SHOE CARE APPARATUS

A shoe care apparatus includes an inner cabinet, a door, a connecting flow path, a blower unit, a dehumidifying unit, a steam generator, and a steam inlet. The steam inlet forms an entrance through which the steam flows into an accommodation space of the inner cabinet. The door is located at the front portion of the inner cabinet, and the steam inlet is located at the center of the rear side of the accommodation space.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shoes care device, and more particularly, to a shoes care device which treats shoes by air circulation.

BACKGROUND ART

Shoes may get wet by a wearer's sweat, external contaminants, or rain or snow. Wearing such shoes may make the wearer uncomfortable, and in this condition, germs may also breed or the shoes may stink.

Accordingly, there is an increasing interest in a shoes care device, which removes germs and odors by performing a predetermined treatment on the shoes so that a user can comfortably wear the shoes all the time.

For the shoes care device, Korean Patent No. 10-1037245 (hereinafter, referred to as “Prior Art Document1”), entitled “Apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes”, includes a main body, an ultraviolet emission module, and a deodorization module.

According to Prior Art Document1above, the shoes are disposed in a sterilization chamber of the main body, and the ultraviolet emission module is driven to remove germs and odors of the shoes. Furthermore, the air in the sterilization chamber is sucked into a ventilation pipe and discharged to the outside of the main body through an exhaust port through the deodorization module.

Here, the deodorization module includes a deodorization column made up of materials such as zeolite, activated carbon, and charcoal, and removes contaminants from the air discharged from the inside of the main body to the outside by the deodorization column.

According to Prior Art Document1above, the air from which moisture has been removed by a deodorization module including zeolite and activated carbon can be discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes.

However, in Prior Art Document1above, since the air is discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization of shoes, the air that has not sufficiently removed moisture or odors may be discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes, and such air may be discharged to the inside where the wearer resides.

In addition, Korean Patent Unexamined Publication No. 10-2000-0009653 (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art Document2”), entitled “The shoes cabinet for sanitation”, which discloses a shoe closet that includes a main body, a far infrared radiation part, a circulation fan, an air circulation passage, and a sanitary filter portion.

According to Prior Art Document2above, while storing shoes in shoe closet, hygiene treatments such as dehumidification, sterilization, and deodorization can be performed on the shoes by far-infrared rays and a filter during the storing of the shoes.

Here, since the sanitary filter portion is filled with excellent adsorptive materials such as charcoal, it can serve to adsorb moisture in the process of ventilating air and filter bacteria, as well as to capture malodorous substances.

According to Prior Art Document2above, the air is circulated by a circulating fan in a shoe closet, and the sanitary filter portion is disposed on a circulation path of the air to remove germs and odors in the air.

However, since Prior Art Document2above does not consider a technology to prevent the reduction of the performance of the sanitary filter portion configured to remove moisture or odors, a user may not be satisfied because the shoes are not properly treated at the time of using a shoes care device.

As described above, for the shoes care device that removes germs or odors by treating the shoes in a predetermined manner, a task that has to be solved to ensure proper performance for shoes treatment while preventing the air used for dehumidification and deodorization from being exposed to the user is present in in the process of treating the shoes.

However, there is a limitation in that the conventional shoes care device cannot properly solve such a task.

In addition, when designing and manufacturing devices including a dehumidifier such as zeolite, it is necessary to consider how the dehumidification efficiency of a dehumidifying material can be further improved, whether the dehumidifying material can be effectively regenerated, whether water vapor generated during the use of the shoes care device and the regeneration of the dehumidifying material can be effectively removed or managed, whether moisture is left in an unintended area during use of the shoes care device and the regeneration of the dehumidifying, whether components are properly disposed in a limited space, and whether the devices provides excellent use convenience. There is a need to develop a shoes care device that takes these matters into consideration.

In addition, the reduction of manufacturing costs, the convenience of manufacturing and assembling each component, and the convenience of maintenance needs to be considered in the development of the shoes care device.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An objective to be attained by the present disclosure is to provide a shoes care device that treats shoes by supplying steam to the inside of an inner cabinet where the shoes are placed and has an air circulation structure in which the air inside the inner cabinet is dehumidified using a dehumidifying material and in which the dehumidified air is supplied back into the inner cabinet, thereby caring for the shoes in the state in which the shoes are placed on the bottom of the inner cabinet, supplying uniformly steam to each of a pair of shoes, and enabling uniform shoes care.

An objective to be attained by the present disclosure is to provide a shoes care device having a structure capable of preventing the shoes from interfering with the supply of steam and avoiding damage to the shoes by steam in the case where a steam inlet is formed on the bottom of the inner cabinet.

An objective to be attained by the present disclosure is to provide a shoes care device having a structure that has a means, which is formed on the bottom of an accommodation space of the inner cabinet, for the user to easily recognize the preferred seating position of the shoe and prevents the steam inlet, through which steam is discharged, from being covered by the shoe even in the case where the shoe accommodated in the inner cabinet is very large.

An objective to be attained by the present disclosure is to provide a shoes care device capable of easily maintaining the shoes care device even when foreign substances are separated from the shoes and remain on the bottom of the inner cabinet during the shoe care process.

An objective to be attained by the present disclosure is to provide a shoes care device that uniformly treats a pair of shoes and easily discharges condensation water generated inside the inner cabinet.

Technical Solution

A shoes care device disclosed in the present disclosure is configured to include an inner cabinet, a door, a connection path, a blowing part, a dehumidifying part, a steam generator, and a steam inlet.

The inner cabinet has an accommodation space in which shoes are accommodated and a main opening that is open in a first direction as a horizontal direction.

The door is configured to open and close the main opening.

The connection path forms a flow path through which air is introduced from the accommodation space and then discharged back into the accommodation space.

The blowing part is disposed on the connection path and configured to blow air.

The dehumidifying part is disposed on the connection path and configured to dehumidify the air.

The steam generator is configured to generate steam.

The steam inlet forms an inlet through which the steam is introduced into the accommodation space. The steam inlet is formed on the bottom of the accommodation space or adjacent to the bottom. The steam inlet is located at the rear center of the accommodation space with respect to the first direction.

The shoes care device comprises a pair of first guide rib and second guide rib.

The first guide rib and the second guide rib protrude upward from the bottom surface of the accommodation space so as to support the front end or rear end of the shoe.

The first guide rib and the second guide rib are positioned on different sides based on a reference plane that is a vertical plane parallel to the first direction and crossing the steam inlet.

The bottom surface of the accommodation space is formed to be inclined downward in the first direction.

Each of the first guide rib and the second guide rib is formed in a curved shape that is concave in the first direction.

The first guide rib and the second guide rib are symmetrical to each other about the reference plane. The first guide rib and the second guide rib are formed in front of the accommodation space, based on the first direction.

Based on the rear end of the bottom surface of the accommodation space in the first direction, when a distance to the steam inlet is BD1, a distance to the first guide rib and the second guide rib is BD2, and a distance to the front end of the bottom surface of the accommodation space is BD3, the BD1is 1/10 of the BD3or less, and the BD2is 9/10 to 10/10 of the BD3.

Opposite sides of the accommodation space are symmetrical to each other about the reference plane.

The inner cabinet comprises a first inner side plate, a second inner side plate, and an inner rear plate.

The first inner side plate forms a wall surface on the side where the first guide rib is position based on the reference plane.

The second inner side plate forms a wall surface on the side where the second guide rib is position based on the reference plane.

The inner rear plate forms a rear wall surface in the first direction and connects the first inner side plate and the second inner side plate.

The first guide rib may be formed to be more biased to the reference plane than the first inner side plate, and the second guide rib may be formed to be more biased to the reference plane than the second inner side plate.

The length of the steam inlet is 1/15 to ⅕ of the gap between the first inner side plate and the second inner side plate in a second direction, as the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the first direction.

The inner cabinet comprises a lower opening provided in the lower side of the accommodation space.

The shoes care device is configured to include a module housing and a main shelf.

The module housing is coupled to the lower side of the inner cabinet to shield the lower opening. The module housing forms a part of the connection path. The module housing has an outlet through which air of the accommodation space is introduced and a module chamber that is an inner space communicating with the outlet and accommodates the blowing part and the dehumidifying part.

The main shelf is seated on the upper side of the module housing. The main shelf has the first guide rib and the second guide rib formed on the upper surface thereof.

The outlet is formed at the front of the upper surface of the module housing in the first direction.

The main shelf has a shelf hole formed right above the outlet to vertically penetrate the same.

The first guide rib and the second guide rib are formed ahead of the shelf hole in the first direction.

The main shelf may be configured to include a plurality of main isolation ribs. The plurality of main isolation ribs protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main shelf and spaced apart from each other.

The main shelf is configured to include a main water stop rib forming an edge and protruding upward.

The shoes care device may be configured to include a bottom bar. The bottom bar has the steam inlet formed on an upper surface thereof. The bottom bar is interposed between the inner cabinet and the main water stop rib at the rear in the first direction.

The upper surface of the bottom bar is higher than or equal to the upper surface of the main water stop rib.

The main water stop rib may be in close contact with or close to the inner cabinet on both left and right sides in the first direction.

The steam inlet may be position behind the main shelf in the first direction. The steam inlet may penetrate in the vertical direction and have an upper end that is higher than the bottom of the main shelf.

The shoes care device may be configured to include a sump, a heating part, and a regeneration path.

The sump is provided on the lower side of the module housing and configured to accommodate condensed water.

The heating part is accommodated in the module chamber and configured to heat air in the module chamber.

The regeneration path forms a flow path through which the air in the module chamber, which has passed through the dehumidifying part, moves to the sump.

The module housing is configured to include a module case and a module cover.

The module case forms the module chamber and has a module opening that is open upward.

The module cover shields the module opening from an upper side of the blowing part, the heating part, and the dehumidifying part, is coupled to the module case, and has the outlet formed to penetrate therethrough.

Advantageous Effects

The shoes care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include an inner cabinet, a door, a connection path, a blowing part, a dehumidifying part, a steam generator, and a steam inlet. The steam inlet forms an inlet through which steam is introduced into the accommodation space of the inner cabinet. The door is position in front of the inner cabinet, and the steam inlet is position in the rear center of the accommodation space. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since shoes are cared while being placed on the bottom of the accommodation space, it is convenient to insert or remove shoes into or from the accommodation space, and shoes in various sizes can be easily cared. In addition, the steam generated by the steam generator may be distributed inside the inner cabinet to refresh the shoes, and the air inside the inner cabinet may be circulated through the connection path, thereby dehumidifying the air. Since the steam inlet is position in the rear center of the accommodation space, it is possible to minimize the possibility that a pair of shoes blocks the steam inlet when placed on the bottom of the accommodation space, and to uniformly supply steam to the respective shoes. In addition, even when high-temperature steam is discharged through the steam inlet, the steam may be discharged directly to the bottom of the shoes, thereby minimizing the possibility of uneven processing of a pair of shoes or damage to the shoes.

The shoes care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of first guide rib and second guide rib. The first guide rib and the second guide rib are located on different sides, based on the reference plane. When a user places a pair of shoes on the bottom of the accommodation space, one shoe may be supported on the first guide rib and the other shoe may be supported on the second guide rib, thereby being placed on the bottom of the accommodation space. Therefore, the two shoes are located on different sides of the reference plane, and the steam inlet is located at one point of the reference plane. A pair of shoes, if it has a very large size, may be placed diagonally apart from each other toward the rear in the first direction. In this case, the steam inlet is located between the pair of shoes. In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize, when the size of the shoe is very large, the possibility that the steam inlet is obscured by the shoes or that the shoes are placed very close to the steam inlet.

The shoes care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include a module housing and a main shelf. In this case, the first guide rib and the second guide rib are formed on the upper surface of the main shelf. Foreign substances separated from the shoes during the shoe care process may settle on the upper surface of the main shelf, and in this case, the user may separate the main shelf from the inner cabinet and wash the main shelf, making it easier to maintain the shoes care device.

In the shoes care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main shelf may be disposed to be inclined downward in a first direction, and a shelf hole may be formed in the main shelf, and the condensed water on the upper surface of the main shelf may flow into the module housing through the shelf hole and then move to the regeneration path. In addition, the shoes care device may be configured to include a bottom bar, and the main shelf may be configured to include a main water stop rib. In this case, the steam inlet is formed on the upper surface of the bottom bar, and the upper surface of the bottom bar is higher than or equal to the upper surface of the main water stop rib, and the main water stop rib is in close contact with or close to the inner cabinet on both left and right sides in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent steam released from the steam inlet from being supplied directly to the shoes, thereby preventing the shoes from being damaged by the steam. In addition, the water condensed in the accommodation space is located inside the main water stop rib, which is the edge of the main shelf, or moves to the regeneration path, enabling easy management of the condensed water in the shoes care device.

MODES FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals designate like elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. Suffixes “module” and “unit or portion” for elements used in the following description are merely provided for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, known functions or structures, which may confuse the substance of the present disclosure, are not explained. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily explain various technical features and it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

Although the terms first, second, and the like, may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “containing,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

A first direction (X direction), a second direction (Y direction), and a third direction (Z direction) described in one embodiment of the present invention may be directions orthogonal to each other.

Each of the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) may be a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, and the third direction (Z direction) may be a direction parallel to the vertical direction. When the first direction (X direction) is parallel to a left-right direction, the second direction (Y direction) may be parallel to a front-rear direction. When the first direction (X direction) is parallel to the front-rear direction, the second direction (Y direction) may be parallel to the left-right direction.

FIG.1ais a perspective view illustrating a shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.1bis a perspective view of the shoes care device ofFIG.1a, when viewed from another direction, illustrating a state in which a door is opened.

FIG.2ais a perspective view illustrating a state in which a part of the door and an outer cabinet are removed from the shoes care device ofFIG.1b.

FIG.2bis a perspective view illustrating a state in which the shoes care device illustrated inFIG.2ais viewed from another direction.

A shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outer cabinet20, a door30, an inner cabinet100, and a machine room50. The shoes care device1may include a main frame5.

The outer cabinet20and the door30may form an overall appearance of the shoes care device1. The outside of the shoes care device1may be formed in a hexahedral shape. That is, while the outer cabinet20and the door30are coupled to each other and the door30is closed, the appearance of the shoes care device1may be formed in a hexahedral shape. However, the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a shape and may have various three-dimensional shapes.

When the door30forms the front of the shoes care device1, the outer cabinet20may form an upper side surface, a left-side surface, a right-side surface, a rear surface, and bottom surfaces of the shoes care device1.

The main frame5may form an overall framework of the shoes care device1. The main frame5may have a hexahedral structure.

The outer cabinet20may be detachably fixed to the main frame5.

The outer cabinet20may include an outer rear plate21, a first outer side plate22, and a second outer side plate23.

The outer rear plate21, the first outer side plate22, and the second outer side plate23may be formed integrally with each other, or the outer rear plate21, the first outer side plate22, and the second outer side plate23may be individually formed.

The outer rear plate21forms a vertically erected wall surface. The outer rear plate21may form a surface orthogonal to the first direction (X direction). The outer rear plate21may form a rear wall surface in the first direction (X direction) on the outer cabinet20. The outer rear plate21may form a rear surface in the first direction (X direction) in the shoes care device1. The outer rear plate21may form an entire outer rear surface of the shoes care device1.

The first outer side plate22and the second outer side plate23form vertically erected wall surfaces, respectively, and form opposing wall surfaces facing each other.

The first outer side plate22is disposed at any one side with respect to a reference plane RP that is parallel to the first direction (X direction) as a horizontal direction and is a vertical plane. The second outer side plate23is disposed on the opposite side of the first outer side plate22with respect to the reference plane RP. The first outer side plate22may form a left wall surface of the outer cabinet20, and the second outer side plate23may form a right wall surface of the outer cabinet20.

The outer cabinet20may be disposed outside the inner cabinet100and the machine room50to form an outer wall surface of the machine room50. When a separate cabinet for the machine room50is not provided in the shoes care device1, the outer cabinet20may form a wall separating the machine room50from the outside.

The door30is configured to open and close the inside of the shoes care device1. The door30may form any one surface of the shoes care device1. The door30may form a left side or a right side of the shoes care device1, or may form a front side of the shoes care device1.

