Patent Description:
Generally, a laundry processing apparatus includes a washing machine, a drying machine for clothing, a washing machine having both drying and washing functions, and the like, and performs functions for overall processing, such as washing, drying, and removing wrinkles of clothing, for clothing or various bed linen at home or at laundromat.

The clothing drying machine of the laundry processing apparatus includes a heat pump system. The clothing drying machine is configured to supply high temperature air to an object to be processed such as clothing and bed linen (hereinafter, the above-mentioned object will be referred to as clothing to be processed) which are inserted into a drum (or tub), through the operation of the heat pump system. Thus, moisture contained in the clothing to be processed is evaporated so that the clothing to be processed is dried.

The clothing drying machine may be classified into an exhaust type drying machine and a condensation type drying machine that are classified according to the processing method of high temperature and humid air escaping from the drum after drying the clothing to be processed.

The exhaust type drying machine is configured to discharge the high temperature and humid air generated during drying operation directly to the outside of the drying machine. The condensation type drying machine is configured to condense moisture contained in the air through the heat exchange while circulating the high temperature and humid air without discharging the high temperature and humid air to the outside.

In particular, in cased of the condensation type drying machine, the drying machine is configured to have the heat pump system including a compressor, an expansion valve, a condenser, and an evaporator, and is configured such that, air loses moisture while passing through the evaporator of the heat pump system and then is heated while passing through the condenser.

In relation to above description, it is as proposed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Meanwhile, the condensation type drying machine according to the above-described related arts is configured such that, air heat-exchanges while passing through the evaporator to generate much condensed water. The condensed water flows down to the bottom in a circulation flow path and then flows into and is stored in a portion (condensed water collecting part) where a water pump is positioned.

However, the portion where the condensed water flows is formed in a space that is shielded from the outside environment in order to easily pump the condensed water. Therefore, when residual water remains in the space, the residual water is not quickly evaporated and continues to remain, thereby causing a problem of contamination and odor from the residual water.

In order to fundamentally solve the above problem, it is preferable that residual water does not remain.

However, in order to allow the condensed water falling down to the bottom of the circulation flow path to flow smoothly into the portion where the water pump is positioned, inclination of the bottom should be adjusted, and the inclination of the bottom may not formed as steep inclination, considering that it is difficult to maintain horizontality of other components (for example, evaporator, condenser, etc.) when the components are installed.

In addition, since various structures (for example, water cover, etc. on which evaporator or condenser is seated) are provided on the bottom of the circulation flow path and various contact portions are provided thereon, it is difficult to eliminate a problem in which the condensed water remains in the contact portions.

Further, it is preferable that the condensed water stored in the portion where the water pump is positioned is completely discharged by using the water pump, but it is actually difficult to realize change of design for complete discharge of the condensed water due to structural limitation of the water pump.

<CIT>) relates to an air conditioning unit which is installed in an equipment such as a drum type washer-dryer, and conditions a circulating air.

<CIT>) relates to a condensation tumble dryer with a drum rotatably mounted in a housing.

<CIT>) relates to a condensate container for a condensation laundry dryer.

<CIT>) relates to a condensate collection container for a tumble dryer with an air-cooled condensation device.

The invention is specified by the independent claim. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present disclosure is intended to propose a laundry processing apparatus according to a new form configured to quickly remove condensed water remaining on the bottom of a circulation flow path or a condensed water collecting part.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry processing apparatus according to a new form configured to remove the condensed water remaining on the bottom of the circulation flow path or the condensed water collecting part by outside air.

A further objective of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry processing apparatus according to a new form configured to remove the condensed water remaining on the bottom of the circulation flow path or the condensed water collecting part by outside air with preventing poor air circulation due to pressure leakage in the spaces or poor pumping performance during a drying operation.

A further objective of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry processing apparatus according to a new form configured to allow outside air to smoothly flow into the bottom of the circulation flow path or the inside of the condensed water collecting part when the drying operation or drainage operation is not performed.

In order to achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a laundry processing apparatus. The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, a condensed water collecting space, in which condensed water exists and the space being partitioned from the inside of a cabinet of the apparatus, is opened to the inside of the cabinet, so that the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting space may be quickly removed by outside air.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, an opening hole is closed during drying operation or drainage operation, so that pressure loss may be prevented during each operation.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, an opening and closing unit is provided for selectively opening and closing the opening hole and the opening and closing unit is operated by a non-electronic method, so that the opening and closing unit may be operated accurately at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit is operated by using the pressure in the condensed water collecting space, so that the opening and closing unit may be operated accurately at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit is operated by the non-electronic method in which the opening and closing unit opens the opening hole while being operated by its own weight when the pressure in the condensed water collecting space is removed, so that the opening and closing unit may be operated accurately at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit selectively open the inside space of a circulation flow path, so that the condensed water remaining in the bottom of the circulation flow path may be quickly removed.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit selectively open the inside space of a condensed water collecting part, so that the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting part may be quickly removed.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit is provided at different positions from each other in response to the pressure in the condensed water collecting space to open the opening hole, so that the opening and closing unit may be operated accurately at the correct timing.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit includes a contact plate covering the opening hole, so that the airtightness may be maintained during the drying operation or the drainage operation.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit includes the contact plate and a penetrating installation part protruding from the contact plate, so that the structure of the opening and closing unit may be simplified.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the penetrating installation part of the opening and closing unit is loosely installed in an installation slot, so that the contact plate may maintain airtightness even at a small pressure (air suction force) and may smoothly open the opening hole when the pressure is removed from the contact plate.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the contact plate is configured to be tilted vertically, so that the contact plate may be operated precisely.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, an upper end portion of the contact plate is heavier than a lower end portion thereof, so that the contact plate may be operated precisely.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the upper end portion of the contact plate is thicker than the lower end portion thereof, so that the contact plate may be operated precisely.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit are provided at multiple places, so that drying effect on the inside of the condensed water collecting space may be improved.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit are provided at a portion of either side wall defining a circulation flow path, the portion being a portion where an evaporator is positioned, so that the condensed water may be smoothly removed from the evaporator.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit are provided on an upper surface of a drainage pump assembly, so that the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting part may be removed completely.

The laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening and closing unit having a closed tube is provided, so that the opening and closing unit may be provided at a narrow space such as the drainage pump assembly.

As described above, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the condensed water collecting space that stores the condensed water and is partitioned from the inside space of the cabinet may be opened to the inside space of the cabinet. Accordingly, the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting space can be quickly removed by outside air.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole is closed during the drying operation or the drainage operation. Accordingly, pressure loss during each operation can be prevented.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured as a non-electronic structure in which the opening and closing unit provided to selectively open and close the opening hole is operated by using the pressure in the condensed water collecting space. Accordingly, the opening and closing unit can be accurately operated at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit selectively open the inside space of the circulation flow path. Accordingly, the condensed water remaining in the bottom of the circulation flow path can be quickly removed.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole and the opening and closing unit selectively open the inside space of the condensed water collecting part. Accordingly, the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting part can be quickly removed.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured as the non-electronic structure in which the opening and closing unit constituting the laundry processing apparatus opens the opening hole while being operated by its own weight when the pressure in the condensed water collecting space is eliminated. Accordingly, the opening and closing unit can be accurately operated at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

Hereinbelow, exemplary embodiment of a laundry processing apparatus and a method for controlling operation thereof according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to accompanying <FIG>.

Prior to the description, it is assumed that the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is a clothing drying machine that dries laundry by providing dry and hot air.

Each of <FIG> depicts a structure of each part of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view showing an interior structure of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a block diagram schematically showing a structure for drying and washing operations by the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view showing a brief structure for the drying operation by the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a heat pump system of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded-perspective view showing the heat pump system of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view showing a base frame of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the drawings, the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured as follows. An opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> that is open to communicate with an inside space of a cabinet <NUM> of the apparatus is formed on a wall defining a condensed water collecting space in which condensed water exists. The opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to be opened and closed by an opening and closing unit <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the opening and closing unit may be configured as a swing door. Therefore, in the following description, the opening and closing unit will be referred to simply as "swing door").

That is, the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> is formed on the wall of the condensed water collecting space, so that the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting space may be quickly removed by air inside the cabinet <NUM> when the laundry processing apparatus is not operated. The opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to be closed by the swing door <NUM>, <NUM> during the drying operation, so that pressure leakage may be prevented for a space where air flow or a space where the condensed water is pumped.

Referring to the above drawings, the structure of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure having the above described features will be described in detail for each configuration as follows.

First, the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the cabinet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cabinet <NUM> is a part making an exterior of the laundry processing apparatus.

The cabinet <NUM> is formed in a hollow container body and a drum <NUM> in which clothing to be dried is received is rotatably installed in the cabinet <NUM>.

Herein, a front surface of the cabinet <NUM> includes a laundry entrance <NUM> through which the clothing to be dried is introduced into the drum <NUM>. The laundry entrance <NUM> is configured to be opened and closed by a door <NUM>.

Further, the cabinet <NUM> may include a drainage container <NUM> therein.

The drainage container <NUM> is a container which temporarily stores water to be drained (water for drainage).

The drainage container <NUM> is configured to be pullable and pushable at one side of an upper end in the drum <NUM>. That is, the drainage container <NUM> may be pulled and pushed to drain depending on user needs.

Further, a base frame <NUM> may be provided at a lower end of the cabinet <NUM>.

The base frame <NUM> may be configured to form a bottom portion in the cabinet <NUM>. Although not shown, a separate bottom plate may be provided to close an open lower surface of the cabinet <NUM> and the base frame <NUM> may be seated on and fixed to the bottom plate.

In particular, at least one structure of a drainage pump assembly <NUM>, the heat pump system, a circulation fan assembly <NUM>, and a circulation flow path <NUM>, which will be described below, may be installed or formed on an upper surface (bottom surface in the cabinet) of the base frame <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

A plurality of depressed portions is provided on the upper surface of the base frame <NUM>. The depressed portions include a depressed portion <NUM> for installing a compressor <NUM>, a depressed portion <NUM> for installing a motor <NUM> for operating a drum, and a depressed portion for installing the drainage pump assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Herein, the depressed portion for installing the drainage pump assembly <NUM> may be used as the condensed water collecting part <NUM> for storing the water for drainage. The water for drainage may be water generated during the drying operation or condensed water generated during the heat exchange of air.

