Patent Description:
In general, a clothes dryer refers to a device that forcibly blows hot air into a drum to dry wet laundry inserted into the drum. The clothes dryers have an appearance similar to that of a drum type washing machine, and may dry laundry by forcibly circulating heated air into a drum through a heater and a blower fan.

Air discharged from the drum during operation of the clothes dryer may contain lint (fluff). Since the air discharged from the drum is circulated back into the drum through a heat exchanger, there is a need to remove lint in the air before circulation.

For this, a lint removal apparatus is required. The lint removal apparatus includes a filter separably provided and configured to collect lint, a rotation member configured to scrape lint remaining on a surface of the filter and push the scraped lint from one end portion of the filter, and a lint box disposed adjacent to the other end portion of the filter to accumulate the lint pushed to the other end portion of the filter.

The filter of the dryer is provided to be directly removed by a user, cleaned, and installed, and there is no separate filter cleaning module in the dryer. Therefore, the filter of the dryer needs to be manually removed by users for cleaning the dryer filter, and with the filter not cleaned, lint may accumulate and the drying performance may deteriorate.

<CIT> describes a lint removal device which scrapes lint collected by a filter into an adjacent lint box.

<CIT> describes a lint removal device which brushes lint collected by a filter into a bin below.

<CIT> describes a lint removal device which scrapes lint collected by a filter into a compact lint storage part.

It is an object of the disclosure to provide a clothes dryer for facilitating separation of a lint removal apparatus.

It is another object of the disclosure to provide a clothes dryer for facilitating cleaning of a lint filter by easily separating a lint removal apparatus.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothes dryer according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The lint removal apparatus may include a first rotation shaft to which the first coupler is coupled and the elastic member may be disposed on the first rotation shaft.

The lint removing apparatus may include a second rotation shaft to which the second coupler is coupled and the elastic member may be disposed on the second rotation shaft.

The clothes dryer may further include a front cover rotatably provided to open and close a front surface of the lint removing apparatus and a link member connected to the front cover to be rotated along the front cover, wherein when the front cover is opened, the first coupler may be separated from the second coupler through the link member.

The lint removing apparatus may further include a holder configured to be rotated at an outside of the first coupler in connection with the link member such that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

The lint removing apparatus may include an inclined surface formed on each of the first coupler and the second coupler such that the first coupler and the second coupler, when rotating in a reverse direction, are separated from each other by sliding.

The lint removing apparatus may further include: a holder configured to be rotated at an outside of the first coupler such that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other; and a case configured to surround the driving device and the first coupler, wherein the case may further include a first guider, and the first guider is formed in an inclined shape to separate the first coupler from the second coupler through rotation of the holder.

The lint removing apparatus may further include: a frame member formed at an outside of the rotation member; and a holder provided at an outside of the second coupler such that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

The frame member may include a second guider having a screw crest shape that guides a rotation direction of the holder to prevent the holder from being separated.

The lint removing apparatus may further include a lever coupled to the second coupler and configured to be pressed in a direction toward the second coupler such that the first coupler and the second coupler are separated from each other.

The driving device may include a motor rotatable in both directions; a first coupler connected to the driving device to receive power from the driving device; and the motor operates such that the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to or separated from each other.

The lint removal apparatus may include: a first rotation shaft to which the first coupler is coupled; and the elastic member may be disposed on the first rotation shaft.

The lint removing apparatus may include a terminal gear integrally formed with the first coupler, and configured to transmit the power generated from the driving device by being coupled to the second coupler.

The lint removing apparatus may include: a case configured to surround the driving device and the first coupler; a first rotation shaft provided on the case and coupled to the terminal gear; a screw crest formed on the first rotation shaft; and a screw root formed on the terminal gear and configured to guide a rotation direction of the terminal gear by being coupled to the screw crest.

The clothes dryer according to the aspect of the invention is provided with a lint removal apparatus that is easily separated using a coupler structure.

The clothes dryer according to an aspect of the disclosure is provided with a holder and a link member to separate a lint removal apparatus with simple operation.

The clothes dryer according to an aspect of the disclosure ensures a long time use with a coupling device of a driving device and a lint removing device using a coupler structure.

The embodiments set forth herein and illustrated in the configuration of the disclosure are only the most preferred embodiments, so it should be understood that they may be replaced with various modifications the scope of which is defined in the claims.

