the clothes accommodated in the first drum 13, and then passes through the first exhaust duct 41 to the heat exchange channel 42. can be infiltrated. The first drum 13 may include a front cover 131 disposed on the front side and a rear cover 132 disposed on the rear side. The first air supply duct 43 may be connected to the rear cover 132 , and the first exhaust duct 41 may be connected to the front cover 131 .

The first exhaust duct 41 may connect the first drum 13 and the heat exchange channel 42 . The first exhaust duct 41 may extend downward from the first drum 13 and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42 .

A first inlet port 421 connected to the first exhaust duct 41 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42 . The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the heat exchange channel 42 . The first inlet port 421 may extend upward from the case 570 of the heating device 50 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a first opening/closing valve 41a disposed in the first exhaust duct 41 . The first on-off valve 41a can adjust the air flow rate in the first exhaust duct 41 .

The hot air introduced into the third cabinet 30 through the second air supply duct 45 dries the clothes accommodated in the third cabinet 30, and then passes through the second exhaust duct 44 to the heat exchange channel 42. can be infiltrated. The second air supply duct 45 and the second exhaust duct 44 may be connected to the third rear panel 302 of the third cabinet 30 .

The second exhaust duct 44 may connect the third cabinet 30 and the heat exchange channel 42 . The second exhaust duct 44 may extend downward from the top of the third cabinet 30 and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42 .

The second exhaust duct 44 may include a first duct section 441 located between the heating device 50 and the second cabinet 20 .

A second inlet port 422 connected to the second exhaust duct 44 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42 . The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42 . The second inlet port 422 may extend downward from the case 570 of the heating device 50 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a second opening/closing valve 44a disposed in the second exhaust duct 44 . The second on-off valve 44a can adjust the air flow rate in the second exhaust duct 44 .

The hot air introduced into the tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 dries the clothes accommodated in the tub 23 and then introduced into the heat exchange channel 42 through the third exhaust duct 47. .

The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the tub 23 and the heat exchange channel 42 . The third exhaust duct 47 may extend upward from the top of the tub 23 and be connected to the heat exchange channel 42 .

A third inlet port 424 connected to the third exhaust duct 47 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42 . The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the heat exchange channel 42 . The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the second exhaust duct 44 . The third inlet port 424 may extend downward from the first duct section 441 .

The third inlet port 424 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the second exhaust duct 44 . The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the tub 23 and the third inlet port 424 . The third exhaust duct 47 may connect the tub 23 and the second exhaust duct 44 . The air in the third exhaust duct 47 may merge with the air in the second exhaust duct 44 and be introduced into the heat exchange channel 42 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a third open/close valve 47a disposed in the third exhaust duct 47 . The third on/off valve 47a can adjust the air flow rate in the third exhaust duct 47 .

The hot air flowing through the dehumidifying duct 46 may be supplied to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus A through the outlet 462 opened toward the front. The hot air flowing through the dehumidifying duct 46 may be supplied to the indoor space through the discharge port 462 .

The dehumidifying duct 46 may include a second duct section 461 located between the heating device 50 and the second cabinet 20 .

An outside air inlet port 423 connected to the heat exchange channel 42 may be formed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42 . The outside air intake port 423 may extend forward from the heat exchange channel 42 . The outside air intake port 423 may extend forward from the second exhaust duct 44 .

The outside air inlet port 423 may protrude forward from one side of the second exhaust duct 44 . The outside air inlet port 423 may communicate the indoor space and the second exhaust duct 44 . Air in the outside air intake port 423 may be introduced into the heat exchange channel 42 by joining with air in the second exhaust duct 44 . The outside air inlet port 423 may include an outside air inlet 49 opened toward the front. The air introduced through the outside air inlet 49 may join the air in the second exhaust duct 44 and be introduced into the heat exchange channel 42 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a fourth open/close valve 49a disposed in the outside air inlet port 423 . The fourth open/close valve 49a can adjust the air flow rate in the outside air inlet port 423 .

Hereinafter, the arrangement of the steam generator 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 .

The steam generator 9 may be disposed inside the first cabinet 10 . The steam generating device 9 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the lower part of the first drum 13 .

A machine room S in which the heating device 50 is disposed may be formed below the first cabinet 10 . The steam generator 9 may be disposed in the machine room S.