That is, during the drying operation, the condensed water is generated on a surface of an evaporator <NUM> of the heat pump system through which humid air passes. The condensed water flows down along the surface of the evaporator <NUM> and then is stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> that is formed by being depressed on the base frame <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the circulation flow path <NUM> may be provided at one side of the upper surface of the base frame <NUM>.

The circulation flow path <NUM> is configured such that, the evaporator <NUM> and a condenser <NUM> of the heat pump system are sequentially installed in the circulation flow path <NUM>. Further, the circulation flow path <NUM> may be formed in a duct-type structure (referring to <FIG>) having left and right wall surfaces <NUM> for guiding flow of air to flow through the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> in order.

An upper surface of the circulation flow path <NUM> is formed to be open, and a bottom surface in the circulation flow path <NUM> is formed as the upper surface of the base frame <NUM>.

The shape of the circulation flow path <NUM> may be formed in various structures, such as a cylindrical duct as well as a box duct with an open upper surface, considering shapes of peripheral structures or flow characteristic of air.

An inlet duct <NUM> guiding dried air to be supplied into the drum <NUM> may be connected to an air outflow side, that is, a rear side of the circulation flow path <NUM>, and an outlet duct <NUM> guiding discharge flow of air discharged from the drum <NUM> may be connected to an air inflow side, that is, a front side of the circulation flow path <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The open upper surface of the circulation flow path <NUM> may be configured to be closed by being covered with a base cover <NUM> (referring to <FIG> and <FIG>). That is, the inside of the circulation flow path <NUM> has a closed space from the outside environment by the base cover <NUM> described above.

Further, a seating depression <NUM> is formed by being depressed on the bottom surface in the circulation flow path <NUM>. A water cover <NUM> on which at least one of the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> is seated and fixed thereto may be provided in the seating depression <NUM>.

A passing hole <NUM> (referring to <FIG> and <FIG>) communicating with an inside of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> may be formed on a rear side wall of the seating depression <NUM>.

Therefore, the condensed water or washing water falling to the bottom in the circulation flow path <NUM> flows down to the seating depression <NUM> and then flows backwards along a bottom surface in the seating depression <NUM>. Continuously, the condensed water or washing water may be collected and stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> while passing through the passing hole <NUM>.

The bottom surface of the seating depression <NUM> may be formed to be inclined toward a portion where the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is positioned.

Accordingly, the condensed water and washing water flowing down to the bottom surface in the seating depression <NUM> may smoothly flow down to the condensed water collecting part <NUM> along the inclined bottom surface of the seating depression <NUM>.

In addition, residual water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> may be drained into the drainage container <NUM> after all operations.

At this time, when washing operation for washing the evaporator <NUM> is performed, the residual water is not drained to the drainage container <NUM>, but is used as the washing water for the washing operation.

Meanwhile, a controller <NUM> is provided inside the cabinet <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is provided for operation control of the laundry processing apparatus.

The controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the laundry processing apparatus on the basis of manipulation of a user which is applied through an input part <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

Further, the controller <NUM> is programmed to perform drainage operation to pump and drain the residual water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> by performing the drying operation for the clothing to be processing while controlling operations of the circulation fan assembly <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> and by controlling operation of a drainage pump <NUM> on the basis of a water level confirmed by a water level sensor <NUM>. At this time, the water level sensor <NUM> is provided in the drainage pump assembly <NUM> and to detect the water level of the condensed water in the condensed water collecting part <NUM>.

The laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the drum <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drum <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical container body having openings at front and rear surfaces thereof.

A front opening of the drum <NUM> may communicate with the laundry entrance <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. At this time, the drum <NUM> is configured such that rotation thereof is supported using a roller <NUM> in the cabinet <NUM>.

In addition, the drum <NUM> may be configured such that high temperature and dry air passes through an inside of the drum <NUM>.

The high temperature and dry air is configured to flow into the inside space of the drum <NUM> through a rear opening of the drum <NUM> and then to be discharged to the outside of the drum <NUM> through the front opening of the drum <NUM>.

Further, the circulation flow path <NUM> via the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> of the heat pump system, which will be described below, may be connected to the front and rear openings of the drum <NUM>.

That is, the high temperature and dry air provided from the heat pump system by the circulation flow path <NUM> dries the clothing to be dried in the drum <NUM>. Humid air having moisture while drying the clothing to be dried is supplied to the heat pump system again to repeat the operation. The above process is as shown in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, a dryness degree detecting part <NUM> may be provided inside the drum <NUM>.

The dryness degree detecting part <NUM> is configured to confirm the degree of dryness of the clothing to be dried, and may include two electrodes. The two electrodes may be spaced apart from each other and be exposed toward the inside of the drum <NUM>.

For example, the dryness degree detecting part <NUM> may be provided at the door <NUM> or at a door side of the cabinet <NUM>.

