Patent Publication Number: US-2023144590-A1

Title: Laundry dryer

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a laundry dryer, and more particularly, to a laundry dryer that sprays high-temperature steam into a drum through a steamer. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, a laundry treatment apparatus that performs a drying cycle for removing moisture from clothes has been developed. Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses supply hot air to a drum accommodating clothes to dry the clothes, thereby greatly shortening the drying time of clothes, and sterilizing and disinfecting the clothes. 
     On the other hand, there is also a conventional laundry treatment apparatus that supplies steam to clothes in order to remove wrinkles from the clothes, improve drying efficiency, or perform sterilization. 
     Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1435823 discloses a laundry treatment apparatus that supplies steam to clothes and then dries the clothes. 
     The conventional laundry treatment apparatus includes a steam generator, a steam pipe, and a steam nozzle. 
     However, the steam generated by the steam generator is condensed in the steam pipe or the steam nozzle to cause condensed water, causing a problem in which the condensed water flows down into a drum. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present disclosure is intended to solve the problems of the conventional laundry dryer as described above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry dryer that prevents condensed water from flowing down into a drum due to generation of condensed water in a steam pipe or a steam nozzle. 
     Technical Solution 
     According to an embodiment, a laundry dryer includes a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet forming an appearance and accommodating a subject to be dried, a duct configured to re-supply air discharged from the drum to the drum, a circulation fan configured to provide a flow force to air moving along the duct, a heat exchanger provided on the duct and performing heat exchange with air circulated along the duct, a steamer configured to supply steam into the drum, and a water supplier including a water supply tube that supplies water to the steamer. 
     The steamer may include a steam generator configured to receive water from the water supplier and generate steam by heating the received water, a steam nozzle connected to the steam generator and supplying steam into the drum, the steam being introduced from the steam generator, a steam pipe connecting the steam generator and the steam nozzle, steam generated by the steam generator flowing through the steam pipe, and an accumulator installed on the steam pipe and separating condensed water from the steam flowing through the steam pipe. 
     The accumulator may include a base having a space formed therein to accommodate condensed water separated from steam, a cover coupled to the base to form a flow path through which steam flows, and a supporter extending to protrude from an outer surface of the base to hold an outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube. 
     The base may include a base body formed to have a box shape, and a condensate separator plate formed inside the base body and extending to protrude upward from a bottom surface of the base body. 
     The steam pipe may include a first steam pipe connecting the steam generator and the accumulator, and a second steam pipe connecting the accumulator and the steam nozzle. 
     The base may include an inlet port extending to protrude from one outer surface of the base body and inserted into the first steam pipe, steam generated by the steam generator being introduced through the inlet port, and an outlet port extending to protrude from the other outer surface of the base body, inserted into the second steam pipe, and discharging steam from which condensed water has been separated to the steam nozzle. 
     The output port may be disposed at a position higher than the inlet port with respect to the bottom surface of the base body. 
     The inlet port may be disposed such that a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the inlet port is located lower than the bottom surface of the base body in a gravity direction. 
     The supporter may include a support plate extending to protrude from an outer surface of the base body and being in surface contact with an outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube. 
     The base body may include a first side disposed in a direction in which steam is introduced, a second side disposed in a direction in which steam is discharged, and a third side connecting the first side and the second side. 
     The support plate may include an upper support plate including an upper contact surface formed to have a curved surface to be in surface contact with an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube, and extending to protrude from an outer surface of the third side. 
     The upper support plate may further include a protrusion extending to protrude from the third side. 
     The upper contact surface may be formed to extend to be curved at an outer end of the protrusion. 
     The upper support plate may be bent and extended upward from an outer end of the upper contact surface to guide assembly of the water supply tube. 
     The support plate may include a lower support plate including a lower contact surface formed to have a curved surface to be in surface contact with a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube, and extending to protrude from a lower surface of the bottom surface. 
     The lower support plate may further include a lower supporter formed to extend from the bottom surface and the third side and connected to the lower contact surface to support the lower contact surface. 
     The base may include a cover coupling protrusion formed to protrude from the outer surface of the base body so as to be hook-coupled with the cover. 
     The cover may include a cover body configured to cover the base and forming a flow path through which steam flows, and a coupler formed to extend from a sidewall of the cover body and having a hook receiving hole for accommodating the cover coupling protrusion. 
     The laundry dryer may further include an upper fame disposed on an upper side of the drum and supporting the cabinet. 
     The accumulator may include a fixing portion formed to extend downward from the bottom surface of the base to support the base and coupled to the upper frame. 
     The fixing portion may include a height adjustment portion extending downward from the bottom surface and adjusting a height of the base to guide a direction of flow of steam and condensed water, and a fixing plate extending to protrude from a sidewall surface of the height adjustment portion and having a fixing hole for being fixedly coupled to the upper frame. 
     The accumulator may further include an assembly hook extending downward from a lower portion of the supporter and supported by being caught by the upper frame. 
     The supporter comprises a lower support plate extending to protrude from an outer surface of the base body and formed on a same plane as the lower surface of the bottom surface. 
     The supporter may include an upper support plate protruding from the lower support plate and extending while forming a curved surface to surround an upper outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube. 
     The condensate separator plate may include a first separator plate formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with a sidewall surface of the base body to guide flow of steam generated by the steam generator, a second separator plate formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the sidewall surface of the base body to guide flow of steam discharged to the steam nozzle, and a third separator plate disposed between the first separator plate and the second separator plate and formed to have a curved shape. 
     Advantageous Effect 
     As described above, according to the laundry dryer according to the present disclosure, an accumulator is provided on the steam pipe to prevent condensed water generated from the steam pipe or the steam nozzle from flowing down into the drum. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a view for describing an external appearance of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view for describing an internal structure of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view for describing an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view for describing a base of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view showing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from another direction. 
         FIG.  7    is a view for describing a state in which an accumulator is mounted in a a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a view for describing another state in which an accumulator is mounted in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a view for describing still another state in which an accumulator is mounted in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view for describing a base of an accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view showing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from another direction. 
         FIG.  13    is a bottom view for describing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a side view for describing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view for describing installation of an accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a view for describing a state in which the accumulator is mounted in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is an exploded perspective view of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a view for describing a state in which an accumulator is mounted in a laundry dryer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Since the present disclosure can have various changes and various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     In describing the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components may not be limited by the terms. The terms are used merely for the purpose to distinguish a component from the other component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and likewise a second component may be referred to as a first component. 
     The term “and/or” includes any and all combination of one or more of the related listed items. 
     When an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled with” another element, not only it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but also it can be understood that intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled with” another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “have,” when used in this specification, 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, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     In addition, the following embodiments are provided to more completely explain to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation. 