The terms including ordinal numbers like "first" and "second" may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. Descriptions shall be understood as to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items when the items are described by using the conjunctive term "~ and/or ~," or the like.

The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top", and "bottom" as herein used are defined with respect to the drawings, but the terms may not restrict the shape and position of the respective components.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal structure of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a clothes dryer <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure is described. The clothes dryer <NUM> is an air circulation type clothes dryer that may generate dry air while circulating air, and dry clothes with the generated dry air.

The clothes dryer <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> and an inlet <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the inlet <NUM> may be formed in an upper portion of a front side of the cabinet <NUM> such that clothes is inserted into or withdrawn from the inlet <NUM>.

The inlet <NUM> may have a horseshoe-shaped appearance. Specifically, an upper portion of the inlet <NUM> may be formed in a semicircular shape, and a lower end portion of the inlet <NUM> may be formed to extend in a horizontal direction.

A manipulator <NUM> including a touch panel may be installed at an upper side of the inlet <NUM>. A controller <NUM> may be provided behind the manipulator <NUM> inside the cabinet <NUM>. A door <NUM> may be coupled to the front side of the cabinet <NUM> through a hinge, and the inlet <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>.

A front wall <NUM> is integrally assembled inside the front surface of the case <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). As the front wall <NUM> is assembled, an annular concave portion 2a recessed in an annular shape, an outer flange portion 2b protruding from an inner edge of the annular concave portion 2a to partition the entrance <NUM>, a inner flange portion <NUM> protruding from an inner edge of the outer flange portion 2b toward the inside of the case <NUM>, and the like are formed at a front portion of the case <NUM>.

A door protrusion portion 6a to be fitted to the annular concave portion 2a, the outer flange portion 2b, and the inner flange portion <NUM> is provided on the entrance <NUM> side of the door <NUM>. An exhaust port <NUM> is provided at a lower end portion of the inner flange portion <NUM>.

A drum <NUM> for accommodating clothes is installed inside the cabinet <NUM>. An opening 30a for inserting and withdrawing clothes may be formed in the front of the drum <NUM>. The drum <NUM> may be arranged with the opening 30a oriented to the inlet <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a drum and a heat exchanger in the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating an arrangement of the drum and the heat exchanger in the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drum <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the drum may be supported by the cabinet <NUM> so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the front and rear direction.

Specifically, the central portion of the rear end of the drum <NUM> is coupled to the rear portion of the cabinet <NUM>, and the peripheral edge portion of the front end of the drum <NUM> is supported by a plurality of guide rollers <NUM> installed at the front portion of the cabinet <NUM>.

A ventilation port 30b having a circular shape and covered with a mesh filter may be formed at the rear end of the drum <NUM>.

A stirring plate 30c may be attached to an inner surface of the drum <NUM>. The stirring plate 30c may be formed integrally with the drum <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. During a drying operation, the drum <NUM> may be rotated by a driving motor (not shown).

The clothes dryer may include a heat exchanger <NUM>, a blowing apparatus <NUM>, a lint removal apparatus <NUM>, and a lint box <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM>, the blowing apparatus <NUM>, the lint removal apparatus <NUM>, and the lint box <NUM> may be disposed below the clothes dryer <NUM>. Accordingly, a sufficient installation space may be ensured, and a large-sized, high-performance clothes dryer may be manufactured. In addition, since the center of gravity is lowered, the clothes dryer <NUM> may be stably installed. In addition, since the components are located below the drum <NUM> that generates vibration during drying operation, vibration may be suppressed.

In addition, as will be described below, the air circulation path is enlarged and simplified, so that air resistance may be reduced to reduce pressure loss, and air flowing out of the drum <NUM> may be smoothly guided to the heat exchanger <NUM>.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is composed of an evaporator <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, a compressor <NUM>, and the like.

The evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> both have an outer appearance of a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the transverse width larger than the longitudinal width and are accommodated and arranged in the duct cover <NUM> side by side in the front-rear direction. That is, the heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the exhaust duct <NUM>.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed further downstream than the lint removal apparatus <NUM> along a direction (see the arrows in <FIG>) in which air flows inside the exhaust duct <NUM>.

According to the embodiment of the disclosure, the lint removal apparatus <NUM> may be assembled to a lint case <NUM> which will be described below, and may be disposed on the front side of the lower portion of the clothes dryer <NUM>. The lint removal apparatus <NUM> may be disposed in an exhaust duct <NUM> through which air from the drum <NUM> flows.