The heating device 50 may include a condenser 52 that heats air supplied to the first drum 13 . The heating device 50 may include an evaporator 53 that exchanges heat with air introduced from the first drum 13 .

The steam generator 9 may be disposed above the condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 . The condenser 52 and the evaporator 53 may be disposed within the heat exchange channel 42, and the steam generator 9 may be disposed above the heat exchange channel 42.

Fan 60 may be disposed downstream of condenser 52 . The steam generating device 9 may be disposed upstream of the fan 60.

Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may be pressurized by the fan 60 and supplied to the dryer 1 or the refresher 3 .

Steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied to the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43 connected to the first discharge port 425 .

Steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied to the inner space 33 of the third cabinet 30 through the second air supply duct 45 connected to the second discharge port 427 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a steam supply pipe 93 extending from the steam generator 9 toward the fan 60 .

The steam supply pipe 93 may connect the steam generator 9 and the blowing duct 420 . The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to the inlet side of the fan 60. The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to a discharge channel 49a (see FIG. 8) disposed upstream of the fan 60.

The steam generator 9 may receive water through the second water supply pipe 99 .

The dryer 1 may include a water supply port 108 protruding outward of the first cabinet 10 .

The second water supply pipe 99 may extend from the water supply port 108 toward the steam generator 9 . The second water supply pipe 99 may connect the water supply port 108 and the steam generator 9 . However, the second water supply pipe 99 may be branched from the first water supply pipe 271 connected to the tub 23 and directly connected to the water supply port 108 . At this time, the second water supply pipe 99 may pass through the water supply port 108 and be connected to the steam generator 9 . The second water supply pipe 99 may refer to a water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe 271 and connected to the steam generator 9 .

Hereinafter, the driving principle of the switching device 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

The heating device 50 may include a condenser 52 and an evaporator 53 disposed in the heat exchange channel 42 . The heating device 50 may include a switching device 70 disposed at the discharge end 42B of the heat exchange channel 42 . The heating device 50 may include a recovery switching device 700 disposed at the inlet end 42A of the heat exchange channel 42 (see FIG. 4).

The fan 60 may blow heated air through the heat exchange channel 42 . The switching device 70 may adjust the direction of the air blown by the fan 60 .

Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may be pressurized by the fan 60 and supplied to the dryer 1 or the refresher 3 . The switching device 70 may adjust the flow direction of the steam pressurized by the fan 60 .

The steam supply pipe 93 may connect the blowing duct 420 and the steam generating device 9 . Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may flow into the blowing duct 420 through the steam supply pipe 93 .

The switching device 70 may be coupled to the blowing duct 420 . A fan motor 68 (see FIG. 8 ) providing driving force to the fan 60 may be coupled to the blowing duct 420 . The laundry treatment apparatus A may include a motor mount 64 coupled to the blowing duct 420 and to which the fan motor 68 is fixed. The switching device 70 and the motor mount 64 may be spaced apart.

The blowing duct 420 includes a first discharge port 425 connected to the first air supply duct 43, a second discharge port 427 connected to the second air supply duct 45, and a third air supply duct 48. A fourth discharge port 428 connected to the third discharge port 426 and the dehumidification duct 46 may be included.

The switching device 70 may adjust the blowing direction of the fan 60 so that air is discharged to at least one of the first to fourth discharge ports 425, 426, 427, and 428.

The switching device 70 may adjust the blowing direction of the fan 60 so that steam is discharged to at least one of the first to fourth discharge ports 425, 426, 427, and 428.

The steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be discharged to at least one of the first to fourth discharge ports 425, 426, 427, and 428 by driving the switching device 70.

Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may be supplied into the first drum 13 through the first air supply duct 43 connected to the first discharge port 425 .

Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may be supplied to the inner space 33 of the third cabinet 30 through the second air supply duct 45 connected to the second discharge port 427 .

Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may be supplied into the tub 23 through the third air supply duct 48 connected to the third discharge port 426 .

The switching device 70 may include a rotating body 71 rotatably provided inside the blowing duct 420 . The switching device 70 may include a driving motor 711 that rotates the rotating body 71 . The rotating body 71 may be rotated inside the blowing duct 420 by the driving motor 711 . The fan 60 may be disposed inside the rotating body 71 .

The driving motor 711 may rotate the rotating body 71 . A driving gear 712 may be fixed to the rotational shaft of the driving motor 711 . The driving gear 712 may be a pinion gear or a spur gear.