In the shoes care device1, the door30may be hinge-coupled.

In one embodiment, the door30may be hinge-coupled to the main frame5. In another embodiment, the door30may be hinge-coupled to the outer cabinet20, and in another embodiment, the door30may be hinge-coupled to the inner cabinet100and/or the machine room50.

A hinge rotation axis31of the door30may be formed in the vertical direction. That is, in the shoes care device1, the door30may be configured to be rotatable bidirectionally around a rotation axis31in the vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the shoes care device1may include one door30. In another embodiment, the shoes care device1may include two or more doors.

When two doors are provided in the shoes care device1, each door may be individually rotated around each rotation axis.

The first direction (X direction) described in one embodiment of the present invention may be parallel to or substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the first direction (X direction) may be a direction from the rear of the shoes care device1to the front.

Hereinafter, except for a particularly limited case, it will be described that the door30is formed in a front side of the shoes care device1. That is, a surface on which the door30is formed in the shoes care device1is described as a front surface of the shoes care device1.

Furthermore, hereinafter, except for a particularly limited case, it will be described that the first direction (X direction) is parallel to the front-rear direction, the second direction (Y direction) is parallel to the left-right direction, and the third direction (Z direction) is parallel to the vertical direction.

The inner cabinet100and the machine room50may be provided inside the outer cabinet20.

The inner cabinet100may be formed in a box shape, and a predetermined space may be formed therein. The space inside the inner cabinet100forms an accommodation space101, and shoes S may be accommodated in the accommodation space101.

A plurality of shoes S may be disposed together in the accommodation space101of one inner cabinet100.

The inner cabinet100may be fixed to the main frame5.

The inner cabinet100has a predetermined size along the first direction (X direction), the second direction (Y direction), and the third direction (Z direction).

The inner cabinet100is formed in the shape of a box opened to any one side. The inner cabinet100may be formed in a form opened to the front side of the shoes care device1. The inner cabinet100may be configured to include a main opening140. The main opening140may be provided to open the front side of the inner cabinet100in the first direction (X direction). The shoes may be disposed inside the inner cabinet100or withdrawn from the inner cabinet100through the main opening140.

The main opening140of the inner cabinet100may be closed or opened by the door30.

The inner cabinet100may include an inner rear plate110, a first inner side plate120, a second inner side plate130, and an inner upper plate115.

The inner rear plate110, the first inner side plate120, the second inner side plate130, and the inner upper plate115may be formed integrally with each other. The inner cabinet100may be made of a single material and be formed by injection molding.

The inner rear plate110forms a vertically erected wall surface. The inner rear plate110may form a surface orthogonal to the first direction (X direction). The inner rear plate110may form a rear wall surface of the inner cabinet100in the first direction (X direction). The inner rear plate110may be formed parallel to the outer rear plate21.

The first inner side plate120and the second inner side plate130form vertically erected wall surfaces, respectively, and form opposing wall surfaces facing each other.

The first inner side plate120is dispose on either side with respect to the reference plane RP that is parallel to the first direction (X direction) as the horizontal direction and is a vertical surface. The second inner side plate130is disposed on the opposite side of the first inner side plate120with respect to the reference plane RP. The first inner side plate120forms a left wall surface of the inner cabinet100, and the second inner side plate130forms a right wall surface of the inner cabinet100.

The first inner side plate120may be formed parallel to the first outer side plate22, and the second inner side plate130may be formed parallel to the second outer side plate23.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner cabinet100may have the form where a lower part thereof is opened. Accordingly, the inner cabinet100includes a lower opening formed by opening the lower part thereof. When the inner cabinet is formed in a hexahedral shape on the whole, the lower opening may be formed large to form all or most of a lower surface of the inner cabinet100.

However, the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention is not used in a state in which an entire lower part of the inner cabinet100is opened, but is used in a state in which the inner cabinet100and a module housing200are coupled to each other so that the lower opening of the inner cabinet100is shielded by the module housing200. That is, the shoes care device1is used so that an upper surface of the module housing200forms a bottom surface of the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100. A further explanation thereof will be described below.

A main shelf40may be provided in the inside101of the inner cabinet100. The main shelf40may be formed such that the shoes S are settled on an upper surface thereof.

The main shelf40may be formed in the form of a plate with a predetermined area, or may be formed in the form of a grill where multiple bars are spaced apart from each other.

One main shelf40may be provided, or a plurality of main shelves40may be provided.

The main shelf40may have a substantially flat plate shape and be disposed on a bottom surface of the inner cabinet100. The main shelf40is settled on an upper side of a module cover202of the inner cabinet100. The main shelf40may be disposed on the upper side of the module cover202of the inner cabinet100in a stacked form.

The main shelf40is detachable from the inner cabinet100, and when the main shelf40is withdrawn from the inner cabinet100, the upper surface of the module housing200is exposed.

The main shelf40may have a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view. The size of the main shelf40may be a size corresponding to the bottom of the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100. That is, when the main shelf40is disposed inside the inner cabinet100, the main shelf40may form all or most of the bottom of the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100.

In one embodiment, the machine room50may be provided in a lower side of the inner cabinet100. In the machine room50, some of the components that constitutes the shoes care device1may be accommodated, and, in this case, the components that are accommodated in the machine room50may be fixed to a main frame5or to the inner cabinet100or the outer cabinet20.

FIG.3is a front view illustrating a state in which a door is removed from the shoes care device illustrated inFIG.1b.FIG.3illustrates shoes accommodated in an inner cabinet together.

FIG.4ais a cross-sectional view taken along line4a-4a′ of the shoes care device illustrated inFIG.3.FIG.4bis a cross-sectional view taken along line4b-4b′ of the shoes care device illustrated inFIG.3, andFIG.4cis a cross-sectional view taken along line4c-4c′ of the shoes care device illustrated inFIG.3.FIGS.4ato4cillustrate a form where a door is included in the shoes care device, and do not illustrate shoes.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention includes management devices2aand2b. In the shoes care device1, a plurality of management devices2aand2bmay be provided. In one embodiment, the shoes care device1may include a first management device2aand a second management device2b. That is, the shoes care device1may include two separate management devices2aand2b.

The ‘management device’ described in the present invention may refer to a ‘first management device2a’ and a ‘second management device2b’, respectively, except for a particularly limited case.

The management devices2aand2binclude the above-described inner cabinet100.

In one embodiment of the present invention, since the inner cabinet100of the first management device2aand the inner cabinet100of the second management device2bmay be distinguished from each other, the inner cabinet100aof the first management device2amay refer to a first inner cabinet100a, and inner cabinet100bof the second management device2bmay refer to a second inner cabinet100b.

It may be understood that the ‘inner cabinet100’ described in one embodiment of the present invention refers to each of the ‘first inner cabinet100a’ and the ‘second inner cabinet100b’, except for a particularly limited case.

When the door30is closed in the shoes care device1, the door30closes the main opening140of the first management device2aand also closes the main opening140of the second management device2b. That is, the door30may simultaneously seal the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the first management device2aand the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the second management device2b. In this case, the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the first management device2aand the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the second management device2bmay be configured such that they do not communicate with each other.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the first management device2aand the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100of the second management device2bmay form independent spaces, and may form blocked spaces (not communicating with each other). Accordingly, the temperature and humidity of the accommodation space101of the first management device2aand the temperature and humidity of the accommodation space101of the second management device2bmay be controlled differently from each other.

The management devices2aand2bmay be configured to include a connection path F10. The management devices2aand2bmay be configured to include a blowing part310and a dehumidifying part330. The management devices2aand2bmay include an outlet203and a nozzle820.

The management devices2aand2bmay include the module housing200forming a connection path F10. The module housing200forms all or part of the connection path F10.

The management devices2aand2bmay include a regeneration path F20. The management devices2aand2bmay include a heating part320.

The management devices2aand2bmay include a conversion flow path F10a.

The management devices2aand2bmay include a damper350.

The shoes care device1may include a steam generator700and a steam valve710.

The shoes care device1may include a sump600, a water supply tank60, and a drain tank70.

Since all or part of the outer cabinet20may be spaced apart from the inner cabinet100, a predetermined gap may be formed between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20.

In a space between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20, components constituting the shoes care device1may be provided, and various flow paths constituting the shoes care device1may be provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, part of the connection path F10may be provided between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20, and part of the regeneration path F20may be provided between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20.

A dry air duct370forming the connection path F10may be provided between the outer rear plate21and the inner rear plate110. Furthermore, a condenser400forming the regeneration path F20may be provided between the first outer side plate22and the first inner side plate120.

The connection path F10forms a flow path of a fluid.

The connection path F10forms a passage through which air and/or condensed water inside the shoes care device1moves.

The dehumidifying part330is disposed inside the connection path F10and includes a dehumidifying material. The dehumidifying part330may be entirely formed of the dehumidifying material, or a part thereof may be formed of the dehumidifying material. A further explanation of the dehumidifying part330will be described below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shoes care device1has an air circulation structure in which the air inside the inner cabinet100in which the shoes are disposed is sucked into the connection path F10to dehumidify the air using a dehumidifying material331and the dehumidified air may be supplied back into the inner cabinet100.

The connection path F10may be used as a means to achieve such an air circulation structure in the shoes care device1. All or part of the connection path F10may be formed of a pipe, a hose, a tube, a duct, a housing, or a combination thereof.

The module housing200according to one embodiment of the present invention forms part of the connection path F10.

The outlet203is formed in the module housing200. The outlet203communicates with the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, and forms an inlet of the module housing200through which the air of the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100is suctioned into the module housing200. The outlet203may be disposed below the main shelf40. In this case, the main shelf40may be formed so as not to block the air in the accommodation space101from being sucked into the outlet203. To this end, when the main shelf40is formed in a plate shape, a plurality of holes45penetrating in the vertical direction may be formed in the main shelf40so as to move the air.

In the shoes care device1, the inner cabinet100and the machine room50may form a space separated from each other. Furthermore, the module housing200that is part of the management devices2aand2bmay be provided between the inner cabinet100and the machine room50.

The inner cabinet100, the module housing200, and the machine room50are provided inside the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The inner cabinet100, the module housing200, and the machine room50may be continuously arranged from the upper side to the lower side. When the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the first management device2aand the second management device2b, the first management device2amay be disposed above the second management device2b. That is, the first management device2a, the second management device2b, and the machine room50may be continuously arranged from the upper side to the lower side.

Since the first management device2aand the second management device2binclude the inner cabinet100and the module housing200, respectively, they may be continuously arranged in an order of the inner cabinet100of the first management device2a, the module housing200of the first management device2a, the inner cabinet100of the second management device2b, the module housing200of the second management device2b, the machine room50from the upper side to the lower side.

The inner cabinet100may form a space that mainly accommodates an article (shoes S) to be managed, and the module housing200and the machine room50may form a space that mainly accommodates components for an operation of the shoes care device1.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the blowing part310, the dehumidifying part330(and the dehumidifying material331), and the heating part320may be accommodated inside the module housing200.

In addition, the machine room50may be configured to accommodate a controller10, the sump600, the steam generator700, and the steam valve710therein. Furthermore, the machine room50may be configured to accommodate the water supply tank60and the drain tank70.

Among the components constituting the management devices2aand2b, components not included in the module housing200may be fixedly coupled to the inner cabinet100and the outside of the module housing200or may be fixedly coupled to the main frame5.

Components coupled to or accommodated in the machine room50may be fixedly coupled to the machine room50.

The machine room50may include a first wall51.

A first wall51forms one wall surface of the machine room50. The first wall51may be erected in the vertical direction, or may be erected in the substantially vertical direction. In one embodiment, the first wall51may form a wall surface orthogonal to or inclined with the first direction (X direction).

The first wall51may form a front wall surface of the machine room50, a left wall of the machine room50, or a right wall of the machine room50.

The machine room50may include a second wall52and a third wall53. The second wall52and the third wall53form opposite wall surfaces facing each other in the machine room50. The second wall52and the third wall53may be erected in the vertical direction, or may be erected in the substantially vertical direction.

When the first wall51forms a front wall of the machine room50, the second wall52may form a left wall of the machine room50, and the third wall53may form a right wall of the machine room50.

The first wall51may be formed integrally with the inner cabinet100, and the second wall52and the third wall53may be formed integrally with the outer cabinet20, respectively.

Each of the water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be formed in the form of a container for accommodating water.

The water supply tank60may be configured to store water supplied into the shoes care device1inside. The water supply tank60may be configured to store water supplied into the steam generator700inside.

In order to supply water from the water supply tank60into the shoes care device1, a water pump61may be connected to the water supply tank60. The water supply tank60and the first water pump61may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc.

The drain tank70may be configured to store water discharged from the shoes care device1inside. The drain tank70may store water condensed inside the shoes care device1. The drain tank70may be configured to store water drained from the sump600.

In order to discharge water to the drain tank70, a water pump71(a second water pump) may be connected to the drain tank70. The drain tank70and the second water pump71may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc.

The water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be coupled to the machine room50to get exposed from the outside of one wall surface of the machine room50.

The water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be disposed in front of the machine room50.

The water supply tank60and the drain tank70may form one wall surface of the machine room50along with the first wall51. When the first wall51forms a front surface of the machine room50, the water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be exposed from a front side of the machine room50, and may be coupled to the machine room50to get exposed from the outside of the first wall51.

As the water supply tank60and the drain tank70are exposed to the outside of the first wall51, a user may inject water into the water supply tank60or discharge water from the drain tank70.

The water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be configured to be detachable from the machine room50. The water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be detached from the first wall51. In order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the water supply tank60and the drain tank70, a handle60aof the water supply tank60may be formed on an outer surface of the water supply tank60, and a handle70aof the drain tank70may be formed on an outer surface of the drain tank70.

Each of the water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be configured to be separated from the machine room50in an outer direction of the first wall51.

The controller10may be configured to control operations of each component in connection with each component constituting the shoes care device1.

In order to control the controller10, the shoes care device1may be provided with a storage medium in which an application program is stored, and the controller10may be configured to control the shoes care device1by driving an application program according to information input to the shoes care device1and information output from the shoes care device1.

The controller10may control the first management device2aand the second management device2bconstituting the shoes care device1to operate individually. The controller10may control the first management device2aand the second management device2bto operate in different states, and may control shoes (e.g., sneakers) in the first management device2aand shoes (e.g., heels) in the second management device2bto be managed under different conditions. Furthermore, the controller10may control the first management device2aand the second management device2bto interwork with each other.

The door30may be disposed on either the inner cabinet100or the machine room50on the same side as the first wall51. When the door30forms the front surface of the shoes care device1, the first wall51forms the front surface of the machine room50, and the door30is disposed directly outside the first wall51.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the door30may be configured to open and close the inner cabinet100and further expose or shield the front surface of the machine room50.

The door30may be configured to expose or shield the inner cabinet100, the water supply tank60, and the drain tank70.

As described above, in the shoes care device1, the door30, the water supply tank60, and the drain tank70are formed on the same side, and when the door30is opened, the water supply tank60and the drain tank70may be exposed and separated from the shoes care device1.

In the arrangement explained above, even if left and right sides and a rear side of the shoes care device1are blocked by other goods or structures, the door30may be opened on a front side of the shoes care device1, and the water supply tank60and the drain tank70can be separated from or coupled again to the shoes care device1.

A control panel33for controlling the shoes care device1is provided on an outer side of the door30. The control panel33may be formed of a touch screen. A control unit (controller10) is provided in the inner space of the door30to control each component of the shoes care device1in connection with the control panel33. The controller10may be provided inside the machine room50.

As illustrated inFIGS.1aand1b, in one embodiment, the door30may be configured to simultaneously expose or shield the inner cabinet100and the machine room50.

In another embodiment, the door30may be configured to open and close only the inner cabinet100. In this case, the machine room50may not be shielded by the door30. Furthermore, in this case, the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may be further provided with a dedicated door of the machine room50to open and close the machine room50separately from the door30.

FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door30, the outer cabinet20, and the inner cabinet100are removed from the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating a machine room part of the shoes care device1illustrated inFIG.5.