The blowing apparatus <NUM> may include a blowing motor <NUM>, a blowing fan <NUM>, and a fan cover <NUM>. The blowing apparatus <NUM> may be disposed downstream from the heat exchanger <NUM> in a direction in which air flows inside the exhaust duct <NUM>.

An outside air introduction fan <NUM> for introducing outside air into the cabinet <NUM> may be disposed in front of a compressor <NUM>. The outside air introduction fan <NUM> may be coupled to a front wall <NUM>.

The blowing fan <NUM> may include a centrifugal fan, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the blowing fan <NUM> may be covered by the fan cover <NUM>. The fan cover <NUM> may be provided with a suction port and a discharge port, and the suction port may be connected to a downstream side of the exhaust duct <NUM>.

The clothes dryer further includes a supply duct <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> may be installed along the inner surface of the rear wall of the cabinet <NUM>. The discharge port of the fan cover <NUM> may be connected to one end of the supply duct <NUM>.

A supply port <NUM> is formed at the other end of the supply duct <NUM>. The supply port is illustrated in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto and may include various shapes. The supply duct <NUM> may communicate with the rear portion of the drum <NUM> through the supply port <NUM> and the ventilation port 30b.

During drying operation, the blowing fan <NUM> is rotated by the drive of the blowing motor <NUM> to generate a flow of air that is directed from the exhaust port <NUM> to the supply port <NUM>. Accordingly, circulation of air passing through the drum <NUM> is formed (see an arrow in <FIG>). By the blower fan <NUM> and the heat exchanger <NUM>, humid air is discharged from the drum <NUM> through the opening 30a and the exhaust port <NUM>, and dry air is introduced into the drum <NUM> through the supply port <NUM> and the ventilation port 30b.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a front wall of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a rear surface of the front wall of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front wall <NUM> may be included in the cabinet <NUM>, and may be coupled to the front inner side of the cabinet <NUM>.

The front wall <NUM> includes a support frame <NUM> attached to the front inner side of the cabinet <NUM>, and the outside air introduction fan <NUM> and the exhaust port <NUM> may be installed on the support frame <NUM>. The guide roller <NUM> may be installed on the inner surface of the support frame <NUM>.

The inner flange portion <NUM> may be formed by the support frame <NUM>, and a connection duct <NUM> may be formed at a lower side of the inner flange portion <NUM>. The exhaust port <NUM> may be provided at a lower end portion of the inner flange part <NUM>.

The connection duct <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction from the exhaust port <NUM> toward the lower side, and may connect the exhaust port <NUM> to the exhaust duct <NUM>. The connection duct <NUM> may be provided to have a vertical width greater than a horizontal width while extending in the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the connection duct <NUM> may communicate with the exhaust duct <NUM>.

The connection duct <NUM> may be provided at a lower side thereof with an accommodation space <NUM> including a part of the exhaust duct <NUM> and elongated in the horizontal direction. The lint removal apparatus <NUM> and the lint case <NUM> to be described below may be mounted in the accommodation space <NUM>.

The accommodation space <NUM> is provided at an inside thereof with an opening having a rectangular shape elongated in the horizontal direction. The opening may be integrally connected to an air inlet <NUM> provided on the front side of the exhaust duct <NUM>.

The lint box <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the accommodation space <NUM>. The outside air introduction fan <NUM> may be disposed at an upper side of the lint box <NUM>.

A plurality of ribs <NUM> extending in a front-rear direction is formed on a bottom surface of a portion where the lint case <NUM> is disposed inside the case <NUM>, that is, on the bottom surface 2c of the case <NUM> constituting the accommodation space <NUM>. The lint case <NUM> may be fitted into the accommodation space <NUM>.

An inner side of the upper portion of the connection duct <NUM> may be connected to the exhaust port <NUM>. An upper portion 20a of the exhaust port <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape elongated in a horizontal direction. An inner portion 20b of the exhaust port <NUM> may be formed in an inverted arch shape.

The center in the horizontal direction of the exhaust port <NUM> may be located below the center of the drum <NUM>. Therefore, air may evenly and stably discharged without being affected by the rotation of the drum <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the door <NUM> is closed, the upper portion 20a of the exhaust port <NUM> may be provided to be disposed vertically opposite to a door protruding portion 6a of the door <NUM> with a gap therebetween. The exhaust port <NUM> may communicate with the front portion of the drum <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed.