       FIG.  1    is a view for describing external appearance of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view for describing internal structure of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a cabinet  10  forming an external body of the laundry dryer  1  includes a front panel  11  forming the front surface of the laundry dryer  1 , a rear panel  12  forming the rear surface of the laundry dryer  1 , a pair of side panels  14  forming the sides of the laundry dryer  1 , and an upper panel  13  forming the upper surface of the laundry dryer  1 . 
     An inlet  111  provided to communicate with a drum  20  to be described later and a door  112  coupled to the cabinet  10  to open and close the inlet  111  may be disposed on the front panel  11 . 
     A control panel  117  is provided on an upper portion of the front panel  11 . 
     The control panel  117  may be provided with an input portion  118  to receive a control command from the user, a display  119  to output information such as the control command selectable by the user, and a main controller (not shown) to control a command for performing the operation of the laundry dryer  1 . 
     On the other hand, the input portion  118  may be configured to include a power supply request portion to request power supply to the laundry dryer, a course input portion to allow the user to select a desired course among a plurality of courses, an execution request portion to request the start of the course selected by the user, and the like. 
     The display  119  may be configured to include at least one of a display panel or a light emitting diode panel capable of outputting characters and/or figures, and a speaker capable of outputting a voice signal and sound. The user can easily grasp the status of a current administrative status, a remaining time, and the like through the information output through the display  119 . 
     A drum  20  that is rotatably provided inside the cabinet  10  and provides a space for receiving clothes (a subject to be dried), a duct  30  that forms a flow path for re-supplying the air discharged from the drum  20  to the drum  20 , and a heat exchanger  40  that dehumidifies and heats air introduced into the duct  30  and then re-supplies the air to the drum  20  are provided inside the cabinet  10 . 
     The drum  20  may include a cylindrical drum body  21  having an open front surface, a first supporter  22  rotatably supporting the front surface of the drum body  21  inside the cabinet  10 , and a second supporter  23  rotatably supporting the rear surface of the drum body  21 . 
     The first supporter  22  may be configured to include a first fixed body  22   a  that is fixed to the inside of the cabinet  10 , a drum inlet  22   b  that is provided to pass through the first fixed body  22   a  to communicate the inlet  111  and the inside of the drum body  21 , and a first support body  22   c  that is provided in the first fixed body  22   a  and is inserted into the front surface of the drum body  21 . 
     The first supporter  22  may be configured to further include a connection body  22   d  connecting the inlet  111  and the drum inlet  22   b . As shown in drawings, the connection body  22   d  may be provided in a pipe shape extending from the drum inlet  22   b  toward the inlet  111 . In addition, the connection body  22   d  may be provided with an air outlet  22   e  communicating with the duct  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the air outlet  22   e  is a passage for allowing the internal air of the drum body  21  to move to the duct  30 , and it may be provided as a through hole provided to pass through the connection body  22   d.    
     The second supporter  23  is configured to include a second fixed body  23   a  that is fixed inside the cabinet  10  and a second support body  23   b  that is provided in the second fixed body  23   a  and inserted into the rear surface of the drum body  21 . 
     The second supporter  23  is provided with an air inlet  23   c  provided to pass through the second fixed body  23   a  to communicate the inside of the drum body  21  with the inside of the cabinet  10 . 
     In this case, the duct  30  is configured to connect the air outlet  22   e  and the air inlet  23   c.    
     The cylindrical drum body  21  may rotate through various types of the driver  50 . 
     For example, an embodiment in which the driver  50  includes a drum motor  51  fixed inside the cabinet  10 , a pulley  52  rotated by the drum motor  51 , and a belt  53  connecting the circumferential surface of the pulley  52  and the circumferential surface of the drum body  21  is shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     In this case, the first supporter  22  may be provided with a first roller R 1  that rotatably supports the circumferential surface of the drum body  21 , and the second supporter  23  may be provided with a second roller R 2  that rotatably supports the circumferential surface of the drum body  21 . 
     However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a direct drive type driver in which the drum motor  51  is directly connected to the drum without going through the pulley and the belt to rotate the drum is also applicable, which naturally falls within the scope of the present disclosure. For convenience, the following description will be given based on embodiments of the driver  50  illustrated. 
     The duct  30  includes an exhaust duct  31  connected to the air outlet  22   e , a supply duct  32  connected to the air inlet  23   c , and a connection duct  33  configured to connect the exhaust duct  31  and the supply duct  32  and including a heat exchanger  40  installed in the connection duct  33 . 
     The heat exchanger  40  may be provided with various devices capable of sequentially dehumidifying and heating the air introduced into the duct  30 . For example, the heat exchanger  40  may be provided as a heat pump system. 
     As a heat pump system, the heat exchanger  40  may include a circulation fan  43  that moves air along the duct  30 , a first heat exchanger (heat absorber)  41  configured to perform a dehumidification function by lowering the humidity of air introduced into the duct  30 , and a second heat exchanger (heat generator)  42  provided inside the duct  30  to heat the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger  41 . 
     The circulation fan  43  is provided to include the impeller  43   a  provided in the duct  30 , and an impeller motor  43   b  to rotate the impeller  33   a , and provides a flow force to the air moving along the duct  31 . 
     The impeller  43   a  may be installed at any position among the exhaust duct  31 , the connection duct  33 , and the supply duct  32 , and in  FIG.  2   , there is illustrated an embodiment in which the impeller  43   a  is provided in the connection duct  32 . The present disclosure is not limited thereto, but for convenience, the following description will be made based on the embodiment in which the impeller  43   a  is provided in the connection duct  32 . 
     The heat exchanger  40  may be subjected to exchange heat with air circulated along the duct  30 . 
     The heat absorber  41  and the heat generator  42  are sequentially arranged in the direction from the exhaust duct  31  to the supply duct  32  in the inside of the connection duct  33 , and may connect to each other through a refrigerant pipe  44  that forms a circulation path of the refrigerant is connected to each other. 
     The heat absorber  41  is a means for cooling air and evaporating refrigerant by transferring the heat of air introduced into the exhaust duct  31  to the refrigerant. 
     The heat generating unit  42  is a means for heating air and condensing refrigerant by transferring the heat of the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor  45  to the air. 
     The compressor  45  may receive a rotational force by the compressor motor  45   a  and compress refrigerant subjected to heat exchange with air circulated along the duct  30 . 
     In this case, when moisture contained in the air passes through the heat absorber  41 , the moisture is collected on the bottom surface of the connection duct  33  while moving along the surface of the heat absorber  41 . 
     A configuration already known in the art is applicable as the configuration of the heat exchanger  40  with the heat pump system as described above, including the heat absorber  41  and the heat generator  42 , and applicable and a description of the detailed configuration thereof will be omitted. 
     On the other hand, the laundry dryer  1  according to the present disclosure may include a water collector  60  to collect the condensed water condensed from air passing through the heat absorber  41  and collected on the bottom surface of the connection duct  33 . 