FIG.7ais a view illustrating the steam valve710according to one embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating a connection relationship considering the movement of steam.FIG.7bis an exploded perspective view illustrating the steam valve illustrated inFIG.7a.

The shoes care device1is provided with the steam generator700as a device configured so as to generate moisture inside the inner cabinet100. The steam generator700may be provided inside the machine room50. The steam generator700is configured to generate steam and selectively supply moisture and steam to the inside of the inner cabinet100.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment may be provided with one steam generator700, and the shoes care device1according to another embodiment may be provided with two or more steam generators700.

When the shoes care device1is provided with one steam generator700, the steam generator700may be configured to supply steam into the inner cabinet100of the first management device2aand/or into the inner cabinet100of the second management device2b.

When the shoes care device1is provided with two or more steam generators700, one of the steam generators700may supply steam to the inner cabinet100of the first management device2a, and the other steam generator700may supply steam to the inner cabinet100of the second management device2b.

Moist air formed by the steam generator700(‘air’ described in one embodiment of the present invention may be ‘air including moisture’) is supplied toward the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, and moisture may be circulated in the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, and accordingly, the moisture may be supplied to the shoes S.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a refresher device that refreshes the shoes.

Here, refreshing may refer to a process of removing contaminants, deodorizing, sanitizing, preventing static electricity, or warming by supplying air, heated air, water, mist, steam, etc. to the shoes.

The steam generator700may supply steam to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100in which the shoes S are accommodated, and may perform steam treatment on the shoes, which is further meant to exert a refreshing effect due to swelling of shoes materials as well as sterilization by high-temperature steam.

The steam generator700is provided with a separate heater700athat heats an inner space and water in the inner space and is configured to heat water to generate steam and supply the heated water to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100.

An external faucet, etc., as a water supply source for supplying water to the steam generator700, may be used, or a container-type water supply tank provided on one side of the machine room50may be used. The steam generator700may generate steam by receiving water from the water supply tank60.

The water supply tank60and the steam generator700may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc.

The steam generator700and the inner cabinet100may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc. In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described below, the steam generated by the steam generator700may be supplied into the inner cabinet100after passing through the steam valve710and a steam separator720. In this case, in order to move the steam, the steam generator700and the steam valve710may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc., and the steam valve710and the steam separator720may also be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc.

The steam valve710may be disposed adjacent to the steam generator700, and the steam valve710may be provided in the machine room50. The steam generator700and the steam valve710may be provided below the second management device2b.

The steam valve710is configured to selectively communicate with each of the accommodation space101of the first management device2aand the accommodation space101of the second management device2b, respectively.

When the steam of the steam generator700is supplied to the accommodation space101of the first management device2aand/or the accommodation space101of the second management device2b, the steam valve710operates to control whether the stream is supplied or not, and an operation of the stream710is driven by the controller10.

The steam valve710includes a valve housing711, a valve inlet712, a first valve outlet713, a second valve outlet714, a valve disk715, and a valve motor716. In the steam valve710illustrated inFIGS.7aand7b, the other outlets except the valve inlet712, the first valve outlet713, and the second valve outlet714may be blocked by a stopper and deactivated.

The valve housing711forms a body of the steam valve710, and has a predetermined inner space formed inside.

The valve inlet712may have a tubular shape and be coupled to the valve housing711to communicate with the inner space of the valve housing711. The valve inlet712is a part connected to the steam generator700, and steam may flow into the steam valve710(inside the valve housing711) through the valve inlet712.

The first valve outlet713and the second valve outlet714may be formed in a tubular shape and be coupled to the valve housing711to communicate with the inner space of the valve housing711.

The first valve outlet713and the second valve outlet714are outlets through which steam is discharged from the steam valve710. The first valve outlet713is connected to the accommodation space101of the first management device2a, and the second valve outlet714is connected to the accommodation space101of the second management device2b.

The valve disk715is provided inside the steam valve710(inside the valve housing711) and is configured to open and close a flow path inside the steam valve710. The valve disk715may be configured to selectively open and close a flow path of the first valve outlet713and a flow path of the second valve outlet714.

The valve disk715is disposed between the valve inlet712and the first valve outlet713, or between the valve inlet712and the second valve outlet714, inside the valve housing711. The valve disk715allows the valve inlet712and the first valve outlet713to communicate with each other or block the communication therewith, and also allows the valve inlet712and the second valve outlet714to communicate with each other or block the communication therewith.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve disk715may be formed in a circular plate shape and may include a valve hole715a. The valve hole715ais a hole penetrating the valve disk715. The valve disk715may be rotatably coupled to the valve housing711around a valve rotation axis715b, and the valve hole715amay be formed eccentrically from the valve rotation axis715b.

The valve motor716is coupled to the valve housing711, and the valve motor716is coupled to the rotation axis715bof the valve disk715to rotate the valve disk715.

The controller10may control the steam valve710by controlling an operation of the valve motor716.

The valve disk715rotates by the operation of the valve motor716, and the valve disk715opens or closes a flow path inside the steam valve710(inside the valve housing711) depending on the degree of rotation of the valve disk715.

In one embodiment, depending on the degree of rotation of the valve disk715, when the valve inlet712and the first valve outlet713communicate with each other through the valve hole715a, the valve inlet712and the second valve outlet714are blocked from communicating with each other by the valve disk715, or when the valve inlet712and the second valve outlet714communicate with each other through the valve hole715a, the valve outlet712and the first valve outlet713may be blocked from communicating with each other by the valve disk715.

In another embodiment, depending on the degree of rotation of the valve disk715, the valve inlet712may communicate with both the first valve outlet713and the second valve outlet714, or the valve inlet712may be blocked from communicating with both the first valve outlet713and the second valve outlet714.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve disk715may close a flow path of the second valve outlet714while opening a flow path of the first valve outlet713, and may also close the flow path of the first valve outlet713and open the flow path of the second valve outlet714.

The steam valve710made as described above may operate such that only the valve inlet712and the first valve outlet713communicate with each other, or only the valve inlet712and the second valve outlet714communicate with each other.

In the arrangement explained above, all the steam generated by the steam generator700may be supplied to the accommodation space101of the first management device2a, or may be supplied to the accommodation space101of the second management device2b. In this case, the steam generated by the steam generator700may be supplied to the accommodation space101of the first management device2aor the accommodation space101of the second management device2bwithout a pressure drop, and even when only one steam generator700is provided in the shoes care device1, the steam may be sufficiently and stably supplied to the accommodation spaces101of each of the two inner cabinets100.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller10may control the stream valve710such that when the heating part320of the first management device2ais turned off (when a heater321of the heating part320is turned off), the valve disk715closes or opens the first valve outlet713, and when the heating part320of the first management device2ais turned on (when the heater321of the heating part320is turned on), the valve disk715closes the first valve outlet713.

In addition, the controller10may control the stream valve710such that when the heating part320of the second management device2bis turned off (when the heater321of the heating part320is turned off), the valve disk715closes or opens the second valve outlet714, and when the heating part320of the second management device2bis turned on (when the heater321of the heating part320is turned on), the valve disk715closes the second valve outlet714.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, by controlling the steam valve710by the controller10, the steam generated in the steam generator700may be selectively or simultaneously supplied to the accommodation space101of the first management device2aand the accommodation space101of the second management device2b, and whether the steam is supplied or not may be controlled according to a use state of the shoes care device1.

FIG.8ais a cross-sectional view taken along line8a-8a′ of the shoes care device1illustrated inFIG.3.

FIG.8bis a view illustrating a state in which the main shelf40is removed from the shoes care device1illustrated inFIG.8a.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along line9-9′ of the shoes care device1illustrated inFIG.3.

FIG.10ais an exploded perspective view illustrating a drying module in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG.10bis an exploded perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of the drying module at a part to which the damper350is coupled.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifying part330may be used as a means that dehumidifies air.

As described above, the dehumidifying part330may be provided inside the module housing200.

The dehumidifying part330is configured to have a predetermined volume. The dehumidifying part330may be configured to be porous by itself. A plurality of pores may be formed over an entire volume of the dehumidifying part330, and air may move by penetrating the dehumidifying part330through such pores.

When the dehumidifying part330is composed of a combination of a plurality of dehumidifying materials, the plurality of dehumidifying materials may be fixed to each other by a separate fixing means, or may be fixed to each other by adhesion.

The dehumidifying part330may be formed of dehumidifying materials, and may be configured to include the dehumidifying materials.

The dehumidifying material331according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a material capable of reducing humidity by absorbing moisture in the air. The dehumidifying material331may be formed of various materials or a combination of the materials within the range of absorbing or adhering the moisture in the air, and may be formed in various shapes and structures.

The dehumidifying material331according to one embodiment of the present invention may be referred to as a desiccant or an adsorbent.

The dehumidifying material331according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed of a microporous material. The dehumidifying material331according to one embodiment of the present invention may include silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina (AL2O3), diatomaceous earth, etc.

Specifically, the dehumidifying material331according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed of zeolite or may be configured to include zeolite.

The zeolite is a natural and synthetic silicate mineral in which tunnels or open channels having a size of approximately 3 to 10 angstroms (Å) are regularly arranged, and may function as dehumidification by adsorbing the moisture in the air.

When the zeolite is heated, moisture adsorbed on the zeolite may be separated into a large amount of steam. According to the characteristics of the zeolite, the zeolite may be regenerated in a state capable of not only performing the dehumidification function to remove the moisture from the air but also performing the dehumidification function by heating the zeolite and separating the moisture adsorbed to the zeolite.

The zeolite may be formed in the form of small grains (or stones) having the size (diameter) of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers, and the dehumidifying material331described in one embodiment of the present invention may refer to a combination of the grains (or stones). Each of the grains (or stones) may be agglomerated or combined with each other to form a single structure.

In another embodiment, the dehumidifying part330may include a dehumidifying body330aand the dehumidifying material331.

The dehumidifying body330amay be formed to have a predetermined volume. In one embodiment, the dehumidifying body330amay be formed in a substantially hexahedral shape.

In order to allow air to move through the dehumidifying body330a, the dehumidifying body330amay be provided with a plurality of dehumidification through holes332penetrated in one direction. A cross section of the dehumidifying through hole332may be formed in a circular shape, a polygonal shape, etc. The dehumidifying through hole332may have a hexagonal cross section.

In the dehumidifying body330a, the dehumidifying through hole332may all have the same shape and size, or may have different shapes and sizes.

The dehumidifying body330amay be formed of or include materials such as synthetic resin, metal, ceramic, etc. The dehumidifying body330amay be formed of a combination of fibers, and may be formed of a nonwoven fabric, etc.

The dehumidifying material331may be coated on the dehumidifying body330a. The dehumidifying material331may be coated on the outside and inside of the dehumidifying body330a. Specifically, the dehumidifying material331may be coated on a surface in which the dehumidifying through hole332is formed.

When the dehumidifying body330ais formed of a combination of fibers, the zeolite may be first coated on each fiber as the dehumidifying material331, and the zeolite-coated fiber may be processed to form the dehumidifying body330aand simultaneously form the dehumidifying part330.

Regarding the coating of the zeolite, a manufacturing method of a zeolite coated ceramic paper (Korean Patent No. 10-1004826) is known, and Korean Patent No. 10-1173213 and Korean Patent No. 10-0941521 also describes a method of coating zeolite on a surface of a material. The dehumidifying part330according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed by coating the gelled zeolite precursor on the dehumidifying body330aor materials constituting the dehumidifying body330aand then performing heat treatment when the dehumidifying material331is formed of the zeolite.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating of the dehumidifying material331(zeolite) may be performed by using various known or possible methods, and is not limited to a certain manufacturing method related to the coating of the dehumidifying material331.

The blowing part310is provided inside the connection path F10. A blowing fan313may be provided inside the blowing part310. Since the blowing part310is provided in the connection path F10, air flows in the connection path F10when the blowing part310is driven, and since the connection path F10also communicates with the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, the air flows and moves in the accommodation space101by driving the blowing part310.

In this way, the air may be sucked from the inner cabinet100into the connection path F10by the driving of the blowing part310(a rotation of the blowing fan313), and the air inside the connection path F10may be ventilated.

In one embodiment, the blowing part310is provided inside the module housing200forming the connection path F10, and the blowing part310is driven to suction the air inside the inner cabinet100into an inlet203. The air inside the connection path F10passes through the module housing200constituting the connection path F10, the dry air duct370, and a nozzle duct810and is then discharged back into the inner cabinet820.

As such, the flow of air may be generated in the shoes care device1by the driving of the blowing part310.

Dry air may be supplied to the inside of the inner cabinet100by the blowing part310.

The heating part320is provided at one side of the dehumidifying part330and the blowing part310in the connection path F10. The heating part320may be provided inside the module housing200. Based on a movement direction of the air inside the module housing200, the module housing200may be arranged in an order of the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330. That is, the air introduced into the outlet203of the module housing200moves along the connection path F10by passing sequentially through the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330.

The heating part320is disposed inside the module housing200and is configured to heat the air of the module chamber210inside the module housing200.

The heating part320may be configured to heat the dehumidifying part330. The heating part320may be configured to heat the dehumidifying material331constituting the dehumidifying part330.

The air heated by the heating part320by the driving of the blowing part310moves directly to the dehumidifying part330, thus heating the dehumidifying part330. To this end, the heating part320is disposed inside the module housing200adjacent to the dehumidifying part330. Specifically, the heating part320is disposed inside the module housing200adjacent to the dehumidifying part330based on a movement path of the air inside the module housing200.

In the module housing200, the dehumidification by the dehumidifying material331or the regeneration of the dehumidifying material331may be achieved by selectively heating the heating part320.

The heating part320may be fixedly coupled to the module housing200in the module housing200.

The heating part320may be made up of various devices and structures within a range capable of heating the air inside the module housing200or supplying heat to the dehumidifying part330.

The heating part320may be formed of an electric heater321. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating part320may include the heater321. The heater321includes a heating element, and may be configured to supply heat to the periphery while the heating element generates heat by supplied electric energy. The heater321may include a nichrome wire as the heating element.

The heater321of the heating part320may be formed in a ring shape, and the air may move by penetrating the center and surroundings of the ring-shaped heater321and be simultaneously heated. The heater321of the heating part320may be repeatedly formed in a second module chamber213along the movement direction of air.

The heater321of the heating part320may be formed in a circular ring shape or a rectangular ring shape.

The heating part320may include a heater flange322to which the heater321is fixed.

The heater flange322may be formed in the form of a metallic plate.

The heater flange322may be formed of a combination of flat plates in the second module chamber213along the movement direction of air. The heater flange322has a cross section that may be formed of a plate shape or a combination of plates in the second module chamber213along the movement direction of air (the second direction (Y direction)).

The heater flange322may include an outer flange322aand an inner flange322b.

The outer flange322amay be formed in a tubular shape along the second direction (Y direction). An interior of the outer flange322ais provided with a space to move air along the movement direction of air (a direction parallel to the second direction (Y direction)) in the second module chamber213.

The inner flange322bis fixed to the interior of the outer flange322a. The inner flange322bmay include two or more plates crossing each other, and the heater321of the heating part320may be fixed to the inner flange322b.

The heater flange322may be formed in various forms that fix the heater321of the heating part320and do not interfere with a flow of air moving through the second module chamber213.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blowing part310, the heating part320, the dehumidifying part330, and the module housing200may form one set.

The set may be provided in a plural form. The shoes care device1according to one embodiment may be provided with two sets.

Such a set may be provided in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b.

Such a set may form a drying module DM in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the drying module DM may include the module housing200, the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330. Furthermore, the drying module DM is provided in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of drying modules DM may be provided.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of drying modules DM may be provided. When the shoes care device1is provided with the pair of drying modules DM, one of the drying modules DM may form a ‘drying module A (DM1)’ as a drying module of the first management device2a, and the other may form a ‘drying module B (DM2)’ as a drying module of the second management device2b.

The ‘drying module’ described in one embodiment of the present invention may be understood to refer to each of the ‘drying module A’ and the ‘drying module B’ except as otherwise particularly limited.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the drying module A (DM1) and the drying module B (DM2) may operate in different modes. When the drying module A (DM1) operates in a moisture absorption mode, the drying module B (DM2) may operate in a regeneration mode. Conversely, when the drying module A (DM1) operates in the regeneration mode, the drying module B (DM2) may operate in the moisture absorption mode.

