JP2024530294A - Clothes Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The clothing treatment device of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device that provides various and optimized combinations of multiple drum motions in each of the preheating section, constant rate drying section, falling rate drying section, and cooling section to prevent damage to clothing or shrinkage of clothing.

Description

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device capable of drying clothing.

A clothing processing device is a device that can wash, dry, or wash and dry clothing (items to be washed or dried), and is a concept that includes washing machines, dryers, and washing machines that also dry.

Recently, a clothing treatment device has appeared that uses a heat pump to dry clothes in a concentrated manner. Such a conventional clothing treatment device can dry clothes by supplying hot air generated by a heat pump to clothes placed inside a drum, and at the same time rotating the drum to evenly expose the clothes to the hot air.

Figure 1 shows the structure of a conventional clothing processing device that performs a drying process.

Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0121656, a conventional dryer has a drive unit 3 fixed to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1.

Specifically, this dryer includes a cabinet 1 and a drum 2, a circulation flow path 5 that circulates the air in the drum 2 to the outside, and a heat pump 6 that is received in the circulation flow path 5 and condenses and reheats the air. Water condensed by the heat pump 6 is stored in a water tank 9 using a pump 8. Meanwhile, even if vibration occurs in the drive unit 3 or a temporary external force is transmitted via the drive unit 3, the bottom surface 12 of the cabinet 1 can be prevented from being deformed or tilted.

Thus, in conventional dryers, the drive unit 3 is fixed to the bottom surface 12 of the cabinet 1, or to a base that is fixed to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 below the drum 2. In this dryer, because the drive unit 3 is not aligned with the axis of rotation of the drum 2, yet another structure is used to rotate the drum 2.

Specifically, the drive unit 3 includes a motor unit 34 fixed to the bottom of the cabinet 1, a rotating shaft 37 that rotates on the motor unit 34, a pulley 35 that rotates by the rotating shaft 37, and a belt 36 that connects the outer circumferential surface of the drum 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the pulley 35.

As a result, when the motor unit 34 rotates the rotating shaft 37, the pulley 35 rotates the belt 36, and the belt 36 rotates the drum 2. At this time, since the diameter of the pulley 35 is much smaller than the diameter of the drum 2, the dryer can omit a speed reducer. However, since the diameter of the pulley 35 is much smaller than the diameter of the drum 2, when the motor unit 34 rotates quickly, a slip phenomenon occurs in which the belt 36 slips off the drum 2 or the pulley 35. Therefore, this dryer has a problem in that the rotation acceleration of the motor unit 34 is limited to a predetermined level or lower, and there is a fundamental limitation in that the motor unit 34 must be gradually accelerated or decelerated to prevent the belt 36 from slipping when the drum 2 is rotated.

Therefore, conventional dryers are unable to quickly switch the rotation direction of drum 2, are unable to control the rotation of drum 2, or are unable to change the rotation direction of drum 2.

As a result, conventional clothing processing devices have a structure in which the drum is rotated by a belt and pulley, and because it is difficult to change the drum speed during the drying process, they use a method of controlling the operation of the heat pump according to the dryness of the clothes to prevent the clothes from being over-dried and damaged by the hot air.

For example, see Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0023715. Conventional clothing treatment devices divide the drying process into a preheating section, a constant rate drying section, a falling rate drying section, and a cooling section depending on the state of the heat pump and the dryness of the clothing, and protect the clothing by controlling the temperature or volume of the hot air supplied to the drum in each section.

Figure 2 shows the drum rotation speed when drying clothes using a conventional clothes drying device.

When the drying process is carried out in a conventional clothing processing device, which includes a preheating section, a constant rate drying section, and a falling rate drying section, the device only performs a tumbling motion in which the clothing rises and falls while being exposed to the hot air supplied.

The tumbling motion is a motion that rotates the drum so that clothes rise above the central area of the drum and then fall from areas below the high point of the drum to the bottom of the drum. For this reason, the tumbling motion rotates the drum at a speed of 1G or less in a specific direction, and the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum and are separated from it, falling down, so that the widest area is repeatedly exposed to the hot air, making it the most efficient drying motion.

However, when only the tumbling motion is applied during the drying process, there are problems such as damage to the clothes, such as wear and fuzzing, and shrinkage of the clothes, such as changes in the fiber diameter and fiber spacing.

Figure 3 shows the problems that arise when performing a tumbling motion with a conventional clothing processing device.

Referring to FIG. 3(a), when the tumbling motion is performed, the clothes received inside the drum 2 are arranged in one of the following areas: a first area I where the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 2 and rotate; a second area II where the clothes do not come into contact with the inner wall of the drum 2 but have friction with each other; and a third area III where the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 2 and fall from inside the drum 2.

Referring to FIG. 3(b), the clothes located in the third region III of the drum are placed in a state where they are completely separated from the inner wall of the drum 2 and exposed to hot air, as in state 1. After this, the clothes come into contact with the inner wall of the drum 2, as in state 2.

However, due to the weight of the clothes and the acceleration of the fall, the clothes collide with the inner wall of the drum 200, as in state 3, and are pressed against the inner wall of the drum 200.

As a result, the clothes placed in the third area III are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and collide again, causing a drop impact. As a result, the fibers of the clothes themselves may be temporarily pressed, causing them to shrink or deform.

Referring to FIG. 3(c), the clothes located in the second area ii of the drum are separated from the inner wall of the drum 2, but are in contact with other clothes, or other parts of the same clothes are in contact with each other. In this case, when the drum 2 rotates at the second speed L1, clothes relatively close to the inner wall of the drum 2 and clothes relatively far from the inner wall of the drum 2 may rub against each other due to the difference in inertia. Therefore, the clothes located in the second area ii are subject to friction or wear against each other.

Referring to FIG. 3(d), the clothes located in the first region i of the drum may be attached to the inner wall of the drum 2 below the center O of the drum 2. When the drum 2 rotates at the second speed L1, the clothes located in the first region i cannot move completely simultaneously with the inner wall of the drum 2 due to inertia, so the clothes located in the first region i and the inner wall of the drum 2 rub against each other.

The tumbling motion creates friction between the clothes, or between areas of a single garment, and between the clothes and the drum 200. This can result in damage or wear to the clothes, and can cause fuzzing on the clothes.

The tumbling motion also subjects the garment to a vertical impact, which can cause the garment to become deformed or damaged by the impact, and can cause the interior space of the garment to shrink, potentially causing the garment itself to shrink.

As a result, although conventional clothing processing devices dry clothes using a tumbling motion, which is the most advantageous motion for drying clothes, they have a fundamental limitation in that they perform the tumbling motion throughout the entire drying process without considering the condition of the clothes, which can result in damage or shrinkage of the clothes.

Figure 4 shows the structure of a conventional clothing treatment device that can change the rotation speed and direction of the drum as desired. Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0065932, a clothing treatment device that performs a concentrated drying process recently has been developed in which a drive unit 3 is connected to a drum 2, and the rotation direction and speed of the drum can be changed.

However, this clothing treatment device also had the problem that there was no specific guidance on how to change and apply the drum rotation motion during the drying process depending on the condition of the clothing, and damage or shrinkage of the clothing could not be prevented.

In addition, conventional clothing processing devices have no specific examples of how to fix the drive unit 3 to the cabinet and rotate the drum 2, and are therefore limited in that they cannot be embodied in an actual product.

The problem that the clothing treatment device of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a clothing treatment device that can prevent damage to or shrinkage of clothing during the drying process.

The problem that the clothing treatment device of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a clothing treatment device that can prevent damage caused by wear and tear on clothing during the drying process and prevent fuzzing of clothing.

The problem that the clothing treatment device of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a clothing treatment device that can prevent clothing from shrinking during the drying process.

The present invention aims to provide a clothing processing device that can prevent specific clothing or specific parts from being over-dried during the drying process.

The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device that has a separate fabric protection course that can focus on preventing deformation and damage to clothing or preventing shrinkage.

The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device that can prevent clothing from being damaged by hot air.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device that changes the rotation speed and direction of the drum as the drying process progresses.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention has different drum rotation motions applied in the preheating section, constant rate drying section, falling rate drying section, and cooling section.

In addition, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention provides various and optimized combinations of drum motions in each of the preheating section, constant rate drying section, falling rate drying section, and cooling section to prevent damage to clothing or shrinkage of clothing.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention varies the drum rotation speed in the preheating section to prevent shrinkage and wear of the clothing. In this preheating section, the drum speed is repeatedly varied between above 1G and below 1G, allowing the clothing shrunk by water to expand. This increases the area of the clothing exposed to hot air in the subsequent constant rate drying section and falling rate drying section, inducing an early end to the drying process.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention can be further provided with a section in which the rotation speed of the drum is changed so that the clothing is dried evenly, while the clothing is continuously dried by rotating at a speed of 1G or less in the constant rate drying section.

In addition, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention can be provided with a section in which the clothing is rotated at less than 1G in the constant rate drying section to continuously dry the clothing, and the clothing is further accelerated to rotate at more than 1G to prevent the dried surface of the clothing from wearing out.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention can be provided with a section in which the drum rotation speed is further slowed down than in the constant rate drying section in order to reduce the impact of the drop in the falling rate drying section and prevent the clothes from shrinking.

The clothing treatment device of the present invention rotates the drum in the falling-rate drying section so that the clothing does not rise higher than the center of rotation of the drum, and can continue to maintain the space where moisture has evaporated from inside the clothing.

In addition, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention can include a section at the end of the falling-rate drying section where the drum rotation speed is accelerated to 1G or more to prevent fuzz from forming on the surface of the clothing.

The clothes treatment device of the present invention can maintain the internal temperature of the drum below a limit temperature throughout the entire drying process. This limit temperature is below 60 degrees Celsius, which ensures sterilization and prevents damage to the clothes.

To this end, the clothing treatment device according to the present invention can control the compressor's operating rpm to be gradually reduced each time the drying process is completed.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention can accelerate the compressor's operating rpm to the maximum in the preheating section, and then gradually reduce the rpm as the constant rate drying section and the falling rate drying section proceed. This allows the internal temperature of the drum to be raised in the preheating section and then maintained without further increase in the constant rate drying section and the falling rate drying section.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention has the effect of preventing damage or shrinkage of clothing during the drying process.

The clothing treatment device according to the present invention has the effect of preventing damage to clothing caused by wear and fuzzing during the drying process.

The clothing treatment device of the present invention has the effect of preventing clothing from shrinking during the drying process.

The present invention has the effect of preventing certain clothes or certain parts from being over-dried during the drying process.

The present invention has the advantage of being equipped with a separate fabric protection course that can focus on preventing deformation and damage to clothing or preventing shrinkage.

The present invention has the effect of preventing clothing from being damaged by hot air.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional clothing processing device.

1A and 1B are diagrams showing a drying process method of a conventional laundry processing device.

1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating problems with a conventional clothing processing device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another structure of a conventional clothing processing device.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a clothing processing device according to the present invention.

1 is a simplified diagram showing the inside of a clothing processing device of the present invention;

2 is an exploded oblique view showing the internal components of the clothing processing device separated from each other. FIG.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a driving unit in detail.

FIG. 2 shows a base and back plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram showing a coupling structure of a rear panel, a reducer, and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

2 is a rear view of a coupling structure of a reducer and a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

4 is a diagram showing a combination of a reducer and a motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

13A-13C are diagrams illustrating situations in which clothes are damaged or shrunk during the drying process.

1 is a diagram showing the change in volume of clothing due to the change in diameter of fiber L.

1 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a laundry treatment device of the present invention performs a drying process.

13 is a diagram showing the internal state of the heat exchanger 900 and the drum 200 when the air supply step S1 is performed. FIG.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the rotation stage of the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a tumbling motion.

13A and 13B are diagrams showing the state of clothes in a tumbling motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a pulling motion.

1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of clothes when the clothes processing device of the present invention performs a pulling motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a return motion.

A diagram showing the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a turning motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a drying motion.

A diagram showing the state of clothes when the rotation stage performs a drying motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a swinging motion.

13A and 13B are diagrams showing the state of the clothes when the rotation stage performs a swinging motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a rolling motion.

FIG. 13 shows the state of the garment when the rotation stage performs a rolling motion.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the rotation stage includes a stop motion.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a preheating section during an air supply step S1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a constant rate drying section A2 during an air supply step S1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotation step S2 applicable to a falling rate drying section during an air supply step S1.

FIG. 13 shows a rotation step S2 applicable in the cooling section during the air supply step S1.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention.

However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the explanation are omitted, and similar parts are given similar drawing symbols throughout the specification.

In this invention, duplicated descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

In addition, when a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component in this specification, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Furthermore, in this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

In addition, in this specification, the terms "include" and "have" are intended to specify the presence of embodied features, numbers, steps, motions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, motions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, in this specification, the term "and/or" includes any combination of listed items or any of listed items. In this specification, "A or B" includes "A", "B", or "A and B".

Figure 5 shows the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

A clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 100 that forms the exterior.

The cabinet 100 includes a front panel 110 that forms the front surface of the clothing treatment device, an upper panel 150 that forms the top surface, and a side panel 140 that forms the side surface. The side panel 140 includes a left panel 141 that forms the left side surface. The front panel 110 is provided with an opening 111 that communicates with the interior of the cabinet 100, and a door 130 that is rotatably connected to the cabinet 100 and opens and closes the opening 111.

An operation panel 117 is provided on the front panel 110. The operation panel 117 is provided with an input unit 118 through which a user inputs control commands, and a display unit 119 through which information such as user-selectable control commands is output. The control commands include drying courses or drying options that perform a series of drying processes. A control panel is provided inside the cabinet 100 for controlling the internal configuration to carry out the control commands input via the input unit 118. The control panel is connected to the internal configuration of the clothing processing device, and controls the configuration to carry out the input commands.

The input unit 118 includes a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the clothing processing device, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course from among multiple courses, and an execution request unit that requests the start of the course selected by the user.

The display unit 119 includes one of a display panel capable of outputting text and graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting audio signals and sounds.

Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a water storage tank 120 that stores moisture generated during the process of drying clothing. The water storage tank 120 includes a handle that can be pulled out from one side of the front panel 110. The water storage tank 120 collects condensed water generated during the drying process. Thus, the user pulls out the water storage tank 120 from the cabinet 100, removes the condensed water, and then reattaches it to the cabinet 100. As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can be installed in places where it is difficult to install, such as near a sewer outlet.

Meanwhile, the water tank 120 is located on the top of the door 130. This allows the user to bend down a little more when pulling out the water tank 120 from the front panel 110, which increases the user's convenience.

Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing the inside of the clothing treatment device of the present invention. The clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a drum 200 that is received inside the cabinet 100 and receives clothing, a drive unit that rotates the drum 200, a heat exchange unit 900 that supplies hot air to the drum 200, and a base unit 800 that is provided with a circulation flow path unit 820. The circulation flow path unit 820 is connected to the drum 200. Air discharged from the drum 200 is supplied to the circulation flow path unit 820. In addition, air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 is supplied again to the drum 200.

The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The driving unit is directly connected to the drum 200 to rotate the drum 200. For example, the driving unit is a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. As a result, the driving unit can control the rotation direction or the rotation speed of the drum 200 by directly rotating the drum 200 without using configurations such as a belt and pulley.

The motor unit 500 rotates at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at a much higher RPM than the RPM at which the clothes inside the drum 200 can rotate while still attached to the inner wall of the drum 200.

However, if the clothes inside the drum 200 are continuously attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 while it rotates, there is a problem that the drying efficiency decreases because the parts attached to the inner wall of the drum are not exposed to the hot air.

When the rotor 520 is rotated at a low RPM, the power and torque generated by the drive unit cannot be fully utilized because the clothes inside the drum 200 roll or get agitated instead of adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200.

Therefore, the driving unit of the clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a reducer 600 that can reduce the RPM and increase the torque while utilizing the maximum output of the motor unit 500.

The drive unit also includes a drum rotation shaft 6341 that is connected to the drum 200 and rotates the drum 200.

The drum 200 is cylindrical and receives the clothes. Also, unlike a drum used for washing, there is no need to put water into the drum 200 used only for drying, and liquid water condensed inside the drum 200 does not need to be discharged to the outside of the drum 200. Therefore, the through holes provided along the circumferential surface of the drum 200 may be omitted. In other words, the drum 200 used only for drying is different from the drum 200 used for washing.

The drum 200 is a one-piece cylinder, but is made up of a drum body 210 that includes a circumferential surface and a drum back surface 220 that forms the rear surface.

The drum body 210 has an inlet 211 at the front through which clothes are inserted and removed. A drive unit that rotates the drum is connected to the rear of the drum back 220. The drum body 210 and the drum back 220 may be connected by a fastening member such as a bolt, but are not limited to this and can be connected in various ways as long as the drum body 210 and the drum back 220 can be connected so as to rotate together.

The drum body 210 is equipped with a lift 213 that lifts the clothes inside to mix them as the drum rotates. When the drum 200 rotates, the clothes inside are repeatedly raised and dropped by the lift 213. The clothes inside the drum 200 are repeatedly raised and dropped, so that they come into uniform contact with the hot air. This has the effect of increasing the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time.

Reinforcing beads 212 are formed on the circumferential surface of the drum body 210. The reinforcing beads 212 are recessed or protruded from the inside/outside along the circumferential surface of the drum 200. A plurality of reinforcing beads are provided, spaced apart from each other. The reinforcing beads form a predetermined pattern and are provided on the inside/outside of the circumferential surface.

The reinforcing bead 212 increases the rigidity of the drum body 210. Therefore, even if a large amount of clothes is received in the drum body 210 or a sudden rotational force is transmitted by the drive unit, the drum body 210 can be prevented from twisting. In addition, when the reinforcing bead 212 is provided, the distance between the clothes and the inner peripheral surface is increased compared to when the circumferential surface of the drum body 210 is a flat surface, so that the hot air supplied to the drum 200 flows more effectively between the clothes and the drum 200. The reinforcing bead increases the durability of the drum, which has the effect of improving the drying efficiency of the clothes treatment device.

Normally, in a DD type washing machine, the drive unit is connected and fixed to a tub that receives the drum 200, and the drum 200 is connected to the drive unit and supported on the tub. However, since the clothes treatment device of the present invention is designed to perform the drying process in a concentrated manner, the tub that is fixed to the cabinet 100 to receive the drum 200 is omitted.

Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention further includes a support part 400 that fixes or supports the drum 200 or the drive part inside the cabinet 100.