     The condensed water condensed in the heat absorber  41  may be first collected in the water collector  60 , and then may be secondarily collected in a water storage  70 . The water collector  60  may be located inside the connection duct  33  as shown, or may be separately provided in a space spaced apart from the connection duct  33 . 
     The condensed water first collected through the water collector  60  is supplied to the water storage  70  through a condensed water supply pipe  61 . In this case, the condensed water supply pipe  61  is provided with a condensed water pump  62  for smooth discharge of the condensed water. 
     The water storage  70  may include a water storage tank  72  provided to be withdrawn from one side of the front panel  11  to the outside. The water storage tank  72  is configured to collect the condensed water transferred from the water collector  60  to be described later. 
     A user can remove the condensed water by withdrawing the water storage tank  72  from the cabinet  10 , and then re-install the water storage tank  72  in the cabinet  10 . As a result, the laundry dryer  1  according to the present disclosure may be disposed at any place where a sewer or the like is not installed. 
     In more detail, the water storage  70  may include a water storage tank  72  that is detachably provided in the cabinet  10  to provide a space for storing water, and an inlet  72   a  provided to pass through the water storage tank  72  to introduce water discharged from the condensed water supply pipe  61  into the water storage tank  72 . 
     The water storage tank  72  may be provided as a tank in the form of a drawer capable of being drawn out from the cabinet  10 . In this case, the front panel  11  of the cabinet is provided with a water storage mounting hole into which the water storage tank  72  is inserted. 
     A panel  71  is fixed to the front surface of the water storage tank  72 , and the panel  71  may be detachably coupled to the water storage mounting hole to form a part of the front panel  11 . 
     The panel  71  may further include a groove  71   a  into which a user&#39;s hand is inserted for grip. In this case, the panel  71  may also function as a handle for withdrawing the water storage tank  72  from the cabinet or inserting the water storage tank  72  into the cabinet. 
     The inlet  72   a  is formed to receive the condensed water discharged from a condensate nozzle  63  fixed to the cabinet  10 . The condensate nozzle  63  may be fixed to the upper panel  13  of the cabinet  10  such that the water storage tank  72  is positioned above the inlet  72   a  when the water storage tank  72  is inserted into the cabinet  10 . 
     The user can discard the water inside the water storage tank  72  by withdrawing the water storage tank  72  from the cabinet  10  and then turning or tilting the water storage tank  72  toward the direction in which the inlet  72   a  is located. A communication hole  72   b  to pass through the upper surface of the water storage tank  72  may be further provided to allow the water inside the water storage tank  72  to be easily discharged through the inlet  72   a.    
     In addition, the laundry dryer  1  according to the present disclosure may include a first filter F 1  and a second filter F 2  as a means for removing foreign substances such as lint and dust generated in the drying process of laundry such as clothes. 
     The first filter F 1  is provided in the exhaust duct  31  to primarily filter foreign substances contained in the air discharged from the drum  20 . 
     The second filter F 2  is disposed on the downstream side of the first filter F 1  in the flow direction of air so as to secondarily filter out foreign substances contained in the air that has passed through the first filter F 1 . Specifically, as shown in drawings, it is preferable that the second filter F 2  be disposed on the upstream side of the first heat exchanger  41  in the inside of the connection duct  33 . The reason for this is to prevent foreign substances contained in the air from accumulating in the first heat exchanger  41  acting as a heat absorber to contaminate the first heat exchanger  41  or to cause deterioration in performance. 
     As for the detailed configuration of the first filter F 1  and the second filter F 2 , any means known in the art may be applied, and a description of the detailed configuration thereof will be omitted. 
     On the other hand, laundry dryer  1  according to the present disclosure may further include a water supplier  80  including an internal water supplier  81  and an external water supplier  82 , and a steamer  90  that receives water from the water supplier  80  to generate steam. 
     The steamer  90  may be provided to generate steam by receiving fresh water instead of condensed water. The steamer  90  may include a steam generator  91 , a steam pipe  92 , a steam nozzle  93 , and an accumulator  94 . 
     The steam generator  91  may receive water from the water supplier  80  and heat the supplied water to generate steam. A piping structure through which water flows into the steam generator  91  and steam is discharged will be described later. 
     Although it is described in the present embodiment that the steam generator  91  heats a predetermined amount of water contained therein with a heater (not shown) to generate steam (hereinafter referred to as ‘container heating method’ for convenience), the present disclosure is limited thereto. 
     Steam generated by the steam generator  91  may be introduced into the steam nozzle  93 , and the steam may be sprayed into the drum  20 . 
     The steam pipe  92  may connect the steam generator  91  and the steam nozzle  93 , and have a flow path through which steam can flow in the steam pipe  92 . Accordingly, the steam generated by the steam generator  91  may flow along the steam pipe  92  and be discharged into the drum  20  through the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this case, the steam generated from the steam generator  91  may be condensed in the steam pipe  92  or the steam nozzle  93  to generate condensed water, causing a problem in which the condensed water may flow down into the drum  20 . 
     To solve this problem, the present disclosure may include an accumulator  200  capable of separating condensed water from steam. 
     The accumulator  200  is installed on the steam pipe  92  to separate condensed water from steam, when the steam generated from the steam generator  91  is condensed in the steam pipe  92  to become condensed water. Specifically, the accumulator  200  may be connected to a first steam pipe  921  and a second steam pipe  922  to separate condensed water mixed with steam. In this case, the condensed water may be introduced back into the steam generator  200  or into the water collector  60  (see  FIG.  7   ). 
     A detailed configuration of the accumulator  200  will be described later. 
     The steamer  90  may be controlled to receive water through the external water supplier  82  as well as the internal water supplier  81  as needed and supply steam to the inside of the drum body  21 . 
     The external water supplier  82  may include a direct water valve  82   a  adjacent to the rear panel  13  or fixed to the rear panel  13 , and a water supply tube  84  configured to supply water transferred from the direct water valve  82   a  to the steamer  90 . 
     The direct water valve  82   a  may be coupled to an external water supply source. For example, the direct water valve  82   a  may be coupled to a water supply pipe (not shown) extending to the rear surface of the cabinet. Accordingly, the steamer  90  may be provided to receive water directly through the direct water valve  82   a.    
     Therefore, even when the internal water supplier  81  is omitted or water is not stored in the internal water supplier  81 , the steamer  90  may receive water for steam generation through the direct water valve  82   a  when necessary. 
     The direct water valve  82   a  may be directly controlled by the controller  100 . 
     The controller  100  may be installed on the control panel  117 , but as shown in  FIG.  1   , the controller  100  may be provided as a separate control panel to prevent overload of the control panel  117  and increase in the manufacturing cost. 
     In this case, the controller  100  may be provided adjacent to the steamer  90 . The controller  100  is provided on the side panel  14  on which the steamer  90  is installed to reduce the length of a control line or the like connected to the steamer  90 . 