The ‘moisture absorption mode’ described in the present invention means a case in which the dehumidifying part330adsorbs moisture in the air, and the ‘regeneration mode’ means a case in which the moisture adsorbed to the dehumidifying part330is separated by heating the dehumidifying part330.

Naturally, both the drying module A (DM1) and the drying module B (DM2) may operate in the moisture absorption mode or may operate in the regeneration mode.

The module housing200may be fixedly coupled to a lower side of the inner cabinet100. The module housing200may be detachably coupled to a lower side of the inner cabinet100.

The module housing200includes the module chamber210that is a space having other components accommodated inside. That is, the module chamber210is a space inside the module housing200distinguished from an external space of the module housing200. As described above, the module housing200forms part of the connection path F10, and accordingly, the module chamber210is configured to communicate with a space outside the module housing200. The module chamber210communicates with the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100.

The module housing200may include a module case201and a module cover202.

The module case201and the module cover202may be formed by injection molding, respectively, and may be assembled with each other after manufacturing to form the module housing200.

The module case201is formed in the form of a container that is concave substantially downwards, and forms the module chamber210of the module housing200.

The module case201may be configured in the form of a container opened upwards, and includes a module opening201a.

In a plan view, an area of the module opening201amay be larger than or equal to an area of the module chamber210.

The module chamber210may include a first module chamber212, a second module chamber213, and a third module chamber214. The module chamber210may include a suction module chamber211.

In order to distinguish between the suction module chamber211, the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214, a module partition wall220may be formed inside the module housing200. Furthermore, the module partition wall220guides the movement of air so that air moves in a predetermined direction inside the module housing200.

The suction module chamber211is a first space where air is introduced into the module housing200.

The first module chamber212is a space in which the blowing part310is accommodated, the second module chamber213is a space in which the heating part320is accommodated, and the third module chamber214is a space in which the dehumidifying part330is accommodated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction module chamber211, the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214may be formed at different positions in a plan view.

In addition, the air of the module chamber210may be configured to move through the suction module chamber211, the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214sequentially. That is, when the blowing part310is driven, air moves sequentially through the suction module chamber211, the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214inside the module housing200.

The module case201may include a dry air outlet231and a wet air outlet232.

The dry air outlet231may be formed in a hole shape opened to allow air in the third module chamber214to flow out. The dry air outlet231is formed adjacent to the third module chamber214. The dry air outlet231may be formed on one edge of the module case201. Furthermore, the dry air outlet231may be connected to the accommodation space101through the dry air duct370and the nozzle duct810.

The wet air outlet232may be formed in a hole shape opened to allow the air in the third module chamber214to flow out. The wet air outlet232is formed adjacent to the third module chamber214. The wet air outlet232may be formed on a frame on one side of the module case201. Furthermore, the wet air outlet232may be connected to the condenser400.

The dry air outlet231and the wet air outlet232may be formed adjacent to each other. The dry air outlet231and the wet air outlet232may be formed adjacent to any one vertex part of the module housing200.

The suction module chamber211is formed adjacent to the first module chamber212, and a bottom surface of the suction module chamber211may be inclined downwardly toward the first module chamber212. Accordingly, air introduced into the suction module chamber211may naturally move toward the first module chamber212by hitting the bottom surface of the suction module chamber211forming an inclined surface, and a condensed water introduced into the suction module chamber211may move along the bottom surface of the suction module chamber211forming the inclined surface, and may move to the first module chamber212.

The blowing part310may be assembled to the module housing200while being spaced apart from a bottom surface of the first module chamber212. Furthermore, in this case, the blowing part310may be configured such that air may be introduced from a lower side of the first module chamber212to an interior of the blowing part310inside the first module chamber212.

The module case201may include a first condensed water discharge hole233.

The first condensed water discharge hole233is formed in a hole shape penetrating the module case201. The first condensed water discharge hole233is formed on an edge of the module case201adjacent to a condenser400and formed to be equal to or lower than the bottom surface of the first module chamber212, and communicates with the condenser400. Among the bottom surfaces of the first module chamber212, the first condensed water discharge hole233may form the lowest part, or the bottom surface of the first module chamber212may be formed such that a height thereof is lowered toward or at least equal to the first condensed water discharge hole233.

As such, the first condensed water discharge hole233may be lower than the bottom surface of the first module chamber212, and accordingly, the condensed water introduced into the first condensed water discharge hole232may move toward the first condensed water discharge hole233and flow into the condenser400through the first condensed water discharge hole233.

Meanwhile, since the first condensed water discharge hole233is a hole in which the module housing200and the condenser400communicate with each other, the air inside the condenser400may flow into the module housing200through the first condensed water discharge hole233. The air introduced into the module housing200through the first condensed water discharge hole233from an interior of the condenser400may move along the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214by an operation of the blowing part310and may be introduced again into the condenser400and condensed.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the condenser400coupled to an outer surface of the inner cabinet100and forming a regeneration path F20. In a plan view, the first module chamber212may be provided between the second module chamber213and the condenser400. Since the first module chamber212is disposed between the second module chamber213and the condenser400, a direct heat exchange between the condenser400and the heating part320is blocked, and the heat may be prevented from being transferred to the condenser400when the heating part320is heated inside the second module chamber213.

Accordingly, when the dehumidifying part330is regenerated, condensation depending on heating of air by the heater321of the heating part320and cooling of air inside the condenser400may be effective performed.

The dehumidifying part330may be coupled to the module housing200while being spaced apart from a bottom surface of the third module chamber214. Furthermore, in this case, the air inside the third module chamber214may move downwards through the dehumidifying part330from an upper side of the third module chamber214.

The module case201may include a second condensed water discharge hole234.

The second condensed water discharge hole234is formed in a hole shape penetrating the module case201. The second condensed water discharge hole234is formed on the edge of the module case201adjacent to the condenser400and formed to be equal to or lower than the bottom surface of the third module chamber214, and communicates with the condenser400. Among the bottom surfaces of the third module chamber214, the second condensed water discharge hole234may form the lowest part, or the bottom surface of the third module chamber214may be formed such that a height thereof is lowered toward or at least equal to the second condensed water discharge hole234.

The second condensed water discharge hole234may be formed adjacent to the wet air outlet232.

In this way, the second condensed water discharge hole234may be lower than the bottom surface of the third module chamber214, and accordingly, condensed water introduced into the third module chamber214may move toward the second condensed water discharge hole234, and may flow into the condenser400through the second condensed water discharge hole234.

Meanwhile, since the second condensed water discharge hole234is a hole in which the module housing200and the condenser400communicate with each other, the air inside the condenser400may flow into the module housing200through the second condensed water discharge hole234. In this way, the air introduced from the interior of the condenser400into the module housing200through the second condensed water discharge hole234moves directly to the wet air outlet232by the driving of the blowing part310, and may be introduced again into the condenser400and condensed.

The module housing200may include the module cover202.

The module cover202is coupled to the module case201while shielding the module opening201afrom an upper side of the module case201. The module cover202may be detachably coupled to the module case201. A plurality of locking projections292may protrude from one of the module cover202and the module case201, and a plurality of locking grooves291into which the locking projections292are inserted and locked may be formed on the other. The locking projections292and locking grooves291are provided in a plural form, respectively, and may be spaced apart along an edge of the module housing200and repeatedly formed.

With the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330accommodated in the module case201, the module cover202may shield the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330and may be coupled to the module case201.

The shoes care device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed in a structure in which the dehumidifying part330may be detachable from the module housing200. The structure of the shoes care device provides an advantage in maintaining and managing the dehumidifying part330and the shoes care device1on the whole.

On the other hand, the dehumidifying part330may be repeatedly used by regeneration, but with the repeated use, the dehumidifying part330needs to be replaced.

Considering these descriptions, the shoes care device1according to one specific embodiment of the present invention may be configured to separate and replace the dehumidifying part330.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the module cover202of the module housing200may form a bottom surface of the inner cabinet100.

The module cover202may form a boundary surface between the inner cabinet100and the module housing200. The module cover202may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

The module cover202may be configured in substantially parallel with the horizontal direction.

Alternatively, the module cover202may be inclined to any one side. In one embodiment, an upper surface of the module cover202may be inclined downwardly toward the first direction (X direction) (a front side of the shoes care device1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main shelf40is mounted in close contact with an upper side surface of the module cover202, and the main shelf40mounted on the upper side surface of the module cover202is also configured to be inclined when the upper side surface of the module cover202is inclined. In this case, since an upper surface of the main shelf40is inclined, water (e.g., condensed water) placed on the upper surface of the main shelf40may flow along an inclined direction.

The shoes care device1may include a dehumidifying material cover241.

The dehumidifying material cover241forms part of the module cover202that is the bottom of the inner cabinet100. Furthermore, the dehumidifying material cover241may be detached from the module cover202of the inner cabinet100or may be hinge-coupled to the module cover202.

In the module cover202, a dehumidifying material exit240which is an opening of a shape and a size corresponding to the dehumidifying material cover241may be formed. The dehumidifying material cover241may be configured to open and close the dehumidifying material exit240. The dehumidifying material cover241may be tightly coupled to the dehumidifying material exit240. At least a part of the dehumidifying material cover241may be separated from the module cover202. In one embodiment, the dehumidifying material exit240of the module cover202may be opened while completely separating the dehumidifying material cover241from the module cover202, and in another embodiment, the dehumidifying material cover241of the module cover202may be opened while rotating the dehumidifying material cover241around a hinge axis. The dehumidifying part330may be introduced into or withdrawn from the module housing200through the dehumidifying material exit240.

The dehumidifying material exit240and the dehumidifying material cover241may be formed in a position corresponding to the third module chamber214in a plan view. That is, the dehumidifying material exit240and the dehumidifying material cover241may be formed directly above the third module chamber214. The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the first module chamber212and the second module chamber213are not exposed in a plan view in a state where the dehumidifier cover241is opened.

When the dehumidifying material cover241is opened in the module cover202, the third module chamber214disposed on a lower part of the module cover202is exposed through the dehumidifying material exit240of the module cover202, and the dehumidifying part330may be settled inside the module case201, or may be immediately withdrawn and separated from the module case201.

The sizes and shapes of the dehumidifying material cover241and the dehumidifying material exit240are variously provided within the range capable of withdrawing or inserting the dehumidifying part330.

The dehumidifying material cover241may be formed in a rectangular plate shape.

The length of the dehumidifying material cover241in the first direction (X direction) may be equal to or longer than the length of the dehumidifying part330, and the length of the dehumidifying material cover241in the second direction (Y direction) may be equal to or longer than the length of the dehumidifying part330.

As described above, in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating part320and the dehumidifying part330are formed at different positions in a top plane view, and when the dehumidifying material cover241is opened on the module cover202that forms the bottom surface of the inner cabinet100, the dehumidifying part330disposed directly below the dehumidifying material cover241may be withdrawn from the module housing200, and the dehumidifying part330may be easily replaced by the user.

In addition, since only the third module chamber214is exposed in a state in which the dehumidifier cover241is opened, and the first module chamber212and the second module chamber213are not exposed, the blowing part310accommodated in the first module chamber212and the heating part320accommodated in the second module chamber213are not exposed. That is, since the blowing part310and the heating part320are not directly exposed to the user, safety accidents due to an unintended operation of the blowing part310and/or the heating part320can be prevented.

The dehumidifying material cover241may be configured to separately shield the dehumidifying part330. A space between the dehumidifying material cover241and the dehumidifying part330may form a part of the connection path F10.

As described above, the outlet203forms an inlet through which the air inside the inner cabinet100is sucked into the module housing200. The outlet203may form a start part of the connection path F10. The outlet203may be formed in the shape of a hole vertically penetrated from the bottom surface (the upper surface of the module cover202) of the inner cabinet100.

A network such as a grid shape, a mesh shape, etc., may be formed on the outlet203.

The outlet203may be formed parallel to the second direction (Y direction). That is, the outlet203may be formed in a long hole shape in the module cover202along the second direction (Y direction).

The outlet203may be formed on an edge of the module cover202. The outlet203may be formed on the edge of the module cover202along the second direction (Y direction).

The outlet203may be formed on a front part or a rear part of the module cover202based on the first direction (X direction).

The outlet203may be disposed relatively close to the door30in the module cover202. That is, the outlet203may be disposed relatively in the front of the module cover202.

The upper surface of the module cover202may be inclined downwardly toward the outlet203. That is, a part of the module cover202where the outlet203is formed may be configured to be the lowest. Accordingly, when water is present on the module cover202or the main shelf40, such water may flow along the surface of the module cover202by gravity and flow into the inlet203.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the module chamber210is provided inside the module housing200, and the module chamber210includes a first module chamber212, a second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214. The first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214may be formed at different positions in a plan view. That is, the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330may be disposed at different positions in the module housing200. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330, which are main means for drying the air inside the inner cabinet100and main means for regenerating the dehumidifying part330, are disposed together in the module chamber210of the module housing200. Accordingly, the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330are disposed at positions considerably close to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the module case201of the module housing200may be integrally formed by injection molding. In this case, the bottom parts of the module housing200may be integrally formed, the bottom parts may not be assembled with each other, and no gaps may be formed in the bottom parts.

In the arrangement explained above, the condensed water can be effectively prevented from leaking from the module housing200. In addition, a vertical height of the module housing200can be minimized.

When moisture remains at an unintended part inside the shoes care device1, such moisture may reproduce bacteria or cause odors. This is why there is need for countermeasures to solve the problems, and the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively prevent water from leaking in consideration of such problems.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air in the module chamber210may sequentially move the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214. Accordingly, since the third module chamber214and a drying flow path F10bmay be connected in the shortest distance, which provides excellent drying efficiency by the dehumidifying part330, and air heated by the heating part320moves directly to the dehumidifying part330to form the shoes care device1with excellent regeneration efficiency.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the module housing200includes the suction module chamber211, and the bottom surface of the suction module chamber211may be inclined downwardly toward the first module chamber212. Accordingly, the air introduced through the outlet203moves naturally to the first module chamber212by hitting the bottom surface of the suction module chamber211, and the condensed water introduced into the outlet203moves to the first module chamber212such that the condensed water can be easily drained.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the condenser400, and the module case201may include the first condensed water discharge hole233. In addition, the module case201may include the second condensed water discharge hole234. Accordingly, the dehumidifying part330may be effectively regenerated, and condensed water inside the module housing200may be easily discharged to the condenser400.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, steam generated by the steam generator700is supplied to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, and to this end, the shoes care device1includes a steam inlet204.

The steam inlet204forms an inlet through which steam is supplied to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100.

In the shoes care device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam inlet204is formed in the module housing200.

The steam inlet204may be formed in a rear part of the module housing200based on the first direction (X direction). The steam inlet204may be formed to vertically penetrate the module housing200. The steam inlet204may be formed to vertically penetrate the module case201and the module cover202. The steam inlet204may be formed in the center in a right-left direction at the rear part of the module housing200.

The steam inlet204may be formed on a rear edge of the module housing200, and may be formed directly behind a position where the third module chamber214is formed. The third module chamber214and the steam inlet204are shielded from each other.

In the module housing200, the module cover202forms the bottom surface of the accommodation space101, and when the module housing200is coupled to the inner cabinet100, the steam inlet204is formed behind the bottom of the inner cabinet100.

The steam generator700and the steam valve710are disposed in a lower part, the distance from the steam generator710to the steam inlet204can be reduced by forming the module housing200, and the steam inlet204in a rear part of the module housing200, and an increase in the load required for the supply of steam can be prevented. Accordingly, steam may be smoothly supplied from the steam generator700to the steam inlet204.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between components and a flow of fluid in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The connection path F10forms a movement path of air connected from the outlet203to the nozzle820. That is, the outlet203may form an inlet of the connection path F10, and the nozzle820may form an outlet of the connection path F10.

The outlet203may be coupled to communicate with the inner cabinet100, and the nozzle820may be provided inside the inner cabinet100. Except the outlet203and the nozzle820, one part of the connection path F10may be provided inside the inner cabinet100, and the other part may be provided outside the inner cabinet100.