The support part 400 includes a front plate 410 arranged in front of the drum 200, and a rear plate 420 arranged behind the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 are plate-shaped and arranged to face each other at the front and rear of the drum 200. The distance between the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 is set to be equal to or longer than the length of the drum 200. The front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 are fixed to and supported by the bottom surface or base 800 of the cabinet 100.

The front plate 410 is disposed between the drum 200 and the front panel that forms the front surface of the cabinet. The front plate 410 also has an insertion hole 412 that communicates with the insertion port 211. Since the front plate 410 has the insertion hole 412, clothes can be inserted into or removed from the drum 200 while the front surface of the drum 200 is supported.

The front panel 410 includes a duct connection portion 416 provided below the input communication hole 412. The duct connection portion 416 forms the lower surface of the front panel 410.

The front panel 410 includes a duct communication hole 417 that penetrates the duct connection portion 416. The duct communication hole 417 is hollow and guides the air discharged through the drum's inlet 211 to the underside of the drum 200. It also guides the air discharged through the drum 211 to the circulation flow path portion 820 located at the bottom of the drum 200.

The duct connection hole 417 is provided with a filter section (not shown) that filters lint or large particles of foreign matter generated from the clothes. The filter section filters the air discharged from the drum 200, preventing foreign matter from accumulating inside the clothes treatment device, and has the effect of preventing foreign matter from accumulating and interfering with air circulation.

Because the input port 211 is located at the front, it is preferable that the drive unit be provided on the rear plate 420 rather than the front plate 410. The drive unit is attached to and supported by the rear plate 420. In this way, the drive unit rotates the drum 200 with its position stably fixed by the rear plate 420.

At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 rotatably supports the drum 200. At least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 rotatably receives the front end or the rear end of the drum 200.

For example, the front of the drum 200 is rotatably supported by the front plate 410, and the rear of the drum 200 is separated from the rear plate 420 but is connected to a motor unit 500 attached to the rear plate 420 and indirectly supported by the rear plate 420. This minimizes the area where the drum 200 comes into contact with or rubs against the support unit 400, preventing unnecessary noise and vibrations.

Of course, the drum 200 may be rotatably supported on both the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420.

One or more support wheels 415 that support the front of the drum 200 are provided on the lower part of the front plate 410. The support wheels 415 are rotatably provided on the rear part of the front plate 410. The support wheels 415 can rotate while in contact with the lower part of the drum 200.

When the drum 200 is rotated by the drive unit, the drum 200 is supported by a drum rotation shaft 6341 connected to the rear. When clothes are placed inside the drum 200, the load applied to the drum rotation shaft 6341 by the clothes increases. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft 6341 may bend due to the load.

When the support wheel 415 supports the lower front part of the drum 200, the load on the drum rotation shaft 6341 can be reduced. This prevents the drum rotation shaft 6341 from bending and noise caused by vibration can be prevented.

The support wheels 415 are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of rotation of the drum 200 to support the weight of the drum 200. It is preferable that the support wheels 415 are provided at the lower left and right sides of the drum 200 to support the drum 200. However, this is not limited to this, and a greater number of support wheels 415 may be provided depending on the operating environment of the drum 200.

The circulation flow path section 820 provided in the base section 800 forms a flow path that circulates the air inside the drum 200 and reintroduces it into the drum 200.

The circulation flow path section 820 includes an inlet duct 821 into which air discharged from the drum 200 flows, an outlet duct 823 that supplies air to the drum 200, and a moving duct 822 that connects the inlet duct 821 and the outlet duct 823.

When air is exhausted from the front of the drum 200, the moving duct 822 is located on the front side of the circulation flow path section 820. Also, the exhaust duct 823 is located on the rear side of the circulation flow path section 820.

The exhaust duct 823 further includes a blower 8231 that exhausts air to the outside of the circulation flow path 820. The blower 8231 is provided on the rear side of the exhaust duct 823. The air exhausted through the blower 8231 moves to the drum 200.

A duct cover part 830 is attached to the upper side of the circulation flow path part 820 to cover a part of the open upper surface of the circulation flow path part 820. The duct cover part 830 can prevent air from flowing out of the circulation flow path part 820. In other words, the duct cover part 830 forms one side of the flow path through which the air circulates.

The heat exchanger 900 provided in the base 800 includes a first heat exchanger 910 provided inside the circulation flow path 820 to cool the air, and a second heat exchanger 920 provided inside the circulation flow path 820 to heat the air cooled by the first heat exchanger 910.

The first heat exchanger 910 dehumidifies the air discharged from the drum 200, and the second heat exchanger 920 heats the dehumidified air. The heated air is resupplied to the drum 200 to dry the clothes received in the drum 200.

The first heat exchanger 910 and the second heat exchanger 920 are provided as heat exchangers through which a refrigerant flows. When provided as heat exchangers through which a refrigerant flows, the first heat exchanger 910 is provided as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 920 is provided as a condenser. The refrigerant moving along the first heat exchanger 910 and the second heat exchanger 920 exchanges heat with the air discharged from the drum 200.

The heat exchanger 900 is provided in the circulation flow path unit 820 and includes a circulation flow path fan 950 that generates air flow inside the circulation flow path unit 820. The heat exchanger 900 further includes a circulation flow path fan motor 951 that rotates the circulation flow path fan 950. The circulation flow path fan 950 rotates by being supplied with rotational power by the circulation flow path fan motor 951. When the circulation flow path fan 950 is operated, the air that has been dehumidified by the first heat exchanger 910 and heated by the second heat exchanger 920 moves to the rear of the drum 200.

The circulation channel fan 950 is provided in one of the inlet duct 821, the moving duct 822, and the exhaust duct 823. Since the circulation channel fan 950 is provided to rotate, noise may be generated when the circulation channel fan 950 operates. Therefore, it is preferable that the circulation channel fan 950 is disposed behind the circulation channel section 820.

The circulation channel fan 950 may be provided in the blower 8231. The circulation channel fan motor 951 may be located behind the blower 8231. When the circulation channel fan 950 is rotated by the circulation channel fan motor 951, the air inside the circulation channel section 820 is discharged to the outside of the circulation channel section 820 via the blower 8231.

In order for the user to easily pull out the clothes inside the drum 200, it is preferable that the inlet 211 of the drum 200 is located at a relatively high position, and therefore it is preferable that the circulation flow path section 820 and the heat exchange section 900 are located at the bottom of the drum 200.

A rear plate 420 is provided behind the drum 200 to guide the air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 to the drum 200. The rear plate 420 is provided at a distance from the drum rear surface 220. The circulation flow path unit 820 is supplied with air from inside the drum 200 through the front plate 410 and supplies air to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420. The air discharged from the circulation flow path unit 820 is guided to the drum 200 through the rear plate 420.

The base 800 further includes a connector 850 that guides the air discharged from the circulation flow path 820 to the rear panel 420. The connector 850 guides the discharged air so that it spreads evenly across the entire area of the rear panel 420.

The connector 850 is provided in the blower 8231. That is, the connector 850 guides the air discharged from the blower 8231 to the rear panel 420. The hot air supplied to the rear panel 420 flows into the inside of the drum 200 via the drum rear panel 220.

The drum 200 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is not indirectly rotated by being connected to a belt or the like, but is directly connected to a drive unit located at the rear of the drum 200 and rotates. Therefore, unlike the drum of a conventional dryer, which is cylindrical with open front and rear ends, the rear of the drum of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is sealed and directly connected to the drive unit.

As described above, the drum 200 is cylindrical and includes a drum body 210 that receives the clothes, and a drum back surface 220 that is connected to the rear of the drum body 210 and forms the back surface of the drum.

The drum rear surface 220 is provided to shield the rear of the drum body 210 and provides a connection surface that is directly connected to the drive unit. That is, the drum rear surface 220 is connected to the drive unit and receives rotational power to rotate the entire drum 200. As a result, the front of the drum body 210 forms an input port 211 through which clothes are inserted, and the rear is shielded by the drum rear surface 220.

The drum rear surface 220 is provided with a bushing part 300 that connects the driving part and the drum rear surface 220. The bushing part 300 is provided on the drum rear surface 220 and forms the rotation center of the drum 200. The bushing part 300 may be provided integrally with the drum rear surface 220, or may be made of a material that is more rigid and durable than the drum rear surface 220 in order to be firmly connected to the rotating shaft that transmits power. The bushing part 300 is seated and connected to the drum rear surface 220 so as to be coaxial with the rotation center of the drum rear surface 220.

The drum back surface 220 includes a peripheral portion 221 that is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the drum body 210, and a mounting plate 222 that is provided inside the peripheral portion 221 and is coupled to the driving unit. The bushing portion 300 is seated on and coupled to the mounting plate 222. The rotating shaft that rotates the drum is coupled to the mounting plate 222 via the bushing portion 300, which has the effect of providing an even more solid coupling. In addition, deformation of the drum back surface 220 can be prevented.

The drum rear surface 220 includes suction holes 224 that are formed between the peripheral portion 221 and the mounting plate 222 and connect the front and rear of the drum rear surface 220. Hot air supplied through the circulation flow path portion 820 flows into the inside of the drum body 210 through the suction holes 224. The suction holes 224 are formed as a plurality of holes that penetrate the drum rear surface 220, or as a mesh-like net.

A driving unit that rotates the drum 200 is positioned behind the rear panel 420. The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that generates rotational power, and a reducer 600 that reduces the rotational force of the motor unit 500 and transmits it to the drum 200.

The motor unit 500 is disposed behind the rear plate 420. The motor unit 500 is also connected to the rear of the rear plate 420 by a reducer 600.

The reducer 600 is fixed to the rear surface of the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 is coupled to the rear surface of the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 provides a support surface on which the reducer 600 or the motor unit 500 is supported. However, this is not limited thereto, and the motor unit 500 may also be coupled to the rear plate 420.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of the clothing treatment device separated from each other.

The clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drum 200 for receiving clothing, a front plate 410 for supporting the front surface of the drum, a rear plate 420 located at the rear of the drum, a base 800 located at the bottom of the drum and providing a space for air inside the drum to circulate or for moisture contained in the air to condense, a motor unit 510, 520, 540 located at the rear of the drum and providing rotational power to the drum, a reducer 600 for reducing the rotation of the motor unit and transmitting it to the drum, and a rear cover 430 connected to the rear plate 420 to prevent the motor unit from being exposed to the outside.

The base 800 includes a circulation flow passage section 820 that communicates with the drum 200 and allows air to flow in from the drum or exhaust air to the drum.

The front plate 410 includes a front panel 411 that forms the front surface, and an input communication hole 412 that penetrates the front panel 411 and communicates with the drum 200. The front plate 410 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 411, surrounding the radial outside of the input communication hole 412, and is provided with a front gasket 413 that receives a part of the drum body 210.

The front gasket 413 supports the drum body 210 so that it can rotate freely, and is provided so that it can come into contact with the outer or inner surface of the inlet 211. The front gasket 413 can prevent hot air inside the drum 200 from leaking between the drum body 210 and the front plate 410. The front gasket 413 is made of a plastic resin or an elastic material, and another sealing member is further bonded to the front gasket 413 to prevent clothes or hot air from escaping from the drum body 210 to the front plate 410.

Meanwhile, the front panel 410 includes a duct communication hole 417 that penetrates the inner circumferential surface of the input communication hole 412. The front panel 410 also includes a duct connection portion 416 that extends below the duct communication hole 417 and forms a flow path that connects the drum body 210 and the circulation flow path portion 820.

The duct connection part 416 is connected to the drum body 210 via the duct communication hole 417, and the air discharged from the drum body 210 flows into the duct connection part 416 via the duct communication hole 417 and is guided to the circulation flow path part 820. Since the air discharged from the drum body 210 is guided to the circulation flow path part 820 by the duct connection part 416, there is an effect that the air inside the drum can be prevented from escaping.

The duct connection portion 416 is provided with a filter member (not shown) that filters foreign matter or lint from the air discharged from the drum 200 and prevents foreign matter from entering the circulation flow path portion 820.

The front plate 410 is rotatably mounted on the back of the front panel 411, and is provided with a support wheel 415 that supports the lower part of the drum 200. The support wheel 415 supports the front of the drum 200, which has the effect of preventing the rotating shaft connected to the drum from bending.

The front plate 410 has a water tank support hole 414 penetrating the front panel 411, through which the water tank 120 (see FIG. 1) in which condensed water generated during the drying process is pulled out or supported. If the water tank support hole 414 is provided on the upper side, the user does not have to bend down when pulling out the water tank, which increases the user's convenience.

The drum 200 that receives the clothes includes a drum body 210 with an inlet 211 at the front through which the clothes enter and exit, and a drum back surface 220 that forms the rear surface.

The drum rear surface 220 includes a peripheral portion 221 that is connected to the drum body 210, a suction hole 224 that is formed inside the peripheral portion 221 to penetrate the drum rear surface 220, and a mounting plate 222 that is provided at the rotation center of the drum rear surface 220 and is connected to the rotation shaft. Air flows into the rear of the drum through the suction hole 224.

The drum back surface 220 further includes reinforcing ribs 225 extending from the peripheral portion 221 toward the center of rotation. The reinforcing ribs 225 extend to avoid the suction holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 have the effect of preventing the rigidity of the drum back surface 220 from being reduced by the suction holes 224. The reinforcing ribs 225 extend radially from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting plate 222 toward the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral portion 221.

The drum back surface 220 further includes a circumferential rib 227 extending in the circumferential direction of the drum back surface 220 to connect the reinforcing ribs 225 to each other. The suction holes 224 are arranged between the reinforcing rib 225 and the circumferential rib 227 and between the peripheral portion 221 and the circumferential rib 227. The reinforcing rib 225 and the circumferential rib 227 have the effect of preventing the drum back surface 220 from deforming even when a rotational force is transmitted from the motor unit 500.

The inlet duct 821 is connected to the duct communication hole 417 of the front plate 410 and is provided to communicate with a flow path provided inside the front plate 410. The movable duct 822 extends from the end of the inlet duct 821 toward the rear of the drum 200, and the exhaust duct 823 is provided at the end of the movable duct 822 and is provided to guide air to the drum 200.

The blower 8231 is located downstream of the exhaust duct 823, and provides a space in which the circulation flow fan is installed. When the circulation flow fan operates, air flowing into the inlet duct 821 is discharged to the top of the blower 8231.

Meanwhile, the base 800 is provided with a heat exchanger 900 that cools and heats the air circulating inside the drum 200. The heat exchanger 900 includes a compressor 930 that is connected to the first and second heat exchangers and supplies compressed refrigerant. The compressor 930 is provided so as not to directly exchange heat with the circulating air, and may be located outside the circulation flow path 820.

The heat exchange unit also includes a circulation channel fan motor 951 that is supported behind the blower unit 8231 and rotates the circulation channel fan. The circulation channel fan motor 951 is coupled to the rear of the blower unit 8231.

Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a connector 850 that is connected to the circulation flow path portion 820 and directs the hot air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 to the rear of the drum 200 or to the rear panel 420.

The connector 850 is disposed at the top of the exhaust duct 823 and configured to guide the hot air heated by passing through the second heat exchanger 920 upward from the exhaust duct 823. The connector 850 is also connected to an opening provided on the upper side of the blower 8231.

The connector 850 is configured to form a flow path therein. The connector 850 is configured to uniformly guide the air flow generated by the circulation flow path fan to the rear panel 420. That is, the connector 850 is configured so that the area of the flow path increases as it moves away from the blower 8231.

The rear plate 420 is connected to the base 800 or supported by the base 800 and is located at the rear of the drum 200. The rear plate 420 includes a rear panel 421 facing the front plate 410, and a duct portion 423 recessed from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path through which air flows and directs air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 to the drum.

The rear panel 420 includes a mounting portion 425 to which the drive unit is coupled or supported. The mounting portion 425 is provided to pass through the rear panel 421 and is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion 423. The mounting portion 425 is provided at a distance radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion 423.

Here, the drive unit means the combination of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, as described above. The drive unit may also mean only the motor unit 500. In other words, the configuration that generates power and transmits the rotational power to the drum is called the drive unit.

The drive unit is attached to the mounting portion 425. The mounting portion 425 supports the load of the drive unit. The drive unit is connected to the drum 200 while being supported by the mounting portion 425.

The duct portion 423 is configured to receive a portion of the drum rear surface 220. The duct portion 423, together with the drum rear surface 220, forms a flow path through which air moves.

The drive unit is mounted on the mounting portion 425 so as to prevent interference with the duct portion 423. That is, the drive unit is disposed radially inward and spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the duct portion 423. The drive unit is mounted on the mounting portion 425, but the rear side is exposed to the outside and is cooled by the outside air.

The driving unit includes a motor unit 500 that provides power to rotate the drum 200. The motor unit 500 includes a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor 520 that rotates due to the stator 510.

The rotor 520 is provided as an outer rotor type that receives the stator 510 and rotates along the periphery of the stator 510. In this case, a drive shaft is coupled to the rotor 520, and the rotor 520 may be directly connected to the drum 200 by passing through the stator 510 and the mounting portion 425. In this case, the rotor 520 directly transmits the power to rotate the drum 200.

The rotor 520 is connected to the drive shaft via the washer part 540. The washer part 540 functions to connect the drive shaft and the rotor 520. The washer part 540 increases the contact area between the rotor 520 and the drive shaft, which has the effect of transmitting the rotation of the rotor 520 more effectively.

The reducer 600 is provided to connect the motor unit 500 and the drum 200. The reducer 600 converts the power of the motor unit 500 to rotate the drum 200. The reducer 600 is disposed between the motor unit 500 and the drum 200, and receives the power of the motor unit 500, converts it, and transmits it to the drum 200. The reducer 600 converts the rotor RPM to a smaller RPM, but increases the torque value and transmits it to the drum 200.

Specifically, the reducer 600 is coupled to the rotor 520 and to a drive shaft that rotates together with the rotor 520. The reducer 600 includes a gear assembly that rotates by meshing with the drive shaft inside, converting the rpm of the drive shaft but increasing the torque, and the gear assembly is coupled to the drum 200 and connected to a drum rotating shaft that rotates the drum. Therefore, when the drive shaft 530 rotates, the drum rotating shaft rotates at a slower rpm than the drive shaft but can rotate with a greater torque.

The performance of this reducer 600 depends on whether the drive shaft and the drum rotating shaft can be kept coaxial. In other words, if the drive shaft and the drum rotating shaft are misaligned, the parts that make up the gear combination inside the reducer 600 may loosen or become disengaged from one of the drive shaft and the drum rotating shaft. As a result, the power of the drive shaft cannot be accurately transmitted to the drum rotating shaft, or the drive shaft may spin freely.

In addition, if the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are misaligned even temporarily, the gears inside the reducer 600 will misalign and collide with each other, generating unnecessary vibrations and noise.