The driven gear 713 may engage with the driving gear 712 and rotate. The driven gear 713 may be fixed to the rotating body 71 and may be integral with the rotating body 71 . The driven gear 713 may be a ring gear. The driven gear 713 may be a ring-shaped rack.

The driving gear 712 and the driven gear 713 may be meshed with each other. By rotation of the drive gear 712 , the driven gear 713 may be moved in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the fan 60 . When the driven gear 713 is moved in the circumferential direction, the rotating body 71 to which the driven gear 713 is fixed may also be moved in the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft of the fan 60 .

The driving motor 712 may be disposed outside the blowing duct 420 . A cutout 714 may be provided on one surface (eg, rear surface) of the blowing duct 420 facing the rotating body 71 . The cutout 714 may be provided at a position corresponding to the driven gear 713 . A portion of the driving gear 712 may be inserted into the cutout 714 . The driving gear 712 and the driven gear 713 may be meshed with each other at the cutout 714 .

The rotating shaft of the driving motor 711 may be disposed parallel to the rear surface of the blowing duct 420. Accordingly, the volume occupied by the driving motor 711 and the driving gear 712 in the forward and backward directions can be reduced.

The driving motor 711 may be a motor capable of controlling a rotational position, a rotational angle, and a rotational direction. For example, the driving motor may be a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Alternatively, the driving motor 711 may be a step motor. The driving motor 711 may be electrically connected to the control panel 8 and/or the controller 81 . Rotation of the driving motor 711 may be controlled by receiving an electrical signal from the control panel 8 and/or the controller 81 . The control panel 8 and/or the controller 81 may control a direction in which hot air is supplied by controlling a rotation angle of the drive motor 711 .

Meanwhile, the driving motor 711 may rotate the rotating body 71 in various well-known ways in which the motor rotates the rotating body. For example, a belt-pulley type, meshing of a plurality of gears, or a rotating shaft of a motor may rotate integrally with the rotating body.

Figure 7 (a) is an example of operation when air and / or steam is supplied to the first air supply duct 43 by the driving of the switching device 70, Figure 7 (b) is a switching device 70 It is an example of operation when air and/or steam are simultaneously supplied to the first air supply duct 43 and the second air supply duct 45 by the driving of ).

The fan 60 may be a sirocco fan. The fan 60 may pressurize steam in a direction crossing the rotation shaft 61 by rotation. The fan 60 may pressurize steam in a direction in contact with the rotational direction. The steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be concentrated within a predetermined angular range around the rotation shaft 61 .

The fan 60 includes a rotating shaft 61 connected to the fan motor 68 and rotated, a plurality of blades 62 spaced apart in a radially outward direction of the rotating shaft 61, and a fan connected to the blades 62 ( 60) may include an outer body 63 extending along the rotational direction. The outer body 63 may have an annular shape. The rotating shaft 61 and the blade 62 may be connected through an outer body 63 . When the rotating shaft 61 rotates, the outer body 63 and the blade 62 may also rotate together with the rotating shaft 61 .

The rotating body 71 may include a rotating plate 71a having a driven gear 713, a scroll 71b connected to the rotating plate 71a, and a shaft through-hole 71c formed in the rotating plate 71a.

The rotating plate 71a may have a disk shape and may be located behind the fan 60 . The driven gear 713 may be formed in an annular shape on one side of the rotating plate 71a. The driven gear 713 may be integrated with the rotary plate 71a. When the driven gear 713 engages with the driving gear 711 and rotates, the rotating plate 71a may rotate in the same direction as the rotational direction of the fan 60 . The rotating plate 71a may include a shaft through-hole 71c through which the rotating shaft 61 passes. The rotating shaft 61 may pass through the shaft through-hole 71c and be connected to the fan motor 68 .

The fan 60 may be disposed between the heat exchange channel 42 and the rotating plate 71a. That is, the rotating plate 71a may be disposed at a rear side of the heat exchange channel 42 and the fan 60 . The rotating plate 71a may be disposed at a rear side of the fan 60 inside the blowing duct 420 .

The scroll 71b may be integral with the rotating plate 71a. When the rotating plate 71a is rotated, the scroll 71b may also be rotated. The scroll 71b may extend along the rotational direction of the fan 60 . The scroll 71b may be arranged to surround the fan 60 . The fan 60 may be disposed inside the scroll 71b.