The dryness degree detecting part (two electrodes) <NUM> determines the degree of dryness of the clothing to be dried on the basis of an electrode value converted on the basis of a current value that varies in response to a state of the clothing to be dried (for example, degree of wetness of laundry) when the clothing to be dried is brought into contact with the electrodes.

That is, considering that the clothing to be dried acts as resistance to the dryness degree detecting part (two electrodes) <NUM>, since a resistance value varies in response to moisture content of the clothing to be dried, the current flowing through a circuit also varies. The variation value of the variable current is converted into a preset electrode value, so that the degree of dryness is determined by the electrode value.

At this time, the preset electrode value may be a predetermined value converted into a numerical range that is easy to control the laundry processing apparatus.

The laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the drainage pump assembly <NUM>. The drainage pump assembly <NUM> is provided to pump the condensed water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM>. The drainage pump assembly <NUM> is received and mounted in the condensed water collecting part <NUM>.

Further, the drainage pump assembly <NUM> includes the drainage pump <NUM> and a pump cover <NUM>.

Although not shown in detail, the drainage pump <NUM> is configured to pump the condensed water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> by rotation of an impeller due to driving of a drainage motor.

The laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the heat pump system.

As shown in <FIG>, the heat pump system is configured to receive humid air discharged from the drum <NUM> and perform heat exchange for the humid air, so that the humid air is changed into high temperature and dry air.

That is, air supplied into the drum <NUM> by the heat pump system may always be in a high temperature and dry state.

The heat pump system includes at least one configuration of the compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, an expansion valve <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> is a device that receives high temperature and low pressure refrigerant and compresses it into high temperature and high pressure refrigerant for the heat exchange.

The condenser <NUM> is a device that receives the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant and condenses it into low temperature and high pressure refrigerant.

The expansion valve <NUM> is a device that receives the condensed low temperature and high pressure refrigerant and expands it into low temperature and low pressure refrigerant.

The evaporator <NUM> is a device that receives the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant and perform the heat exchange between surrounding air and the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant.

The refrigerant passing through the evaporator <NUM> is into a high temperature and low pressure state, and the high temperature and low pressure refrigerant repeats circulation of providing into the compressor <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> and the expansion valve <NUM> may be positioned at either one side of an upper surface of the base frame <NUM> (referring to <FIG>).

The condenser <NUM> and the evaporator <NUM> may be positioned in the circulation flow path <NUM> (referring to <FIG> and <FIG>).

The evaporator <NUM> is arranged at a side in the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> into which humid air is introduced, and serves to remove moisture in the air by performing heat exchange between the air and the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant.

The condenser <NUM> is arranged at an air outflow side of the evaporator <NUM> and serves to heat the dry air that is decreased in temperature while passing through the evaporator <NUM>.

Considering that the compressor <NUM> is a device generating a large amount of heat during operation thereof, the compressor <NUM> may be positioned to be adjacent to a radiating fan <NUM> provided for radiation of heat of the compressor <NUM>. Thereby, the compressor <NUM> may radiate heat by the radiating fan <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> and the expansion valve <NUM> are positioned at separate positions from the circulation flow path <NUM> and do not affect the circulated air (flow and temperature of air).

The laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the circulation fan assembly <NUM>.

The circulation fan assembly <NUM> is a configuration that forcibly circulates air.

That is, air that sequentially passes through the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> in the circulation flow path <NUM> by the driving of the circulation fan assembly <NUM> is supplied into the drum <NUM> through the inlet duct <NUM>. Further, air passing through the drum <NUM> is circulated to sequentially pass through the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> in the circulation flow path <NUM> through the outlet duct <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the circulation fan assembly <NUM> may be positioned at an air outflow side of the condenser <NUM> in the circulation flow path <NUM>.

In particular, the circulation fan assembly <NUM> may include a circulation fan <NUM> provided in a fan housing <NUM> and a fan motor <NUM> provided to drive the circulation fan <NUM>. An inlet of the fan housing <NUM> is connected to the circulation flow path <NUM>, and an outlet thereof is connected to the inlet duct <NUM>.

The laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a washing unit <NUM>.

The washing unit <NUM> is a device that washes the evaporator <NUM> with the residual water in the condensed water collecting part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the washing unit <NUM> may be provided on a base cover <NUM> covering the open upper surface of the circulation flow path <NUM>.

The washing unit <NUM> is configured to wash an air inflow portion (front surface) of the evaporator <NUM> while releasing the residual water to the front surface of the evaporator <NUM>.

At this point, the base cover <NUM> includes a front base cover <NUM> making a front side portion of the base cover <NUM> and a rear base cover <NUM> making a rear side portion thereof.

The washing unit <NUM> may include an inflow hole <NUM> and a nozzle part <NUM> that are provided at the rear base cover <NUM>, and a guide end <NUM> provided at the front base cover <NUM>.

The inflow hole <NUM> is a portion where the residual water flows into, and the nozzle part <NUM> is a portion guiding the residual water flowing in the washing unit <NUM> through the inflow hole <NUM> to fall to the front surface of the evaporator <NUM>.

The nozzle part <NUM> has a structure in which the nozzle part is gradually inclined (or rounded) down from a rear portion (right side in the drawings) where the nozzle part communicates with the inflow hole <NUM> to a front portion (left side in the drawings). In addition, a front side end of the nozzle part may be formed to be further inclined (rounded) down than other portions.