In addition, if the angle between the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft becomes too large even temporarily, the reducer 600 may come completely out of position or be damaged.

To prevent this, in a clothing processing device equipped with a reduction gear, it is usually preferable to fix the reduction gear 600 and motor unit 500 to a support that will not deform and will maintain its original state even when an external force is applied.

For example, in the case of a washing machine, the tub that receives the drum is first fixed to the cabinet, and then the motor and reducer are secondarily fixed to the bearing housing, which is made of a rigid body and is fitted inside the tub using an injection molding method. This means that even if a significant vibration occurs in the tub, the reducer and drive unit will tilt or vibrate together with the bearing housing and fixed steel plate. As a result, the reducer and drive unit themselves are always kept connected, and the drive shaft and rotating shaft can be maintained in a coaxial state.

However, since the clothing treatment device of the present invention is provided as a dryer, the structure of the tub fixed inside the cabinet is omitted. In addition, the rear panel of the cabinet is made of a relatively thin plate, and even if the stator 510 is fixed, the rear panel easily vibrates or bends due to the repulsive force generated when the rotor 520 rotates. If the rear panel vibrates or bends even temporarily, a problem occurs in that the centers of rotation of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, which are arranged in combination with the drum 200, become misaligned with each other.

In addition, since the rear panel is made of a thin steel plate, it is difficult to support both the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500. For example, if the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are connected to the rear panel side by side, a rotational moment is generated due to the overall length and weight of the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500, causing the reducer 600 to sag downward. As a result, the ram rotating shaft connected to the drum itself becomes misaligned with the reducer 600, and it is no longer possible to maintain the same axis as the drive shaft.

On the other hand, it is conceivable that the stator 510 is connected to the rear plate 420 and supports the motor unit 500. If a large amount of clothes is received inside the drum 200 or eccentricity occurs, the drum rotation shaft will shift in accordance with the arrangement of the clothes every time the drum 200 rotates. In this case, since the stator 510 is separated from the drum 200 and fixed to the rear plate 420, the drum rotation shaft vibrates at a different amplitude or tilts at a different angle from the stator 510. Therefore, the drum rotation shaft and the drive shaft cannot be kept coaxial.

From another perspective, the drum 200 is supported by the front plate 410 and the rear plate 420 and the position of the drum 200 is fixed at a predetermined level. Therefore, the position of the drum rotation shaft connected to the drum 200 is also fixed at a predetermined level. Therefore, even if vibration occurs in the drum 200, the vibration is buffered by either the front plate 410 or the rear plate 420.

However, when vibrations generated by the drum 200 are transmitted to the motor unit 500, even if the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are fixed to the rear plate 420, the vibration amplitude of the motor unit 500 and the rear plate 420 may be greater than the vibration amplitude of the drum rotation shaft. In this case, too, a problem occurs in that the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft cannot maintain their coaxiality.

To solve this problem, the clothing treatment device of the present invention connects and fixes the motor unit 500 to the reducer 600. In other words, the reducer 600 itself serves as a reference point for the entire drive unit. That is, the reducer 600 serves as a reference for the vibration and tilt angle amount of the entire drive unit.

Since the motor unit 500 is not fixed to other components of the clothing treatment device, but is fixed only to the reducer 600, when vibration or an external force is transmitted to the drive unit and the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates, the motor unit 500 always tilts or vibrates together with the reducer 600.

As a result, the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 form a single vibration system, and the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 can be maintained in a fixed state without moving relative to each other.

The stator 510 of the motor unit 500 is directly connected and fixed to the reducer 600. This prevents the position of the drive shaft 530 relative to the reducer 600 from changing. The center of the drive shaft 530 and the center of the reducer 600 are aligned with each other, and the drive shaft 530 rotates while maintaining the same axis as the center of the reducer 600.

The first axis M1 refers to an imaginary line extending in the front-rear direction along the center of rotation of the drum 200. That is, the first axis M1 is arranged parallel to the X-axis.

The second axis M2 and the third axis M3 refer to imaginary lines extending from the front to the rear of the clothing treatment device. That is, the second axis M2 and the third axis M3 are arranged parallel to the XZ plane or perpendicular to the Y axis.

The first axis M1 and the second axis M2 intersect with each other at the reducer 600. In addition, the first axis M1 and the third axis M3 intersect with each other at the mounting portion 425.

The reducer 600 and motor unit 500 are designed to be arranged along a first axis M1 parallel to the ground when there is no load on the drum 200 or when the motor unit 500 is not in motion.

However, if vibrations occur in the drum 200 or the motor unit 500, the vibrations are transmitted to the reducer 600, causing the reducer 600 to tilt, temporarily tilting along the second axis M2.

At this time, since the motor unit 500 is connected to the reducer 600, it vibrates or tilts together with the reducer 600. Therefore, the motor unit 500 is arranged next to the reducer 600 on the second axis M2. Therefore, the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft are also arranged next to each other along the second axis M2.

As a result, even if the reducer 600 tilts, the motor unit 500 moves together with the reducer 600, and the drive shaft and the drum rotation shaft remain coaxial.

The reducer 600 is connected and fixed to the rear plate 420. In this case, the reducer 600 tilts or vibrates while connected to the rear plate 420, so that the rear plate 420 serves as the center of a vibration system including the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, and the drum 200. In this case, too, the motor unit 500 is not directly connected to the rear plate 420, but is connected and fixed only to the reducer 600.

When the reducer 600, motor unit 500, and drum 200 are arranged side by side along the first axis M1, vibrations of the drum 200 and motor unit 500 can cause the reducer 600 to tilt along the third axis M3. The third axis M3 passes through the reducer 600 which is connected to the rear panel 420. At this time, since the reducer 600 and motor unit 500 are connected, the motor unit 500 also tilts along the third axis M3, just like the reducer 600.

As a result, the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 are coupled to the reducer 600, and the motor unit 500 and the drum 200 tilt in line with each other or vibrate simultaneously with respect to the reducer 600.

The above definition of coaxial and coincident does not mean perfectly physically coaxial and coincident, but is a concept that allows for a range of error that can be recognized from a mechanical engineering perspective, or a range of a level that a person skilled in the art would recognize as coaxial or coincident. For example, the range in which the drive shaft 530 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 are misaligned within 5 degrees may be defined as a coaxial or coincident state. However, these angle values are merely examples, and the error allowable in design can be changed.

The drive shaft 530 rotates based on the reducer 600, but is fixed to prevent tilting, and the stator 510 is also fixed to the reducer 600, so the gap between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 is always maintained. As a result, collisions between the stator 510 and the rotor 520 can be prevented, and noise and vibrations that occur when the center of rotation changes as the rotor 520 rotates around the stator 510 can be fundamentally prevented.

The drum rotation shaft 6341 is arranged to extend from inside the reducer 600 toward the drum 200, vibrates together with the reducer 600, and tilts together with the reducer 600. That is, the drum rotation shaft 6341 is merely arranged to rotate with the reducer 600, and the installation position may be fixed. As a result, the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 are always arranged side by side to form a coaxial structure. In other words, the center of the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the center of the drive shaft 530 are maintained in a state of being aligned with each other.

Meanwhile, a sealing part 450 is provided between the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The sealing part 450 seals the gap between the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420 so that air that has flowed into the duct part 423 of the rear plate 420 does not flow out to the outside but flows into the suction hole 224.

The seals 450 are disposed on both the outer and inner surfaces of the duct portion 423. A first seal 451 is provided on the radially outer side of the duct portion 423, and a second seal 452 is provided on the radially inner side. The first seal 451 prevents hot air from escaping radially outward between the drum back surface 220 and the duct portion 423, and the second seal 452 prevents hot air from escaping radially inward between the drum back surface 220 and the duct portion 423.

In other words, the sealing portions 450 are disposed on the radially outer and inner sides of the suction hole 224. The first seal 451 is disposed on the radially outer side of the suction hole 224, and the second seal 452 is disposed on the radially inner side of the suction hole 224.

The sealing part 450 is preferably in contact with both the drum back surface 220 and the back plate 420 to prevent the escape of hot air. As the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the clothing treatment device, continuous friction is applied to the sealing part 450 by the drum back surface 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing part 450 is made of a material that can seal between the drum back surface 220 and the duct part 423 without losing performance even in the presence of frictional force and frictional heat generated by rotation.

Meanwhile, the motor unit 500 or the reducer 600 is attached to the rear of the back panel 420, but since the back panel 420 is made of a thin iron plate, it may bend or deform due to the load transmitted to the reducer 600 by the reducer 600 and the drum 200. That is, it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the back panel 420 in order to accommodate the reducer 600, the motor unit 500, etc.

For this reason, the rear plate 420 further includes a bracket 700 to reinforce the rigidity of the connection. A bracket 700 is further connected to the rear plate 420, and the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500 are connected to the rear plate 420 by the bracket 700.

The reducer 600 is connected to the bracket 700 and the rear plate 420 at the same time. The reducer 600, rear plate 420, and bracket 700 are connected by penetrating them simultaneously using fastening members. The rear plate 420 is connected to the bracket 700 to ensure rigidity. The reducer 600, motor unit 500, etc. are connected to the rear plate 420, which has ensured rigidity.

The reducer 600 is first connected to the bracket 700, and the bracket 700 is then connected to the rear plate 420. That is, the reducer can be fixed to the rear plate 420 via the bracket 700, rather than being directly connected to the rear plate 420.

On the other hand, when the motor unit 500 or the reducer 600 is attached to the rear of the rear panel 420, the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 are exposed to the outside. Therefore, they need to be attached to the rear of the rear panel 420 to prevent the motor unit 500 from discharging. In addition, the duct unit 423 is heated by the hot air. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the rear surface of the duct unit 423.

The rear cover 430 is attached to the rear of the rear plate 420 to prevent the duct part 423 and the motor part 500 or the reducer 600 from being exposed to the outside. The rear cover 430 is disposed apart from the duct part 423 and the driving part.

The rear cover 430 has the effect of preventing the motor unit 500 from being damaged by external interference and preventing heat loss through the duct unit 423, which reduces drying efficiency.

Figure 8 shows the appearance of a reducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

*The reducer 600 includes reducer housings 610, 620 that form the exterior. The reducer housing includes a first housing 610 that faces the drum and a second housing 620 that faces the motor section.

The reducer 600 includes a gear box. The gear box is configured to receive power from the motor section, convert the RPM of the motor section to a smaller RPM, increase the torque value, and transmit it to the drum. Most of the gear box is received inside the second housing 620, and the first housing 610 shields the inside of the reducer 600. This allows the overall thickness of the reducer 600 to be reduced. A detailed configuration of the gear box will be described later.

The first housing 610 includes a first housing blocking body 611 that blocks the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 that extends from the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second housing 620. The first housing bearing portion 612 receives the drum rotation shaft 6341 and supports the drum rotation shaft 6341 so that it can rotate freely.

The first housing 610 includes a stator coupling portion 613 that supports the motor portion. The stator coupling portion 613 extends from the peripheral surface of the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing portion 612.

The stator coupling part 613 includes a stator fastening hole 615 to which the motor part is fastened. The stator fastening hole 615 is recessed from the stator coupling part 613. A separate fastening member is inserted into the stator fastening hole 615. The stator coupling part 613 and the motor part are fastened using the fastening member.

The first housing 610 further includes a coupling guide 614 that guides the coupling of the motor part. The coupling guide 614 extends from the peripheral surface of the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the first housing bearing part 612. The coupling guide 614 extends from the first housing blocking body 611 to be connected to the stator coupling part 613. The coupling guide 614 guides the position of the stator 510 when the stator 510 is coupled to the stator coupling part 613, thereby improving assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8, the second housing 620 receives the gear combination therein. In general, the gear box coupled to the reducer 600 includes a sun gear, planetary gears that revolve around the sun gear, and a ring gear that receives the planetary gears and guides the planetary gears to rotate. The second housing 620 includes a second housing combination 621 coupled to the first housing 610, a second housing barrier 622 that extends from the second housing combination 621 in a direction away from the first housing 610 and forms a space in which the gear box is received, and a second housing bearing portion that extends from the inner surface of the second housing barrier 622 in a direction away from the first housing 610 and supports the drive shaft 530.

The center of the first housing 610 and the center of the second housing 620 are designed to be positioned coaxially. It is advantageous in terms of power transmission if the drive shaft 540 and the drum rotation shaft 6341 are positioned coaxially. Therefore, it is preferable that the first housing bearing portion 612, which rotatably supports the drum rotation shaft 6341, and the second housing bearing portion, which rotatably supports the drive shaft 540, are connected to form a coaxial structure.

The drive shaft 530 is inserted into the second housing 620 and rotatably supported within the second housing 620. A washer part 540 that rotatably supports the rotor 520 is coupled to the drive shaft 530. The washer part 540 includes a receiver 542 having a shaft support hole 543 formed at its center in which the drive shaft 530 is received, and a washer coupling body 541 that extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the receiver and forms a surface to which the rotor is coupled. The shaft support hole 543 is provided in a groove shape that corresponds to a protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 530 so that the protrusion can be coupled thereto.

The washer part 540 includes one or more washer coupling protrusions 5411 that protrude from the washer coupling body 541 in a direction away from the reducer. The washer part 540 also includes one or more washer coupling holes 5412 that penetrate the washer coupling body 541.

The washer coupling protrusion 5411 is coupled to a receiving groove formed in the rotor. The washer coupling hole 5412 is used to insert a fastening member that passes through the rotor and couple the rotor to the washer part 540.

The washer connecting protrusions 5411 and washer connecting holes 5412 are provided in multiple alternating positions along the circumferential direction from the surface of the washer connecting body 541.

Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the drive unit in detail.

The drive unit includes a motor unit 500 that generates rotational power, and a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of the motor unit 500 and transmits it to the drum. The reducer 600 includes a drum rotation shaft 6341 that rotates the drum.

The motor unit 500 includes a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field when an external power source is supplied, and a rotor 520 that is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the stator 510. A permanent magnet is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 520.

The rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 510 causes the permanent magnets located on the inner surface of the rotor 520 to move in a predetermined direction, and the permanent magnets are fixed to the inner surface of the rotor 520. Therefore, the rotor 520 rotates due to the rotating magnetic field of the stator 510.

A drive shaft 530 is connected to the center of rotation of the rotor 520, which rotates together with the rotor 520 and transmits the rotational power of the rotor 520. The drive shaft 530 rotates together with the rotor 540. The drive shaft 530 is connected to the rotor 540 via a washer portion 540.

The drive shaft 530 is directly connected to the rotor 520, but when connected via the washer part 540, it is more firmly connected to the rotor 520, so that the rotational force of the rotor 520 can be transmitted more effectively. In addition, it has the effect of preventing the load from being concentrated on the drive shaft 530, thereby increasing the durability of the drive shaft 530.

The drive shaft 530 is directly connected to the drum, but because the drive shaft 530 rotates at the same speed as the rotor 520, it needs to be decelerated. Therefore, the drive shaft 530 is connected to a reducer, which is connected to the drum. That is, the reducer decelerates the rotation of the drive shaft 530 to rotate the drum.

The reducer 600 includes a first housing 610 that forms the exterior, a second housing 620, and a gear box 630 that reduces the power of the drive shaft 530. The second housing 620 provides a space to receive the gear box 630, and the first housing 610 shields the receiving space provided by the second housing 620.

The second housing 620 is composed of a second housing combination body 621 that is combined with the first housing 610, a second housing barrier body 622 that extends rearward from the inner surface of the second housing combination body 621 to form a receiving space and receives the gear box 630, and a second housing bearing portion 623 that extends rearward from the second housing barrier body 622 to receive the drive shaft 530.

The gear box 630 includes a ring gear 633 that is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the second housing blocking body 622. The inner circumferential surface of the ring gear 633 is provided with one or more planetary gears 632 that are gear-engaged with the ring gear 633, and a sun gear 631 that is gear-engaged with the planetary gears 632 and rotates with the drive shaft 530 is provided inside the ring gear 633.

The sun gear 631 is coupled to the drive shaft 530 so as to rotate. The sun gear 631 is provided as a separate member from the drive shaft 530, but this is not limiting, and the sun gear 631 may be formed integrally with the drive shaft 530.

The sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 may be provided as helical gears. When each gear is provided as a helical gear, noise is reduced and power transmission efficiency is increased. However, this is not limited thereto, and the sun gear 631, planetary gear 632, and ring gear 633 may be provided as spur gears.

As an example of the operation of the gear box 630, when the drive shaft 530 and the sun gear 631 connected to the drive shaft 530 rotate as the rotor rotates, the planetary gear 632, which is gear-coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the sun gear 631, rotates while being gear-coupled between the ring gear 633 and the sun gear 631.

The planetary gear 632 includes a planetary gear shaft 6323 that is inserted into the center of rotation. The planetary gear shaft 6323 supports the planetary gear 632 so that it can rotate freely.

The reducer further includes a first carrier 6342 and a second carrier 6343 that support the planetary gear shaft 6323. The planetary gear shaft 6323 is supported at the front by the second carrier 6343 and at the rear by the first carrier 6342.

The drum rotation shaft 6341 extends from the center of rotation of the second carrier 6343 in a direction away from the motor unit. The drum rotation shaft 6341 is provided as a separate component from the second carrier 6343 and is coupled to rotate together. Meanwhile, the drum rotation shaft 6341 extends from the second carrier 6343 and is formed integrally with the second carrier 6343.

The drum rotation shaft 6341 is connected to the drum to rotate the drum. As described above, the drum rotation shaft 6341 may be connected to the drum via a connector such as a bushing portion, or may be connected to the drum directly without a separate connector.

The drum rotating shaft 6341 is supported by the first housing 610. The first housing 610 includes a first housing blocking body 611 that blocks the receiving space of the second housing 620, and a first housing bearing portion 612 that extends from the first housing blocking body 611 in a direction away from the second housing 620 and receives the drum rotating shaft 6341. A first bearing 660 and a second bearing 670 are press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the first housing bearing portion 612, and support the drum rotating shaft 6341 for free rotation.

The first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are connected to each other via a reducer fastening member 681. The reducer fastening member 681 also penetrates the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 simultaneously to connect the two components. The reducer fastening member 681 also penetrates the first housing 610, the second housing 620, and the rear plate 420 simultaneously to connect the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 and fix the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420.

The rear plate 420 is made of a thin iron plate. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity to support the reducer 600, the motor unit 500 connected to the reducer 600, and the drum 200 connected to the reducer 600. Therefore, when connecting the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420, a bracket 700 is used to ensure the rigidity of the rear plate 420. The bracket 700 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the rear plate 420 and is connected to the front or rear surface of the rear plate 420.