The scroll 71b may include a supply channel 72 . The supply channel 72 may refer to a cut portion of the outer circumferential surface of the scroll 71b. The scroll 71b may cover the outside of the fan 60, and the supply channel 72 may mean an outside area of the fan 60 that is not covered by the scroll 71b. Steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be discharged to the outside of the blowing duct 420 through the supply channel 72 .

When the scroll 71b is rotated by the rotation of the rotating plate 71a, the position of the supply channel 72 may be changed. That is, the position of the supply channel 72 around the rotation shaft 61 may be changed by the rotation of the scroll 71b. The driving motor 711 may adjust the direction of the air discharged from the blowing duct 420 by changing the position of the supply channel 72 by rotating the scroll 71b.

A shape of a longitudinal section of the blowing duct 420 may be a square. Thus, interference between the scroll 71b and the blowing duct 420 can be eliminated by the rotation of the scroll 71b.

The blowing duct 420 includes a first wall 420a located on the upper side of the fan 60, a second wall 420b located on the lower side of the fan 60, and a third wall located on one side of the fan 60. (420c) and a fourth wall (420d) located on the other side of the fan (60).

The first discharge port 425 may protrude upward from the first wall 420a. The second discharge port 427 may protrude laterally from the third wall 420c. The third discharge port 426 may protrude downward from the second wall 420b. The fourth discharge port 428 may protrude laterally from the fourth wall 420d.

According to (a) of FIG. 7, the drive motor 711 may rotate the rotating body 71 at a first angle, and when the rotating body 71 is rotated at the first angle, the steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied to the first air supply duct 43 . At this time, the supply channel 72 may communicate only with the inner space of the first discharge port 425 . Accordingly, steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied only to the dryer 1 .

According to (b) of FIG. 7, the driving motor 711 may rotate the rotating body 71 at a second angle, and when the rotating body 711 is rotated at the second angle, the steam pressurized by the fan 60 Silver may be simultaneously supplied to the first air supply duct 43 and the second air supply duct 45 . At this time, the supply channel 72 may communicate with the inner space of the first discharge port 425 and the inner space of the second discharge port 427 . Accordingly, steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be simultaneously supplied to the dryer 1 and the refresher 3 . The supply channel 72 includes a first supply channel 72a communicating with the inner space of the first discharge port 425 and a second supply channel 72b communicating with the inner space of the second discharge port 427. can include Steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied to the dryer 1 through the first supply channel 72a. Steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be supplied to the refresher 3 through the second supply channel 72b.

The user can control the switching device 70 by inputting a signal to the control panel 8 . When a signal is input to the control panel 8, the signal is transmitted to the drive motor 711 to control the rotation angle of the drive motor 711. For example, when a user inputs a steam supply signal to the dryer 1 through the control panel 8, the drive motor 711 moves the supply channel 72 to the position shown in FIG. 7(a). (71) can be rotated. For example, when a user inputs a steam simultaneous supply signal to the dryer 1 and the refresher 3 through the control panel 8, the drive motor 711 switches the supply channel 72 as shown in FIG. 7(b). The rotating body 71 can be rotated to move into position.

While steam is being supplied to at least one of the dryer 1, the washing machine 2, and the refresher 3, the heat pump device may stop operating. A compressor (not shown) may be stopped while steam is supplied to at least one of the dryer 1 , the washing machine 2 , and the refresher 3 .

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the steam supply method of the steam generator 9 will be described.

The fan 60 may pressurize the air passing through the heat exchange channel 42 . The direction in which the air pressurized by the fan 60 is discharged by the rotation of the rotating body 71 may be adjusted.

The fan 60 may pressurize the steam generated by the steam generator 9 . The discharge direction of the steam pressurized by the fan 60 may be adjusted by the rotation of the rotating body 71 .

The steam generator 9 may include a chamber 91 in which water is stored. Water flowing through the second water supply pipe 99 may be stored in the chamber 91 .

The steam generator 9 may include a heating coil 92 for heating water stored in the chamber 91 . Water stored in the chamber 91 may be heated by the heating coil 92 and changed into steam. The heating coil 92 may generate steam by heating water stored in the chamber 91 .