The evaporator <NUM> may be provided such that the front surface thereof is positioned directly under the front side end of the nozzle part <NUM>. The front surface of the evaporator <NUM> is a surface in a direction where humid air flowing through the circulation flow path <NUM> flows into the evaporator <NUM>.

The inflow hole <NUM> may be configured to receive the residual water in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> from a flow path valve <NUM> through a hose (not shown) or a separate flow path.

The inflow hole <NUM> may include at least two holes. The flow path valve <NUM> is configured to perform control for selective supply or simultaneous supply of the condensed water to each inflow hole <NUM>.

In particular, by receiving the control of the controller which will be described below, the flow path valve <NUM> may guide the residual water pumped from the drainage pump assembly to flow into the inflow hole <NUM> or flow into the drainage container <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, the inflow hole <NUM> may be configured to directly receive tap water through a water pipe or to separately receive water or washing product from a reservoir where other water or washing product is stored.

Further, the guide end <NUM> is provided at a portion in the front base cover <NUM> which faces the nozzle part <NUM> and servers to guide the residual water flowing down along the nozzle part <NUM> to direct to the front surface of the evaporator <NUM>.

The guide end <NUM> may be gradually inclined down toward the rear (right side in the drawings). Although not shown, a rear side end of the guide end <NUM> may be formed to be further inclined (inclined close to vertical) than other portions.

The laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the swing door <NUM>, <NUM>.

The swing door <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to selectively open and close a space (condensed water collecting space) of each portion in the cabinet <NUM>, which has a separate space partitioned from the inside of the cabinet <NUM> and receives the condensed water to be present therein, from inside environment of the cabinet <NUM>.

In particular, the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> being open to communicate with the inside space of the cabinet <NUM> is provided on the wall defining the condensed water collecting space in which the condensed water exists. The swing door <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to open and close the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

At this time, the condensed water collecting space is a space in the circulation flow path <NUM> through which the condensed water flows or a space in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> in which the condensed water is stored.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening hole and the swing door may include a first opening hole <NUM> provided on any one wall surface <NUM> of opposite wall surfaces forming the circulation flow path <NUM> and a first swing door <NUM> opening and closing the first opening hole <NUM>.

That is, the inside of the circulation flow path <NUM> includes a space partitioned from the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>, and the condensed water that is generated while air passes through the evaporator <NUM> exists in the inside of the circulation flow path <NUM>.

Considering the above description, when the inside space (condensed water collecting space) of the circulation flow path <NUM> is maintained in a state of being shielded from the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>, the condensed water existing in the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is not removed and remains for a long time.

It is possible that the condensed water remaining in the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is quickly removed by outside air in the cabinet <NUM> by opening the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> and the inside space of the cabinet <NUM> to each other.

However, since the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is a space where air performs the heat exchange while passing through the evaporator <NUM> or the condenser <NUM>, the space should be configured to have sufficient pressure and to be quickly ventilated.

Considering the above description, when the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is formed to be open from the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>, there is a problem that air does not smoothly heat-exchange with the evaporator <NUM> or the condenser <NUM> due to pressure leakage, and the above state is not preferable.

Therefore, the first opening hole <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) may be formed on either wall surface of the circulation flow path <NUM>, and the first opening hole <NUM> may be closed by the first swing door <NUM> during the drying operation.

By the above structure, the pressure leakage in the circulation flow path <NUM> may be prevented as well as the circulation flow path <NUM> may be exposed to the outside during non-operation so that removal of the condensed water by inflow of outside air may be quickly performed. The above description is as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In particular, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first swing door <NUM> may be configured to close the first opening hole <NUM> by pressure in the condensed water collecting space.

That is, the first swing door <NUM> is not a device operated by electronic control, but is configured to selectively close the first opening hole <NUM> by the pressure inside the condensed water collecting space and its own weight.

Therefore, the first swing door <NUM> may include a flat contact plate <NUM> and a penetrating installation part <NUM> protruding from the contact plate <NUM>.

That is, the contact plate <NUM> may cover the first opening hole <NUM> for closing it by the pressure inside the circulation flow path <NUM> or may be spaced apart from the first opening hole <NUM> by its own weight.

Preferably, the contact plate <NUM> may be formed of a plate of adhesive material such as rubber for airtightness.

When the contact plate <NUM> is formed of rubber, since bending occurs, the contact plate <NUM> formed of the flat plate material is preferably formed in a structure of adding a rubber plate <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) to an inner surface of the contact plate <NUM>.

The rubber plate <NUM> may be formed in a structure that covers an entire inner surface of the contact plate <NUM> or a structure that covers only an edge portion of the inner surface of the contact plate <NUM>.

Further, the first swing door <NUM> may be provided on an inner side of the wall surface <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM> or on an outer side of the wall surface <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM>.

That is, when the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is a structure having negative pressure during air flow, the first swing door <NUM> may be provided on the outer side of the circulation flow path <NUM> and may close the first opening hole <NUM> while being brought into contact with the wall surface due to the negative pressure.