     On the other hand, the steamer  90  is preferably installed adjacent to the direct water valve  82   a . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unnecessary residual water from remaining in a direct water pipe  82   b , and water may be supplied immediately when necessary. 
     On the other hand, the internal water supplier  81  includes a storage tank  810  that stores water, a supply pump  820  that receives water from the storage tank  810  and transfers water to the steamer  90 , a tank housing  830  that provides a space for accommodating the storage tank  810  and the supply pump  820 , and an internal water supply tube  83  that connects the supply pump  820  and the steamer  90  and has a flow path through which water is able to flows. 
     Accordingly, the internal water supplier  81  is configured to supply stored water to the steamer. That is, the water stored in the storage tank  810  may be supplied to the steamer  90  along an internal water supply tube  83  by the operation of the supply pump  820 . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view for describing an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  5    is a perspective view for describing a base of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG.  6    is a perspective view showing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from another direction. 
     An accumulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  6   . 
     An accumulator  200  of the present disclosure is installed on the steam pipe  92  and supported by holding the water supply tube  84  of the water supplier  80  to separate condensed water from the steam flowing along the steam pipe  92 . 
     In this case, the accumulator  200  of the present disclosure may include a base  210 , a cover  220 , and a supporter  230 . 
     The base  210  may form a lower case of the accumulator  200  of the present disclosure, and a space for storing condensed water separated from steam may be formed in the base  210 . 
     Specifically, the base  210  may include a base body  211 , a condensate separator plate  212 , an inlet port  213 , an outlet port, and a cover coupling protrusion  215 . 
     The base body  211  may form a lower exterior of the accumulator  200 . For example, the base body  211  may be formed in a box shape. 
     Specifically, the base body  211  may have a bottom surface  211   a  formed on the lower side in the direction of gravity, and the outer ends of the bottom surface  211   a  may be connected while a first side  211   b , a second side  211   c , a third side  211   d  and a fourth side  211   e  surround the bottom surface  211   a . That is, a side wall made of the first side  211   b , the second side  211   c , the third side  211   d  and the fourth side  211   e  is formed at the outer ends of the bottom surface  211   a  to form a space capable of storing or receiving condensed water. 
     For example, the first side  211   b  may refer to a surface disposed in a direction in which steam is introduced. That is, the inlet port  213  is formed in the first side  211   b , through which steam and condensed water discharged from the steam generator  91  may be introduced. 
     In addition, the second side  211   c  may refer to a surface disposed in a direction in which steam is discharged. That is, the outlet port  214  is formed in the second side  211   c , through which steam may be discharged toward the steam nozzle  93 . 
     The third side  211   d  may refer to a surface connecting the first side  211   b  and the second side  211   c , and the supporter  230  may be formed to protrude from the outer surface. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the third side  211   d  may be connected to the condensate separator plate  212 . 
     The fourth side  211   e  may refer to a surface that connects the first side  211   b  and the second side  211   c  and is disposed at a position facing the third side  211   d . Meanwhile, the inner surface of the fourth side  211   e  may be connected to the condensate separator plate  212 . 
     The condensate separator plate  212  may be formed inside the base body  211  and may extend to protrude upward from the bottom surface  211   a  of the base body  211 . 
     As an example, the condensate separator plate  212  may include three separator plates extending to protrude from the bottom surface  211   a . Specifically, the condensate separator plate  212  may include a first separator plate  212   a  and a second separator plate  212   b  connected to the third side  211   d , and a third separator plate  212   c  connected to the fourth side  211   e.    
     In this case, the condensate separator plate  212  may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the third side  211   d  or the fourth side  211   e.    
     For example, the first separator plate  212   a  may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third side  211   d  such that a gap between the first side  211   b  and the first separator plate  212   a  is gradually narrowed along a steam flow direction. In addition, the second separator plate  212   a  may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third side  211   d  such that a gap between the second side  211   c  and the second separator plate  212   b  is gradually narrowed along a steam flow direction. Meanwhile, the third separator plate  212   c  may be formed perpendicular to the fourth side  211   e.    
     By the configuration described above, the cross-sectional area of a flow path through which the steam introduced through the inlet port  213  passes may be continuously changed. Accordingly, the flow rate of steam may be changed, adiabatic expansion or compression may occur, and efficiency of separation of condensed water which is contained in steam may be improved. 
     The inlet port  213  extends to protrude from one outer surface of the base body  211  and is inserted into the first steam pipe  921 , and steam generated from the steam generator  91  may be introduced into the inlet port  213 . 
     For example, the inlet port  213  extends to protrude from the first side  211   b  in a cylindrical shape, and a steam inlet flow path  213   a  is formed in the inlet port  213  such that steam generated from the steam generator  91  is introduced into the space inside the base body  211 . 
     In this case, a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the inlet port  213  may be disposed lower than the bottom surface  211   a  in the gravity direction. Specifically, a portion of the steam inlet flow path  213   a  formed inside the inlet port  213  may be formed below the bottom surface  211   a.    
     Accordingly, gaseous steam may be introduced into the internal space of the base body  211  through the steam inlet flow path  213   a . On the other hand, condensed water, which is separated from steam and collected (or condensed) in the internal space of the base body  211 , may flow toward the steam generator  91  along the steam inlet flow path  213   a  by gravity again, and be then recovered in the steam generator  91 . 
     The outlet port  214  extends to protrude from the other outer surface of the base body  211  and is inserted into the second steam pipe  922 , and the steam from which the condensed water has been separated may be discharged to the steam nozzle  93 . 
     For example, the outlet port  214  is formed to protrude from the second side  211   c  in a cylindrical shape, and a steam discharge flow path  214   a  is formed in the outlet port  214  such that the steam from which the condensed water has been separated is discharged toward the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this case, the outlet port  214  may be disposed higher than the inlet port  213 . Specifically, the outlet port  214  may be disposed higher than the inlet port  213  in the gravity direction with respect to the bottom surface  211   a , and a steam discharge flow path  214   a  may be formed higher than the steam inlet flow path  213   a.    
     Accordingly, gaseous steam may be discharged through the steam discharge flow path  214   a . On the other hand, the condensed water may not pass through the steam discharge flow path  214   a  and may be collected in the internal space of the base body  211  by gravity. Therefore, the condensed water may be blocked from being discharged toward the steam nozzle  93  by the configuration as described above. 
     Meanwhile, the cover coupling protrusion  215  may protrude from the outer surface of the side wall of the base body  211  and be coupled to the cover  220 . For example, the cover coupling protrusion  215  may protrude from the first side  211   b , the second side  211   c , the third side  211   d , and the fourth side  211   e , individually. According to the embodiment, the cover coupling protrusion  215  may be formed to protrude from the first side  211   b  and the second side  211   c , and may be formed to protrude from the third side  211   d  and the fourth side  211   e . In this case, in the present embodiment, the cover coupling protrusion  215  may include an inclined surface to be hook-coupled with the cover  220 . 