The bracket 700 is attached to the front surface of the rear plate 420 to ensure the rigidity with which the reducer 600 is attached, and the reducer 600 is attached to the rear plate 420 and the bracket 700 at the same time. Fastening members such as bolts are used to connect the rear plate 420, the bracket 700, and the reducer.

Furthermore, in order to fix the reducer 600 to the rear plate 420, the reducer fastening member 681 used to connect the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be used. That is, the reducer fastening member 681 penetrates and connects the second housing 620, the first housing, the rear plate 420, and the bracket 700 all at once. When connected in this manner, the rear plate 420 is supported by the bracket 700 at the front and by the first housing 610 at the rear, so that the rigidity can be ensured even by the connection of the reducer 600. However, this is not limited thereto, and first, only the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are connected using the reducer fastening member 681, and then the reducer 600 is connected to the rear plate 420 using another fastening member.

In addition, a stator coupling part 613 to which the motor part 500 is coupled is formed on the radially outer side of the first housing 610. The stator coupling part 613 includes a coupling groove formed by recessing the stator coupling part 613.

The stator 510 may be directly connected to the rear plate 420, or may be connected to the stator coupling portion 613. The stator 510 includes a fixing rib 512 provided on the inner peripheral surface to support the stator. The fixing rib 512 is coupled to the stator coupling portion 613. The fixing rib 512 and the stator coupling portion 613 are coupled to each other by the stator coupling fin 617.

The motor unit 500 is connected to the reducer 600 while being spaced apart from the rear plate 420, so that the motor unit 500 and the reducer 600 form a single vibrating body. Therefore, even if vibration is applied from the outside, the drive shaft 530 connected to the rotor 520 and the drum rotating shaft 6341 connected to the reducer 600 can easily maintain the same axis.

The drum rotation shaft 6341 may shift in its axial direction due to vibration of the drum 200. However, because the motor unit 500 is connected to the first housing 610 that supports the drum rotation shaft 6341, even if the axial direction of the drum rotation shaft 6341 shifts, the axial direction of the drive shaft 530 also shifts similarly due to the first housing 610. In other words, the motor unit 500 moves together with the reducer 600, and the drum rotation shaft 6341 and the drive shaft 530 can maintain their coaxiality even when an external force is applied.

The above-mentioned coupling structure increases the efficiency and reliability of the power generated by the motor unit 500 being transmitted to the drum 200, and has the effect of preventing wear of the gear box 630, reduction in power transmission efficiency, and reduction in durability and reliability caused by axial misalignment between the drum rotating shaft 6341 and the driving shaft 530.

Figure 10 shows a base and back panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the rear plate 420 is located behind the drum. The rear plate 420 guides the hot air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 to the drum. That is, the rear plate 420 is located behind the drum and forms a flow path so that the hot air is evenly supplied to the entire drum.

The rear plate 420 includes a rear panel 421 that faces the rear surface of the drum, and a duct portion 423 that is recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to form a flow path. The duct portion 423 is provided by being pressurized rearward from the rear panel 421. The duct portion 423 receives a portion of the rear surface of the drum.

The duct portion 423 includes an inlet portion 4233 located behind the circulation flow path portion, and a flow portion 4231 located behind the drum. The flow portion 4231 receives a portion of the drum. The flow portion 4231 receives a portion of the drum and forms a flow path provided behind the drum.

The flow section 4231 is annular and faces the suction hole formed on the rear surface of the drum. The flow section 4231 is recessed from the rear panel 421. That is, the flow section 4231 is open at the front and forms a flow path together with the rear surface of the drum.

When the front of the flow section 4231 is open, the hot air that has moved to the flow section 4231 can move directly to the drum without passing through another component. This prevents heat loss that occurs when the hot air passes through another component. In other words, this has the effect of reducing heat loss of the hot air and increasing drying efficiency.

The rear plate 420 includes a mounting portion 425 provided on the radially inner side of the flow portion 4231. The mounting portion 425 provides a space to which the reducer 600 or the motor portion 500 is connected. That is, the rear plate 420 includes the mounting portion 425 provided on the inner side, and the flow portion 4231 provided in an annular shape on the radially outer side of the mounting portion 425.

Specifically, the flow portion 4231 includes an outer flow portion 4231a that surrounds from the outside the internal space through which the hot air flows. The flow portion 4231 also includes an inner flow portion 4231b that surrounds from the inside the internal space through which the hot air flows. That is, the outer flow portion 4231a forms the outer periphery of the flow portion 4231, and the inner flow portion 4231b forms the inner periphery of the flow portion 4231.

Furthermore, the flow portion 4231 includes a flow depression 4232 that forms the rear surface of the flow path through which the hot air moves. The flow depression 4232 is provided to connect the flow outer periphery 4231a and the flow inner periphery 4231b. That is, the flow inner periphery 4231b, the flow outer periphery 4231a, and the flow depression 4232 form a space through which the hot air discharged from the circulation flow path portion 820 flows.

In addition, the flow recessed surface 4232 prevents the hot air from leaking backward and guides the hot air toward the drum. In other words, the flow recessed surface 4232 refers to the recessed surface of the flow portion 4231.

The inlet portion 4233 faces the circulation flow path portion 820. The inlet portion faces the blower portion 8231. The inlet portion 4233 is recessed rearward from the rear panel 421 to prevent interference with the blower portion 8231. The upper side of the inlet portion 4233 is connected to the flow portion 4231.

The clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 850 connected to the blower 8231. The connector 850 guides the hot air discharged from the blower 8231 to the flow section 4231. The connector 850 has a flow path formed therein and guides the hot air discharged from the blower 4231 to the flow section 4231. That is, the connector 850 forms a flow path connecting the blower 8231 and the flow section 4231. The cross-sectional area of the flow path provided inside the connector 850 increases the farther away from the blower 8231.

The connector 850 faces the inlet portion 4233. The inlet portion 4233 is recessed backward to prevent interference with the connector 850. In addition, the upper end of the connector 850 is configured to separate the flow portion 4231 and the inlet portion 4233. That is, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 flows into the flow portion 4231 but is prevented from flowing into the inlet portion 4233.

The connector 850 is configured to supply hot air evenly to the flow portion 4231. The connector 850 is configured to increase in width as it moves away from the blower portion 8231. The upper end of the connector 850 is located along the circumferential extension of the flow outer periphery 4231a.

Therefore, the hot air discharged from the connector 850 does not move to the inlet portion 4233, but is supplied to the entire flow portion 4231. The connector 850 prevents the hot air from concentrating on one side of the flow portion 4231, and can supply the hot air evenly inside the drum. This has the effect of increasing the efficiency of drying clothes.

The connector 850 is configured to increase in width as it moves upstream, and the speed of the hot air moving along the connector 850 decreases according to the flow direction. That is, the connector 850 functions as a diffuser that adjusts the speed of the hot air. The connector 850 reduces the speed of the hot air, preventing the hot air from being concentrated and supplied only to a specific part of the drum.

Due to the shape of the connector 850 described above, the inlet portion 4233, which faces the connector 850 and is provided to prevent interference with the connector 850, is also provided to increase in width as it moves away from the blower portion 8231. Due to the shape of the inlet portion 4233, the overall shape of the duct portion 423 resembles the number 9 when viewed from the front.

The drum rotates during the drying process, so it is positioned at a certain distance from the flow section 4231. Hot air may flow out through this space.

Therefore, the clothing treatment device further includes a sealing part 450 that prevents hot air from leaking from the space between the drum and the flow part 4231. The sealing part 450 is located along the periphery of the flow part 4231.

The sealing portion 450 includes a first seal 451 provided along the outer periphery of the flow portion 4231. The first seal 451 is provided between the drum and the outer periphery of the flow portion 4231. The first seal 451 also contacts both the drum back surface 220 and the back plate 420, further effectively preventing leakage.

Meanwhile, the first seal 451 contacts the front surface of the connector 850. The first seal 451 also contacts the upper end of the connector 850. The connector 850 forms a flow path through which the hot air flows together with the flow portion 4231. Therefore, the first seal 451 contacts the connector 850, preventing the hot air from leaking between the drum and the connector 850.

The sealing portion 450 includes a second seal 452 provided along the inner periphery of the flow portion 4231. The second seal 452 is provided between the drum and the inner periphery of the flow portion 4231. The second seal 452 also contacts both the drum rear surface 220 and the rear plate 420. The second seal 452 prevents hot air moving along the flow portion 4231 from leaking in the direction of the mounting portion 425.

As the drum 200 rotates during the operation of the clothing treatment device, continuous friction is applied to the sealing part 450 by the drum back surface 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing part 450 is made of a material that does not lose performance even when subjected to frictional force and frictional heat generated by the rotation and that can seal between the drum back surface 220 and the flow part 4231.

Figure 11 shows the connection structure of the back panel, reducer, and motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the reducer 600 is supported by the rear plate 420, and the motor unit 500 is connected to the reducer 600. That is, the rear plate 420 supports both the reducer 600 and the motor unit 500.

Behind the rear panel 420 are located the motor unit 500, which provides the rotational power, and the reducer 600, which reduces the power of the motor unit and transmits it to the drum.

The reducer 600 is mounted on the rear panel 420 so as to be located inside the duct section 423. The reducer 600 is located radially inside the flow section 4231 so as to prevent interference with the flow section 4231.

The hot air moving along the flow part 4231 may damage the gear mechanism inside the reducer 600. Therefore, the flow part 4231 and the reducer 600 are arranged to be separated by a certain distance.

The reducer 600 is connected by penetrating the rear plate 420. Therefore, the reducer 600 is connected to the drum located in front of the rear plate 420.

The stator 510 is connected to the reducer 600. The stator 510 is connected to the reducer 600 and is spaced apart from the rear plate 420. At this time, the reducer 600 is located between the drum and the motor unit, and supports the drum and the motor unit at a distance from the rear plate 420. In other words, the reducer 600 serves as the center of support for the drum and the motor unit.

Meanwhile, the stator 510 includes a ring-shaped main body 511, fixed ribs 512 extending from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 511 and connected to the stator connection part 613 of the reducer, teeth 514 extending from the outer circumferential surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and wound around the coil, and a pole shoe 515 provided at the free end of the teeth 514 to prevent the coil from coming off.

The rotor 520 includes a rotor body 521 that is hollow and cylindrical. The rotor 520 also includes an installation body 522 that is recessed forward from the rear surface of the rotor body 521. The rotor 520 has permanent magnets arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the rotor body 521.

The rotor 520 is coupled to the drive shaft 530, and the rotational power of the rotor 520 is transmitted to the outside via the drive shaft 530. The drive shaft 530 is connected to the rotor 520 via the washer part 540.

Motor unit 500 also includes a washer unit 540 that supports drive shaft 530. Washer unit 540 includes a washer assembly 541 that is assembled with the rotor. Washer assembly 541 is disk-shaped.

The washer part 540 includes a receiver 542 that is received by the rotor. The receiver 542 protrudes rearward from the washer assembly 541. The washer part 540 includes a shaft support hole 543 that passes through the center of the receiver 542. The drive shaft 530 is inserted into the shaft support hole 543 and is supported by the washer part 540.

Furthermore, the washer part 540 includes a washer coupling hole 5412 that passes through the washer coupling body 541. Furthermore, the installation body 522 includes a rotor coupling hole 526 that is provided at a position corresponding to the washer coupling hole 5412. That is, the washer part 540 and the rotor 520 are coupled to each other by a coupling member that simultaneously passes through the washer coupling hole 5412 and the rotor coupling hole 526 to couple them. That is, the washer part 540 and the rotor 520 are coupled to each other so as to rotate together.

The washer part 540 also includes a washer coupling protrusion 5411 that protrudes rearward from the washer coupling body 541. The installation body 522 also includes a washer coupling protrusion receiving hole 525 that corresponds to the washer coupling protrusion 5411. The washer coupling protrusion 5411 is inserted into the washer coupling protrusion receiving hole 525 to support the coupling between the washer part 540 and the rotor 520.

The rotor 520 also includes a rotor mounting hole 524 that penetrates the center of the mounting body 522. The rotor mounting hole 524 receives a receiver 542. As a result, the washer part 540 rotates together with the drive shaft 530 through the rotor 520, firmly supporting the connection between the drive shaft 530 and the rotor 520. This has the effect of ensuring the durability and reliability of the entire motor part 500.

Figure 12 shows the combination structure of the reducer and stator according to one embodiment of the present invention from the rear.

The stator 510 is fixed to the reducer 600 and includes a ring-shaped main body 511, fixing ribs 512 extending from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 511 and connecting to the stator fastening holes 615 of the reducer, teeth 514 extending from the outer circumferential surface along the periphery of the main body 511 and around which the coil is wound, a pole shoe 515 provided at the free end of the teeth 514 to prevent the coil from coming off, and a terminal (not shown) that controls the supply of current to the coil.

The stator 510 includes a receiving space 513 that penetrates the main body 511 and is provided inside the main body 511. A plurality of fixing ribs 512 are provided at a predetermined angle from the inside of the main body 511 based on the receiving space 513, and a fixing rib hole 5121 in which a fixing member is provided is provided inside the fixing rib 512, and the fixing rib hole 5121 and the stator fastening hole 615 of the reducer are connected using a fixing member such as a fin.

When the stator 510 is directly connected to the reducer 600, a portion of the reducer 600 is received in the stator 510. In particular, when the reducer 600 is received in the stator 510, the thickness of the entire drive unit, including both the reducer and the motor unit, is reduced, further expanding the volume of the drum.

To this end, the reducer 600 is provided with a diameter smaller than that of the main body 511. That is, the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 are provided with a maximum diameter smaller than that of the main body 511. As a result, the reducer 600 is disposed with at least a portion received in the main body 511. However, the stator coupling part 613 extends from the reducer housing to overlap the fixing rib 512. As a result, the stator coupling part 613 is coupled to the fixing rib 512, and a portion of the first housing and the second housing 620 is located inside the main body 511.

Figure 13 shows the connection between the reducer and the motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The stator 510 is connected to the reducer 600. It is connected to a stator coupling part 613 that protrudes from the housing of the reducer 600 to the outside, and at least a part of the reducer is received inside the main body 511. This allows the center of the main body 511 and the centers of the drive shaft 530 and reducer 600 to always remain coaxial.

Meanwhile, the rotor 520 is positioned to receive the stator 510 at a predetermined distance from the pole bush 515. The rotor 520 is fixed to the reducer 600, whose drive shaft 530 is received in the main body 511, so that the gap G1 between the rotor 520 and the stator 510 can always be maintained.

This prevents the rotor 520 and the stator 510 from colliding with each other or from temporarily twisting and rotating in the stator 510, preventing noise and unnecessary vibrations from being generated.

On the other hand, a first imaginary diameter line K1 passing through the center of the reducer 600 and the center of the drive shaft 530, a second imaginary diameter line K2 passing through the center of the main body 511, and a third imaginary diameter line K3 passing through the center of the rotor 520 are all located at the rotation center of the reducer 600.

As a result, the reducer 600 itself becomes the center of rotation of the drive shaft 530, and since the stator 510 is directly fixed to the reducer 600, the drive shaft 530 is prevented from twisting with the reducer 600 as a reference. As a result, the reliability of the reducer 600 can be guaranteed.

Figure 14 shows how clothes can be damaged or shrunk during the drying process.

Referring to FIG. 14(a), the fiber L forming the garment has a predetermined thickness. For example, when the fiber L is in a dry cloth state, the diameter of the fiber L is a first diameter D1.

Since the fiber L is a material whose volume can be expanded or compressed, voids C containing air are arranged inside.

When the clothes go through the washing process and are immersed in water W, the fibers L themselves can contain water, but water can also fill the voids C.

Referring to FIG. 14(b), even when the garment is removed from the water W, the gap C may still contain water. In particular, since the fiber L itself acts as a capillary, the gap C may still be filled with water W even if the fiber L is placed in the air.

On the other hand, when the garment is pulled out from the water W, some of it shrinks due to the surface tension of the water. Therefore, when the fiber L is pulled out after being immersed in the water W, the diameter of the fiber becomes smaller to a second diameter D2, which is smaller than the first diameter D1.

Referring to FIG. 14(c), when the drying process is performed when the diameter of the fiber L is reduced, the water contained within the void C evaporates and an empty space is formed within the void C.

The fiber L generates a contraction force and a restoring force to fill the void C that has been rapidly recreated. As a result, the fiber L is contracted inward.

Referring to FIG. 14(d), when voids C are regenerated inside the fibers L and an external force F acts on the fibers L as the drum rotates, the voids C are eliminated. In other words, when the fibers L are subjected to a contraction force that tries to fill the voids C or even a drop impact F that is applied to the fibers L, the voids C are eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 14(e), when the void C is removed, the fiber L shrinks accordingly, and the diameter of the fiber L becomes a third diameter D3 that is smaller than the second diameter D2.

As a result, during the process of drying clothes using the clothes treatment device of the present invention, the diameter of the clothes' fibers L is reduced from the first diameter D1 to the third diameter D3.

Figure 15 shows the change in volume of clothing due to changes in the diameter of fiber L.

Referring to FIG. 15(a), the length of the portion of the garment in which the fibers L are combined is a first length T1, and the thickness of the portion of the garment is a first diameter D1.

Referring to FIG. 15(b), when the voids C are removed and the fibers l are shrunk, the length of the portion of the garment is shortened to a second length T2 that is shorter than the first length, and the thickness of the portion of the garment is also reduced to a third diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter D1.

As a result, the garment as a whole may shrink in both length and thickness during the drying process compared to its pre-drying state.

Furthermore, as clothes dry and become closer to a dry cloth state, even small friction can cause fuzz to form on the surface of the clothes.

Also, if the clothes are not dried and are in a wet state, and are heavier than they should be, the frictional forces increase when the clothes rub against each other or against the drum, causing wear on the surface of the clothes.

To prevent this, the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a drying process that prevents not only clothing shrinkage but also wear and tear on the clothing.

Figure 16 shows an example of the drying process performed by the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

Figure 16(a) shows the control steps that make up the drying process.

The control panel of the clothing treatment device of the present invention provides optional drying courses and options that perform a drying process to remove moisture from clothing received in the drum 200.

The control panel receives a selection command via the input unit 118 to select any one of the drying courses and options, and an execution command to execute the selected course and option.

The optional drying courses and options are configured with an algorithm that operates the drive unit and the heat exchange unit 900 to rotate the drum 200 and supply hot air to the inside of the drum 200 to perform the drying process.