During the drying operation, air in the drum <NUM> may be mainly guided to the connection duct <NUM> through the inner portion 20b of the exhaust port <NUM> to flow downward.

As shown in <FIG>, the exhaust duct <NUM> may extend in a direction (left and right directions) crossing the vertical direction in which the connection duct <NUM> extends. The exhaust duct <NUM> communicates with the lower end portion of the connection duct <NUM> while extending rearward.

Further, the exhaust duct <NUM> may form an L-shaped flow path when viewed from the left and right sides.

The accommodation space <NUM> may be disposed at a portion where the exhaust duct <NUM> and the connection duct <NUM> communicate with each other. In the following description, the portion in which the exhaust duct <NUM> and the connection duct <NUM> communicate with each other may be defined as the accommodation space <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a lint removal apparatus in the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the lint removing device shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lint removal apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for removing lint in the air flowing out of the exhaust port <NUM>.

The lint removal apparatus <NUM> includes a frame member <NUM>, a rotation member <NUM>, and a lint filter <NUM>.

The rotation member <NUM> may include a rotation shaft <NUM> and a fin <NUM> provided on the rotation shaft <NUM> and having spiral shape. The fin <NUM> may include a plurality of fins <NUM> disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>, and the plurality of fins <NUM> may be designed to have the same outer diameters. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Some of the above components may be omitted.

The rotation member <NUM> is coupled at one end thereof to a driving device including a motor 143a to generate power for rotating the rotation member <NUM>.

The frame member <NUM> may include a lint processing part <NUM> and a lint lead-out part <NUM>. Some of the above components may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the lint processing part <NUM> includes a main body 112a including a rectangular frame, and a plurality of gratings <NUM> extending in an inclined form while intersecting the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM> of the rotation member <NUM>. In this case, the rotation shaft <NUM> may be referred to as a second rotation shaft <NUM>. A first rotation shaft <NUM> will be described below.

An air introduction port 112c is formed between the frame body 112a and the grating 112b and between the gratings 112b adjacent to each other, and air passing through the connection duct <NUM> is introduced into the lint filter <NUM> from the air introduction port 112c.

The grating 112b may include a lower surface facing the lint filter <NUM>, and the lower surface of the grating 112b may include a curved surface concave upward. The shape of the curved surface may correspond to a part of a rotation trajectory of the rotation member <NUM>.

The lint processing part <NUM> is provided with two protrusions 112d protruding forward and rearward from the front end and the rear end of the frame body 112a, respectively. The protrusions 112d may support the lint filter <NUM>. In addition, the protrusions 112d may support the lint removal apparatus <NUM> while the lint removal apparatus <NUM> is coupled to the lint case <NUM>.

The lint filter <NUM> may have a U-shaped cross section and may be formed to be elongated in the horizontal direction in the lint processing part <NUM>. In addition, the lint filter <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the lint processing part <NUM>. Some of the above components may be omitted.

The lint filter <NUM> includes a mesh filter <NUM> having a sheet shape and including a hole through which lint does not pass, and a filter frame <NUM> elongated in a horizontal direction with a U-shaped cross-section while supporting the mesh filter <NUM>.

The lint filter <NUM> may be provided at an inside thereof with a collecting surface 130a having an arc-shaped cross-section. The collecting surface 130a may be disposed to face the upstream side of the air flow path.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner diameter of the collecting surface 130a may be provided larger than the outer diameter of the fin <NUM> of the rotation member <NUM>, and a rubber plate 122a configured to come in contact with the collecting surface 130a may be attached to the outer side of the fin <NUM>.

The lint filter <NUM> may be detachably provided on the frame member <NUM>.

The filter frame <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material, and may include protrusions 132a formed at opposite side upper ends thereof. A locking portion 112e having a shape corresponding to the protrusion 132a may be formed in the protrusion 112d of the lint processing part <NUM>.

When the filter frame <NUM> is pushed to cover the rotation member <NUM> from the lower side of the frame member <NUM>, the filter frame <NUM> is elastically deformed, so that each protrusion 132a is caught with a corresponding one of the locking portions 112e. Accordingly, the lint filter <NUM> is caused to be mounted on the lint processing part <NUM>.