     Meanwhile, the cover  220  of the present disclosure may be coupled to the base  210  to form a flow path through which steam flows. 
     The cover  220  may form an upper case of the accumulator  200  of the present disclosure. 
     The cover  220  may include a cover body  221  and a coupler  222 . Specifically, the cover  220  may include a cover body  221  configured to cover the base  210  to form a flow path through which steam flows, and a coupler  222  extending from the sidewall of the cover body  221  and having a hook receiving hole  222   a  that accommodates the cover coupling protrusion  215 . 
     As an example, the cover body  221  may be formed in the form of a box open downward, and may be formed to have a width and length greater than the width and length of the base  210  such that the base  210  is fitted and coupled to the cover body  221 . In this case, the coupler  222  may extend downward from the front end of the side wall of the cover body  221 . Meanwhile, the hook receiving hole  222   a  may be formed in a square hole shape to accommodate the cover coupling protrusion  215 . 
     By the configuration described above, the cover  220  is coupled to the base  210  to form a space in which steam flows, thus preventing the steam from leaking to the outside. 
     In particular, in the present disclosure, a sealing member is further included in the cover  220  so that the space between the cover  220  and the base  210  may be sealed to prevent steam from leaking to the outside. 
     The supporter  230  of the present disclosure may extend to protrude from the outer surface of the base  210  to hold the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . For example, the supporter  230  may extend to protrude from the outer surface of the third side  211   d , and may be formed such that the water supply tube  84  is inserted into the supporter  230  be supported by each other. 
     The supporter  230  may include support plates  231  and  232  which are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . Specifically, the supporter  230  may include an upper support plate  231  in contact with an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84  and a lower support plate  232  in contact with a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . 
     As an example, two upper support plates  231  may be formed parallel to each other on the third side  211   d , and may include an upper contact surface  231   a  formed to have a curved surface so as to be in surface contact with the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . In this case, the upper contact surface  231   a  may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . 
     In addition, the upper support plate  231  may extend to protrude from the third side  211   d  and may further include a protrusion  231   b  connected to the upper contact surface  231   a . In this case, the protrusion  231   b  may extend to protrude from the third side  211   d  in the vertical direction, and two protrusions  231   b  may constitute a pair. The upper contact surface  231   a  may be disposed between the pair of protrusions  231   b  and the pair of protrusions  231   b  may be connected to each other. In addition, the upper contact surface  231   a  may be formed to extend from the outer end of the protrusion  231   b  while forming a curved surface. 
     On the other hand, the upper support plate  231  may further include an upper guide surface  231   c  bent and extended upward from the outer end of the upper contact surface  231   a  to guide the assembly of the water supply tube  84 . 
     Accordingly, when the water supply tube  84  is fitted in a direction perpendicular to the third side  211   d , the upper support plate  231  is elastically deformed like a cantilever beam such that the water supply tube  84  is inserted and coupled to the upper support plate  231 . 
     The lower support plate  232  may include a lower contact surface  232   a  formed to have a curved surface so as to be in surface contact with the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . In this case, the lower contact surface  232   a  may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . 
     In addition, the lower support plate  232  may further include a lower supporter  232   b  extending from the lower surface of the bottom surface  211   a  and the third side  211   d  and connected to the lower contact surface  232   a  to support the lower contact surface  232   a . In this case, the lower supporter  232   b  may extend to protrude in the vertical direction from the bottom surface  211   a  and the third side  211   d , and two lower supporters  232   b  may constitute a pair. The lower contact surface  232   a  may be disposed between the pair of lower supporters  232   b  and the pair of lower supporters  232   b  may be connected to each other. In addition, the lower contact surface  232   a  may be formed to extend from the outer end of the lower supporter  232   b  while forming a curved surface. 
     On the other hand, the lower support plate  232  may further include a lower guide surface  232   c  bent and extended downward from the outer end of the lower contact surface  232   a  to guide the assembly of the water supply tube  84 . 
     Accordingly, when the water supply tube  84  is fitted in a direction perpendicular to the third side  211   d , the lower support plate  232  is elastically deformed like a cantilever beam such that the water supply tube  84  is inserted and coupled to the upper support plate  231 . 
     As a result, the water supply tube  84  may be fitted and coupled between the upper support plate  231  and the lower support plate  232 , and the upper contact surface  231   a  and the lower contact surface  232   b  may wrap the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . Therefore, the accumulator  200  of the present disclosure may be supported on the water supply tube  84  by the supporter  230  to prevent the accumulator  200  from being detached from a mount position due to an external impact or the like and maintain the arrangement of the steam pipe  92  and the water supply tube  84 . 
       FIG.  7    is a view for describing a state in which an accumulator is mounted in a a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  8    is a view for describing another state in which an accumulator is mounted in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG.  9    is a view for describing still another state in which an accumulator is mounted in a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     A method of mounting the accumulator  200  in the laundry dryer  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a position at which the accumulator  200  is mounted will be described below with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  3  and  7  to  9   . 
     First, the laundry dryer  1  of the present disclosure may further include an upper frame  24  disposed in the upper portion of the drum  20  to support the cabinet  10 . According to an embodiment, the upper frame  24  may be coupled to the first supporter  22  and the second supporter  23 , or may be coupled to the front panel  11  and the rear panel  12 . Accordingly, the upper frame  24  may support the laundry dryer  1 . 
     In addition, in the laundry dryer  1  of the present disclosure, the steam pipe  92  may include a first steam pipe  921  connecting the steam generator  91  and the accumulator  200  and a second steam pipe  922  connecting the accumulator  200  and the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this case, the steamer  90  of the present disclosure may receive water through the external water supplier  82  as well as the internal water supplier  81  as needed and supply steam to the inside of the drum body  21 . Therefore, the laundry dryer lof the present disclosure may include a connector  85  for connecting the internal water supply tube  83  for supplying water in the internal water supplier  81  and the water supply tube  84  for supplying water in the external water supply  82 . For example, the connector  85  may be a T-shaped connector. 