For example, any drying course and option commonly includes an air supply stage S1 for supplying air to the drum 200, a rotation stage S2 for rotating the drum 200 during the air supply stage S1 to expose the clothes to air, and a temperature control stage S3 for controlling the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the refrigerant.

The air supply step S1, the rotation step S2, and the temperature control step S3 may be performed simultaneously during the drying process.

The air supply step S1 includes driving the heat exchanger 900 and the circulation channel fan 950 to supply hot air to the drum 200. The air supply step S1 also includes not driving the heat exchanger 900 but driving only the circulation channel fan 950 to supply relatively low temperature air to the inside of the drum 200.

Meanwhile, rotation step S2 and temperature control step S3 are performed to protect the clothes.

Specifically, the rotation step S2 and the temperature control step S3 are performed to carry out any drying course and option that performs the drying process. In addition, the rotation step S2 and the temperature control step S3 are performed to protect the clothes, such as preventing damage to the clothes and preventing shrinkage of the clothes.

For example, if any drying course and option performs the function of preventing damage to clothes and preventing shrinkage of clothes, a spinning step S2 and a temperature control step S3 are performed to protect the clothes.

In addition, if there is a fabric protection course to protect clothing, a rotation step s2 and a temperature control step S3 for protecting clothing are performed when the fabric protection course is performed.

Below, we will explain how the air supply stage S1, rotation stage S2, and temperature control stage S3 are carried out to protect the clothes.

The air supply step S1, the rotation step S2 and the temperature control step S3 may be performed when any drying course and option is performed, and may be performed when the fabric protection course is performed if there is a fabric protection course.

Figure 16(b) shows the control method for air supply stage S1.

The air supply step S1 also includes a step in which the circulation flow path fan 950 stops and the pump 861 operates when the first heat exchanger 910 is washed with water collected in the water collection section 860. As a result, the air supply step S1 also includes a section in which air is temporarily not supplied to the drum 200.

Meanwhile, since the driving unit is directly connected to the drum 200, the rotation speed and direction of the drum 200 are changed in the rotation step S2. That is, when the air supply step S1 is performed, the control panel drives the motor unit 500 to rotate the drum 200 via the reducer 600. The motor unit 500 changes the rotation speed and direction of the drum 200 according to the desired drying course and algorithm set in the options.

In general, the air supply step S1 is divided into a preheating period A1, a constant rate drying period A2, a falling rate drying period A3, and a cooling period A4 depending on one of the state of the heat exchanger 900, the operation time of the heat exchanger 900, the temperature of the air discharged to the circulation flow path unit 820, the dryness of the clothes, and the operation time of the motor unit 500.

Figure 16(c) shows a method for controlling rotation stage S2.

The rotation step S2 includes a high-speed section H in which the drum 200 is rotated at a first speed at which the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, and a constant-speed section L in which the drum 200 is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed so that the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and agitated each time the drum 200 rotates.

The first speed corresponds to a speed at which the drum 200 is rotated so as to generate a centrifugal force of 1 G or more on the clothes, or a speed higher than that, and the second speed corresponds to a speed at which the drum 200 is rotated so as to generate a centrifugal force of 1 G or less on the clothes.

The rotation step S2 is performed in the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

In addition, the rotation step S2 may be suspended for a predetermined time in at least one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4, but the air supply step S1 does not have to be suspended throughout any one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

In the rotation stage S2, various combinations of high-speed sections H and low-speed sections L can be arranged in the preheating section A1, constant-rate drying section A2, falling-rate drying section A3, and cooling section A4 to prevent damage to clothes, prevent shrinkage of clothes, and/or dry clothes.

Therefore, in the rotation stage S2, the high speed section H is used to attach the clothes to the drum 200, preventing friction and wear of the clothes, and the low speed section L is used to dry the clothes. When rotating at a speed slower than the second speed, the mechanical force applied to the clothes is reduced, preventing the clothes from shrinking.

The rotation step S2 can also be divided into a prevention section S21, a protection section S22, a separation section S23, and an exposure section S24 based on the function of protecting the fabric.

The prevention step S21 includes a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated at a speed equal to or faster than the first speed H1 at which the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum and rotate. That is, the prevention step prevents friction between the clothes and between the clothes and the drum 200 by rotating the clothes attached to the drum 200.

The prevention step S21 further includes a low-speed section L in which the clothes rotate at a speed lower than the first speed H1. Thus, the prevention step S21 may be arranged with a high-speed section H and a low-speed section L arranged periodically. Thus, the prevention step S21 agitates the clothes using the low-speed section L, thereby preventing only a specific area of the clothes from being over-dried in the high-speed section H and guiding the clothes to be dried evenly.

That is, the prevention step S21 includes a low-speed section L of the clothes, which not only protects the clothes but also dries them.

In the prevention step S21, one of the pulling motion and the drying motion described below is performed.

Prevention step S21 is performed in at least one of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3. In the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3, not only drying of clothes is required but also protection of clothes is required, so prevention step S21 is performed at least once in each of the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, and the falling rate drying section A3.

The preheating section A1 ends when the refrigerant temperature reaches a predetermined temperature TC from the starting temperature, the constant rate drying section A2 ends when the dryness reaches a set value c or the duration of the constant rate drying section A2 passes a reference time, and the falling rate drying section A3 ends when the dryness reaches a completion value e.

On the other hand, the prevention step S21 performed in the preheating section A1 is set to have a longer ratio of high speed sections H compared to low speed sections L than the prevention step S22 performed in the constant rate drying section A2 or the falling rate drying section A3. This is because in the preheating section A1, the clothes are in a wet state and therefore in a relatively large contracted state, so it is necessary to place many high speed sections H to maximize the expansion of the clothes.

In addition, in the prevention step S22 performed in the constant rate drying section A2 or the falling rate drying section A3, the ratio of the low speed section L is higher than that of the preheating section A1, further increasing the efficiency of drying clothes.

Meanwhile, the rotation step S2 rotates the drum 200 faster than the limit speed but slower than the first speed H1, and an exposure step S24 is performed to expose the clothes to air.

The exposure stage S24 is considered to be a stage aimed at drying the clothes, not protecting them. For example, the exposure stage S24 is a stage where tumbling motions, turning motions, etc. are performed.

On the other hand, in the constant rate drying section A2 or the falling rate drying section A3, the prevention step S21 is performed after the exposure step S24. As the drying of the clothes progresses in the exposure step S24 and the clothes become closer to dry cloth, the surface of the clothes is more likely to become fuzzed or damaged due to friction. Therefore, by performing the prevention step S21 after the exposure step S24, friction between clothes and between the clothes and the drum can be minimized.

The protection step S22 is a step that includes a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated at a speed equal to or lower than the second speed L1. Specifically, the protection step S22 includes a restricted section in which the drum is rotated at a restricted speed L3 that prevents the clothes from rising above the height of the center O of the drum.

In other words, protection step S22 reduces the impact of the drop on the clothes and also prevents friction between the drum and the clothes.

The protection step S22 minimizes the impact of the drop of the clothes, thereby maintaining the voids C in the fibers inside the clothes and preventing the clothes from shrinking. In addition to preventing the clothes from shrinking, the protection step S22 also agitates the clothes inside the drum 200 to dry the clothes.

Protection stage S22 corresponds to the rolling motion being performed.

In addition, the protection step S22 is performed in the falling-rate drying section A3 where drying has progressed considerably, in order to maintain the air gap C in the clothes.

Meanwhile, the rotation step S2 further includes a separation step S23 in which the drum is rotated at a first speed H1 or a second speed L1, and then rotated at an increased speed and then at a decreased speed, which is periodically repeated.

The separation step S23 separates the wet cloth from the dry cloth using the difference in the inertial force of the clothes according to the degree of dryness. Therefore, when the separation step S23 is performed in the constant rate drying section A2, the wet cloth is separated from the dry cloth and dried intensively, preventing the dry cloth from being over-dried.

The separation step S23 corresponds to the execution of a swinging motion.

The falling rate drying section A3 is a section in which it is more important to dry the clothes evenly since the clothes have been considerably dried. Therefore, separation step S23 is performed before entering the falling rate drying section A3, so that the clothes are separated according to their dryness, and the duration of the falling rate drying section A3 is significantly reduced.

In the falling-rate drying section A3, the protection step S22 is performed, followed by the prevention step S21. This is because, when the dryness of the clothes becomes high in the protection step S22, it is necessary to prevent friction between the clothes and the drum, and in the prevention step S21, the clothes are agitated and dried in the low-speed section L, and even in the high-speed section H, the area of the clothes that is not attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 is dried.

In the falling rate drying section A3, prevention step S21 is performed when the dryness reaches a predetermined value d.

As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention appropriately selects or combines the prevention step S21, protection step S22, and separation step S23 for each section of the air supply step S1 to prevent wear and tear on clothing, prevent clothing shrinkage, and dry clothing evenly.

For example, in the preheating section A1, a pulling motion is performed to prevent shrinkage of the wet cloth, in the constant rate drying section A2, a tumbling motion is used to dry the clothes, a hanging motion is used to prevent wear on the clothes, and a shaking motion, described below, is used to dry the clothes evenly, and in the decreasing rate drying section A3, a rolling motion, described below, is used to dry the clothes while preventing them from shrinking, and a hanging motion is used to prevent fuzzing on the clothes.

Depending on the type of course and option, for each section of the air supply stage S1, the rotation stage S2 appropriately selects a pulling motion, a drying motion, a tumbling motion, a turning motion, a rolling motion, or a stopping motion described below.

Furthermore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can apply any of the above-mentioned motions when performing the rotation step S2 in the air supply section S1.

Alternatively, the clothing processing device of the present invention may selectively perform only certain drum motions in certain sections.

For example, when a predetermined drying course and option is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may select from among the following when performing rotation step S2: performing a pulling motion in preheating section A1, performing a tumbling motion, drying motion or shaking motion in constant rate drying section A2, performing a rolling motion or drying motion in decreasing rate drying section A3, and performing a stopping motion in cooling section A4. That is, when performing rotation step S2, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may perform a pulling motion in preheating section A1 and a tumbling motion in the other sections.

Figure 16(d) shows the control method for temperature control step S3.

The temperature control step S3 is a step of controlling the operation of the compressor 930 to control the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the hot air supplied to the drum 200. In the temperature control step S3, the control method of the compressor 930 may be different in the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2, the falling rate drying section A3, and the cooling section A4.

The temperature control step S3 is a step of controlling the temperature inside the drum 200 so that it does not exceed the limit temperature T_limit at which the clothes are damaged. To this end, the temperature control step S3 includes a first step S31 of rotating the compressor 930 at a heating RPM (rpm_h), a second step S32 of rotating the compressor 930 at a constant rate RPM (rpm_cr) lower than the heating RPM, and a third step S33 of rotating the compressor 930 at a decreasing rate RPM (rpm-fr) lower than the constant rate RPM (see FIG. 17).

In other words, the temperature control step S3 can adjust the refrigerant temperature by gradually slowing down the operating RPM of the compressor 930 while the air supply step S1 is being performed, thereby controlling the temperature inside the drum 200 not to exceed the limit temperature T_limit. This can prevent the clothes from being overheated and damaged by the hot air.

Figure 17 shows the internal state of the heat exchanger 900 and drum 200 when air supply step S1 is performed.

The preheating section A1 is divided based on the operating time and operating conditions of the compressor 930. Specifically, when the drying process starts, the compressor 930 starts to operate, compresses the refrigerant, and discharges it to the second heat exchanger 920. At this time, the section from when the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 reaches a predetermined temperature TC from the start temperature T0 is set as the preheating section A1.

The predetermined temperature TC corresponds to the maximum temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 930 during the drying process. For example, it corresponds to 90 degrees Celsius.

Alternatively, the predetermined temperature TC corresponds to the temperature at which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 heats the second heat exchanger 920 at its maximum temperature.

Alternatively, the section until the operating HZ of the compressor 930 reaches either the heating HZ or the maximum HZ is set as the preheating section A1.

Alternatively, the period from when the compressor 930 starts operating until the initial time is reached is set as the preheating period A1.

On the other hand, the preheating section A1 may be set to a temperature at which the temperature of the air flowing through the circulation flow path section 930 reaches the heating temperature. The heating temperature is a temperature at which the moisture in the clothes is dried more than if it were naturally dried, and corresponds to 40 degrees Celsius. In other words, the section from when the heat exchange section 900 is activated until the air discharged into the circulation flow path section 930 reaches the heating temperature is determined as the preheating section A1.

As a result, the preheating section A1 is the initial section of the drying process, where the compressor 930 starts to operate and heats the second heat exchanger 920 to a predetermined temperature, thereby heating and preparing the air flowing inside the drum 200 or through the circulation flow path section 930 until the temperature is high enough to sufficiently dry the moisture in the clothes.

In the preheating section A1, the compressor 930 and the circulation channel fan 950 are operated to continuously introduce heated air into the drum 200. As a result, the temperature inside the drum 200 gradually increases, and moisture evaporates from the clothes.

In addition, the rotation step S2 is performed in the preheating section A1, and the clothes rotate in the drum 200, so that the surface of the clothes is evenly exposed to air. As a result, the clothes are dried even in the preheating section A1.

After the preheating section A1, the constant rate drying section A2 begins.

The preheating section A1 and the constant rate drying section A2 can be divided based on the dryness of the clothes.

Specifically, the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a dryness sensor capable of measuring the dryness of clothing. The dryness sensor is provided so as to be in contact with the clothing inside the drum 200. The dryness sensor may be attached to the front panel 410 or may be disposed on the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the front gasket 413.

The dryness sensor is configured as an electrode sensor that comes into contact with the clothes, measures the resistance value of the clothes, and calculates the dryness of the clothes.

Of course, the dryness sensor can take any form as long as it can measure the dryness of clothes.

When the dryness of the clothes reaches the reference value a, the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins. For example, the reference value a corresponds to 20%.

The constant rate drying section A2 is a section where hot air is sufficiently introduced into the drum 200 to thoroughly dry out moisture from the clothes.

In the constant rate drying section A2, a large amount of moisture evaporates continuously from the clothes, absorbing the heat of vaporization from the hot air. Therefore, in the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 increases to a smaller extent than in the preheating section A1 or is maintained at a predetermined level.

In the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 or the temperature discharged into the circulation flow path section 930 is maintained at the drying temperature level, and the drying temperature corresponds to a predetermined temperature TC, which is the end temperature of the preheating section A1.

In other words, even if hot air with a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature TC is supplied to the inside of the drum 200 in the constant rate drying section A2, the internal temperature of the drum 200 remains below the predetermined temperature TC.

* Rotation step S2 is also performed in constant rate drying section A2, and the position of the clothes placed on the drum 200 is continuously changed so that the clothes are evenly exposed to the hot air. As a result, more moisture is evaporated from the clothes 200 than when the drum 200 is stopped.

The constant rate drying section A2 is followed by the decreasing rate drying section A3.

During the constant rate drying section A2, the amount of water evaporating from the clothes gradually decreases. This reduces the amount of water contained in the clothes that evaporates, and the temperature of the hot air flowing into the inside of the drum 200 cannot be sufficiently lowered. As a result, the temperature inside the drum 200 rises above the drying temperature due to the hot air being supplied. Therefore, the falling rate drying section A3 is set to start at the point when the temperature inside the drum 200 rises above the drying temperature.

The falling rate drying section A3 is set to be entered when the dryness of the clothes reaches the set value c during the constant rate drying section A2. It is considered that the falling rate drying section A3 is entered when the clothes come into contact with the dryness sensor equipped as an electrode sensor and the calculated dryness reaches the set value c.

The set value c is set to 50% or more, for example, 80%. When the dryness of the clothes is 50% or more, the amount of moisture emitted from the clothes decreases, so the heat of vaporization also decreases and the temperature of the hot air does not drop.

The rotation step S2 is also performed in the falling rate drying section A3, and clothes that have not yet been dried inside the drum 200 are induced to be exposed to hot air. As a result, the parts of the clothes that have been completely dried are prevented from being covered by the inner wall of the drum 200 or other clothes due to the rotation of the drum 200, and are therefore prevented from being over-dried.

In addition, parts of the clothes that have not yet been dried are exposed to the inside of the drum 200 as the drum 200 rotates, preventing them from not being dried.

The cooling section A4 is performed after the falling rate drying section A3. The cooling section A4 corresponds to a section where the clothes have been dried but the inside of the drum 200 has not yet cooled, and there is a risk of injury to the user.

The cooling section A4 is set to start when the dryness of the clothes reaches a completion value e during the decreasing rate drying section A3. For example, the completion value e corresponds to 90% or more.

In the cooling section A4, the compressor 930 is not operated, and the motor unit 500 and the circulation flow path fan 950 are driven. As a result, cold air, which is lower in temperature than the hot air, is supplied to the drum 200, and the cold air comes into even contact with the clothes rotating inside the drum 200, cooling the clothes.

The cooling section A4 ends when the internal temperature of the drum 200 reaches a safe temperature. The safe temperature is the temperature at which the user is not exposed to fire, which is equivalent to 20 degrees.

The rotation step S2 is also performed in the cooling section A4, and all areas of the clothes are exposed to the cold air. Therefore, not only are the clothes cooled, but the air inside the drum 200 is also mixed with the cold air and cooled as the clothes move.

Meanwhile, in the cooling section A4, after the rotation step S2 is completed, a standby step of waiting for a predetermined time may be further performed. That is, at the end of the cooling section A4, the drum 200 is not rotated and only the circulation flow path fan 950 is driven so that only cold air flows into the drum 200, or the circulation flow path fan 950 is not driven and the clothes are left to cool naturally.

On the other hand, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further perform a temperature control step S3 while performing the air supply step S1 and the rotation step S2.

Temperature control step S3 is a step in which the temperature inside the drum 200 is prevented from rising above the limit temperature Tmax, which is a temperature at which the clothes are dried and sterilized but which prevents the clothes from being damaged or deformed by high heat.

For example, the limit temperature Tmax is set to 60 degrees Celsius or less.

The temperature control step S3 is performed during the entire section of the air supply step S1.

The temperature control step S3 controls the driving rpm of the compressor 930 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 so that either the air discharged from the inside of the drum 200 or the air introduced therein does not exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

In the temperature control step S3, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 930 is controlled so as not to exceed a limit temperature that is set so that the refrigerant's maximum temperature Th decreases to a predetermined temperature over time.

The limit temperature T_limit of the refrigerant is set to decrease throughout all sections from the preheating section A1 to the cooling section A4. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases in each section, and the temperature of the drum 200 is controlled so as not to exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

The refrigerant limit temperature T_limit varies with time and decreases as time passes.