The air inside the inner cabinet100moves to the connection path F10through the outlet203, and the air passing through the connection path F10moves back into the inner cabinet100through the nozzle820. As such air flow is repeated, the air circulation is performed in the shoes care device1.

In the nozzle820, a hole through which air is discharged is formed in the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100, and the nozzle820may form a last part of the connection path F10.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the nozzle820is configured to be movable to various positions inside the inner cabinet100, the shoes may be managed in various positions.

As described above, the dehumidifying part330is disposed in the connection path F10. The air moving through the connection path F10passes through the dehumidifying part330, and the dehumidifying part330absorbs moisture from the air moving through the connection path F10such that the air from which moisture has been removed may be supplied into the inner cabinet100.

The connection path F10may be divided into a conversion flow path F10aand a drying flow path F10b. The conversion flow path F10aand the drying flow path F10bform a movement path of air sequentially connected to each other. The air in the connection path F10may sequentially move through the conversion flow path F10aand the drying flow path F10b.

The conversion flow path F10aforms an upstream section of the connection path F10, which is connected to the outlet203. The conversion flow path F10amay be a section in which the blowing part310, the heating part320, and the dehumidifying part330are disposed. The conversion flow path F10amay be formed by the module housing200, and the module chamber210inside the module housing200may form the conversion flow path F10a.

The conversion flow path F10amay be a section in which humid air moves and dries. The conversion flow path F10amay be a section in which air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying part330.

Meanwhile, the conversion flow path F10amay be a section in which the dehumidifying part330(the dehumidifying material331) are regenerated.

The drying flow path F10bforms a downstream section of the connection path F10, which connects the conversion flow path F10ato the nozzle820. A flow path formed by the drying air duct370, the nozzle duct810, and the nozzle820may form the drying flow path F10b.

The drying passage F10bmay be a section in which dry air with moisture removed therefrom moves.

When the drying module DM operates in the moisture absorption mode, the drying flow path F10bcommunicates with the conversion flow path F10a, and when the drying module DM operates in the regeneration mode, the drying flow path F10band the conversion flow path F10amay not communicate with each other such that the drying flow path F10band the conversion flow path F10ablock each other.

Accordingly, when air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying part330in the conversion flow path F10a, the dried air moves through the drying flow path F10b.

The dry air duct370may be fixedly coupled to an outer wall surface of the inner cabinet100, and the nozzle duct810may be provided inside the inner cabinet100.

As the dry air duct370is tightly coupled to an inner rear plate110of the inner cabinet100, a flow path may be formed between the dry air duct370and the inner cabinet100(the inner rear plate110), and such a flow path may form a part of the drying flow path F10b. A lower part of the dry air duct370communicates with the dry air outlet231of the module housing200, an upper part thereof communicates with the nozzle duct810, which connect the interior of the module housing200and the interior of the nozzle duct810for mutual communication.

As described above, after humid air in the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100flows into the conversion flow path F10a, the air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying part330and converted into dry air, and the dry air can be resupplied to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100through the drying flow path F10b.

The regeneration path F20forms a movement path of a fluid.

The regeneration path F20forms a passage through which air and/or condensed water inside the shoes care device moves.

The regeneration path F20forms a path through which air and/or condensed water passing through the dehumidifying part330moves when the dehumidifying material331is regenerated. The regeneration path F20may be entirely or partially formed of a pipe, a hose, a tube, a duct, a housing, or a combination thereof.

Moisture generated during the regeneration process of the dehumidifying material331needs to be discharged through a separate flow path separated from the drying flow path F10b, which is a flow path through which dry air moves. Accordingly, the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the regeneration path F20, and when the dehumidifying material331is regenerated, air passing through the dehumidifying part330is not ventilated to the nozzle820but moves through the regeneration path F20.

The regeneration path F20is a flow path branched from the connection path F10. The regeneration path F20may be branched from the connection path F10to form a path different from that of the drying flow path F10bof the connection path F10. The regeneration path F20is connected to the sump600.

The regeneration path F20may be a section that connects the conversion flow path F10aand the sump600.

The regeneration path F20may be a section in which humid air separated from the dehumidifying part330moves.

The condenser400according to one embodiment of the present invention forms a regeneration path F20. Moisture separated from the dehumidifying material331may be condensed after moving to the condenser400along with air moving along the regeneration path F20. In addition, condensed water condensed in the condenser400may be moved to the sump600through the regeneration path F20, collected from a lower part of the sump600, and then discharged to the drain tank70, discharged to the outside, or pressed to the steam generator700.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the drying module DM operates in the regeneration mode, the regeneration path F20communicates with the conversion flow path F10a, and when the drying module DM operates in the moisture absorption mode, the regeneration path F20and the conversion flow path F10may not communicate with each other such that the regeneration path F20and the conversion flow path F10block each other.

Accordingly, when the dehumidifying part330is regenerated in the conversion flow path F10a, humid air containing moisture separated from the dehumidifying part330moves through the regeneration path F20.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the damper350may be formed in the form of a damper valve.

The damper350may be rotatably coupled to the module housing200. The damper350may be coupled to the module housing200in a form accommodated in the module housing200.

As described above, in the module housing200, the dry air outlet231forming an inlet of the drying flow path F10bis formed as a passage of the connection path F10, and the wet air outlet232forming an inlet of the regeneration path F20is formed.

The damper350controls a movement path of air passing through the dehumidifying material331in the module housing200. Depending on the operation of the damper350, the air passing through the dehumidifying material331may move into the inner cabinet100through the nozzle820or may move into the regeneration path F20.

The damper350may be configured to open the regeneration path F20while blocking the drying flow path F10b, or to open the drying flow path F10bwhile blocking the regeneration path F20.

The damper350may be configured to selectively shield the dry air outlet231and the wet air outlet232. The damper350may be configured to selectively seal the dry air outlet231and the wet air outlet232.

The damper350may selectively block one of the dry air outlet231and the wet air outlet232. When the damper350opens the dry air outlet231while blocking the wet air outlet232, the air passing through the dehumidifying material331may move into the inner cabinet100through the nozzle820, and when the damper350opens the wet air outlet232while blocking the dry air outlet231, the air passing through the dehumidifying material331may be condensed while moving through the regeneration path F20.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the damper350may be configured to be hinge-rotatable around a hinge axis350aformed on one side. The hinge axis350aof the damper350may be parallel to the third direction (Z direction). In addition, the shoes care device1may include a damper motor351configured to rotate the damper350around the hinge axis350aof the damper350. The damper motor351may be formed as an electric motor and may be configured to rotate the damper350bidirectionally.

When the damper350opens the dry air outlet231and seals the wet air outlet232, the air inside the inner cabinet100moves along the connection path F10and is circulated by sequentially passing through the inlet203, the module housing200(the blowing part310and the dehumidifying part330, the dry air outlet231, the dry air duct370, the nozzle duct810, and the nozzle820.

When the damper350seals the dry air outlet231and opens the wet air outlet232, the air moves along the conversion flow path F10aand the regeneration path F20and is circulated by sequentially passing through the module housing200(the blowing part310, the heating part310, and the dehumidifying part330), the wet air outlet232, and the condenser400.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller10may control the damper motor351such that the damper350closes the dry air outlet231and opens the wet air outlet232when the heating part320is turned on. In addition, the controller10may control the damper motor351such that the damper350opens the dry air outlet231and closes the wet air outlet232when the heating part320is turned off.

Accordingly, by controlling the damper motor351by the controller10, the damper350may open the drying flow path F10band close the regeneration path F20when the heating part320is turned off, and may close the drying flow path F10band open the regeneration path F20when the heating part320is turned on.

The damper motor351may be controlled individually in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b.

Referring toFIG.11, in the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2a, the damper350seals the wet air outlet232and opens the dry air outlet231of the second management device2b, and in the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2b, when the damper350opens the wet air outlet232and seals the dry air outlet231, the air in the conversion flow path F10aof the first management device2amay flow through the drying flow path F10b, and the air in the conversion flow path F10aof the second management device2bmay flow through the regeneration path F20. Furthermore, in this case, the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2amay operate in the moisture absorption mode, and the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2bmay operate in the regeneration mode.

In contrast, when in the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2a, the damper350opens the wet air outlet232and seals the dry air outlet231, and in the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2b, the damper350seals the wet air outlet232and opens the dry air outlet231, the air in the conversion flow path F10aof the first management device2amay flow along the regeneration path F20, and the air in the conversion flow path F10aof the second management device2bmay flow along the drying flow path F10b. Furthermore, in this case, the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2amay operate in the regeneration mode, and the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2bmay operate in the moisture absorption mode.

In both the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2aand the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2b, when the damper350seals the wet air outlet232and opens the dry air outlet231, both the drying module A (DM1) and the drying module B (DM2) may operate in the moisture absorption mode.

In both the drying module A (DM1) of the first management device2aand the drying module B (DM2) of the second management device2b, when the damper350seals the dry air outlet231and opens the wet air outlet232, both the drying module A (DM1) and the drying module B (DM2) may operate in the regeneration mode.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first management device2aand the second management device2bindividually include the inner cabinet100, the connection path F10, the blowing part310, and the dehumidifying part330. In addition, the shoes care device1includes the steam generator700and the steam valve710. Accordingly, the degree of the supply of steam, the degree of dehumidification by the dehumidifying part330, and the flow of air circulated along the connection path F10may be different in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b, and the first management device2aand the second management device2bmay manage shoes under different conditions.

In addition, the first management device2aand the second management device2binclude the module housing200, the blowing part310, the heating part320, the dehumidifying part330, and the drying flow path F10b, respectively. The air and condensed water moving in the first management device2aand the air and condensed water moving in the second management device2bmove along different paths, thereby achieving accurate control intended in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b. In this case, since the first management device2aand the second management device2bshare and use the steam generator700, the steam generator700can be efficiently utilized in the shoes care device1, and the shoes care device1can efficiently utilize the space.

In addition, as described above, when the shoes are dried in one of the first management device2aand the second management device2b, the dehumidifying part330may be regenerated in the other, and the efficient management of the shoes and efficient use of the shoes care device1can be achieved.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first management device2aand the second management device2beach include the regeneration path F20and the damper350individually.

The controller10may control the heating part320(the heater321) and the damper350to interwork with each other.

The controller10may control the damper350to open the drying flow path F10band close the regeneration path F20when the heating part320is turned off, and may control the damper350to close the drying flow path F10band open the regeneration path F20when the heating part320is turned on.

The controller10may control each component of the shoes care device1such that air flowing into the module chamber210from the accommodation space101and passing through the dehumidifying part330moves along the drying flow path F10bwhen the heating part320is turned off (when the heater321of the heating part320is turned off), and the air moves along the regeneration path F20when the heating part320is turned on (when the heater321of the heating part320is turned on).

Such control may be performed individually in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b. Accordingly, since the movement path of air inside the module chamber210is changed depending on an operation of the heating part320, the drying of the shoes and the regeneration of the dehumidifying part330can be effectively achieved.

The controller10may control the steam valve710and the heating part320to interwork with each other.

The controller10ma control the steam valve710such that when the heating part320of the first management device2ais turned off, the valve disk715closes or opens the first valve outlet713, when the heating part320of the first management device2ais turned on, the valve disk715closes the first valve outlet713, when the heating part320of the second management device2bis turned off, the valve disk715closes or opens the second valve outlet714, and when the heating part320of the second management device2bis turned on, the valve disk715closes the second valve outlet714.

In this way, the supply of steam to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100and the operation of the heating part320inside the module housing200may interwork with each other to effectively perform the drying of the shoes and the regeneration of the dehumidifying part330.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first sensor361and a second sensor362(seeFIG.9).

The first sensor361may be installed in the second module chamber213of the module housing200, and the second sensor362may be installed in the third module chamber214of the module housing200. The first sensor361may be configured to measure the temperature and/or humidity of the second module chamber213, and the second sensor362may measure the temperature and/or humidity of the third module chamber214.

The first sensor361measures the temperature and/or humidity of air before passing through the dehumidifying part330, and the second sensor362measures the temperature and/or humidity of air after passing through the dehumidifying part330.

The controller10may compare the temperature and/or humidity of the second module chamber213measured by the first sensor361with the temperature and/or humidity of the third module chamber214measured by the second sensor362to recognize a state and a change of the temperature and/or humidity inside the module housing, and may also check an operation state of the drying module DM.

The controller10may recognize the temperature and humidity of the second module chamber213measured by the first sensor361, and the temperature and humidity of the third module chamber214measured by the second sensor362to recognize a change in the humidity inside the module housing200. Accordingly, the degree of dehumidification by the dehumidifying part330may be checked, and the degree of regeneration of the dehumidifying part330may be checked.

In one embodiment, when the drying module DM operates in the moisture absorption mode, the controller10may control the drying module DM to stop operating in the moisture absorption mode and operate in the regeneration mode if a humidity change amount of the second module chamber213recognized by the first sensor361and a humidity change amount of the third module chamber214recognized by the second sensor362is less than or equal to a reference value.

In one embodiment, when the drying module DM operates in the regeneration mode, the controller10may control the drying module DM to stop operating in the regeneration mode if the humidity change amount of the second module chamber213recognized by the first sensor361and the humidity change amount of the third module chamber214recognized by the second sensor362is less than or equal to the reference value.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a third sensor363capable of measuring the amount of moisture adsorbed to the dehumidifying material331, and the controller10may control the drying module DM to operate the regeneration mode until the amount of moisture measured by the third sensor363is less than or equal to a set value.

Specifically, the controller10may control all the heating parts320to operate until the amount of moisture measured by the third sensor363is less than or equal to the set value.

In this case, as illustrated inFIG.11, the third sensor363may include a moisture sensor installed adjacent to the dehumidifying material331to measure the amount of moisture adsorbed to the dehumidifying material331, and the type and number thereof may vary as necessary.

In this way, when the moisture adsorbed on the dehumidifying material331is sensed to exceed the reference value, the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention first regenerates all dehumidifying materials331until the moisture is less than or equal to the reference value. Accordingly, the dehumidifying material331can maintain an appropriate state for dehumidification all the time even when the shoes care device1operates to refresh the shoes.

FIG.12ais an exploded perspective view illustrating the condenser400according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.12Bis a view illustrating an internal state of the condenser400ofFIG.12a.

FIG.12Cis a front view illustrating the condenser400ofFIG.12b.

The condenser400forms a part of the regeneration path F20.

The condenser400may be made of or include a material such as synthetic resin, metal, ceramic, etc. The condenser400may be configured by injection molding, press molding, etc.

The condenser400may be made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity. The condenser400may be made of a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, and can be made of a material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, etc.

The condenser400may include a condenser housing410, a flow path guide wall440, a condenser inlet450, and a condensed water outlet470. The condenser400may include a condenser communication port465.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser400is disposed between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20. The condenser400may be disposed between the inner rear plate110and the outer rear plate21, between the first inner side plate120and the first outer side plate22, or between the second inner side plate130and the second outer side plate23.

In the drawing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser400is illustrated to be disposed between the first inner side plate120and the first outer side plate22.

A thickness cd3of the condenser400(the size of the condenser400in the second direction (Y direction)) may be 0.5 to 1 times a distance between the first inner side plate120and the first outer side plate22. A width cd2of the condenser400(the size of the condenser400in the first direction (X direction)) and a height cd1in the vertical direction may be 10 times or more and 40 times or less of the thickness cd3of the condenser400(the size of the condenser400in the second direction (Y direction)), respectively.

The condenser400may be in close contact with the first inner side plate120and/or the first outer side plate22. That is, the condenser400may be in close contact with an outer surface of the first inner side plate120or in close contact with an inner surface of the first outer side plate22.

The first outer side plate22may be made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity. The first outer side plate22may be made of a metallic material having excellent thermal conductivity. The condenser400is disposed in close contact with or very close to the first outer side plate22.

Accordingly, the water vapor moving through the condenser400may be effectively condensed.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine room50is provided below the inner cabinet100, and the condenser400is disposed between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20. That is, the condenser400is not provided inside the machine room50and is disposed outside a restricted space of the machine room50.