When the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is a structure having positive pressure during air flow, the first swing door <NUM> may be provided on the inner side of the circulation flow path <NUM> and may close the first opening hole <NUM> while being brought into contact with the wall surface due to the positive pressure.

The penetrating installation part <NUM> formed in the contact plate <NUM> may be configured to pass through an installation slot <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) on the wall surface <NUM> where the first opening hole <NUM> is formed.

In particular, the penetrating installation part <NUM> may include a penetrating end 712a formed to have a width smaller than a width of the installation slot <NUM> and positioned to pass through the installation slot <NUM>, and a locking end 712b formed by being extended or bent from an end of the penetrating end 712a.

The locking end 712b may be provided to be exposed to the outside while passing through the installation slot <NUM> and to be locked by the wall surface <NUM>. The above description is as shown in <FIG>.

The penetrating installation part <NUM> may be formed by protruding from a lower circumference of the contact plate <NUM>. Thus, the contact plate <NUM> closes or opens the first opening hole <NUM> while an upper end thereof is tilted back and forth around the penetrating installation part <NUM>.

An upper end portion of the contact plate <NUM> may be formed heavier than a lower end portion thereof. That is, when the inside of the circulation flow path <NUM> is released from the negative pressure, the contact plate <NUM> is tilted backward due to its own weight thereby being spaced apart from the first opening hole <NUM>.

A structure in which the upper end portion of the contact plate <NUM> is formed heavier than the lower end portion thereof may be variously provided.

For example, a part of the upper end portion of the contact plate <NUM> may be formed thicker than the lower end portion thereof.

Although not shown in the drawings, the penetrating installation part <NUM> may be formed at other portions of the contact plate <NUM> rather than the lower circumference thereof, and in this case, a center of gravity of the contact plate <NUM> may also vary.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the first swing door (or opening hole) <NUM> is provided only either wall surface <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

That is, although not shown in the drawings, the first swing door <NUM> (or opening hole) may be provided on the both opposite wall surfaces <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM>, and may be provided on at least two positions in either wall surface <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM>.

However, it is most preferable that the first opening hole <NUM> is formed only on one or two positions, considering that the pressure leakage may occur during the drying operation when the first opening hole <NUM> is provided on multiple positions.

In particular, the first swing door (or opening hole) <NUM> may be a portion where the evaporator <NUM> is positioned of each portion of the circulation flow path <NUM>.

As a result, since the condensed water is generated in the evaporator <NUM>, the condensed water remaining on the surface of the evaporator <NUM> without flowing down may be quickly removed when the drying operation is finished.

Hereinafter, a process for the drying operation of the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

Prior to the description, control of each operation element of each operation and sensors and valves is performed by the controller <NUM> on the basis of information preprogrammed, and in the following description, it is assumed that each control is performed by the controller <NUM> even if there is no special mention.

First, the drying operation is an operation of drying the clothing to be dried.

The drying operation is performed by manipulation of a user. That is, when the drying operation by manipulation of the user is selected, the controller <NUM> controls operations of the heat pump system and the circulation fan assembly <NUM>.

That is, by a flow of refrigerant circulating in the heat pump system by the operation of the compressor <NUM> and a flow of air passing through the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> in order by the operation of the circulation fan assembly <NUM>, moisture contained in the air is removed and the dehydrated air under high temperature state is supplied into the drum <NUM> to dry the clothing to be dried.

Humid air discharged from the drum <NUM> flows into the circulation flow path <NUM> through the outlet duct <NUM> and then loses moisture while passing through the evaporator <NUM> positioned in the circulation flow path <NUM>.

Continuously, the air repeats circulation of being heated while passing through the condenser <NUM>, passing through the fan housing <NUM> provided in the circulation fan assembly <NUM> to flow into the inlet duct <NUM>, and then being supplied into the drum <NUM>.

Further, in the air circulation process, while the humid air passes through the evaporator <NUM>, moisture contained in the air condenses on the surface (surface of each heat exchanger fin) of the evaporator <NUM>, flows down along the surface, and falls down to the water cover <NUM>, and then is collected in the seating depression <NUM>. The collected condensed water flows to the rear side in the seating depression <NUM> by inclination of the bottom surface of the seating depression <NUM> and is stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> through the passing hole <NUM>.

At this point, the water level sensor <NUM> provided in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> detects a water level of the residual water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM>.

Then, based on the detected water level, the controller <NUM> determines whether the residual water in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is drained to the drainage container <NUM> or not.

When the residual water is determined to be drained to the drainage container <NUM>, the residual water is pumped to the drainage container <NUM> and stored therein by the operation of the drainage pump <NUM> and flow guide by the flow path valve <NUM>.

Further, during performance of the drying operation, the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is under a state of negative pressure by air suction force of the circulation fan <NUM>.

That is, as the circulation fan <NUM> positioned at the rear side of the circulation flow path <NUM> is operated to forcibly suction air in the circulation flow path <NUM>, the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is under the state of negative pressure.