In temperature control step S3, compressor 930 is controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged does not exceed the limit temperature set at each moment.

In the temperature control stage S3, the limit temperature T_limit of the falling rate drying section is set lower than the limit temperature T_limit of the constant rate drying section, and the limit temperature T_limit of the constant rate drying section is set lower than the limit temperature T_limit of the falling rate drying section.

In temperature control step S3, the compressor 930 has its RPM controlled, and the temperature of the refrigerant is controlled to thereby control the temperature of the drum.

Specifically, as the preheating section A1 progresses, the first step S31 is performed. The compressor 930 is accelerated and driven up to a heating RPM (rpm_H), which corresponds to the maximum RPM that the compressor 930 reaches during the drying process. This causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise quickly in the preheating section A1.

When the preheating section A1 ends or the constant rate drying section A2 is entered, the second step S32 is performed. As a result, the compressor 930 is controlled to decelerate its operating rpm. In the constant rate drying section A2, the compressor 930 is controlled to operate at a constant rate rpm (rpm_CR) that is lower than the heating rpm.

This prevents the temperature of the drum 200 from rising in the constant rate drying section A2.

The third stage S33 is performed in the falling rate drying section A3. The compressor 930 is controlled to operate at a falling rate rpm (rpm_FR) that is lower than the constant rate rpm.

After this, in cooling section A4, compressor 930 stops operating and the temperature of drum 200 drops.

As a result, in temperature control step S3, the compressor 930 is driven, the refrigerant temperature increases, and the drum temperature increases or is maintained.

Furthermore, in temperature control step S3, the rpm of compressor 930 is lowered in each section, and the temperature of drum 200 does not exceed the limit temperature Tmax.

In addition, in the temperature control step S3, the compressor 930 continues to operate even if the rpm at which it operates decreases, so the refrigerant is compressed and the air flowing into the drum 200 can be heated. As a result, the temperature of the drum 200 is maintained at a predetermined temperature without dropping below the limit temperature Tmax.

As a result, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent damage to clothing not only through the rotation stage S2 but also through the temperature control stage S3.

Figure 18 shows that the rotation stage of the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes a tumbling motion.

The rotation step S2 includes a tumbling motion that rotates the drum 200 in one direction at a second speed L1, which is lower than the first speed H1, providing an acceleration force of 1G or more.

For example, if the diameter of the drum 200 is 24 inches or 27 inches, the first speed H1 corresponds to 50 RPM or more, and the second speed L1 corresponds to 50 RPM or less.

The first speed H1 is defined as the speed at which the clothes received in the drum 200 adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotate when the drum 200 rotates. In a tumbling motion in which the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 lower than the first speed H1, the clothes received in the drum 200 separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate. As a result, the clothes received in the drum 200 separate from and fall from the inner wall of the drum 200 every time the drum 200 rotates, and are evenly exposed to hot air.

The tumbling motion may rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as long as the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1. However, the tumbling motion may be maintained without changing the rotation direction of the drum 200, thereby reducing the load on the motor unit 500 and preventing the clothes from twisting or tangling suddenly.

Figure 19 shows the state of the clothes during the tumbling motion.

Referring to FIG. 19(a), the clothes received inside the drum 200 are placed at the bottom of the drum 200 due to their own weight.

Referring to FIG. 19(b), when a tumbling motion occurs and the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes received inside the drum 200 adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rise to the top due to the frictional force with the drum 200 and the centrifugal force generated as the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1.

The clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rise from the center of rotation (O) or the center to the top of the drum 200.

Referring to FIG. 19(c), the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 that provides a centrifugal force lower than 1G, so that the clothes move above the center of the drum 200, but separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 below the high point of the drum 200 and fall toward the bottom of the drum 200.

In other words, the clothes received in the drum 200 in the tumbling motion adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 above the radius R of the drum 200 at the bottom of the drum 200 and rise, but do not rise to the diameter 2R of the drum 200 at the bottom of the drum 200 and are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200.

In other words, in the tumbling motion, the weight of the clothes is greater than the centrifugal force from the drum 200, so the clothes separate from the inner wall of the drum 200 between the center O of the drum 200 and the high point of the drum 200 and fall toward the low point of the drum 200.

In addition, when the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 due to the inertial force of the clothes rotating with the drum 200, they fall on one side of the drum 200's low point. For example, when the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes fall from the drum 200's low point toward the right, and when the drum 200 rotates counterclockwise, the clothes fall from the drum 200's low point toward the left.

As a result, the clothes fall from the top of one side, which is higher than the center O of the drum, to the bottom of the other side, which is lower than the center O of the drum, moving as close to the diameter 2R of the drum 200 as possible, further increasing the area and time that the clothes are exposed to the hot air supplied to the drum 200.

In addition, as the clothes repeatedly adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are separated, the exposed surface facing the center O of the drum 200 changes, and the entire surface of the clothes is evenly exposed to the hot air.

As a result, clothes are most effectively dried using a tumbling motion. However, as mentioned above, sustaining only a tumbling motion can cause shrinkage and wear on the clothes.

To prevent this, the clothing treatment device of the present invention provides a drum motion in addition to the tumbling motion to prevent the aforementioned wear and shrinkage of clothing. Also, the clothing treatment device of the present invention varies the drum motion applied to each section or applies various combinations.

In other words, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the rotation step S2 varies the rotation speed of the drum 200, the rotation direction of the drum 200, the duration of the drum 200, etc. in each section of the air supply step S1. That is, the rotation step S2 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs various motions to minimize friction between the clothing and the drum, such as expanding the clothing to be shrunk and reducing external forces such as mechanical force and frictional force applied to the clothing.

In the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the motor unit 500 is directly connected to the drum 200 or directly fastened to the drum 200 by the reducer 600, so that the motor unit 500 can freely change the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drum 200.

Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent shrinkage, wear, and damage to the clothing by varying at least one of the rotation speed of the drum 200, the rotation direction of the drum 200, and the duration of the rotation speed of the drum 200 depending on the condition of the clothing and the internal condition of the drum 200 in the air supply step S1.

Below, we will explain the various motions that the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform during rotation stage S2.

The rotation stage S2 is composed of a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes rotate while attached to the inner wall of the drum, and a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes fall from the inner wall of the drum and rotate.

The high-speed section H is a section in which the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 or faster, generating an acceleration force of 1G or more, and the low-speed section L is a section in which the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1, which is slower than the first speed H1, generating an acceleration force of 1G or less.

For example, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the second speed L1 is set to a speed of 50 RPM or less, and the first speed H1 is set to a speed of more than 50 RPM.

Figure 20 shows that the rotation stage includes a pulling motion.

The rotation step S2 performs a pulling motion that periodically repeats rotating the drum 200 at the second speed L1 during the preparation time and rotating the drum 200 at the first speed H1 during the expansion time.

As a result, the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and agitated inside the drum 200 during the preparation time, and during the expansion time, they adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more.

The inflation time is set to be longer than the preparation time, so the clothes are subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more for a longer period than the agitation time.

During the inflation time, the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 due to an acceleration force of 1G or more, and therefore expand along the inner circumferential surface of the drum 200. In addition, the clothes are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 during the preparation time after the inflation time, so other areas of the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the next inflation time.

The pulling motion pulls the garment during the inflation time, changes the part being pulled during the preparation time, and then repeats the process again during the inflation time. As a result, the pulling motion has the effect of expanding the contracted garment, or pre-pulling the garment to prevent it from shrinking.

On the other hand, the pulling motion may further include rotating at a third speed L2 during the standby time. In the pulling motion, rotating at the third speed L2 during the standby time is arranged during acceleration from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. This causes the drum 200 to rotate at the second speed L1, decelerate to the third speed L2, and then accelerate to the first speed H1. As a result, the acceleration force applied to the clothes in the drum 200 increases, causing the clothes to further expand.

Furthermore, the rotation at the third speed L2 during the standby time in the pulling motion may be arranged after the drum 200 has been decelerated from the first speed H1 to the second speed L1. As a result, the drum 200 rotates at the first speed H1, is decelerated to the second speed L1, and then is decelerated to the third speed L2. As a result, the time it takes for the rotation speed of the drum 200 to decelerate from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 is increased, and the drop impact on the clothes is reduced. Also, the load on the motor unit 500 to brake the drum 200 is reduced.

On the other hand, the wait time is set shorter than the inflation time, so that the garment has more time to be pulled during the pulling motion.

The standby time is also set to be shorter than the preparation time. As a result, the pulling motion minimizes the time the clothes are agitated and minimizes the clothes from wearing against each other or rubbing against the drum 200.

On the other hand, the inflation time is set to be equal to or longer than the sum of the preparation time and the standby time. This allows the time during which the clothes are pulled in the pulling motion to be equal to or longer than the time during which the clothes are agitated.

As a result, high-speed sections H and low-speed sections L are periodically arranged in the pulling motion.

Furthermore, the low speed section L may be further divided into two speed sections. Thus, a total of three or more speed sections are periodically repeated in the pulling motion.

In the pulling motion, the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 during the expansion time, decelerates to a second speed L1 and rotates during the preparation time, then decelerates to a third speed L2 and rotates during the standby time, and then accelerates back to the first speed H1 and rotates during the expansion time, repeating this cycle periodically.

As a result, the pulling motion passes through two acceleration periods of 1G or more during one cycle.

Figure 21 shows the state of the clothes when the clothes processing device of the present invention performs a pulling motion.

Referring to FIG. 21(a), the clothes inside the drum 200 are positioned at an initial length D1.

Referring to FIG. 21(b), the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1 during the preparation time or at the third speed L2 during the standby time, and the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are agitated in the drum 200 without rising.

Referring to FIG. 21(c), the drum 200 rotates at an accelerated speed H1. Thus, the drum 200 maintains the first speed H1 during the inflation time, which is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to rotate once. Thus, the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, inflating along the inner wall of the drum 200.

Referring to FIG. 21(d), the garment expands by an expanded length (D2) that is longer than the initial length D1. This process is then repeated, and the garment continues to receive the expansion force and does not shrink, but even if it shrinks, it expands again.

Figure 22 shows that the rotation phase includes a return motion.

The rotation step S2 includes a return motion that rotates the drum 200 in both directions at a second speed L1, which is lower than the first speed H1, providing an acceleration force of 1G or more.

The return motion performs a tumbling motion in one direction for a specified time, and then a tumbling motion in the other direction for a specified time.

The specified time corresponds to the time it takes for the drum to rotate once. In this case, the turning motion is to rotate the drum 200 once clockwise at the second speed L1, and then rotate the drum 200 once counterclockwise at the second speed L1. In this case, the drum 200 agitates the clothes in one direction, and then agitates them in the other direction, creating the effect of turning the clothes.

As a result, the surface of the clothes exposed to the inside of the drum 200 changes, preventing certain areas of the clothes from being over-dried and encouraging even drying.

The return motion is performed intermittently at a specific time when the tumbling motion is performed. Also, when the return motion is performed, the direction of rotation of the tumbling motion is changed.

As a result, the surface where the clothes come into contact with the drum 200 changes during the tumbling motion, and the subsequent tumbling motion concentrates on drying areas of the clothes that have not yet been dried.

On the other hand, the predetermined time corresponds to the time it takes for the drum to rotate N times. For example, the predetermined time is set to a time of 2 minutes or more. In this case, the return motion corresponds to a tumbling motion that periodically changes direction.

This allows the drum to rotate in one direction and only certain areas of the clothes to contact the inner wall of the drum 200 or be exposed to the inside of the drum 200, and then the drum rotates in the other direction and the clothes are turned or agitated so that other areas of the clothes contact the inner wall of the drum 200 or are exposed to the inside of the drum 200.

As a result, the clothes inside the drum 200 are evenly exposed to the hot air.

Of course, the return motion also includes the drum 200 rotating in one direction at the first speed H1 for a predetermined time and then rotating in the other direction at the first speed H1 for a predetermined time. In this case, the area of the clothes attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 is changed to concentrate the area where the hot air is supplied to the clothes.

The return motion also includes the drum 200 rotating in one direction at a first speed H1 for a predetermined time and rotating in the other direction at a second speed L1 for a predetermined time.

Figure 23 shows the state of the clothing when the rotation phase performs a return motion.

Referring to FIG. 23(a), the drum 200 rotates clockwise. At this time, when the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1, the clothes rise to a height higher than the center o of the drum as in a tumbling motion and then fall to the bottom.

Referring to FIG. 23(b), the drum 200 slows down its clockwise rotation and momentarily stops or starts rotating counterclockwise. The clothes received in the drum 200 are distributed under the central o area of the drum.

Referring to FIG. 23(c), the drum 200 rotates in a counterclockwise direction at an accelerated rate. At this time, when the drum 200 rotates at the second speed L1, the effect of a tumbling motion occurring in the opposite direction is derived. The clothes rise to an area higher than the center O of the drum and then fall to the bottom. At this time, since the rotation direction is opposite to that when the drum 200 rotates clockwise, the clothes rise with other areas adhering to the inner wall of the drum 200 than when the drum 200 rotates clockwise. As a result, the clothes are agitated with at least some of them turned over inside the drum 200.

As a result, when the drum 200 rotates clockwise, other areas are exposed to more hot air, allowing the clothes to dry evenly.

The return motion periodically repeats the motions shown in Figures 21(A) to (C). Also, unlike the illustration, the drum 200 may rotate at the first speed H1 during the return motion.

Figure 24 shows that the rotation stage includes a drying motion.

The rotation stage S2 includes a drying motion that periodically repeats a high-speed section H during which the clothes rotate while attached to the inner wall of the drum, and a low-speed section L during which the clothes fall from the inner wall of the drum and rotate.

The drying motion is a motion in which the drum 200 rotates at a first speed H1 for a first time, and then rotates at a second speed L1, which is lower than the first speed H1, for a second time, and this is repeated periodically. That is, in the drying motion, the drum 200 rotates periodically between a high speed section H and a low speed section L.

The drying motion rotates the drum 200 to generate an acceleration force of 1G or more for a first time, rotates the drum 200 to generate an acceleration force of 1G or less for a second time, and then repeats the motion of rotating the drum 200 to generate an acceleration force of 1G or more for the first time.

The drying motion involves the drum 200 rotating at a first speed H1 for a first time period, and then repeating the tumbling motion for a second time period.

When the drying motion is performed, the clothes are attached to the drum 200 and rotated for a first time, separated from the drum 200 and agitated or dropped for a second time, and attached and rotated again for the first time.

As a result, the clothes are set to remain attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 for a longer period of time than in the tumbling motion, minimizing friction with the inner wall of the drum 200. In addition, when the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, the clothes are fixed to the drum 200, which prevents the clothes from rubbing against each other or wearing away from each other.

The drying motion is set such that the first time is longer than or at least equal to the second time to prevent damage to the clothes.

In other words, the drying motion ensures that the clothes have enough time to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, preventing unnecessary friction of the clothes.

As a result, in the drying motion, the duration of the high-speed section H may be set to be equal to or longer than the duration of the low-speed section L, and the total time of the high-speed section H may be set to be longer than the total time of the duration.

The drying motion rotates the drum 200 at a first speed H1 for a first time period, and supplies hot air intensively to areas of the clothes 200 that are not in contact with the inner wall of the drum 200. Also, the drum 200 rotates at a second speed L1 for a second time period, and separates and agitates the clothes 200 from the drum, and during the next first time period, prevents other areas of the clothes 200 from contacting the inner wall of the drum 200, thereby changing the area where the hot air is concentrated.

As a result, the drying motion helps prevent certain areas of the garment from over-drying.

On the other hand, in the drying motion, in order to not only adequately secure the clothes to the inner wall of the drum 200, but also to ensure time for the clothes to be adequately agitated inside the drum 200, the drum rotates at least one full rotation in the high-speed section H, and at least one full rotation in the low-speed section L.

In other words, the first time is set to be equal to or greater than the time it takes for the drum 200 to rotate once, and the second time is set to be equal to or greater than the time it takes for the drum 200 to rotate once. For example, the first time is set to be equal to or greater than two minutes, and the second time is also set to be equal to or greater than two minutes.

The drying motion may further include a preparation section between the high speed section H and the low speed section L, in which the drum 200 rotates at a third speed L2 lower than the second speed L1 for a third time. When the drying motion decelerates the drum 200 from the first speed H1 to the second speed L1, the drum 200 further decelerates to the third speed L2.

This can prevent strong external forces from being applied to the clothes that are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and have been subjected to an acceleration force of 1G or more. In addition, when the motor unit 500 is decelerated by braking with excess power, it decelerates to the third speed L2, and the deceleration time of the drum 200 is secured for a long time, thereby reducing the maximum size of the acceleration force or external force applied to the clothes. This can prevent friction or fuzz from occurring during the process of the clothes being separated from the drum 200.

Meanwhile, the third time is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to rotate once, allowing time for the clothes to rise to the top of the drum 200 and be properly distributed before agitation. However, the third time is set to be shorter than the second time to prevent unnecessary delays in drying.

The third speed L2 is also the speed at which the clothes are prevented from rising above the center O area of the drum.

As a result, the drying motion involves the drum 200 rotating at a first speed H1 for a first time, decelerating to a third speed L2 that is lower than the second speed L1, rotating for a third time, and then accelerating to the second speed L1 and rotating for a third time, repeating this process.

During the drying motion, the rotation direction of the drum is maintained without change. This prevents excessive load from being placed on the motor unit 500 or the clothes from being excessively agitated and rubbed.

Meanwhile, the first time of the drying motion is set to be longer than the expansion time of the pulling motion. Also, the second time is set to be longer than the preparation time of the pulling motion. This is because the drying motion does not prevent the clothes from expanding, but prevents frictional forces from being applied to the clothes and induces the clothes to be sufficiently exposed to the hot air.

In other words, the ratio of the high-speed section H in the drying motion is smaller than the ratio of the high-speed section H in the pulling motion.

In addition, the time or cycle required to reach the next high-speed section H after the high-speed section H has elapsed in the drying motion is set to be longer than the time or cycle required to reach the next high-speed section H after the high-speed section H has elapsed in the pulling motion.

On the other hand, the pulling motion and the drying motion have in common that both have a high-speed section H and a low-speed section L that are performed periodically.

However, the high-speed section H of the pulling motion is set longer than the low-speed section L, and the high-speed section H of the drying motion is set longer than the high-speed section H of the pulling motion.

This is because while the pulling motion focuses on expanding the clothes, the drying motion focuses on drying and agitating the clothes.

Therefore, the low-speed section L of the drying motion is set longer than the high-speed section H of the pulling motion.

Figure 25 shows the state of the clothes when the rotation stage performs the drying motion.