In addition, the condenser400is disposed between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20and can fully utilize the space between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20, and may be configured to have a large area on the whole.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser400may be disposed between the first inner side plate120of the inner cabinet100and the first outer side plate22of the outer cabinet20, and the dry air duct370may be disposed between the inner rear plate110of the inner cabinet100and the outer rear plate21of the outer cabinet20.

The condenser400may be formed to have a size corresponding to an area of one wall surface of the inner cabinet100(e.g., an area of the first inner side plate120), and accordingly, the condenser400may be configured to have a relatively large area.

In one embodiment, the vertical height cd1of the condenser400may be 0.5 to 1 times the vertical height h11or h12of the inner cabinet100, and the width cd2of the condenser400may be 0.5 to 1 times the width (the size in the first direction (X direction)) in the first inner side plate120of the inner cabinet100.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical height of the machine room50in the shoes care device1may be formed relatively low, and the vertical heights h2of the machine room50may be formed smaller than the vertical height h11or h12of the inner cabinet100.

In this case, since the space inside the machine room50becomes relatively small, and the machine room50accommodates several components that constitute the shoes care device1, the arrangement and design of each component may be restricted. Furthermore, unlike the present invention, when the condenser400is disposed inside the machine room50, the shape and position of the condenser400may be limited, and the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser400may be reduced.

In one embodiment of the present invention, since the condenser400is disposed between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20, each component can be effectively arranged even when the vertical height of the machine room50needs to be formed relatively low.

In addition, by placing the condenser400between the inner cabinet100and the outer cabinet20, the condenser400can be formed in a relatively thin and wide shape, the heat exchange area of the condenser400can be expanded, and the heat exchange between an external air of the shoes care device1and the condenser400can be easily performed. Accordingly, water vapor passing through the condenser400may be effectively condensed.

While the condenser400is disposed between the first inner side plate120and the first outer side plate22, the condenser400may be disposed to extend upwards from the module housing200. Further, the condenser400is disposed higher than the sump600disposed inside the machine room50.

Accordingly, steam in the third module chamber214of the module housing200naturally rises and flows into the condenser400, and the condensed water in the condenser400naturally descends by gravity and flows into the sump600, and when the dehumidifying material331is regenerated, the steam can be effectively condensed and discharged.

The condenser housing410forms an overall appearance of the condenser400. A condensation space420, which is a space inside the condenser400, is provided inside the condenser housing410.

The condenser inlet450forms an inlet of the condenser400through which air flows into the condenser400, and forms an inlet of the condensation space420.

The condenser inlet450is connected to and in communication with the wet air outlet232. In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the wet air outlet232and the condenser inlet450may be directly connected to each other while being disposed inside and outside based on the first inner side plate120of the inner cabinet100.

While wet air introduced into the condenser400through the condenser inlet450moves along the flow path inside the condenser400, the wet air is condensed by heat exchange and moves below the condenser400.

The condensed water outlet470forms an outlet through which the condensed water in the condenser400is discharged, and also forms an outlet of the condensation space420.

The condensed water outlet470of the condenser400is connected to the sump600, and the condensed water inside the condenser400moves to the sump600.

The condensed water outlet470may be formed in the lower end of the condenser400. That is, the condensed water outlet470may be formed in the lowest part of the condensation space420. The lower end of the condensation space420may be inclined downwardly toward the condensed water outlet470.

The condensed water outlet470is connected to the sump600. The condensed water outlet470and the sump600may be connected by a pipe, a hose, etc.

The flow path guide wall440is formed in the shape of a plate having a narrow width and a long length. The flow path guide wall440may be provided in the inside (the condensation space420) of the condenser housing410and may be formed in a plural form.

A plurality of flow path guide walls440are disposed to be spaced apart from each other to form a path through which water vapor and condensed water move. The plurality of flow path guide walls440may be disposed to cross each other.

The flow path guide wall440forms a condenser flow path430which is a path extending from the condenser inlet450to a condenser outlet460in the condensation space420. The condenser flow path430is a movement passage of air (or water) provided inside the condenser400, and connects the condenser inlet450and the condenser outlet460. In addition, the condenser flow path430is a movement passage of air (or water) provided inside the condenser400, and connects the condenser inlet450and the condensed water outlet470.

The condenser flow path430may include an introduction section431and a condensation section432.

As the plurality of flow path guide walls440are spaced apart from each other, the condensation section432may be provided between the flow path guide walls440.

The condensation section432may be formed in a zigzag shape extending from the uppermost side of the condensation space420to the lower side.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an angle formed by the flow path guide wall440forming the condensation section432with a horizontal plane may be 1 to 10°. The flow path guide wall440constituting the condensation section432is formed substantially along the first direction (X direction), and may be disposed to be inclined upwards or downwards along the first direction (X direction).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the flow path guide wall440constituting the condensation section432may be 30 to 400 mm, the width of the flow path guide wall440may be 5 to 20 mm, and an interval between the flow path guide walls440may be 10 to 50 mm.

In the arrangement explained above, the contact area and contact time between the steam and the condenser400can be increased while the water vapor moves along the zigzag-shaped condensation section432in the condensation space420, and the heat exchange between the water vapor and condenser400and the condensation of the water vapor can be effectively performed.

In addition, by inclinedly forming the flow path guide wall440, the condensed water formed in the condensation space420can move downwards along the surface of the flow path guide wall440, and can move smoothly in the direction of gravity without accumulating inside the condenser400, and residual water can be effectively prevented from occurring inside the condenser400.

The introduction section431may extend upwards from the condenser inlet450to an upper start part of the condensation section432.

The condenser outlet460forms an outlet of the condenser400through which air inside the condenser400is discharged.

The condenser outlet460may be formed in the lower part of the condenser400. The condenser outlet460may be formed in a lower side of the condensation section432.

However, the condenser outlet460may be formed in an area higher than the condensed water outlet470. Accordingly, the condensed water inside the condenser400may be discharged through the condensed water outlet470, and the air inside the condenser400may be discharged through the condenser outlet460.

Meanwhile, in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the condenser400and the inside of the module housing200may be configured to communicate with each other through the condenser outlet460.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser outlet460may be formed in a position and a height corresponding to the first condensed water discharge hole233, and the condenser outlet460and the first condensed water discharge hole233may be coupled to each other.

In the air introduced into the condenser400, the condensed water moves to the sump600through the condensed water outlet470, and uncondensed air may flow back into the module housing200through the condenser outlet460.

High-temperature and humid air inside the module housing200forming the conversion flow path F10aflows into the condenser400of the regeneration path F20, the condensed water inside the condenser400moves to the sump600, the uncondensed air can be resupplied into the module housing200forming the conversion flow path F10a, and the air is condensed while being circulated in the module housing200and the condenser400.

The condenser communication port465communicates with the third module chamber214of the module housing200at a lower side of the condensation space. That is, the inside of the condenser400and the inside of the module housing200may be configured to communicate with each other through the condenser communication port465.

The condenser communication port465may be formed directly above the condensed water outlet470.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser communication hole465may be formed in a position and a height corresponding to the second condensed water discharge hole234, and the condenser communication hole465and the second condensed water discharge hole234may be coupled to each other.

The condensed water inside the third module chamber214flows into the condenser400through the second condensed water discharge hole234and the condenser communication port465, and moves to the sump600through the condensed water outlet470.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a condenser connection portion490.

The condenser connection portion490may form a flow path directly connecting the condenser400of the first management device2aand the condenser400of the second management device2b.

The condenser connection portion490may be formed in the form of a pipe, a hose, etc. In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the condenser400of the first management device2ais disposed on the upper side of the condenser400of the second management device2band the sump600is disposed on the lower side of the condenser400of the second management device2a, the condensed water inside the condenser400of the first management device2amay move into the condenser400of the second management device2bthrough the condenser connection portion490and then move the sump600.

For connection with the condenser connection portion490, a condenser connector491may be formed in the condenser400. The condenser connector491forms an inlet through which condensed water flows into the condenser400.

The condenser connector491may be formed adjacent to the condensation space420of the condenser400. The condenser connector491may be formed adjacent to the condensed water outlet470of the condenser400.

When the condenser400of the first management device2ais disposed above the condenser400of the second management device2band the sump600is disposed below the condenser400of the second management device2b, the condenser connection portion490may be configured to connect the condensed water outlet470of the condenser400of the first management device2aand the condenser connector491of the condenser400of the second management device2b. In this case, the condenser connector491is not formed in the condenser400of the first management device2a, or the condenser connector491of the condenser400of the first management device2amay be blocked with a separate stopper.

The condensed water inside the condenser400of the first management device2amay move into the condenser400of the second management device2bthrough the condenser connection portion490and then move to the sump600.

Accordingly, when the first management device2aand the second management device2bare arranged vertically in the shoes care device1, a flow path (such as a hose) connecting the condenser400of the second management device2band the sump600may be used as a flow path configured to discharge the condensed water of the first management device2a. Hence, the length of the flow path (hose, etc.) required for discharging the condensed water can be formed short on the whole, and only the condenser400of the second management device2bmay be directly connected to the sump600to discharge the condensed water of all the condensers400. As a result, since an overall coupling structure can be simplified, which makes it easy to assemble and maintain the shoes care device1, and the condensed water may be easily discharged.

Most of the water vapor in the air passing through the condenser400is condensed and moves to the sump600through the condensed water outlet470. However, some small droplets condensed in the air may not be discharged through the condensed water outlet470.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first module chamber of a module housing in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The blowing part310forms a part of the connection path F10. The blowing part310is configured to generate an air flow in the connection path F10.

The blowing part310may include the blowing fan313, a blowing housing311, and a blowing motor314.

The blowing fan313may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis313ain the third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction). The blowing motor314of the blowing part310rotates the blowing fan313.

The blowing housing311is configured to accommodate the blowing fan313. The blowing housing311may have a substantially round shape around the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313. The blowing housing311may be formed in a circular shape or a spiral shape around the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313.

An inlet311aof the blowing part310is formed on a bottom surface of the blowing housing311, and air flows into the blowing housing311below the bottom surface of the blowing housing311.

The size of the blowing housing311in the horizontal direction may be formed larger than the size of the blowing housing311in the vertical direction. The size of the blowing housing311in the horizontal direction may be made more than twice the size of the blowing housing311in the vertical direction.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the blowing fan313rotates around a vertical rotation axis to allow the module housing200to have a relatively low vertical height, the diameter of the blowing housing311and the diameter of the blowing fan313can be formed sufficiently large, and the flow rate of air transported by the blowing part310can be sufficiently increased.

The blowing housing311may communicate with the first module chamber212on the rotating axis313aof the blowing fan313, and the edge thereof may be connected to and communicate with the blowing duct312. The blowing duct312forms an outlet311bof the blowing part310.

Accordingly, the air below the blowing housing311in the first module chamber212moves upwards near the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313and flows into the blowing housing311, and the air inside the blowing housing311is pressurized to the edge of the blowing housing311depending on the rotation of the blowing fan313and moves along the circumferential direction of the blowing housing311toward the blowing duct312.

The blowing housing311includes the blowing duct312forming the outlet311bof the blowing housing311. The blowing duct312may extend in a horizontal direction from the blowing housing311. The blowing duct312may be formed substantially along the second direction (Y direction). The blowing duct312may extend to the second module chamber213, and all air discharged from the blowing part310through the blowing duct312may move to the second module chamber213.

The blowing housing311and the blowing duct312may form a spiral passage around the rotating axis313aof the blowing fan313together such that, when the blowing fan313rotates, the air inside the blowing housing311naturally moves to the blowing duct312.

Along the rotation direction of the blowing fan313, the distance in the radial direction from the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313may be sequentially increased from the blowing housing311to the blowing duct312. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.9, the distance from the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313to the outer edges of the blowing housing311and the blowing duct312may be configured to increase sequentially in the clock direction.

In addition, the second module chamber213may be configured to extend from an end of the blowing duct312.

In addition, the direction of sequentially connecting the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, the third module chamber214and the dry air outlet231may be configured to correspond to the direction of the movement of air around the rotation axis of the blowing fan313in the blowing housing311.

Based onFIG.9, the rotation direction of the blowing fan313may be configured to be clockwise, the distance from the rotation axis313aof the blowing fan313to the outer edges of the blowing housing311and the blowing duct312may be configured to sequentially increase in the clockwise direction and have a spiral form, and the direction of sequentially connecting the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, the third module chamber214and the dry air outlet231may be configured to be clockwise.

Accordingly, the air passing through the blowing housing311and the blowing fan313may move in the clockwise direction inside the module housing200toward the dry air outlet231or the wet air outlet232, and the air may move naturally along the formation direction of the flow path (the convention flow path F10a) inside the module housing200.

In addition, by performing the blowing part310and the blowing duct312as described above, the flow rate of the air supplied to the third module chamber214can be stably secured, and sufficient air can be supplied to the dehumidifying part330.

In addition, while the air moving through the third module chamber214smoothly passes through the dehumidifying part330, a flow path resistance of the air passing through the dehumidifying part330can be prevented from unnecessarily increasing.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the blowing part310may be spaced apart from the bottom of the first module chamber212such that air in the first module chamber212flows into the blowing part310from the lower side of the first module chamber212. Accordingly, even if condensed water is generated inside the first module chamber212, the condensed water can move along the bottom surface of the first module chamber212and be discharged to the outside of the module housing200, and the residual water can be prevented or minimized in the blowing part310.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the direction of sequentially connecting the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, the third module chamber214and the dry air outlet231may correspond to the direction of movement of air around the rotation axis of the blowing fan313in the blowing housing311. Accordingly, the air introduced into the blowing housing311can naturally move into the module housing200in a predetermined direction from the blowing housing311to the second module chamber213, the third module chamber214and the dry air outlet231with respect to the rotation axis of the blowing fan313. Accordingly, a smooth air flow may be achieved in the module housing200, and an unintentional increase in flow resistance can be prevented.

FIG.14is a perspective view illustrating a dehumidifying part and a dehumidifying material housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.15is a bottom perspective view illustrating a module cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view illustrating the third module chamber214of the module housing200in the shoes care device1according to the present invention.

The dehumidifying part330according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a predetermined thickness and length. In one embodiment, as described above, the dehumidifying part330may be configured to have a substantially hexahedral shape.

Accordingly, the dehumidifying part330may have a predetermined length, width, and thickness.

Each of a length ZD1and a width ZD2of the dehumidifying part330may be formed longer than a thickness ZD3of the dehumidifying part330. In one embodiment, the length ZD1and the width ZD2of the dehumidifying part330be made more than twice the thickness ZD3of the dehumidifying part330. In addition, the length ZD1of the dehumidifying part330may be formed longer than the width ZD2of the dehumidifying part330.

The dehumidifying part330includes an upper surface333and a lower surface334facing each other. Here, the upper surface333of the dehumidifying part330and the lower surface334of the dehumidifying part330are opposite surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the dehumidifying part330.

As described above, the dehumidifying part330is provided with the plurality of dehumidification through holes332. The dehumidifying through hole332may be configured to penetrate the dehumidifying part330in a direction in which the upper surface333and the lower surface334of the dehumidifying part330are connected to each other.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifying part330may be accommodated inside the module housing200while being accommodated in the dehumidifying material housing340.

The dehumidifying material housing340is formed in the form of a container capable of accommodating the dehumidifying part330. In a state where the dehumidifying part330is accommodated in the dehumidifying material housing340, an edge wall of the dehumidifying material housing340may be in close contact with the dehumidifying part330. Accordingly, the dehumidifying part330can be prevented from being separated inside the dehumidifying material housing340.

The dehumidifying material housing340has an upper side opened and a lower side opened. However, the lower side of the dehumidifying material housing340is provided with a support341that supports the dehumidifying part330such that the dehumidifying part330does not deviate downwards. The supports341may be disposed to cross each other in the form of a grid or a net. The gap (opening) between the supports341is formed sufficiently larger than the dehumidifying through hole332so as not to interfere with the flow of the air passing through the dehumidifying part330.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the dehumidifying part330is disposed inside the module housing200, the dehumidifying part330may be disposed so that the upper surface333and the lower surface334are inclined without being parallel to the horizontal direction.

The dehumidifying part330may be disposed in the third module chamber214in a form inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213. That is, the upper surface333and the lower surface334of the dehumidifying part330may be disposed to be inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213.