The lint removal apparatus <NUM> may be set to operate for a certain time after the operation of the clothes dryer <NUM> ends or before the operation starts, for example, when the blowing apparatus <NUM> or the heat exchanger <NUM> is not operated.

Lint in the air circulating during the drying operation is captured by the lint filter <NUM> and accumulated on the collecting surface 130a. The lint filter <NUM> may be designed in a size and shape that does not cause clogging by the amount of lint generated in at least one time of drying operation.

After the drying operation is finished, a film-shaped lint lump may be generated by the lint remaining on the collecting surface 130a. As the rotation member <NUM> rotates, the lint film may be scraped off from the lint filter <NUM> by the rotation member <NUM> and pushed out to one side of the lint filter <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a gap may be set to exist between the fin <NUM> and the collection surface 130a without the rubber plate 122a attached to the fin <NUM> as long as the lint film can be scraped off. In this case, a protrusion configured to be caught with the lint film while in contact with the collecting surface 130a may be provided on a portion of the tip of the fin <NUM>.

The lint removal apparatus <NUM> may not operate during the drying operation. Since the lint removal apparatus <NUM> may collectively remove lint before or after the drying operation, lint may be removed in a short time. Therefore, complicated control and high-function devices are not required, and relevant costs may be reduced.

The lint lead-out part <NUM> may be located adjacent to one side of the lint processing part <NUM>. The lint lead-out part <NUM> may guide the lint film pushed out from the lint filter <NUM> to the lint box <NUM>.

The lint lead-out part <NUM> may be provided in a tapered shape in which a cross-sectional area thereof decreases as being directed toward the lint box <NUM> in the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>. The lint lead-out part <NUM> may include a protrusion 113a protruding downward from the lower surface thereof. As will be described below, the protrusion 113a may support the lint removal apparatus <NUM> while the lint removal apparatus <NUM> is attached to the lint case <NUM>.

The lint box <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the lint lead-out part <NUM> and store a lint film scraped from the collecting surface 130a.

Since the lint box <NUM> is disposed adjacent to one side end of the lint filter <NUM>, the lint film may be easily transferred to the lint box <NUM> without installing a complicated transfer mechanism.

The lint box <NUM> may include an accommodating portion <NUM> for accommodating a lint film, and a box front <NUM> installed to cover the front side of the accommodating portion <NUM> and attached to the cabinet <NUM>.

The accommodating portion <NUM> of the lint box <NUM> may communicate with the lint lead-out portion <NUM> through a lint conveying port 70a formed in an upper right portion of the accommodation space <NUM> and a lint accommodating port 71a formed in an upper left portion of the accommodating portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the lint film scraped off from the lint filter <NUM> may be transferred into the accommodating portion <NUM> of the lint box <NUM>.

The lint box <NUM> of the clothes dryer <NUM> may be formed separatedly from the lint case <NUM> and may be detachably installed on the lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the lint removal apparatus <NUM> may include a driving device <NUM> and a coupling device <NUM> disposed on the right side of the lint removing apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, gripping portions <NUM> are provided on left and right sides of the box front <NUM> of the lint box <NUM>. The lint box <NUM> may be separated from the cabinet <NUM> by pulling the gripping portion <NUM> forward.

In addition, the box front <NUM> may be provided to be partly transparent, and allow the amount of lint accumulated in the lint box <NUM> to be checked without separating the lint box <NUM> from the cabinet <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the box front <NUM> of the lint box <NUM> may not have a transparent portion.

The clothes dryer may include a front cover <NUM> provided in front of the lint case <NUM> to open the lint case <NUM>. That is, the lint case <NUM> may be accommodated at an inside of the front cover <NUM>.

The lint case <NUM> may be provided at an inside thereof with a handle <NUM> provided to withdraw the lint removal apparatus when the front cover <NUM> is opened.

The lint case <NUM> is provided with a support portion <NUM> for supporting the lint removal apparatus <NUM> in a state in which the lint removal apparatus <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation space <NUM>.