Thus, the contact plate <NUM> of the first swing door <NUM> is in close contact with the outer wall surface of the circulation flow path <NUM> by receiving the air suction force in the circulation flow path <NUM> to close the first opening hole <NUM>. Whereby, the pressure leakage through the opening hole <NUM> is prevented. The above description is as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

When the drying operation is finished and the operation of the circulation fan <NUM> stops, the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is released from the state of negative pressure.

Accordingly, the air suction force that allows the contact plate <NUM> to be in close contact with the outer wall surface of the circulation flow path <NUM> is eliminated.

When the air suction force is eliminated, the contact plate <NUM> is spaced apart from the first opening hole <NUM> while being tilted to the rear due to the weight of the upper end thereof. Accordingly, the first opening hole <NUM> is opened. The above description is as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Accordingly, as air in the cabinet <NUM> is supplied into the circulation flow path <NUM> through the first opening hole <NUM>, the humidity in the circulation flow path <NUM> is quickly reduced, thus the condensed water remaining in the circulation flow path <NUM> (in particular, the inside of the seating depression) may be quickly removed.

Further, when the drying operation is finished, the water level of the residual water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> reaches above a preset water level or forced draining operation is performed by other algorithms, the condensed water stored in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is pumped and stored in the drainage container <NUM> or is supplied into the washing unit <NUM> to be used for washing the evaporator <NUM> by the operation of the drainage pump <NUM> and the flow guide of the flow path valve <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> where the drainage pump assembly <NUM> is provided is the condensed water collecting space where the condensed water is supplied through the seating depression <NUM> of the circulation flow path <NUM> and stored therein. Since the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is a space closed from the outside environment by the drainage pump assembly <NUM>, there is a problem that the condensed water stored therein is not easily removed and remains.

Considering the above problem, the drainage pump assembly <NUM> includes a second swing door <NUM>.

That is, the second swing door <NUM> allows the condensed water collecting space in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> where the condensed water is stored to be in a selectively opened state from the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>.

In particular, a second opening hole <NUM> is formed by passing through the pump cover <NUM> of the drainage pump assembly <NUM>, so that the space (condensed water collecting space) in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is configured to selectively communicate with the space in the cabinet <NUM>. Herein, the second swing door <NUM> may be provided at a portion where the second opening hole <NUM> is formed.

The second opening hole <NUM> may be formed on either circumferential wall of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> and the second swing door <NUM> may be provided at the wall.

However, the above structure has leakage of the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> to the second opening hole <NUM>, so the second opening hole <NUM> is preferably formed on the pump cover <NUM>.

Further, the second swing door <NUM> may include a closed tube <NUM> and a contact plate <NUM>. The second swing door <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

First, the closed tube <NUM> is configured as a tubular body that has an open lower surface and a closed upper surface.

The open lower surface of the closed tube <NUM> covers the second opening hole <NUM> and an auxiliary hole 724a is formed by passing through a circumferential surface of the closed tube <NUM>.

That is, the second opening hole <NUM> is not formed directly on the circumferential surface of the condensed water collecting part <NUM>, but a separate space communicating with the inside of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is provided through additional provision of the closed tube <NUM>. Outside air may be selectively provided into the condensed water collecting part <NUM> while the contact plate <NUM> selectively opens and closes the auxiliary hole 724a of the closed tube <NUM>.

Herein, the contact plate <NUM> of the second swing door <NUM> is provided on an outer wall surface of the closed tube <NUM> to cover the auxiliary hole 724a. In addition, a penetrating installation part <NUM> is formed at a lower circumference side of the contact plate <NUM> and is formed by passing through the outer wall surface of the closed tube <NUM> where the auxiliary hole 724a is formed.

The auxiliary hole 724a formed in the closed tube <NUM> may be formed on either wall surface of opposite wall surfaces of the closed tube <NUM>.

The wall of the closed tube <NUM> where the auxiliary hole 724a is formed may be a wall facing an inside of the drainage pump assembly <NUM> (wall opposite to wall facing circulation flow path). Although not shown, among each wall surface of the closed tube <NUM>, a wall surface facing the circulation flow path <NUM> may have the auxiliary hole 724a.

Further, the second swing door <NUM> is operated to close the second opening hole <NUM> when the drying operation or the drainage operation is performed (referring to <FIG>). When the drying operation or the drainage operation is finished, the second swing door <NUM> is operated to open the second opening hole <NUM> (referring to <FIG> and <FIG>).

That is, considering that the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> and the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> communicate with each other through the passing hole <NUM>, when the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM> is under the state of negative pressure due to performance of the drying operation, the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is also under the state of negative pressure.

Accordingly, the contact plate <NUM> of the second swing door <NUM> is brought into close contact with the wall surface of the closed tube <NUM> by the air suction force acting in the closed tube <NUM> so that the auxiliary hole 724a is closed.

The problem in which pressure in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> leaks is prevented by closing the auxiliary hole 724a.

When the inside of the circulation flow path <NUM> is under a state of atmospheric pressure after the drying operation is finished, the inside of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is also under the state of atmospheric pressure.

In this case, the contact plate <NUM> of the second swing door <NUM> is tilted away from the wall of the closed tube <NUM> by the its own weight, so that the auxiliary hole 724a is opened.

The condensed water collecting space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> communicates with the inside space of the cabinet <NUM> and is quickly dried by the air in the cabinet <NUM>.