     In addition, the laundry dryer  1  of the present disclosure may further include a check valve  86  to prevent water flowing into the steam generator  91  from flowing reversely. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the water supply tube  84  and the steam pipe  92  are disposed on the upper side of the upper frame  24 , and the water supply tube  84  and the internal water supply tube  83  are connected to the connector  85  to communicate with each other. In this case, the first steam pipe  921  may be disposed on the upper side of the connector  85 , and may be supported on the upper surface of the connector  85  according to installation conditions. In addition, one end of the second steam pipe  922  is coupled to the accumulator  200 , and the other end is coupled to the steam nozzle  93 . The middle of the steam pipe  922  may be bent due to the positional relationship between the accumulator  200  and the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this arrangement, two check valves  86  are installed on the water supply tube  84  to prevent backflow. That is, the water supply tube  84  is divided into three tubes, which are coupled to communicate with each other through the check valves  86 . In this case, the accumulator  200  needs be coupled to the first steam pipe  921  and the second steam pipe  922 , and be supported by holding the water supply tube  84 . Under these installation conditions, it is most stable for the accumulator  200  to hold and support the water supply tube  84  disposed between the two check valves  86 , and the accumulator  200  is preferably arranged on the upper frame  24  when considering the arrangement and mutual interference between the water supply tube  84 , the internal water supply tube  83 , and the steam tube  92 . 
     On the other hand, another installation condition of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  8   . In this installation condition, instead of one check valve  86  being installed on the water supply tube  84 , a check valve may be built in the connector  85 . That is, the water supply tube  84  is divided into two tubes, which are coupled to communicate with each other through the check valves  86 . Under the installation conditions, the water supply tube  84  between the check valve  86  and the connector  85  may have a relatively long length compared to the water supply tube  84  shown in  FIG.  7   , and the range of the space in which the accumulator  200  is able to be disposed may become larger. Accordingly, the accumulator  200  may be disposed above the upper frame  24 , or may be alternatively disposed in a space between the internal water supply pipe  83  and the upper frame  24 . 
     On the other hand, another installation condition of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  9   . In the installation condition, the internal water supply tube  83  and the connector  85  are absent. In addition, two check valves  86  are installed in the water supply tube  84 . Under these installation conditions, two check valves  86  may be disposed (beyond) on the outside of the upper frame  24  with respect to the steam generator  91 . Accordingly, the water supply tube  84  between the check valve  86  and the steam generator  91  may have the longest length compared to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , and the range of the space where the accumulator  200  is able to be disposed may be maximized. Accordingly, the accumulator  200  may be disposed on the upper frame  24 , or may be alternatively disposed between the steam generator  91  and the upper frame  24 . 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  11    is a perspective view for describing a base of an accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  12    is a perspective view showing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from another direction,  FIG.  13    is a bottom view for describing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG.  14    is a side view for describing the base of the accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view for describing installation of an accumulator in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In the present embodiment, the structure and effect of the accumulator  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are quoted because they are the same as those of the accumulator  200  according to the present embodiment, except for parts specifically mentioned in order to avoid overlapping description. 
     In the present disclosure, in the accumulator  200 , the gas-liquid separation effect may be increased when the inlet port  213  is disposed higher than the steam outlet  91   a  of the steam generator  91 . That is, since the gaseous steam tends to flow upward along the first steam pipe  921 , and the condensed water separated from the steam tends to flow downward in the gravity direction by gravity, when the height of the inlet port  213  is higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a  where steam is generated, the flow efficiency of steam may be improved, and the separation and recovery efficiency of condensed water may be improved. 
     However, the accumulator  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a limitation in that the height of the inlet port  213  may not be maintained higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a.    
     To solve this issue, the accumulator  200  according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure additionally has a structure for maintaining the height of the inlet port  213  higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a . Details related thereto will be described later. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10  to  15   , in the present embodiment, the accumulator  200  may further include a fixing portion  240  extending downward from the bottom surface  211   a  of the base  210  to support the base  210  and coupled to the upper frame  24 . 
     Specifically, the fixing portion  240  may include a height adjustment portion  241  extending downward from the bottom surface  211   a  and a fixing plate  242  extending to protrude from the sidewall surface of the height adjustment portion  241 . 
     The height adjustment portion  241  is formed to extend in the form of a pillar having a predetermined height (h) in order to guide the flow direction of steam and condensed water, and may adjust the height of the base  210 . 
     For example, the height adjustment portion  241  may be formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the bottom surface  211   a  in the form of a square pillar. In this case, the height adjustment portion  241  may be formed as a hollow pillar in order to reduce the overall weight, or a grille plate for supporting the interior of the hollow pillar may be formed. 
     The fixing plate  242  may be formed to protrude from the sidewall surface of the height adjustment portion  241 . In addition, a fixing hole  242   a  for fixed coupling may be formed in the fixing plate  242 . 
     For example, the fixing plate  242  may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the height adjustment portion  241  forming a continuous surface with the fourth side  211   e , and have a width gradually decreasing as the fixing plate  242  protrudes from the outer surface of the height adjustment portion  241  and the form of a plate having a predetermined thickness. In this case, the lower surface of the fixing plate  242  may form the same plane as the lower end of the height adjustment portion  241 . On the other hand, the fixing plate  242  may be further formed with a rectangular hole for the convenience of manufacturing at a position vertically below the cover coupling protrusion  215 . 
     Through this configuration, in the present embodiment, the fixing plate  242  is seated on the upper frame  24 , the fixing hole  242   a  is disposed on a screw hole  24   a  of the upper frame  24 , and the accumulator  200  is fixed to the upper frame  24  by using for fixing members, such as screws. In addition, the height of the inlet port  213  may be maintained higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a  by the height of the height adjustment portion  241 . 
     On the other hand, the accumulator  200  of the present embodiment may further include an assembly hook  250  extending from the lower portion of the supporter  230  and supported by being caught by the upper frame  24 . 
     Specifically, the assembly hook  250  may include a pillar portion  251  extending to protrude downward from the outer surface (lower surface) of the lower contact surface  232   a  in the shape of a pillar and a catching portion  252  bent and extended from the pillar portion  251 . 
     For example, the pillar portion  251  may have a rectangular pillar shape extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction (which may be the direction of a flow path) of the inlet port  213  or the outlet port  214 , and include a rib for reinforcement of the square pillar, the rib being formed to protrude from the surface of the rectangular pillar in the direction of the third side  211   d . That is, the pillar portion  251  may be formed in the shape of a polygonal pillar having a cross sectional surface similar to a T-shape. 
     Meanwhile, the catching portion  252  may be bent and extended from the lower end of the pillar portion  251  toward the outside (in the direction opposite to the direction in which the fixing portion  240  is disposed). 
     Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a rectangular hole  232   aa  may be further formed in the lower contact surface  232   a  for the convenience of manufacturing the assembly hook  250 . 
     With this configuration, in the present embodiment, when the accumulator  200  is rotated around a point where the upper frame  24  and the catching portion  252  are in contact with each other as an axis after the catching portion  252  is inserted into the assembly hole  24   b  of the upper frame  24 , the positions of the fixing hole  242  and the screw hole  24   a  are matched to increase the assembly. In addition, when the fixing portion  240  is fixedly coupled to the upper frame  24 , the catching portion  252  serves as a kind of stopper, thereby preventing the accumulator  200  from rotating or being separated from the upper frame  24 . 