Referring to FIG. 25(a), the drum 200 rotates clockwise at a second speed L1 for a second period of time. At this time, the clothes are repeatedly agitated by rising to a height corresponding to the central region O of the drum or to a position higher than the central region O of the drum and then falling. The section rotating at the second speed L1 for the second period of time corresponds to a tumbling motion.

Referring to FIG. 25(b), the drum 200 rotates clockwise at a first speed H1 for a first time. The clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate for the first time.

At this time, the drum 200 may be gradually accelerated from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. For example, the time it takes to change from the low speed section L to the high speed section H in the drying motion is set to about one minute. This prevents excessive physical force from being applied to the clothes, thereby preventing damage to the clothes.

During this process, areas of the clothes that are not attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 are exposed to hot air and dried intensively. In addition, since the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate continuously, the effect of fixing the clothes to the drum 200 is achieved. Therefore, since the clothes and the drum 200 do not move relative to each other, friction between the clothes and the drum 200 can be prevented.

In addition, because the entire clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotate, there is no friction between the clothes, and no friction between parts of the clothes and other parts of the clothes. As a result, friction between the clothes is also prevented, and the generation of fuzz on the clothes can be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 25(c), the drum 200 rotates again at a decelerated first speed H1. At this time, the drum 200 rotates at a decelerated third speed L2. As a result, the clothes are not only reliably separated from the inner wall of the drum 200, but are also continuously agitated as the drum 200 rotates. As the clothes are agitated, the areas that were in contact with the inner wall of the drum 200 are exposed to the inside of the drum 200 and dried.

On the other hand, the time it takes to decelerate from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 is set to about one minute.

The drum 200 is then accelerated again to the second speed L1 and rotates again for a second period of time. The clothes rise from the central region o of the drum 200 to the top, fall, and are continuously exposed to the hot air and agitated, repeatedly. Thus, the clothes are dried more efficiently than when the drum rotates at the first speed H1.

Referring to FIG. 25(d), the drum 200 is again accelerated to the first speed H1 and rotates for a first time.

The drying motion repeats this process, allowing the tumbling motion to be performed intermittently to dry the clothes. The drying motion also allows the clothes to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the tumbling motion, significantly reducing the time the clothes are rubbed against or rubbed against the drum during the agitation process.

As a result, the drying motion can both dry and protect clothes.

The drying motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2. If the drying motion is performed in the constant rate drying stage A2 when the dryness of the clothes approaches the target value b at which the clothes enter the falling rate drying section, friction or wear on the clothes can be prevented.

The drying motion is also performed in the falling-rate drying section A3. In the falling-rate drying section A3, the dryness of the clothes exceeds the target value b, so fuzz and wear easily occur on the clothes. Therefore, the drying motion is performed in the falling-rate drying section to protect the clothes.

In this case, it is preferable that the drying motion is performed at the end of the falling rate drying section. Since the drying motion is a motion in which the section in which the clothes are fixed to the inner wall of the drum 200 is set long, if it is performed at the beginning of the falling rate drying section, the clothes cannot be guaranteed to be dry, and since the clothes are in the driest state at the end of the falling rate drying section, there is a great need to protect them from wear and damage.

Therefore, the drying motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches a predetermined value d in the falling rate drying section, and continues until the end of the falling rate drying section.

Figure 26 shows that the rotation phase includes a swing motion.

The rotation step s2 includes a swinging motion that periodically varies the rotation speed of the drum between two or more regions.

The swinging motion includes a first speed H1 at which the clothes are attached to the inner wall of the drum and rotate, and a periodic rotation of the drum at a second speed L1 that is slower than the first speed H1.

The swinging motion creates differential accelerations for the clothes due to differences in the drum's rotational speeds, inducing the clothes to separate from one another according to their weight.

Meanwhile, the swinging motion involves periodically varying the rotation speed of the drum 200 between at least two of a first speed H1 at which the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum and rotate, a second speed L1 slower than the first speed H1, and a third speed L2 slower than the second speed L1.

For example, the swinging motion includes sequentially varying the speed of the drum 200 from a second speed L1 to a first speed H1 to a third speed L2.

The swing motion also includes repeatedly changing the speed of the drum 200 from the second speed L1, to the first speed H1, and to the third speed L2.

That is, the swing motion involves rotating the drum 200 at a second speed L1, accelerating the drum 200 to a first speed H1, and then repeatedly decelerating the drum 200 to a third speed L2.

When the drum 200 accelerates in the swinging motion, it accelerates from the third speed L2 to the second speed L1, and then accelerates from the second speed L1 to the first speed H1. This prevents the drum 200 from accelerating too quickly, prevents excessive load from being placed on the motor unit 500, and prevents the clothes from being pushed against the inner wall of the drum 200.

In addition, when the drum 200 decelerates in a swinging motion, it decelerates from the first speed H1 to the third speed L2 all at once, maximizing the difference in inertial force between the clothes attached to the inner wall of the drum 200. As a result, in a swinging motion, a large change in acceleration occurs when the drum 200 decelerates, and the clothes are separated from each other due to the difference in inertial force.

In the swinging motion, the clothes are separated from the drum 200, and the separated clothes are evenly distributed and attached to the drum 200 again, and the rotation is repeated.

As a result, the swing motion is a motion that repeats the process of accelerating from a low-speed section L to a high-speed section H and then decelerating from the high-speed section to the low-speed section L, and when decelerating from the high-speed section H to the low-speed section L, it can decelerate even further than before acceleration.

On the other hand, the purpose of the swinging motion is to change the acceleration inside the drum 200 and create a difference in inertia force in the clothes, so the shorter the period of speed change, the more advantageous it is.

However, if the speed is set to change periodically during one rotation of the drum, there may not be enough time for the clothes to be separated sufficiently, and excessive load may be placed on the motor unit 500.

Therefore, the time period during which the drum speed changes during the swing motion is set to be longer than the time it takes for the drum to rotate once and shorter than one minute. For example, this period is set to be between 10 and 20 seconds.

In a swinging motion, all speed cycles of the drum 200 are completed within one minute.

In the swinging motion, the acceleration force applied to the clothes is changed by changing the rotational force of the drum 200, which creates a difference in the inertial force acting on the clothes. Among the clothes, heavy clothes have a high inertial force and react sensitively to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200, while light clothes have a low inertial force and react insensitively to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200. Therefore, heavy and light clothes are separated from each other according to changes in the rotational speed of the drum 200 due to the difference in inertial force.

As a result, heavy clothes rise and fall inside the drum as the drum 200 rotates, and are frequently exposed to hot air, while light clothes rise less as the drum 200 rotates, so the impact of the fall is small, and the amount of position change is small, so friction between the clothes is small, and friction with the drum is also small, preventing damage to the fabric.

The swinging motion therefore has the advantage of separating the clothes according to the difference in the load of the clothes and carrying out the drying process.

On the other hand, if the clothes are not very dry and are in a wet state or contain moisture, they are heavy and therefore react sensitively to changes in the rotation speed of the drum 200. If the clothes are very dry and are in a dry state or contain a small amount of moisture, they are light and therefore react insensitively to changes in the rotation speed of the drum 200.

The swinging motion therefore also has the effect of separating clothes that are very dry from clothes that are only slightly dry, depending on the difference in the degree of dryness of the clothes.

Since clothes that contain a relatively large amount of moisture react sensitively to the changes in the rotation of the drum 200, they continually rise high inside the drum 200 and then fall, and are frequently exposed to the hot air passing through the drum 200. Therefore, clothes that are not dry enough or need more drying are further dried in a swinging motion.

Clothes that contain a relatively small amount of moisture react insensitively to changes in the rotation of the drum 200, so the temperature rise inside the drum 200 is small and the area exposed to the hot air is small. Therefore, clothes that are highly dry or do not need drying have a low drying rate when using a swinging motion.

Even if the rotation speed of the drum 200 is varied over multiple sections of the swing motion, the duration of each section is the same.

As a result, even if the air supply step S1 is performed further in the swinging motion until the clothes that need more drying are dried, over-drying of clothes that are already sufficiently dried can be prevented.

On the other hand, the drying motion is performed after the tumbling motion, and the shaking motion is performed after the drying motion. This is to separate the clothes that have been dried by the tumbling motion and the drying motion.

The shaking motion is also performed before the rolling motion. The rolling motion is a motion that slowly agitates and dries the clothes, so the effect of the rolling motion can be maximized by performing the rolling motion after separating the clothes that need more drying from the clothes that are sufficiently dried.

Meanwhile, since the swinging motion includes the high-speed section H, it is preferable to perform it in the constant rate drying section where the clothes still contain moisture. Of course, it may also be performed in the falling rate drying section to separate clothes that have been dried from clothes that need more drying.

Figure 27 shows the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a swing motion.

Referring to FIG. 27(a), a total of three types of clothing are accommodated inside the drum 200.

Even if all three clothes are exposed to hot air for the same amount of time, they will dry to different degrees depending on the material of the clothes and their placement inside the drum 200.

For example, the first item of clothing has not been dried sufficiently and is in a wet state, i.e. a compress. The second item of clothing has been dried sufficiently and is in a dry state with very little moisture. The third item of clothing has been partially dried.

Referring to FIG. 27(b), when the drum rotates at the second speed L1, all the clothes inside the drum 200 rise along with the drum 200 in a tumbling motion, and then fall from the high point of the drum 200 to be exposed to hot air.

In this process, the first, second, and third clothes form similar trajectories and are agitated inside the drum 200. Rotation at the second speed L1 takes about 10 or 20 seconds.

Referring to FIG. 27(c), the drum 200 is accelerated at a first speed H1 or at an overspeed. In this case, the first garment is heavy and therefore adheres to the inner wall of the drum 200 and rotates with the drum 200. At this time, the third garment is lighter than the first garment and therefore changes slightly less sensitively to the speed change of the drum 200 than the first garment. Therefore, although it is placed closer to the inner wall of the drum 200, it adheres to the inner wall of the drum 200 with a weaker force than the first garment.

On the other hand, the second piece of clothing is lighter than the first and third pieces of clothing, and therefore reacts less sensitively to changes in the speed of the drum 200. Therefore, rather than adhering directly to the inner wall of the drum 200, it falls along a path similar to that of the drum rotating at the second speed L1.

As a result, the trajectories of the first, second and third clothes change as the drum rotation speed changes, and the first, second and third clothes are separated.

After this, the first garment repeatedly rises and falls on the drum 200 according to the rotation speed of the drum 200, with the third garment rising to a lower height than the first garment, and the second garment rising to a lower height than the third garment. Thus, the third garment is more exposed to the hot air than the second garment, and the first garment is more exposed to the hot air than the third garment.

Also, the third garment rubs against the drum 200 a little more than the first garment, and the second garment rubs against the drum 200 a little more than the third garment.

*Therefore, as with the third garment, even the smallest friction can cause pilling when the garment is closer to being dry, but the shaking motion prevents pilling.

Also, when the clothes are in a wet state like the first clothes, even if they are rubbed relatively hard, pilling is unlikely to occur, so even if a considerable drop impact occurs, it is not a problem; rather, moving with a large drop will expose it to more hot air.

Figure 28 shows that the rotation stage includes a rolling motion.

The rotation step S2 includes a rolling motion that rotates the drum so that the clothes fall or roll from below the center O of the drum.

The rolling motion is generally a motion that rotates the drum 200 at a speed lower than the second speed L1 at which the tumbling motion occurs.

This minimizes the range and trajectory that the clothes move within the drum 200 during the rolling motion 200, and also minimizes the mechanical forces applied to the clothes, preventing damage or wear to the clothes.

In addition, in the rolling motion 200, the clothes roll repeatedly so that the entire area is evenly exposed to the inside of the drum 200, allowing for effective drying.

On the other hand, the rolling motion 200 is intended to minimize the physical force applied to the clothes, and the rolling motion does not change the rotation direction of the drum 200, and the rotation speed of the drum 200 can be maintained at a constant speed.

The rolling motion is mainly performed in the falling rate drying section A3 because it causes the least amount of vertical impact on the clothes.

Figure 29 shows the state of the clothing when the rotation stage performs a rolling motion.

In the rolling motion 200, the clothes rise due to friction with the inner wall of the drum 200 as the drum 200 rotates. However, the clothes do not rise higher than the radius R of the drum from the low point of the drum 200, but are separated from the inner wall of the drum 200 and roll toward the low point of the drum 200.

In the rolling motion 200, the drum rotates at a protection speed L4, which is lower than the second speed L1.

Protection speed L4 is set to a speed that prevents the clothes from moving above the center of the drum.

As a result, the clothes are continuously moved from the lowest point of the drum 200 to only one side and rolled repeatedly, so the impact of the fall is small and the clothes are prevented from shrinking.

On the other hand, in the rolling motion 200, the clothes are agitated only in the area below the central area O of the drum 200, so they come into frequent contact with the dryness sensor. Therefore, the rolling motion 200 can more accurately detect changes in the dryness of the clothes.

The time for which the rolling motion is performed is set to be longer than the time for which the shaking motion is performed. This is because the shaking motion is a motion for sorting clothes, and the rolling motion is a motion for drying clothes.

It is also preferable that the rolling motion occurs after the shaking motion, because the shaking motion separates clothes that need drying from clothes that have already been dried, allowing the rolling motion to more evenly expose them to the hot air.

The swinging motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2, and the rolling motion is performed in the falling rate drying section A3.

Figure 30 shows that the rotation phase includes a stop motion.

Referring to FIG. 30(a), the rotation step S2 includes a stop motion that causes the drum 200 to rotate intermittently.

The stopping motion involves repeatedly rotating and stopping the drum 200, and when the drum 200 rotates, the direction of rotation of the drum 200 is changed. The stopping motion involves the drum 200 rotating once in one direction, waiting for the stopping time, and then rotating in the other direction.

The stop motion is set so that the time that the drum 200 stops is longer than the time that the drum 200 rotates. For example, in the stop motion, the time that the drum stops is set to be three times or more the time that the drum rotates.

Therefore, stopping motion can minimize energy consumption. Also, stopping motion prevents the clothes from being constantly pressed down by their own weight, changing position and forming wrinkles.

Referring to FIG. 30(b), the drum is in a stopped state during the stopping motion.

The drum 200 then rotates intermittently clockwise or counterclockwise to change the position of the clothes, agitate the clothes, and turn the clothes over.

In the stopping motion, the speed at which the drum 200 rotates is set to the protection speed L4.

Below, we will explain the sections in which various motions in the rotation stage S2 can be optimally executed.

As described above, the clothing treatment device of the present invention rotates the drum 200 by directly connecting the drive unit to the drum 200, so the rotation direction, rotation time, and rotation speed of the drum 200 can be freely changed.

Therefore, the rotation step S2 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention does not rotate the drum 200 at a constant speed in one direction, but performs various motions that change the rotation speed and direction of the drum 200 depending on the dryness of the clothing and the internal condition of the drum 200.

The clothing treatment device of the present invention can apply various motions in each section of the air supply stage to protect clothing in all drying cycles and options. It also applies various motions in each section of the air supply stage in the protection cycle to protect fabrics.

Specifically, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the rotation step S2 is composed of a high-speed section H in which the drum is rotated so that the clothing rotates while attached to the inner wall of the drum 200, and a low-speed section L in which the drum is rotated so that the clothing falls from the inner wall of the drum and rotates. During the air supply step S1, the ratio of the high-speed section H to the low-speed section L is set differently for each specific section, protecting the fabric and preventing shrinkage of the clothing while performing the drying process.

Figure 31 shows the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the preheating section during the air supply step S1.

The preheating section A1 corresponds to the section where the wet clothes are received in the drum 200 and the drying process begins. Therefore, the clothes located in the preheating section A1 are in a state where they have been shrunk by water. In other words, the fibers of the clothes are in a state where they have shrunk from the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2.

When the drying process is performed during this process, the clothes are dried in a shrunk state in the form of fibers having the second diameter D2, even if the gap C is not collapsed.

To prevent this, the rotation stage S2 performs a pulling motion in the preheating section A1. This causes the garment to expand in the preheating section A1, and the garment fibers to return closer to the first diameter D1.

On the other hand, wet clothes can become tangled as they go through the spin cycle. In this case, the pulling motion alternates between the first speed H1 and the second speed L1, so the clothes are agitated and pulled, and any tangles in the clothes can be eliminated.

The pulling motion is performed during the preheating section A1. In the preheating section A1, the compressor refrigerant is not heated to the predetermined temperature TC or the compressor operating RPM is not increased to the maximum RPM or the predetermined RPM. Therefore, even if the drum speed periodically changes rapidly due to the pulling motion, the energy consumed by the clothing treatment device does not exceed the limit range.

In the preheating section A1, the air is heated and flows in, so the clothes are dried during the pulling motion.

On the other hand, the pulling motion and the drying motion may be performed simultaneously. Also, the drying motion may be performed after the pulling motion. This can more reliably ensure that the clothes expand and that parts of the clothes are agitated and repositioned during the pulling motion.

As a result, a pulling motion or a drying motion is placed in the preheating section A1, and therefore the high speed section H and the low speed section L are repeatedly placed in the rotation step S2. The total time of the high speed section H is set to be longer than the total time of the low speed section L. Also, the duration of the high speed section H is set to be longer than the duration of the low speed section L.

In the pulling motion, if the low-speed section L is a constant-speed section rotating at the second speed L1 and a deceleration section rotating at the third speed L2, the preheating section A1 is periodically arranged with the high-speed section H, the constant-speed section, and the deceleration section.

In a pulling motion, the waiting time is set shorter than the preparation time, so the deceleration section is set to a shorter duration than the constant speed section.

In the preheating section A1, the high-speed section H is longer than the low-speed section L, so the preheating section A1 is a section that focuses on expanding the clothes rather than agitating the clothes.

Figure 32 shows the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the constant rate drying section A2 during the air supply step S1.

When the refrigerant temperature discharged from the compressor reaches a predetermined temperature TC or the compressor's operating RPM reaches a predetermined RPM, the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins.

The pulling motion ends when the preheating section A1 ends and the constant rate drying section A2 begins.

The constant rate drying section A2 is the section where maximum hot air flows into the drum 200 and corresponds to the section where the clothes are dried in earnest. Therefore, it is preferable that the clothes inside the drum 200 are exposed to maximum hot air.

Therefore, in the constant rate drying section A2, the tumbling motion is performed first. Therefore, after the pulling motion is completed, the tumbling motion is performed, so that the clothes rise above the center O of the drum in an expanded state, and then separate from the drum 200 below the high point of the drum O and fall, being exposed to the hot air for the longest period of time.