The steam supply pipe 93 may supply steam generated in the chamber 91 to the fan 60 . The steam supply pipe 93 may connect the steam generator 9 and the blowing duct 420 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a discharge tunnel 49 disposed upstream of the fan 60 . The discharge tunnel 49 may protrude from the blowing duct 420 toward the heat exchange channel 42 . The blowing duct 420 may include a discharge tunnel 49 .

The discharge tunnel 49 may be disposed between the condenser 52 and the fan 60 . Air heated in the heat exchange channel 42 may be discharged from the heat exchange channel 42 through the discharge tunnel 49 . Air discharged from the heat exchange channel 42 through the discharge tunnel 49 may flow into the blowing duct 420 . Air introduced into the blowing duct 420 may be pressurized by the fan 60 .

The discharge tunnel 49 may include a discharge channel 49a communicating with the inside of the blowing duct 420 . Air heated in the heat exchange channel 42 may flow into the blowing duct 420 through the discharge channel 49a.

The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to the discharge tunnel 49 . The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to a discharge tunnel 49 that is part of the blowing duct 420 . The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to the discharge channel 93a. The steam supply pipe 93 may supply steam into the discharge channel 93a. Steam generated by the steam generator 9 may flow into the blowing duct 420 through the discharge channel 49a. The fan 60 may suck steam supplied into the discharge channel 49a.

Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the steam generator 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

The steam generator 9 may be arranged to exchange heat with the condenser 52 . The steam generator 9 may be disposed above the condenser 52.

The condenser 52 may include a condenser cover 524 covering an upper side of the heat exchange channel 42 .

The evaporator 53 may include an evaporator cover 534 covering an upper side of the heat exchange channel 42 .

The steam generator 9 may be combined with the condenser cover 524.

The steam generator 9 may include a heat exchange plate 95 coupled to the condenser cover 524 .

The heat exchange plate 95 may be disposed below the chamber 91 . The heat exchange plate 95 may face the condenser cover 524 in a vertical direction.

The heat exchange plate 95 may include first fastening holes 951 that are opened in the vertical direction.

The condenser cover 524 may include a second fastening hole 525 opened in a vertical direction.

The first fastening hole 951 and the second fastening hole 525 may correspond in a vertical direction.

The laundry treatment device A may include a fastening member 527 passing through the first fastening hole 951 and the second fastening hole 525 .

The fastening member 527 may couple the steam generating device 9 and the condenser cover 524 to each other. The fastening member 527 may fix the heat exchange plate 95 to the condenser cover 524 .

Heat generated in the condenser 52 may be conducted to the heat exchange plate 95 through the condenser cover 524 . Heat conducted to the heat exchange plate 95 may heat water in the chamber 91 .

The heat exchange plate 95 may include an edge 952 coupled to the condenser cover 524 . The edge 952 may include a first fastening hole 951 . Edge 952 may protrude outward of chamber 91 .

The heat exchange plate 95 may include a body 953 protruding toward the condenser cover 524 . The body 953 may protrude downward from the edge 952 . The body 953 may be integral with the edge 952 and may mean a convex portion of the heat exchange plate 95 downward.

The condenser cover 524 may include a body insertion groove 526 opened in a vertical direction. The body 953 may be inserted into the body insertion groove 526 . The body 953 may shield the body insertion groove 526 .

The body insertion groove 526 may communicate with the inside of the heat exchange channel 42 . The body 953 inserted into the body insertion groove 526 may face the condenser 52 . Heat generated in the condenser 52 may be transferred to the body 953 . At least a portion of the body 953 may be positioned within the heat exchange channel 42 .

The steam generating device 9 may include a terminal 92a for supplying power to the heating coil 92 . The terminal 92a may be connected to an external power source (not shown) and a wire (not shown).

The steam generator 9 may include a chamber cover 94 disposed above the chamber 91 . The chamber cover 94 may shield the inner space of the chamber 91 .

The chamber cover 94 may include a supply port 941 protruding outward of the steam generator 9 .

The steam supply pipe 93 may be connected to the supply port 941. The steam supply pipe 93 may connect the supply port 941 and the discharge tunnel 49.

The chamber cover 94 may include a water supply port 942 protruding outward of the steam generator 9 .

The second water supply pipe 99 may be connected to the water supply port 942 . The second water supply pipe 99 may supply water into the chamber 91 through the water supply port 942 .

Hereinafter, a steam generator 90 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11 .