       FIG.  16    is a view for describing a state in which the accumulator is mounted in the laundry dryer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , the water supply tube  84  and the steam pipe  92  are disposed on the upper side of the upper frame  24 , and the water supply tube  84  and the internal water supply tube  83  are connected to the connector  85  to communicate with each other. In this case, the first steam pipe  921  may be disposed on the upper side of the connector  85 , and may be supported on the upper surface of the connector  85  according to installation conditions. In addition, one end of the second steam pipe  922  is coupled to the accumulator  200 , and the other end is coupled to the steam nozzle  93 . The middle of the steam pipe  922  may be bent due to the positional relationship between the accumulator  200  and the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this arrangement, two check valves  86  are installed on the water supply tube  84  to prevent backflow. That is, the water supply tube  84  is divided into three tubes, which are coupled to communicate with each other through the check valves  86 . In this case, the accumulator  200  needs be coupled to the first steam pipe  921  and the second steam pipe  922 , and be supported by holding the water supply tube  84 . Under these installation conditions, the supporter  230  holds the water supply tube  84  disposed between the two check valves  86  and fixedly couples the fixing plate  242  to the upper frame  24  after the catching portion  252  is inserted into the upper frame  24 . Finally, by connecting the first steam pipe  921  and the second steam pipe  922  to the accumulator  200 , the accumulator can be easily mounted. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the mounting of the accumulator  200 . In addition, the height of the inlet port  213  may be maintained higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a  without a special fixing process, thus improving the gas-liquid separation performance and preventing the condensed water from flowing into the drum  20 . 
       FIG.  17    is a perspective view for describing a structure of an accumulator in a laundry dryer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG.  18    is an exploded perspective view of  FIG.  17   . 
     An accumulator  1200  of the present disclosure is installed on the steam pipe  92  and supported by holding the water supply tube  84  of the water supplier  80  to separate condensed water from the steam flowing along the steam pipe  92 . 
     In this case, the accumulator  1200  of the present disclosure may include a base  1210 , a cover  1220 , and a supporter  1230 . 
     The base  1210  may form a lower case of the accumulator  1200  of the present disclosure, and a space for storing condensed water separated from steam may be formed in the base  210 . 
     Specifically, the base  1210  may include a base body  1211  and a condensate separator plate  1212 . 
     The base body  1211  may form a lower exterior of the accumulator  1200 . For example, the base body  1211  may be formed in a box shape. 
     Specifically, the base body  1211  may have a bottom surface  1211   a  formed on the lower side in the direction of gravity, and the outer ends of the bottom surface  1211   a  may be connected while a first side  1211   b , a second side  1211   c , a third side  211   d  and a fourth side  1211   e  surround the bottom surface  1211   a . That is, a side wall made of the first side  1211   b , the second side  1211   c , the third side  1211   d  and the fourth side  1211   e  is formed at the outer ends of the bottom surface  1211   a  to form a space capable of storing or receiving condensed water. 
     For example, the first side  1211   b  may refer to a surface disposed in a direction in which steam is introduced. 
     In addition, the second side  1211   c  may refer to a surface disposed in a direction in which steam is discharged. 
     The third side  1211   d  may refer to a surface connecting the first side  1211   b  and the second side  1211   c , and the supporter  1230  may be formed to protrude from the outer surface. 
     The fourth side  1211   e  may refer to a surface that connects the first side  1211   b  and the second side  1211   c  and is disposed at a position facing the third side  1211   d.    
     The condensate separator plate  1212  may be formed inside the base body  1211  and may extend to protrude upward from the bottom surface  1211   a  of the base body  1211 . 
     As an example, the condensate separator plate  1212  may include three separator plates extending to protrude from the bottom surface  1211   a.    
     Specifically, the condensate separator plate  1212  may include a first separator plate  1212   a  formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the sidewall surface of the base body  1211  to guide the flow of steam generated by the steam generator  91 . For example, the first separator plate  1212   a  may be disposed close to the first side  1211   b , and may be disposed to correspond to the position of the inlet port  1223  of the cover  1220 , which will be described later. 
     In addition, the condensate separator plate  1212  may further include a second separator plate  1212   b  formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the sidewall surface of the base body  1211  to guide the flow of steam discharged to the steam nozzle  93 . For example, the second separator plate  1212   b  may be disposed at a position close to the second side  1211   c , and may be disposed to correspond to a position of the outlet port  1224  of the cover  1220 , which will be described later. 
     In addition, the condensate separator plate  1212  may further include a third separator plate  1212   c  disposed between the first separator plate  1212   a  and the second separator plate  1212   b  and formed to have a curved shape. For example, the third separator plate  1212   c  may be disposed to face the third side  1211   d , and may be formed to have a concave curved shape when viewed from the third side  1211   d.    
     With this configuration, the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which the introduced steam passes may be continuously changed. Accordingly, the flow rate of steam may be changed, adiabatic expansion or compression may occur, and efficiency of separation of condensed water which is contained in steam may be improved. 
     A hook receiving hole  1213  for accommodating a cover coupling protrusion  1222  to be described later may be formed in a sidewall of the base body  1211 . 
     For example, the hook receiving hole  1213  is formed in the first side  1211   b , the second side  1211   c , the third side  1211   d , and the fourth side  1211   e , and may be formed in the form of a square hole so as to accommodate the cover coupling protrusion  1222 . 
     Meanwhile, the cover  1220  of the present disclosure may be coupled to the base  1210  to form a flow path through which steam flows. 
     The cover  1220  may form an upper case of the accumulator  1200  of the present disclosure. 
     The cover  1220  may include a cover body  1221 , a cover coupling protrusion  1222 , an inlet port  1223 , and an outlet port  1224 . 
     The cover body  1221  may cover the base  1210  to form a flow path through which steam flows. Specifically, the cover body  1221  may include a cover surface  1221   a  that covers the base  1210  and sidewalls that surround the periphery of the cover surface  1221   a . In this case, the sidewalls may include a steam inlet surface  1221   b  on which the inlet port  1223  is formed, a steam outlet surface  1221   c  on which the outlet port  1224  is formed, a first connection surface  1221   d  connecting the steam inlet surface  1221   b  and the steam outlet surface  1221   c , and a second connection surface  1221   e  formed to face the first connection surface  1221   d.    
     For example, the cover body  1221  may be formed in the form of a box open downward, and may be formed to have a width and length smaller than the width and length of the base  1210  so as to be fitted and coupled to the inside of the base  1210 . 
     Meanwhile, the cover coupling protrusion  1222  may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the sidewall of the cover body  1221  and be coupled to the base  1210 . For example, the cover coupling protrusion  1222  may be formed to protrude from the outer surfaces of the steam inlet surface  1221   b , the steam outlet surface  1221   c , the first connection surface  1221   d , and the second connection surface  1221   e . In this case, the cover coupling protrusion  1222  is preferably formed to protrude from at least two surfaces. 