In addition, as the clothes repeatedly fall and rise, they become tangled and the area that adheres to the inner wall of the drum 200 changes, so that the entire clothes are evenly exposed to the hot air.

On the other hand, if the tumbling motion continues for a predetermined time, the clothes received in the drum 200 are classified into clothes that have been sufficiently dried by the hot air and clothes that need more drying.

If the tumbling motion is repeated in this state, the air gaps C of the clothes that have been sufficiently dried will collapse due to the impact of the fall, causing the fibers to shrink to the third diameter D3, and the surface will rub against the inner wall of the drum 200 or other clothes, causing damage.

To prevent this, it is preferable for the rotation step S2 to include a shaking motion. The shaking motion separates clothes that are sufficiently dried from clothes that need more drying.

As a result, clothes that need more drying are separated from clothes that are fully dried and move with the motion of the drum 200, exposing them to concentrated hot air.

In addition, clothes that have been thoroughly dried do not fall together with clothes that need to be dried, so they do not receive the impact of being dropped. In addition, the load is reduced as the moisture evaporates, so they do not react sensitively to the motion of the drum 200, preventing over-drying and preventing friction and wear.

The tumbling motion is a motion that dries clothes intensively, while the shaking motion is a motion that separates the parts of the clothes that need more drying and dries them further.

Therefore, the duration of the swinging motion is shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion. The swinging motion is performed to separate clothes that have been sufficiently dried, and is performed at the end of the constant rate drying section A2.

The swing motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches the target value b. That is, it is performed from when the dryness of the clothes reaches the target value b in the constant rate drying section A2 until the constant rate drying section A2 ends and before entering the decreasing rate drying section A3.

In the constant rate drying section A2, a tumbling motion is performed, followed by a swinging motion. The duration of the swinging motion is set to be shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion.

The shaking motion is for sorting the dried clothes, and the tumbling motion is for drying the clothes.

On the other hand, a tumbling motion may be performed and a drying motion may also be performed while a shaking motion is being performed.

Therefore, when the drying motion is performed, the high-speed section H has the effect of performing a tumbling motion, and the low-speed section L prevents the clothes from rubbing against the drum 200 or between the clothes, as the clothes adhere to the inner wall of the drum 200 and are fixed to the drum 200.

That is, the drying motion is performed when the tumbling motion is performed and the clothes have dried to a certain extent, in order to prevent damage and friction to the clothes. The drying motion is a pause period during the tumbling motion during which the agitation of the clothes is stopped.

The drying motion is performed when a predetermined time has elapsed in the constant rate drying section A2. That is, if a predetermined time has elapsed while the tumbling motion is being performed, the drying motion is performed.

The specified time is set as the time when the dryness of the clothes corresponds to the reference value a, and is set to the time 20 minutes have elapsed since entering the constant rate drying section.

The drying motion is performed for a specified time when the dryness of the clothes reaches a reference value a, which is lower than the target value b, in the constant rate drying section A2.

The target dryness value b corresponds to 80% or more, and for example, the standard value a corresponds to 70%.

The drying motion is performed after the tumbling motion is completed, but may be performed intermittently during the tumbling motion.

The drying motion also continues after the tumbling motion ends and before the swinging motion begins.

On the other hand, the drying motion is performed before the shaking motion because it is a motion that dries the entire garment while protecting it. The duration of the drying motion is set to be shorter than the duration of the tumbling motion, but longer than the duration of the shaking motion.

As a result, in the constant rate drying section A2, the end is always a shaking motion, preceded by a tumbling motion and a drying motion.

Of course, the shaking motion may be performed before the drying motion. In other words, it is efficient to use the shaking motion to separate all the clothes, and then use the drying motion to concentrate on drying specific areas of the clothes while preventing wear on the clothes.

Of course, the duration of the shaking motion may be set longer than the duration of the drying motion. The shaking motion is also a section in which clothes are sorted, but since it includes both the high-speed section H and the low-speed section L, there is a possibility that the clothes may be exposed to hot air while still being sorted.

Thus, the shaking motion may be performed for a longer duration than the drying or tumbling motions to sort the clothes and concentrate on drying the clothes that need drying.

As a result, a tumbling motion is performed in the constant rate drying section A2, so even if a drying motion or a shaking motion is performed, the low speed section L is set longer than the high speed section H.

In other words, the constant rate drying section A2 is different from the heated drying section A1 in that it has more low speed sections L arranged and distributed, and is a section where the clothes are mainly agitated and exposed to hot air.

Meanwhile, since the swinging motion is placed in the constant rate drying section A2, the rotation step S2 further includes a variable section in which the rotation speed of the drum is variable in the constant rate drying section A2, and the variable section is performed until the clothes enter the falling rate drying period.

If the swing motion is performed when the dryness reaches the target value b, after entering the constant rate drying section, the variable section will start if the dryness reaches the reference value a.

Also, if the swing motion is controlled by time rather than dryness, the variable section will start once the reference time has elapsed after entering the constant rate drying section.

The swing motion includes a section where the drum rotates at an excessive speed faster than the section where the drum rotates at or above the first speed H1, so the variable section includes both sections where the drum rotates faster and slower than the high-speed section H. In addition, the variable section is periodically arranged with a fast section, a high-speed section H, and a slow section.

On the other hand, if a swinging motion is performed after a tumbling motion, the low-speed section L is placed before the start of the variable section. Because the tumbling motion is performed longer than the swinging motion, the duration of the low-speed section L in the constant rate drying section A2 is set to be longer than the duration of the variable section.

Also, if a drying motion is further performed between the tumbling motion and the shaking motion, the rotation step S2 is arranged such that a high speed section H and a low speed section L are periodically repeated between the low speed section L and the variable section.

Figure 33 shows the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the falling rate drying section during the air supply step S1.

When the constant rate drying section A2 ends, the falling rate drying section A3 is performed. The falling rate drying section A3 is a section in which a significant amount of moisture has been removed from the clothes in the constant rate drying section A2, causing a shortage of heat of vaporization, and the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the air discharged into the circulation flow path section 930 begins to rise.

That is, the falling rate drying section A3 starts when the temperature inside the drum 200 or the temperature of the air discharged into the circulation flow path section 930 reaches the reference temperature TR during the constant rate drying section A2.

Furthermore, an increase in the temperature inside the drum 200 means that the clothes have been sufficiently dried. Therefore, the decreasing rate drying section A3 starts when the degree of dryness of the clothes approaches set value c, which is higher than target value b.

The set value c corresponds to 80%.

The falling rate drying section A3 is a section in which most of the clothes have been sufficiently dried, but some clothes or some areas of the clothes are not completely dry.

Therefore, if the rotation step S2 in the falling rate drying section A3 has many high-speed sections H, such as a tumbling motion, the dried clothes will receive a strong drop impact, causing the air gaps C to collapse and shrink.

To prevent this, rotation stage S2 performs a rolling motion when entering falling rate drying section A3.

In a rolling motion, the range over which the clothes rise and fall inside the drum 200 is much smaller than in a tumbling motion, minimizing the impact of the clothes falling.

In addition, in the rolling motion, the clothes move along the direction of the drum's rotation and are continuously dropped from a position lower than the drum's radius R and agitated, so that the surface of the clothes is evenly exposed to the hot air.

The rolling motion dries the parts of the clothes that need more drying, while minimizing the impact of the fall on the parts that are sufficiently dried, preventing them from shrinking.

The rolling motion will be performed for the set time, and will be performed before the drying motion described below is performed.

When the decreasing rate drying section A3 is in progress, the clothes are dried further and the areas that need more drying are greatly reduced. In this situation, even if a rolling motion is performed, the dried clothes will experience a drop impact and will rub against the drum 200 and between the clothes, causing fuzzing and wear.

Therefore, a drying motion may also be performed in the decreasing rate drying section A3. The drying motion performed in the decreasing rate drying section A3 is set such that the high speed section H is much longer than the low speed section L.

This prevents the clothes 200 from being fixed to the inner wall of the drum 200 during the drying motion, and from falling off the drum 200 or from rubbing against the drum 200 and the clothes.

In addition, even during the drying motion, the parts exposed to the inside of the drum 200 continue to dry. Therefore, during the drying motion, the clothes are protected while being dried.

The drying motion is performed when the dryness of the clothes reaches a predetermined value d, which is slightly lower than the completion value e and higher than the set value c.

Specifically, the drying motion is performed after the rolling motion. In other words, the drying motion is performed when the rolling motion is completed.

The execution time of the rolling motion is set to be longer than the execution time of the drying motion. This is because the rolling motion has a higher drying efficiency than the drying motion, and the drying motion has the effect of protecting the fabric when the clothes are dried to a predetermined value d or more.

In the falling rate drying section A3, a rolling motion is performed in the beginning and a drying motion is performed in the end. As a result, the drum rotation speed is set faster in the falling rate drying section A3 in the later stages than in the beginning. In other words, in the falling rate drying section, the drum rotates so that the clothes stick to the inner wall of the drum in the final stages due to the drying motion and rotate more than once.

The falling rate drying section is also set so that the drum rotates slower in the initial section than in the final section.

In addition, during the falling rate drying section, the drum rotates in an initial rolling motion to separate or roll the clothes from the inner wall of the drum.

On the other hand, the constant rate drying section A2 ends with a swinging motion and the falling rate drying section A3 starts with a rolling motion, so the rolling motion occurs after the swinging motion.

On the other hand, when considering the falling rate drying section A3 from the perspective of the speed of rotation stage S2, the rolling motion is performed longer than the drying motion, so the duration of the low speed section L is set longer than the duration of the high speed section H.

When a rolling motion is performed in the falling rate drying section A3, the low speed section L of the rotation stage S2 is set so that the clothes fall from below the center of the drum.

When rolling and drying motions are performed in the decreasing rate drying section A3, once the low speed section L ends in the rotation step S2, the high speed section H is placed until the decreasing rate drying section A2 is completed, or the high speed section H and the low speed section L are placed periodically and repeatedly.

The drying motion is set based on the speed of the rotation stage S2, with the duration of the high-speed section H being equal to or longer than the duration of the low-speed section L from the start of the high-speed section H to the end of the falling-rate drying section A2.

The drying motion is performed when the degree of dryness reaches a predetermined value d, so the point at which the high-speed section H starts in rotation stage S2 is set to the point at which the degree of dryness reaches a predetermined value d, which is higher than the set value c.

Figure 34 shows the rotation step S2 that can be applied in the cooling section during the air supply step S1.

When the dryness of the clothes reaches a completion value e, which is higher than the set value c, in the falling rate drying section, the cooling section A4 is entered. The completion value e is set to 90% or more of the dryness.

In cooling section A4, the clothes have finished drying, but the temperature inside the drum 200 is higher than the outside air, and if the door is opened, the user would be exposed to fire.

Therefore, in the cooling section A4, the heat exchanger 900 is not driven, and only the circulation fan 950 is driven to cool the clothes.

In cooling section A4, the clothes are almost completely dried, so it is preferable not to rotate drum 200 at maximum speed. This is because even the slightest friction between drum 200 and the clothes in cooling section A4 can damage the clothes.

However, if only air is allowed to flow into the drum 200 in the cooling section A4, the clothes placed at the low point of the drum 200 will be pushed down by the load, causing wrinkles to form in various places on the clothes.

Therefore, a stop motion is performed in the cooling section A4. That is, the stop motion causes the drum 200 to rotate intermittently, preventing wrinkles from forming in the clothes.

*As a result, the rotation step S2 carried out in the air supply section S1 of the clothing treatment device of the present invention selectively performs one of a number of drum motions depending on the time, thereby preventing damage and shrinkage of clothing and completing the drying of clothing.

The present invention can be modified and implemented in various forms, and the scope of the rights is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, as long as the modified embodiment includes the elements of the claims of the present invention, it is determined that it falls within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims (34)

A method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for receiving clothing, a drive unit for rotating the drum, a circulation flow path for providing a space in which air in the drum is circulated or moisture contained in the air is condensed, and a heat exchange unit for heating the air flowing through the circulation flow path,
an air supply step of supplying the air heated by the heat exchanger to the drum;
a rotating step of rotating the drum while the air supplying step is being performed;
The rotating step comprises:
a high-speed section in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes are rotated while adhering to the inner wall of the drum, and a low-speed section in which the drum is rotated so that the clothes fall from the inner wall of the drum and rotate,
A method for controlling a clothing processing device, comprising: setting a ratio of the high speed section to the low speed section differently for each specific section during the air supply step. The air supply step includes:
It is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
The preheating section includes:
The time period is set to a time from when the heat exchange unit is operated until the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange unit reaches a predetermined temperature from a start temperature, or is set to a time from when the heat exchange unit is operated until a reference time has elapsed,
The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the high speed section and the low speed section are arranged alternately in the preheating section. The control method for a clothing processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the total time of the high-speed section in the preheating section is set to be longer than the total time of the low-speed section. The control method for a clothing processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the duration of the high-speed section in the preheating section is set longer than the duration of the low-speed section. The low speed section is
a constant speed section during which the drum is rotated such that the garments fall between a high point on the drum and a center of the drum;
a deceleration section in which the rotation speed of the drum is slower than that of the constant speed section,
The preheating section includes:
The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 4, wherein the high speed section, the constant speed section and the deceleration section are arranged periodically. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the deceleration section is set to have a shorter duration than the constant speed section. The air supply step includes:
It is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
The constant rate drying section is entered when the refrigerant temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a reference value in the preheating section or the heat exchanger operates for a reference time,
The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the low speed section is set longer than the high speed section in the constant rate drying section. The rotating step comprises:
The drum further includes a variable section in which the rotation speed is variable,
The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 7, wherein the variable section is disposed in the constant rate drying section. The falling rate drying section is entered when the discharge temperature of the circulation flow path rises above a reference temperature or the dryness of the clothes reaches a set value,
The method of claim 8, wherein the variable period is performed before the falling rate period starts. Further comprising a dryness sensor for detecting the dryness of the clothes;
The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: entering the variable drying section when the dryness degree reaches a target value after entering the constant rate drying section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the variable section is entered when a reference time has elapsed after entering the constant rate drying section. The variable section varies the rotation speed of the drum between the high speed section and the low speed section,
The method of claim 8, wherein the low speed section is further divided into a constant speed section and a deceleration section having a rotation speed lower than that of the constant speed section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the variable section is arranged such that the constant speed section, the high speed section, and the deceleration section are arranged periodically. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the constant rate drying section is continuously arranged in the low speed section until entering the variable section. The control method for a clothing processing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the duration of the low-speed section before entering the variable section is set longer than the entire duration of the variable section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the high-speed section and the low-speed section are periodically and repeatedly arranged between the low-speed section and the variable section. The air supply step includes:
It is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
The falling rate drying section is entered when the discharge temperature of the circulation flow path rises above a reference temperature or the dryness of the clothes reaches a set value,
The method of claim 1 , wherein the duration of the low speed section in the falling rate drying section is set to be longer than the duration of the high speed section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 17, characterized in that in the falling rate drying section, the low speed section sets the drum rotation speed so that the clothing falls from below the center height of the drum. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 18, characterized in that the low speed section is continuously arranged when entering the falling rate drying section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 19, characterized in that the high-speed section in the falling-rate drying section is placed after the low-speed section. The control method for a clothing processing device according to claim 20, characterized in that, when entering the high-speed section during the falling-rate drying section, the high-speed section and the low-speed section are arranged periodically until the falling-rate drying section is completed. Further comprising a dryness sensor for detecting the dryness of the clothes;
The method of claim 19, wherein the entry into the high speed zone is set at a time point when the dryness level reaches a predetermined value higher than the set value. The control method for a clothing processing device according to claim 22, characterized in that the falling rate drying section ends when the dryness reaches a completion value higher than a predetermined value. A method for controlling a clothing treatment device that performs a fabric protection course to prevent damage to fabrics, the method comprising: a drum that receives clothing; a drive unit that rotates the drum; a circulation flow path that provides a space in which air in the drum is circulated or moisture contained in the air is condensed; and a heat exchange unit that heats the air flowing through the circulation flow path, the method comprising the steps of:
The fabric protection course includes:
an air supply step of supplying the air heated by the heat exchanger to the drum;
a rotating step of rotating the drum while the air supplying step is being performed;
The rotating step comprises:
a prevention step including a high-speed section for rotating the drum at a speed higher than a first speed at which the clothes stick to the inner wall of the drum and rotate;
and a protection step including a limiting section for rotating the drum at a limiting speed to prevent the clothes from rising higher than the center of the drum. The prevention step comprises:
The drum may further include a low speed section in which the drum is rotated at a second speed that is faster than the limit speed and lower than the first speed,
The method of claim 24, wherein in the preventing step, the high speed section and the low speed section are periodically repeated. The air supply step is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
the preventing step is performed in the preheating section, the constant rate drying section, and the falling rate drying section,
The method of claim 25, wherein the preventing step is performed by setting a ratio of the high speed section to the low speed section in the preheating section to be longer than the constant rate drying section and the falling rate drying section. The rotating step comprises:
In the constant rate drying section, the drum is rotated at a speed faster than a limit speed and includes the first speed,
The method of claim 26, wherein the prevention step is performed after the exposure step. The rotating step comprises:
a separating step of periodically repeating a process of increasing the speed of the drum from the second speed and decreasing the speed below the second speed in the constant rate drying section,
The method of claim 26, wherein the prevention step is performed before the separation step. The air supply step is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
The method of claim 24, wherein the protection step is performed during the falling rate drying section. The method for controlling a clothing processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that in the falling rate drying section, the protection step is performed and then the prevention step is performed. further comprising a dryness sensor contacting the clothes to sense the dryness of the clothes;
The prevention step comprises:
The method of claim 30, wherein the method is performed when the dryness level reaches a predetermined value during execution of the protection step in the falling rate drying section. The fabric protection course includes:
a temperature control step of controlling a temperature of the air supplied to the drum during the air supply step;
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the temperature control step prevents the air in the drum from exceeding a limit temperature. the heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger that is provided in the circulation flow path and heats the air, and a compressor that is provided outside the circulation flow path and supplies the heated refrigerant to the heat exchanger,
The air supply step is divided into a preheating period, a constant rate drying period, and a falling rate drying period,
The temperature control step includes:
The method of claim 32, wherein the driving rpm of the compressor is gradually decreased each time the preheating section, the constant rate drying section, and the falling rate drying section are performed. The temperature control step includes:
After driving the compressor at a maximum rpm in the preheating section,
In the constant rate drying section, the constant rate rpm is lower than the maximum rpm;
The method for controlling a laundry processing device according to claim 33, characterized in that, in the falling rate drying section, the device is driven at a falling rate rpm lower than the constant rate rpm.

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