The steam generator 90 may be disposed inside the first cabinet 10 and may be positioned at a height corresponding to the lower portion of the first drum 13 . The steam generator 90 may be disposed inside the machine room (S).

The steam generator 90 may be disposed above the condenser 52. The steam generator 90 may be arranged to exchange heat with the condenser 52 .

The steam generator 90 may include a hub 903a into which generated steam is introduced. Steam generated in the chamber 901 of the steam generator 90 may flow into the hub 903a.

The steam generator 90 may include a steam flow path switching device 903 for adjusting the flow direction of steam discharged from the hub 903a.

The steam flow path switching device 903 may be combined with the hub 903a. The steam flow path switching device 903 may be a valve.

The laundry treatment device A may include a first steam supply pipe 906 connecting the steam generating device 90 and the first drum 13 .

The first steam supply pipe 906 may be connected to the hub 903a. The first steam supply pipe 906 may extend toward the first drum 13 from the hub 903a. The first steam supply pipe 906 may extend along the extension direction of the first air supply duct 43 .

The dryer 1 may include an auxiliary heater 14 connected to the first steam supply pipe 906 . The auxiliary heater 14 may be disposed between the first steam supply pipe 906 and the first drum 13 . The auxiliary heater 14 may reheat steam introduced through the first steam supply pipe 906 . Steam reheated by the auxiliary heater 14 may be supplied to the first drum 13 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a second steam supply pipe 907 connecting the steam generating device 90 and the refresher 3 .

The second steam supply pipe 907 may be connected to the hub 903a. The second steam supply pipe 907 may extend from the hub 903a to the outside of the first cabinet 10 .

The laundry treatment device A may include a third steam supply pipe 908 connecting the steam generating device 90 and the tub 23 .

The third steam supply pipe 908 may be connected to the hub 903a. The third steam supply pipe 908 may extend from the hub 903a to the outside of the first cabinet 10 .

The heating device 50 may include a steam supply port 9081 to which the third steam supply pipe 908 is connected. The steam supply port 9081 may protrude to the rear of the first drum 13. A third steam supply pipe 908 extending from the tub 23 toward the steam generator 9 may be connected to the steam supply port 9081 .

The dryer 1 may include a water supply port 108 connected to the second water supply pipe 909 . The second water supply pipe 909 may supply water to the steam generator 9 . The description of the second water supply pipe 909 and the water supply port 108 may be equally applied to the description of the second water supply pipe 99 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 .

The steam flow path switching device 903 may adjust the direction in which steam generated in the chamber 901 is supplied.

The steam flow path switching device 903 may adjust the flow direction of steam introduced into the hub 903a. The steam flow path switching device 903 may be a valve.

The hub 903a may include a first supply port 9031 connected to the first steam supply pipe 906 . The first supply port 9031 may extend upward from the hub 903a.

The hub 903a may include a second supply port 9032 connected to the second steam supply pipe 907 . The second supply port 9032 may extend from the hub 903a to a lateral side.

The hub 903a may include a third supply port 9033 connected to the third steam supply pipe 908 . The third supply port 9033 may extend downward from the hub 903a.

The steam flow path switching device 903 may adjust the flow direction of steam so that the steam generated in the chamber 901 flows into at least one of the first to third steam supply pipes 906, 907, and 908.

The steam generator 90 may include a chamber 901 in which water is stored. The steam generator 90 may include a terminal 902a connected to an external power source (not shown) and a wire (not shown). The steam generator 90 may include a chamber cover 904 disposed above the chamber 901 . The steam generator 90 may include a water supply port 9042 connected to the second water supply pipe 909 . The steam generator 90 may include a heat exchange plate 905 coupled to the condenser cover 524 . The heat exchange plate 9051 may have a first fastening hole 9051 through which the fastening member 527 passes.

The description of the steam generator 9 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 may be equally applied to the steam generator 90 described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 .

The first steam supply pipe 906 may extend parallel to the first air supply duct 43 . The first steam supply pipe 906 may be connected to the auxiliary heater 14 . Steam introduced into the auxiliary heater 14 through the first steam supply pipe 906 may be reheated and supplied to the first drum 13 .

The second steam supply pipe 907 may extend to the outside of the first cabinet 10 . The second steam supply pipe 907 may be connected to the inner plate 34 .

The second air supply duct 45 may be connected to the inner plate 34 . The second steam supply pipe 907 may be spaced apart from the second air supply duct 45 .