When the drainage operation is performed, the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is under the state of negative pressure (vacuum pressure) by pumping operation of the drainage pump <NUM>.

Therefore, during the drainage operation, the contact plate <NUM> of the second swing door <NUM> is brought into close contact with the wall of the closed tube <NUM> by the air suction force acting in the closed tube <NUM>, so that the auxiliary hole 724a is closed.

Accordingly, the problem in which the pressure in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> leaks is prevented.

When the drainage operation is finished, the negative pressure acting in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is eliminated.

Therefore, the contact plate <NUM> of the second swing door <NUM> is tilted away from the wall of the closed tube <NUM> to open the auxiliary hole 724a. Accordingly, the condensed water collecting space in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> is quickly removed by the air in the cabinet <NUM> while communicating with the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the opening and closing unit applied to the drainage pump assembly <NUM> is not limited to be embodied only in the structure of the second swing door <NUM> described above.

That is, a structure (opening and closing unit) to communicate with the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM> with the drainage pump assembly <NUM> and to selectively open and close the communication portion by the pressure in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> may be provided variously.

A third swing door <NUM> having a form as shown in <FIG> is applied to the drainage pump assembly <NUM>.

The third swing door <NUM> may include a closed tube <NUM> and a contact plate <NUM>.

The closed tube <NUM> is configured as a tubular body that is vertically open structure (open lower and upper surfaces) and the open lower surface covers a third opening hole <NUM> formed on the pump cover <NUM>.

The contact plate <NUM> may be provided to cover the open upper surface of the closed tube <NUM>.

In addition, an installation bracket <NUM> is provided on an upper surface of the pump cover <NUM> of the drainage pump assembly <NUM>, and the contact plate <NUM> may be rotatably mounted to the installation bracket <NUM>.

Front and rear ends of the contact plate <NUM> are provided to be respectively exposed to the front and rear of the installation bracket <NUM>. A front end lower surface of the contact plate <NUM> may be configured to cover the open upper surface of the closed tube <NUM>.

In particular, based on a rotation center of the contact plate <NUM>, a portion positioned at the upper side of the closed tube <NUM> may be configured to be lighter than a portion opposite thereto. Here, the rotation center of the contact plate <NUM> may be formed by a hinge shaft, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Accordingly, when external force is not applied to the contact plate <NUM>, the portion positioned at the upper side of the closed tube <NUM> is moved downward by its own weight to cover and close the open upper surface of the closed tube <NUM>.

Further, a limitation step <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface of the drainage pump assembly <NUM>, the limitation step <NUM> limiting a downward rotation distance of the opposite portion of the contact plate <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, instead of the limitation step <NUM>, rotation angle of the contact plate <NUM> may be limited.

Meanwhile, the first swing door <NUM> and the second swing door <NUM> (or third swing door) according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure may be simultaneously applied or separately applied to the laundry processing apparatus.

That is, only the first swing door <NUM> may be applied to the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, both of the first swing door <NUM> and the second swing door <NUM> may be applied thereto, and only the second swing door <NUM> may be applied thereto.

As described above, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the condensed water collecting space that stores the condensed water and is partitioned from the inside space of the cabinet <NUM> may be opened to the inside space of the cabinet <NUM>, thus the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting space may be quickly removed by outside air.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> is closed during the drying operation or the drainage operation, thus pressure loss during each operation may be prevented.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured as a non-electronic structure in which the swing door <NUM>, <NUM> provided to selectively open and close the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> is operated by using the pressure in the condensed water collecting space, thus the swing door may be accurately operated at the correct timing without the need for separate control.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> and the swing door <NUM>, <NUM> selectively open the inside space of the circulation flow path <NUM>, thus the condensed water remaining in the bottom of the circulation flow path <NUM> may be quickly removed.

Further, the laundry processing apparatus of the present disclosure is configured such that, the opening hole <NUM>, <NUM> and the swing door <NUM>, <NUM> selectively open the inside space of the condensed water collecting part <NUM>, thus the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting part <NUM> may be quickly removed.

Claim 1:
A laundry processing apparatus comprising:
a heat pump having a compressor (<NUM>), a condenser (<NUM>), an expansion valve (<NUM>), an evaporator (<NUM>);
a circulation flow path (<NUM>) for guiding air discharged from a drum (<NUM>) in a cabinet (<NUM>) of the apparatus to pass through the evaporator (<NUM>) and the condenser (<NUM>) in order;
a condensed water collecting part (<NUM>) in which condensed water that flows along a bottom in the circulation flow path (<NUM>) is collected and stored and a drainage pump assembly (<NUM>) is provided,
characterised in that a condensed water collecting space in the condensed water collecting part (<NUM>) is a space closed from the outside environment by the drainage pump assembly (<NUM>) and is allowing the condensed water to flow or be stored therein, and wherein on either wall defining the condensed water collecting space of various spaces in the cabinet (<NUM>) an opening hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed to communicate with an inside of the cabinet (<NUM>),
and wherein the opening hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to be opened and closed by an opening and closing unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the opening hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) is provided at an upper surface of the drainage pump assembly (<NUM>).