     In the present embodiment, the cover coupling protrusion  1222  may be formed to include an inclined surface to be hook-coupled to the base  1210 . 
     By the configuration described above, the cover  1220  is coupled to the base  1210  to form a space in which steam flows, thus preventing the steam from leaking to the outside. 
     In particular, in the present disclosure, a sealing member is further included in the base  1210  so that the space between the cover  1220  and the base  1210  may be sealed to prevent steam from leaking to the outside. 
     The inlet port  1223  extends to protrude from one outer surface of the cover body  1221  and is inserted into the first steam pipe  921 , and steam generated from the steam generator  91  may be introduced into the inlet port  213 . 
     For example, the inlet port  1223  extends to protrude from the first side  211   b  in a cylindrical shape, and a steam inlet flow path is formed in the inlet port  213  such that steam generated from the steam generator  91  is introduced into the space inside the base body  211 . 
     In this case, the height of the inlet port  1223  is preferably disposed higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a . That is, in the present embodiment, the heights of the base  1210  and the cover  1220  may be formed to be higher than a predetermined height, so that the height of the inlet port  1223  may be higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a.    
     With this configuration, the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the accumulator  1200  of the present embodiment can be improved. 
     The outlet port  1224  is formed to protrude from the other outer surface of the cover body  1221 , is inserted into the second steam pipe  922  to enable steam from which the condensed water is separated to be discharged to the steam nozzle  93 . 
     For example, the outlet port  1224  may extend to protrude in a cylindrical shape from the second side  211   c , and a steam outlet flow path is formed therein such that steam from which the condensed water has been separated is able to be discharged toward the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this case, the outlet port  1224  may be disposed higher than the inlet port  1223 . 
     Accordingly, gaseous steam may be discharged through the steam outlet flow path. In contrast, the condensed water may not pass through the steam outlet flow path and may be collected in the internal space of the base body  1211  by gravity. Therefore, the condensed water may be blocked from being discharged toward the steam nozzle  93  by the configuration as described above. 
     The supporter  1230  of the present embodiment may extend to protrude from the outer surface of the base  1210  to hold the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . For example, the supporter  1230  may extend to protrude from the outer surface of the third side  1211   d , and may be formed such that the water supply tube  84  is inserted into the supporter  230  be supported by each other. 
     The supporter  1230  may include a lower support plate  1232  extending to protrude from the outer surface of the base body  1211 , and an upper support plate  1231  protruding from the lower support plate  1232  and surrounding the upper outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . 
     For example, the lower support plate  1232  may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the third side  1211   d  in a plate shape  1232   a , and may include a rectangular groove  1232   b  formed therein at a position corresponding to the position of the upper support plate  1231 . The lower surface of the lower support plate  1232  may be formed on the same plane as the lower surface of the bottom surface  1211   a.    
     Accordingly, the lower support plate  1232  may be seated on the upper frame  24  together with the bottom surface  1211   a.    
     The upper support plate  1231  may protrude from the lower support plate  1232  and be formed to have a curved surface to surround the upper outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . 
     For example, the upper support plate  1231  may include a vertical protrusion  1232   a  protruding upward from the lower support plate  1232 , and a hook portion  1232   b  formed to extend from the vertical protrusion  1232   a  in a curved shape similar to a hook or gaff so as to hang and support the water supply tube  84 . In this case, the curvature of the hook portion  1232   b  may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube  84 . Further, a plurality of ribs may be formed to protrude from the upper support plate  1231  to increase the coupling force with the water supply pipe  84 . 
     In this configuration, the upper support plate  231  and the water supply tube  84  may be supported by each other. 
     As a result, the water supply tube  84  may be fitted and coupled between the upper support plate  1231  and the lower support plate  1232 . Therefore, the accumulator  1200  of the present embodiment may be supported on the water supply tube  84  by the supporter  1230  to prevent the accumulator  200  from being detached from a mount position due to an external impact or the like and maintain the arrangement of the steam pipe  92  and the water supply tube  84 . 
     The fixing portion  1240  of the present embodiment may extend to protrude from the outer surface of the base  1210 , and have a fixing hole for fixed coupling. 
     For example, the fixing portion  1240  may be formed to protrude from the fourth side  1211   e , and may have a width gradually decreasing as the fixing portion  1240  protrudes from the fourth side  1211   e  and a plate shape having a predetermined thickness. In this case, the lower surface of the fixing portion  1240  may be formed on the same plane as the lower surface of the bottom surface  1211   a.    
     That is, the lower support plate  1232 , the bottom surface  1211   a , and the lower surface of the fixing portion  1240  may be formed on the same plane to achieve stably mounting on the upper frame  24 . 
     Through this configuration, in the present embodiment, the fixing portion  1240  is seated on the upper frame  24 , a fixing hole is disposed on a screw hole  24   a  of the upper frame  24 , and the accumulator  1200  is fixed to the upper frame  24  by using for fixing members, such as screws. 
       FIG.  19    is a view for describing a state in which the accumulator is mounted in the laundry dryer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19   , the water supply tube  84  and the steam pipe  92  are disposed on the upper side of the upper frame  24 , and the water supply tube  84  and the internal water supply tube  83  are connected to the connector  85  to communicate with each other. In this case, the first steam pipe  921  may be disposed on the upper side of the connector  85 , and may be supported on the upper surface of the connector  85  according to installation conditions. In addition, one end of the second steam pipe  922  is coupled to the accumulator  1200 , and the other end is coupled to the steam nozzle  93 . The middle of the steam pipe  922  may be bent due to the positional relationship between the accumulator  1200  and the steam nozzle  93 . 
     In this arrangement, two check valves  86  are installed on the water supply tube  84  to prevent backflow. That is, the water supply tube  84  is divided into three tubes, which are coupled to communicate with each other through the check valves  86 . In this case, the accumulator  1200  needs be coupled to the first steam pipe  921  and the second steam pipe  922 , and be supported on the water supply tube  84 . Under these installation conditions, it is most stable for the accumulator  1200  to be supported on the water supply tube  84  disposed between the two check valves  86 , and the accumulator  1200  is preferably arranged on the upper frame  24  when considering the arrangement and mutual interference between the water supply tube  84 , the internal water supply tube  83 , and the steam tube  92 . 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the mounting of the accumulator  1200  may be improved through the supporter  1230  and the fixing portion  1240 . In addition, the height of the inlet port  1223  may be maintained higher than the height of the steam outlet  91   a  by forming the inlet port  1223  in the cover  1220 , thus improving the gas-liquid separation performance and preventing the condensed water from flowing into the drum  20 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in detail through specific examples, it is intended to describe the present disclosure in detail, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is clear that the present disclosure can be modified or improved by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present disclosure. 
     All simple modifications or changes of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific protection scope of the present disclosure will become apparent from the appended claims.