Since the dehumidifying part330is inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213in the third module chamber214, the air before penetrating the dehumidifying part330is disposed in an upper space of the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214, and the air after penetrating the dehumidifying part330is disposed in a lower space of the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214. Here, the upper space of the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214is defined as ‘a first flow path F10aa’, and the lower space of the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214is defined as ‘a second flow path F10ab.

In addition, since the dehumidifying part330is disposed to be inclined in the third module chamber214, the dehumidifying through hole332is also disposed to be inclined.

A cover partition wall242may be formed in the module cover202.

The cover partition wall242is formed in a plate shape extending downwards from the edge of the dehumidifying material exit240. The cover partition wall242may be formed in a substantially triangular plate shape.

The cover partition wall242may be configured such that a lower edge thereof is inclined downwards from the third module chamber214to the second module chamber213. A pair of cover partition walls242may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The distance between the pair of cover partition walls242may be configured to correspond to the length of the dehumidifying part330.

A lower locking portion243may be formed in a lower edge of the cover partition wall242and a front edge of the cover partition wall242in the first direction (X direction), and an upper locking portion342may be formed in an upper edge of the dehumidifying material housing340to get settled and locked in an upper side of the lower locking portion243. Accordingly, when the dehumidifying material housing340is settled in the cover partition wall242in a state where the dehumidifying part330is accommodated in the dehumidifying material housing340, the upper locking portion342of the dehumidifying material housing340is settled and assembled in an upper side of the lower locking portion243of the cover partition wall242.

In addition, in this case, the cover partition wall242may block direct communication between the first flow path F10aaand the second flow path F10abwhile the lower edge thereof is in close contact with the upper edge of the dehumidifying part330.

By providing the cover partition wall242in the module cover202, the air in the first flow path F10aamay pass through the dehumidifying part330over the entire area of the dehumidifying part330and move to the second flow path F10ab. In addition, a plurality of dehumidifying through holes332penetrating the dehumidifying part330in the thickness direction may be formed in the dehumidifying part330, thereby increasing the contact area between the air passing through the third module chamber214and the dehumidifying material331.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifying part330is not disposed parallel to the horizontal direction and is inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213. Comparing this with the case where the dehumidifying part330is disposed horizontally, the size of the upper surface of the dehumidifying part330may be formed larger, and the entire volume of the dehumidifying part330may be increased. Accordingly, the amount of dehumidification of air by the dehumidifying part330may be increased.

As described above, as the dehumidifying part330is disposed to be inclined, the direction from the first flow path F10aato the second flow path F10abthrough the dehumidifying part330is configured not to be vertical but to be inclined. A rapid change in the direction of air in a path through which the air moves to the second module chamber213, the first flow path F10aa, and the second flow path F10abcan be reduced to achieve a smooth movement of air.

Accordingly, the natural movement of air moving through the dehumidifying part330can be achieved, and an unnecessary flow path resistance can be minimized in the third module chamber214.

In addition, while the air of the second module chamber213moves from the first flow path F10aato the second flow path F10ab, moisture (small droplets or condensed water) may enter or occur in the third module chamber214. The bottom surface of the dehumidifying part330may be naturally separated from the bottom of the third module chamber214, and the air inside the third module chamber214may move downwards through the dehumidifying part330from the upper side of the third module chamber214. Accordingly, the small droplets or the condensed water can move along the bottom surface of the third module chamber214without remaining or seeping into the dehumidifying part330, and can be easily discharged toward the condenser400.

In one embodiment, the dehumidifying part330may have a constant cross-section along the second direction (Y direction).

In another embodiment, the dehumidifying part330may be formed in a form where the thickness thereof is deformed along the second direction (Y direction).

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first module chamber212and the second module chamber213are formed in front of the third module chamber214with respect to the first direction (X direction). That is, when the longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying part330is formed along the second direction (Y direction), the first module chamber212or the second module chamber213does not interfere with securing the length of the third module chamber214, and the blowing part310or the heating part320does not interfere with securing the length of the dehumidifying part330. Accordingly, a total length ZD1of the dehumidifying part330may be formed longer than the length of each of the blowing part310and the heating part320with respect to the second direction (Y direction).

Accordingly, the length of the dehumidifying part330can be secured sufficiently long, the entire volume of the dehumidifying part330can be formed relatively large, and the dehumidifying amount per unit time of the dehumidifying part330can be improved.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the length ZD1of the dehumidifying part330may be longer than ½ of the length of each of the inner cabinet100and the module housing200with respect to the second direction (Y direction).

The dehumidifying part330may be spaced apart from the bottom of the third module chamber214so that the air inside the third module chamber214moves downwards through the dehumidifying part330from the upper side of the third module chamber214. Since the dehumidifying part330is spaced apart from the bottom of the third module chamber214, the air inside the third module chamber214can smoothly pass through the dehumidifying part330, and the condensed water generated by penetrating the dehumidifying part330moves along the bottom surface of the third module chamber214and can be discharged outside the module housing200.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifying part330provided in the third module chamber214may be disposed to be inclined. The dehumidifying part330may be disposed to be inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213. Accordingly, when the air moves from the second module chamber213to the third module chamber214, the air can easily pass through the dehumidifying part330. In addition, compared to the case where the dehumidifying part330is horizontally arranged, the area or volume of the dehumidifying part330can be further expanded, and the dehumidifying amount per unit time of the dehumidifying part330can be improved.

FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating the steam separator720according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.18ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a separating inlet723of the steam separator720in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.18bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a separating connector722of the steam separator720in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the steam separator720installed adjacent to the steam inlet204. The steam separator720is provided in each of the first management device2aand the second management device2b.

Most of the steam supplied from the steam generator700to the accommodation space101of the inner cabinet100is in a gaseous state, but the stream can be condensed during the movement to generate condensed water in a liquid state.

As described above, measures are needed to prevent moisture from leaving at an unintended part inside the shoes care device1.

This is applicable to the flow path through which steam is supplied, and the condensed water in the steam needs to be prevented from being adsorbed and remaining on an inner surface of the flow path through which steam is supplied.

In addition, even if the condensed water in steam is supplied to the inside of the inner cabinet100without change, since the condensed water is not supplied to the shoes in the form of steam, it is difficult to properly perform the management on the shoes (sterilization treatment by high-temperature steam, swelling of shoe materials, etc.).

Therefore, preferably, the condensed water in the steam is removed through the steam separator720installed in the steam inlet204before the condensed water in the steam flows into the steam inlet204.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam separator720may include a separating base721, the separating connector722, the separating inlet723, and a separating outlet724.

The separating base721is formed in a housing shape forming a predetermined inner space721a. The separating base721may have an inner area relatively larger than the hole formed by the steam inlet204in a plan view, and the separating base721may be fixed to the module housing200while covering the steam inlet204in the lower side of the steam inlet204.

The separating inlet723forms an inlet through which steam flows into the steam separator720. The separating inlet723may be connected to the steam valve710, and the steam generated by the steam generator700may flow into the steam separator720through the separating inlet723after passing through the steam valve710. The separating inlet723may be disposed lower than the separating connector722. The separating inlet723may be formed in a shape opened vertically from the lower side of the separating base721.

The separating inlet723may have a vertical tubular shape, and an upper end thereof may be formed higher than a bottom surface721bof the separating base721. The separating inlet723may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface721bof the separating base721. Accordingly, even if the condensed water occurs inside the separating base721and flows to the bottom surface721bof the separating base721, the condensed water may be prevented from flowing into the separating inlet723, and all the condensed water may be discharged to the separating outlet724, as described below.

The separating connector722forms an outlet through which steam inside the steam separator720is discharged. The steam inside the steam separator720may move to the steam inlet204through the separating connector722. The separating connector722may be formed above the separating base721. The separating connector722can be formed in a form opened from the upper side of the separating base721to the upper side in the vertical direction, and can be directly connected to and communicate with the steam inlet204.

The separating outlet724forms an outlet through which condensed water inside the steam separator720is discharged. The separating outlet724is connected to the sump600, and the condensed water inside the steam separator720may move to the sump600through the separating outlet724. The separating outlet724may be disposed lower than the separating connector722. The separating outlet724may be formed in a form opened from the lower side of the separating base721to the lower side in the vertical direction.

The separating outlet724may be formed in a lower end of the bottom of the separating base721. That is, the separating outlet724may be formed at the lowest part among the bottom surfaces of the separating base721. The bottom surface of the separating base721may be inclined downwardly toward the separating outlet724. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the separating base721may be inclined downward in the second direction (Y direction) or a direction opposite to the second direction (Y direction), and the separating outlet724may be formed on the bottom surface of the separating base721at a front end or a rear end of the second direction (Y direction).

The steam flowing into the steam separator720may be heated to a predetermined temperature, and may be above ordinary temperature (e.g., 20±5° C.). Since this steam has a strong tendency to rise, it can move naturally through the separating connector722formed upwards from the upper side of the separating base721.

Some of the steam flowing into the steam separator720may be cooled and condensed inside the separating base721, and the condensed water may flow along the bottom surface of the separating base721, and may be discharged to the outside of the steam separator720through the separating outlet724and move to the sump600.

As described above, in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the steam separator720is provided with the separating connector722and the separating outlet724separately, when the steam and condensed water are present together, each of them can move through an individual path.

In addition, the separating connector722is formed in the upper side of the steam separator720, while the separating outlet724is formed in the lower side of the steam separator720. Accordingly, according to the properties of the steam and the condensed water, the water vapor and condensed water are discharged in opposite directions, and residual water can be prevented from occurring in the flow path through which the steam is supplied.

FIGS.19aand19bare perspective views illustrating the main shelf40according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.20is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrating a state in which the shoes S are settled on an upper side of the main shelf40.

FIG.21is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shores care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention and is a view schematically illustrating a state in which the shoes S having a larger size than that ofFIG.20is settled on the upper side of the main shelf40.

As mentioned above, the main shelf40is placed and used on the bottom of the inner cabinet100, and when the main shelf40is placed on the bottom of the inner cabinet100, the upper surface of the main shelf40forms the bottom surface of the accommodation space101. In addition, the module cover202of the module housing200may form the bottom surface of the inner cabinet100. In this case, the main shelf40is settled on the upper side of the module housing200(the upper surface of the module cover202.

The upper surface of the main shelf40forms the bottom surface of the accommodation space101and is configured to be inclined downwardly toward the first direction (X direction).

The main shelf40may be formed such that a pair of shoes S are settled on the upper surface thereof. The main shelf40is substantially formed in a thin and wide plate shape.

The shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of a first guide rib41aand a second guide rib41bsuch that the position where the shoes are placed is guided to the user.

The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay guide the settling position and direction of the shoes S such that the shoes S can be placed on the main shelf40to match or substantially match the front and rear directions of the shoes S to the first direction (X direction) when the user places the shoes S on the bottom of the accommodation space101.

The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed on the bottom surface of the inner cabinet100. The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be formed on the upper surface of the main shelf40.

Each of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed to support the front end or the rear end of the shoes S. Each of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay correspond to a front edge shape or a rear edge shape of the shoes S. Each of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be formed in a curved shape that is concave in the first direction (X direction). Each of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be formed in an arc shape.

Each of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bis formed to protrude upwards from the bottom surface of the accommodation space101. When the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed in the main shelf40, the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bprotrude upwards from the upper surface of the main shelf40.

The protruding heights of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be variously formed according to embodiments. The protruding heights of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be 3 to 20 mm.

The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare positioned at different sides based on the reference plane RP. The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be symmetrical with respect to the reference plane RP.

The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed in front of the accommodation space101based on the first direction (X direction). Based on the first direction (X direction), when the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed relatively ahead, the steam inlet204may be formed relatively in the rear.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam inlet204is formed on the bottom of the accommodation space101or formed adjacent to the bottom. The steam inlet204may be formed in the rear center of the accommodation space101based on the first direction (X direction). When the reference plane RP is a center surface that bisects the left and right sides of the shoes care device1, the reference plane RP crosses the steam inlet204.

Opposite sides of the accommodation space101may be symmetrical with respect to the reference plane RP.

Based on the rear end of the bottom surface of the accommodation space101in the first direction (X direction), when a distance to the steam inlet204is BD1, a distance to the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bis BD2, a distance to the front end of the bottom surface of the accommodation space101is BD3, the BD1may be 1/10 or less of the BD3, and the BD2may be 9/10 to 10/10 of the BD3.

When the steam inlet204is formed at the rearmost portion of the bottom surface of the accommodation space101based on the first direction (X direction), the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bmay be formed in the frontmost part.

According to the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, first of all, since the shoes are placed and managed on the bottom of the accommodation space101, it is convenient to enter or withdraw the shoes from the accommodation space101, and the shoes of various sizes may be easily managed. In addition, the steam generated by the steam generator700may be dispersed into the inner cabinet100to refresh the shoes S, and the air inside the inner cabinet100may be circulated through the connection path F10to dehumidify the air.

Usually, since the shoes are made in a round shape in the front and back, or the width thereof becomes narrower toward the front and back, when a pair of shoes(S) is placed side by side, a space is formed between the front or rear ends of the pair of shoes S. In one embodiment of the present invention, since the steam inlet204is located in the rear center of the accommodation space101based on the first direction (X direction), when the pair of shoes is placed on the bottom of the accommodation space101, the possibility of covering the steam inlet204by the shoes may be minimized, and the steam may be uniformly supplied to each of the shoes.

Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, when the steam inlet204is formed by being biased to the left or right in the accommodation space101, more steam supplied through the steam inlet204may be further supplied to any one shoe, and accordingly, uniform shoe management may not be achieved.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, even when high-temperature steam is discharged through the steam inlet204, the steam is directly discharged to the bottoms of the shoes S, thereby minimizing the possibility of ununiformly treating the pair of shoes or damaging the shoes.

According to the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the user places the pair of shoes on the bottom of the accommodation space101, the pair of shoes are on the bottom of the accommodation space101in a state where one shoe is supported by the first guide rib41aand the other shoe is supported by the second guide rib41b. Accordingly, two shoes are located on different sides based on the reference plane RP, and the steam inlet204is located at one part of the reference plane RP (seeFIG.20).

When the shoe size is very large (e.g., when the shoe length is longer than the length of the main shelf40with respect to the first direction (X direction)), a pair of shoes may be placed diagonally apart toward the back of the first direction (X direction) (seeFIG.21). In this case, the steam inlet204is located between the pair of shoes S. As such, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the size of shoes is very large, the possibility of covering the steam inlet204by the shoes or of placing the shoes very close to the steam inlet204can be minimized.

Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, when the steam inlet204is formed to be biased to the left or right in the accommodation space101, if the size of the managed shoes is very large, more steam supplied through the steam inlet204may be supplied to any one shoe, or the steam inlet204may be covered by the shoes, and when high-temperature steam is discharged from the steam inlet204, this can damage the shoes.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the outlet203may be formed in front of the upper surface of the module housing200in the first direction (X direction). In this case, a shelf hole45vertically penetrated directly above the outlet203is formed in the main shelf40.

A net such as a grid shape or a mesh shape may be formed in the shelf hole45.

Accordingly, a plurality of shelf holes45are provided.

The plurality of shelf holes45may be repeatedly arranged along the second direction (Y direction). The shape formed by the plurality of shelf holes45on the whole may be formed in a long shape along the second direction (Y direction) in the main shelf40.

An area in which the shelf hole45is formed in a plan view may be formed to coincide with or substantially coincide with an area in which the outlet203is formed.

The first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41bare formed ahead of the shelf hole45in the first direction (X direction).

As described above, the entire area of the main shelf40in the front-rear direction may be used as an area where the shoes are settled, based on the first direction (X direction), and the condensed water on the upper surface of the main shelf40may flow along the upper surface of the main shelf40and flow into the shelf hole45and the outlet203.

The main shelf40may include a plurality of main isolation ribs42. The plurality of main isolation ribs42protrude upwards from the upper surface of the main shelf40and are spaced apart from each other. The main isolation rib42may be formed along the first direction (X direction) and may be formed in a direction inclined with the first direction (X direction).

The protruding height of the main isolation rib42may be formed lower than the protruding heights of the first guide rib41aand the second guide rib41b.