The inner plate 34 may include a steam outlet 343 connected to the second steam supply pipe 907 . The steam outlet 343 may open toward the inner space 33 of the third cabinet 30 .

The third steam supply pipe 908 may extend to the outside of the first cabinet 10 . The third steam supply pipe 908 may extend into the second cabinet 20 . The third steam supply pipe 908 may penetrate into the second cabinet 20 and be connected to the tub 23 .

Hereinafter, steam generators 900 and 900a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14 .

The steam generators 900 and 900a are the first steam generator 900, the tub 23, and the refresher 3 that generate steam supplied to the inner space 33 of the first drum 13 and the refresher 3. ) may include a second steam generator 900a for generating steam supplied to the inner space 33.

In this embodiment (B), the dryer 1 may be disposed below the washing machine 2.

The first steam generator 900 may be disposed inside the dryer 1. The first steam generator 900 may be disposed under the dryer 1.

A heating device 50 may be disposed under the dryer 1, and the first steam generating device 900 may be disposed in the heating device 50.

The description of the first steam generator 900 may be equally applied to the description of the steam generators 9 and 90 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 .

The laundry treatment device B may include a first steam supply pipe 9006 connecting the first steam generator 900 and the first drum 13 .

The first steam supply pipe 9006 may extend along the extension direction of the first air supply duct 43 . The first steam supply pipe 9006 may extend parallel to the first air supply duct 43 .

The first steam supply pipe 9006 may be connected to the auxiliary heater 14 . Steam introduced into the auxiliary heater 14 may be reheated and supplied to the first drum 13 .

The laundry treatment device B may include a lower steam supply pipe 9007a connecting the first steam generator 900 and the refresher 3.

The lower steam supply pipe 9007a may extend to the outside of the first cabinet 10 . The lower steam supply pipe 9007a may be connected to the inner plate 34 . The inner plate 34 may have a steam outlet 343 connected to the lower steam supply pipe 9007a. The lower steam supply pipe 9007a may be spaced apart from the second air supply duct 45.

The lower steam supply pipe 9007a may extend from the rear to the front of the rear panel 302 of the third cabinet 30 .

The second steam generator 900a may be disposed inside the washing machine 2 . The second steam generator 900a may be disposed inside the second cabinet 20 and may be disposed above the tub 23 .

The laundry treatment device B may include a third steam supply pipe 9008 connecting the second steam generator 900a and the tub 23.

The third steam supply pipe 9008 may extend downward from the second steam generator 900a and be connected to the tub 23 .

The laundry treatment device B may include an upper steam supply pipe 9007b connecting the second steam generator 900a and the refresher 3.

The upper steam supply pipe 9007b may be connected to the middle height of the refresher 3. The upper steam supply pipe 9007b may be connected to the refresher 3 at a height between the first drum 13 and the second drum 24 .

The refresher 3 may include a steam discharge slit 38 connected to the upper steam supply pipe 9007b. The steam discharge slit 38 may be opened toward the inner space 33 of the third cabinet 30 . The steam discharge slit 38 may extend long in a horizontal direction. The steam discharge slit 38 may be formed on the rear panel 302 of the third cabinet 30 .

The upper steam supply pipe 9007b may extend from the rear to the front of the rear panel 302 of the third cabinet 30 . The upper steam supply pipe 9007b may be connected to the steam discharge slit 38 at the rear of the rear panel 302.

The laundry treatment device B may include a second steam supply pipe 9007 including an upper steam supply pipe 9007a and a lower steam supply pipe 9007b. The second steam supply pipe 9007 may supply steam to the inner space 33 of the refresher 3. The upper steam supply pipe 9007a and the lower steam supply pipe 9007b may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. Various modifications and implementations are possible by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, which may be implemented in various forms. Therefore, if the modified embodiment includes the elements of the claims of the present disclosure, it should be regarded as belonging to the scope of the present disclosure.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or combined in their respective components or functions (Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function).

For example, configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the coupling between configurations is not directly described, it means that coupling is possible except for cases where coupling is impossible (For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings). and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible).

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention (although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments Its, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art).