As each of the main isolation ribs42is spaced apart from each other, a gap (space or valley) is repeatedly formed between the main isolation ribs42.

The main isolation rib42may be formed in most areas of the upper surface of the main shelf40. The main isolation rib42may be formed in most areas of the upper surface of the main shelf40, except the edge of the main shelf40(the main water stop rib43).

When the shoes are settled on the upper side of the main shelf40, one part of the bottom surface of the shoes S comes into contact with the main isolation rib42, and the other part docs not come into contact with the main isolation rib42. A plurality of gaps are formed between the main isolation ribs42, and steam or air may be supplied to the bottom of the shoes through such gaps during the management process of the shoes S. In addition, with the formation of the gaps, the condensed water on the upper surface of the main shelf40may flow without blocking the flow of the condensed water by the shoes.

The main shelf40is configured to include the main water stop rib43that forms an edge and protrudes upwards. The main water stop rib43may be formed on the entire edge of the main shelf40. When the main shelf40in a plan view is formed in a rectangular shape, the main water stop rib43is formed in a rectangular shape.

The main water stop rib43may be formed in close contact with or close to the inner cabinet100at both left and right sides in the first direction (X direction).

With the formation of the main water stop rib43, the condensed water on the upper side of the main shelf40may remain on the upper side of the main shelf40or flow toward the shelf hole45without departing from the main water stop rib43to the outside of the main shelf40.

The steam inlet204may be located behind the main shelf40in the first direction (X direction). The steam inlet204may penetrate in the vertical direction, and the upper end thereof may be higher than the bottom of the main shelf40.

The shoes care device1may include a bottom bar295. The steam inlet204is formed on an upper surface of the bottom bar295.

The bottom bar295may form the rearmost portion of the bottom surface of the accommodation space101. The bottom bar295may be formed in a long shape along the second direction (Y direction).

The bottom bar295is interposed between the inner cabinet100and the main water stop rib43at the rear in the first direction (X direction). The bottom bar295may be in close contact between the inner cabinet100and the main water stop rib43.

In one embodiment, the bottom bar295may be formed integrally with the module housing200.

In another embodiment, the bottom bar295may be formed separately from the module housing200and then coupled to the module housing200. The bottom bar295may be coupled to the module cover202of the module housing200at the rear in the first direction (X direction).

The steam inlet204may be formed at the rear of the module housing200based on the first direction (X direction), and can be formed in a form that vertically penetrates the module housing200and the bottom bar295.

The upper surface of the bottom bar295may be formed to be higher than or equal to the upper surface of the main water stop rib43.

The first inner side plate120of the inner cabinet100forms a wall surface on the side where the first guide rib41ais located based on the reference plane RP.

The second inner side plate130of the inner cabinet100forms a wall surface on the side where the second guide rib41bis located based on the reference plane RP.

The inner rear plate110of the inner cabinet100forms a wall surface at the rear in the first direction (X direction) and connects the first inner side plate120and the second inner side plate130.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first guide rib41amay be formed to be more biased toward the reference plane RP than the first inner side plate120, and the second guide rib41bmay be formed to be more biased toward the reference plane RP than the second inner side plate130.

Accordingly, for ordinary-sized shoes, a pair of shoes S may be disposed side by side around the reference plane RP, and for very large-sized shoes, a pair of shoes S may be placed in a form opened to the rear in the first direction (X direction).

A length BD5of the steam inlet204in the second direction (Y direction) may be configured to be 1/15 to ⅕ of a distance BD4between the first inner side plate120and the second inner side plate130. The length BD5of the steam inlet204in the second direction (Y direction) may be configured to be ⅕ to ⅓ of the distance BD4between the first inner side plate120and the second inner side plate130.

According to the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, foreign substances separated from the shoes during the shoe management process can be settled on the upper surface of the main shelf40. Since the user can separate the main shelf40from the inner cabinet100to wash the main shelf40, the shoes care device1can be easily maintained.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main shelf40is inclined downwards in the first direction (X direction), the shelf hole45is formed in the main shelf40, and the condensed water on the upper surface of the main shelf40may flow into the module housing200through the shelf hole45and then move to the regeneration path F20. In addition, the shoes care device1may include the bottom bar295, and the main shelf40may include the main water stop rib43. In this case, the steam inlet204is formed on the upper surface of the bottom bar295, the upper surface of the bottom bar295is formed higher than or equal to the upper surface of the main water stop rib43, and the main water stop rib43is in close contact with to or close to the inner cabinet100on both left and right sides in the first direction (X direction). Accordingly, since the direction in which steam is discharged from the steam inlet204is not a direction directly facing the shoe, the stream is prevented from damaging the shoes. In addition, the condensed water condensed in the accommodation space101is located inside the main water stop rib43as the edge of the main shelf40, or moves through a regeneration path, and the condensed water is easily managed in the shoes care device1.

FIG.22is a view illustrating the inside of the module housing200according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG.22illustrates that a schematic flow direction of air inside the module housing200is indicated by an arrow.

FIG.23is a view illustrating the inside of the module housing200according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG.23illustrates the dehumidifying material cover241together.

FIG.24is a perspective view illustrating the drying module DM according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.25is a bottom perspective view illustrating the dehumidifying material cover241illustrated inFIG.24.

FIG.26is a cross-sectional view illustrating the drying module DM ofFIG.24.

FIGS.27aand27bare views illustrating simulation results of air speed distribution when an inner rib250is not formed in the module housing200according to one embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS.28aand28bare diagrams illustrating simulation results of the air speed distribution when the inner rib250is formed in the module housing200according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.29ais a view illustrating the entire area of the dehumidifying part divided into six areas (which are indicated by Nos. 1 to 6, and each of which is identified by one dotted line) in a plan view in the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.29bis a view illustrating a mass flow rate in each area ofFIG.29a. InFIG.29b, graph (1) is a case where a fourth inner rib254and a fifth inner rib255are not formed, and graph (2) is a case where the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are formed.

As described above, the module housing200includes at least one module partition wall220. The module partition wall220mutually partitions the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214such that air moves sequentially through the first module chamber212, the second module chamber213, and the third module chamber214.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the module housing200may include at least one inner rib250. The inner rib250is provided inside the module housing200.

Each of the inner ribs250may be formed integrally with the module housing200. Some or all of the inner ribs250may be formed integrally with the module case201. Some or all of the inner ribs250may be formed integrally with the module cover202. Some of the inner ribs250may be formed integrally with the dehumidifying material cover241.

Each of the inner ribs250is formed in a plate shape inside the module housing200and is configured to guide the movement of air. That is, the inner rib250is configured such that the air inside the module housing200moves along the surfaces formed by each of the inner ribs250.

Each of the inner ribs250may form a vertical surface. That is, the surface of the inner rib250may be formed in a vertical direction.

The inner rib250includes a first inner rib251. The first inner rib251extends from the edge of the outlet311bof the blowing part310to the edge of an inlet320aof the heating part320.

As described above, the outer flange322aof the heater flange322may be formed in a tubular shape along the second direction (Y direction). In this case, in the outer flange322a, the front in the second direction (Y direction) forms the inlet320aof the heating part320, and the rear in the second direction (Y direction) forms the outlet320bof the heating part320.

Two first inner ribs251can be provided, and the two first inner ribs251may be spaced apart from each other and formed on opposite sides of the outlet311bof the blowing part310. The two first inner ribs251may be formed in a shape where a gap between the first inner ribs251becomes narrow toward the inlet320aof the heating part320.

When air moves from the blowing part310to the heating part320, the first inner rib251may prevent a vortex flow and avoid or minimize a head loss.

The inner rib250includes a second inner rib252. The second inner rib252is formed in front of the outlet320bof the heating part320. The second inner rib252forms an inclined surface inclined from the second direction (Y direction) to the first direction (X direction). Accordingly, since the air passing through the outlet of the heating part320hits the second inner rib252, the flow direction of the air can be naturally changed to the third module chamber214and the dehumidifying part330.

Accordingly, with the formation of the second inner rib252in the module housing200, the flow direction of the air from the heating part320to the dehumidifying part330can be effectively changed and the head loss can be minimized.

The module housing200may include a chamber inclined surface213a. The chamber inclined surface213aforms a bottom surface inclined upwards from the bottom surface of the second module chamber213to the dehumidifying part330. The air that hits the second inner rib252and moves to the third module chamber214may move upwards along the chamber inclined surface213a, and may also move to the upper side of the dehumidifying part330.

The inner rib250includes a third inner rib253. A plurality of third inner ribs253may be provided.

The third inner rib253may be formed between the second module chamber213and the third module chamber214. The third inner rib253may be formed on the chamber inclined surface213a.

The third inner rib253is formed parallel to the first direction (X direction), and the plurality of third inner ribs253are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction). Each of the third inner ribs253may have a length (a length in the first direction (X direction)) formed longer toward the second direction (Y direction).

The third inner rib253helps the air moving from the second module chamber213to the third module chamber214move parallel to the first direction (X direction), and allows the air to uniformly flow to the dehumidifying part330in the entire area of the dehumidifying part330the second direction (Y direction).

As described above, the dehumidifying part330may be disposed to be inclined downwardly toward the second module chamber213. In this case, the dehumidifying part330and the dehumidifying material cover241are spaced apart from each other, and a space (the first flow path F10aa) is provided in the upper side of the dehumidifying part330.

The inner rib250may include a fourth inner rib254. The fourth inner rib254is disposed above the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214. That is, the fourth inner rib254is disposed in the first flow path F10aa.

The fourth inner rib254is inclined from the first direction (X direction) to a direction opposite to the second direction (Y direction).

A plurality of fourth inner ribs254are provided and are repeatedly spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction).

The inner rib250may include a fifth inner rib255. The fifth inner rib255is disposed above the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214. That is, the fifth inner rib255is disposed in the first flow path F10aa.

The fifth inner rib255is inclined from the first direction (X direction) to the second direction (Y direction).

A plurality of fifth inner ribs255are provided and are repeatedly spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction).

The fifth inner rib255is positioned behind the fourth inner rib254with respect to the first direction (X direction). That is, the air moving from the second module chamber213to the third module chamber214may first pass through the fourth inner rib254and then through the fifth inner rib255.

The vertical length of the fourth inner rib254may be formed longer than the vertical length of the fifth inner rib255.

With respect to the second direction (Y direction), the fifth inner rib255positioned at the frontmost is positioned ahead of the fourth inner rib254at the frontmost, and the fifth inner rib255positioned at the rearmost is positioned behind or equal to the fourth inner rib254positioned at the rearmost.

In a plan view, the length of the fifth inner rib255is formed longer than the length of the fourth inner rib254.

The fifth inner rib255may be divided into a fifth-first inner rib255aand a fifth-second inner rib255b. The fifth-first inner ribs255aform a first row. The fifth-second inner rib255bis positioned behind the fifth-first inner rib255awith respect to the first direction (X direction) and forms a second row.

With respect to the second direction (Y direction), a length from the rear end of the dehumidifying part330to the fifth inner rib255positioned at the frontmost may be ½ to ⅘ of a length from the rear end of the dehumidifying part330to the front end thereof.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255may be formed on the bottom surface of the module cover202.

As described above, in the shoes care device1according to the embodiment of the present invention, the module cover202may include the dehumidifying material exit240and the dehumidifying material cover241. In this case, the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255may be integrally formed on the bottom surface of the dehumidifying material cover241.

In the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth inner rib254forms a surface resistant to the air moving in the opposite direction to the first direction (X direction) from the upper side of the dehumidifying part330. The fourth inner rib254may reduce the deviation of the flow rate between the air moving through the front part of the dehumidifying part330and the air moving through the rear part of the dehumidifying part330with respect to the first direction (X direction).

In addition, the fifth inner rib255forms a surface resistant to the air moving in a direction opposite to the first direction (X direction) from the upper side of the dehumidifying part330. The fifth inner rib255may further reduce the deviation of the flow rate between the air moving through the front part of the dehumidifying part330and the air moving through the rear part of the dehumidifying part330with respect to the first direction (X direction).

In addition, the air moving from the second module chamber213to the third module chamber214may be widely dispersed along the second direction (Y direction) by the fifth inner rib255. Accordingly, the air of the third module chamber214may pass through the dehumidifying part330at a uniform speed over the entire area of the dehumidifying part330.

InFIGS.27aand28a, a blue (a dark color when an image is displayed in black and white) portion indicates a portion having a relatively low flow rate. InFIG.27a, it can be seen that the flow rate of the lower left part is lower than other parts, and the deviation of the flow rate of the dehumidifying part330is slightly larger for each area on the plane. InFIG.28a, it can be seen that the deviation of the flow rate of the dehumidifying part330is smaller for each area on the plane as compared toFIG.27a.

InFIGS.27band28b, a red (dark color when an image is displayed in black and white) portion indicates a portion having a relatively high flow rate.

As a result of simulation of the shoes care device1according to one embodiment of the present invention, as compared toFIGS.27aand27b(when the inner rib250is not formed inside the module housing200),FIGS.28aand28b(when the inner rib250is formed inside the module housing200) has confirmed that the wind volume is improved by about 0.7% inside the module housing200. That is, it can be seen that the wind volume of the air moving in the module housing200in a case in which the inner rib250is formed is improved by about 0.7% as compared to a case in which the inner rib250is not formed, and the air inside the module housing200is smoother circulated.

Also, as a result of checking a pressure loss of the inlet (the first flow path F10aa) of the dehumidifying part330compared to the outlet311bof the blowing part310, as compared to the pressure loss ofFIG.27b(when the inner rib250is not formed inside the module housing200),FIG.28b(when the inner rib250is formed inside the module housing200) has confirmed that the pressure loss was reduced by about 9%. That is, it can be seen that the pressure loss of air flowing inside the module housing200in a case in which the first inner rib251, the second inner rib252, and the third inner rib253are formed is reduced by about 9% as compared to a case in which the first inner rib251, the second inner rib252, and the third inner rib253are not formed.

In addition, as a result of checking a pressure loss of the outlet (the first flow path F10ab) of the dehumidifying part330compared to the inlet (the first flow path F10aa) of the dehumidifying part330, as compared to the pressure loss ofFIG.27a(when the inner rib250is not formed inside the module housing200),FIG.28a(when the inner rib250is formed inside the module housing200) has confirmed that the pressure loss was increased by about 27%. That is, it can be seen that the pressure loss of air flowing inside the module housing200in a case in which the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are formed is increased by about 9% as compared to a case in which the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are not formed, and the flow rate decreases when the air penetrates the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214.

In addition, as shown inFIG.29bin this case, it can be seen that when the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib225are not formed ({circle around (1)}), the deviation of the mass flow rate of the dehumidifying part330for each area is relatively large, and when the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib225are formed (), the deviation of the mass flow rate of the third module chamber214for each area is relatively small.

When the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are not formed (), the mass flow rate is relatively very high in a third region of the dehumidifying part330and the mass flow rate is relatively very low in a fourth area. However, when the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are formed (), the mass flow rate is decreased in the third area of the dehumidifying part330and the mass flow rate is increased in the fourth area. The deviation for each area can be seen to decrease.

As such, it can be seen that when the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are formed compared to when the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255are not formed, flow uniformity is excellent in each area of the dehumidifying part330, and the air passes uniformly through each area of the dehumidifying part330in the third module chamber214.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, with the formation of the fourth inner rib254and the fifth inner rib255, the dehumidifying part330can be efficiently utilized.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, air may smoothly move in the module chamber by the inner rib250, and an unnecessary head loss, a vortex flow, etc., may be prevented from occurring in the module chamber.

Hereinabove, a specific embodiment of the present invention is described and illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, and it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiment can be variously modified and transformed to another specific embodiment without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention will not be defined by the described embodiment, but defined by the technical spirit disclosed in the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the steam inlet is located at the rear center of the accommodation space, it is possible to minimize the possibility that the shoes cover the steam inlet when a pair of shoes is placed on the bottom of the accommodation space, and the steam may be supplied uniformly to the respective shoes. In addition, even when high-temperature steam is discharged through the steam inlet, the steam is discharged directly to the bottom of the shoe, thereby minimizing the possibility of uneven processing of a pair of shoes or damage to the shoes.