1: dryer 2: washing machine
3: refresher 50: heating device
52: condenser 60: fan
70: converter 9: steam generator

Claims (20)

a dryer including a first cabinet and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet;
a refresher including a second cabinet disposed on one side of the first cabinet and having a space for storing clothes therein;
a heating device having a condenser for heating the air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet; and
and a steam generator disposed in the heating device to exchange heat with the condenser and generating steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet.
According to claim 1,
The steam generator,
A laundry treatment apparatus disposed inside the first cabinet and positioned at a height corresponding to a lower portion of the drum.
According to claim 1,
The heating device,
a heat exchange channel in which the condenser is disposed and air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet flows;
The steam generator,
A laundry treatment device disposed above the heat exchange channel.
According to claim 3,
The heating device,
A condenser cover disposed above the condenser and disposed between the heat exchange channel and the steam generator;
The steam generator,
A clothes handling device seated on the upper side of the condenser cover.
According to claim 4,
The steam generator,
and a heat exchange plate disposed above the heat exchange channel and coupled to the condenser cover.
According to claim 5,
The heat exchange plate,
an edge coupled to the condenser cover; and
Including a body protruding downward from the edge,
The condenser cover,
A clothes handling apparatus comprising a body accommodating groove into which the body is inserted.
According to claim 1,
a washing machine including a third cabinet disposed vertically with the first cabinet, a tub disposed inside the third cabinet, and a second drum rotatably disposed inside the tub;
a first water supply pipe supplying water into the tub; and
and a second water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe and connected to the steam generator.
According to claim 1,
A fan disposed on a downstream side of the condenser and blowing air heated by the heating device into the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet;
The steam generator,
A laundry treatment device for supplying steam toward the fan.
According to claim 8,
a ventilation duct in which the fan is accommodated;
a first air supply duct connecting the blowing duct and the drum; and
A second air supply duct connecting the blowing duct and the refresher;
The steam generator,
A laundry treatment device for supplying steam to the inside of the blowing duct.
According to claim 9,
a discharge channel disposed between the condenser and the blowing duct; and
and a steam supply pipe connecting the steam generator and the discharge channel.
According to claim 9,
and a switching device for adjusting a direction of the air discharged from the blower duct.
According to claim 1,
a first steam supply pipe connecting the steam generator and the drum; and
and a second steam supply pipe connecting the steam generator and the refresher.
According to claim 12,
a hub connected to the first steam supply pipe and the second steam supply pipe; and
and a steam flow path switching device connected to the hub and controlling a flow direction of the steam generated by the steam generator.
According to claim 12,
A first air supply duct connecting the heating device and the drum,
The first steam supply pipe,
A laundry treatment device extending along the extension direction of the first air supply duct.
According to claim 12,
and an auxiliary heater spaced apart from the steam generator and connected to the first steam supply pipe and the drum.
According to claim 12,
a second air supply duct connecting the heating device and the refresher and supplying air to the inner space of the second cabinet; and
An inner plate disposed inside the second cabinet and connected to the second air supply duct;
The second steam supply pipe,
A clothes handling apparatus connected to the inner plate and spaced apart from the second air supply duct.
According to claim 1,
A washing machine including a third cabinet disposed vertically with the first cabinet, a tub disposed inside the third cabinet, and a second drum rotatably disposed inside the tub,
The steam generator,
a first steam generator generating steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet; and
and a second steam generating device generating steam supplied to the second drum and the inner space of the second cabinet.
According to claim 17,
a lower steam supply pipe connecting the first steam generator and a lower portion of the refresher;
an upper steam supply pipe connecting the second steam generator and the refresher;
a steam outlet connecting the lower steam supply pipe and the refresher and opening toward the inner space of the second cabinet; and
and a steam discharge slit connecting the upper steam supply pipe and the refresher, opening toward the inner space of the second cabinet, and extending in a horizontal direction.
a dryer including a first cabinet and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet;
a refresher including a second cabinet disposed on one side of the first cabinet and having a space for storing clothes therein;
a heating device for heating air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet;
a fan blowing air heated by the heating device; and
and a steam generating device configured to generate steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet and supply the generated steam to an inlet side of the fan.
a dryer including a first cabinet and a drum rotatably disposed inside the first cabinet;
a refresher including a second cabinet disposed on one side of the first cabinet and having a space for storing clothes therein;
a heating device disposed below the drum and heating air supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet; and
and a steam generating device that generates steam supplied to the inner space of the drum and the second cabinet and is disposed within the space where the heating device is located.

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