A support protrusion 68a extending toward the center of the support portion <NUM> is formed on the support portion <NUM>, and the protrusion 113a of the lint lead-out part <NUM> of the lint removal apparatus <NUM> is coupled to an upper end of the support protrusion 68a.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a view illustrating the coupling device separated from the driving device in the clothes dryer according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional illustrating showing the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the clothes dryer may further include a link member <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> may be connected to the link member <NUM> that is rotated through opening of the front cover <NUM>. The link member <NUM> may be connected to a holder <NUM> of the coupling device <NUM> to be described below, and the holder <NUM> may be provided to rotate together with the link member <NUM> to separate a first coupler <NUM> and a second coupler <NUM> of the coupling device <NUM> from each other.

When the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are separated from each other, the lint removal apparatus <NUM> may be removed from the clothes dryer <NUM> using the handle <NUM> described above. Such a configuration may facilitate cleaning of the lint removal apparatus <NUM> and replacement of the lint filter <NUM>.

The lint removal apparatus <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, the driving device <NUM>, and the coupling device <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> may include a plurality of gears <NUM>, and include the motor 143a connected to the plurality of gears <NUM>. The motor 143a may operate to produce power.

Power produced through the plurality of gears <NUM> connected to the motor 143a may be transmitted to the rotation member <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotation member <NUM> may scrape off the lint film accumulated in the lint filter <NUM> to deliver the lint film to the lint box <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may be formed to surround the driving device <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include a first case 181a formed to surround the plurality of gears <NUM> and a second case 181b formed to surround a terminal gear <NUM> to be described below.

The first case 181a may include the first rotation shaft <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> to be described below may be coupled to the first rotation shaft <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> may include the terminal gear <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may transmit power to the coupling device <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may be elastically biased by an elastic member <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of gears <NUM> to receive power from the motor 143a. The terminal gear <NUM> may have a protrusion 141a extending in the axial direction. The protrusion 141a may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the first coupler <NUM> so as to be coupled to the first coupler <NUM>. That is, the protrusion 141a may include a flange (not shown) radially protruding therefrom. Power transmitted from the motor 143a may be connected to the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> to operate the rotation member <NUM>.

The coupling device <NUM> includes the first coupler <NUM>, the second coupler <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM>, and the holder <NUM>.

The first coupler <NUM> may be coupled to the protrusion 141a of the terminal gear <NUM> to transmit power to the second coupler <NUM>. In the drawings, the first coupler <NUM> and the terminal gear <NUM> are illustrated as separate components, but are not limited thereto and may be integrally formed with each other. The first coupler <NUM> may be formed with a hole (not shown) to correspond to the flange protruding from the terminal gear <NUM>. That is, the flange may be coupled to the hole of the first coupler <NUM>.

The second coupler <NUM> is arranged to be coupled to the first coupler <NUM>. The second coupler <NUM> has a shape corresponding in shape to the first coupler <NUM> so as to be coupled to the first coupler <NUM>. The second coupler <NUM> is coupled to the second rotation shaft <NUM> to transmit power to the rotation member <NUM>.

According to the concept of the invention, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are used in coupling and separation the lint removal apparatus <NUM>, so that gears may be prevented from being broken due to using the gears when transmitting power, and long-term use of the lint removal apparatus <NUM> may be ensured.

The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the first coupler <NUM> and the terminal gear <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a spring. The use of the elastic member <NUM> may increase the coupling stability of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are recoupled to each other, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be recoupled with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>.

When the front cover <NUM> is opened, the link member <NUM> and the holder <NUM> rotate, so that the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from other. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may receive a compressive force exerting toward the terminal gear <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM>, upon receiving the compressive force, may be compressed until the front cover <NUM> is completely opened. Therefore, the more the front cover <NUM> is opened, the more force is used to open the front cover <NUM>.

Since the front cover <NUM>, the link member <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> operate in connection with each other, a user may allow the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> to be coupled to or separated from each other in a single operation by opening or closing the front cover <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may be formed to have a shape corresponding to that of the frame member <NUM>. That is, the holder <NUM> may be formed to have a holder inclined surface 154d. With such a shape, the holder <NUM> may be prevented from being separated, and the holder <NUM> may be rotated while sliding along the holder inclined surface 154d through rotation of the front cover <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may include a holder body 154a and a holder arm 154b. The holder body 154a may be formed in a circular shape. The holder arm 154b may be formed to protrude in the radial direction of the holder body 154a. The holder body 154a and the holder arm 154b may be integrally formed with each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The holder <NUM> may be connected to the link member <NUM> to rotate according to the opening and closing of the front cover <NUM>. As the front cover <NUM> is opened, the holder <NUM> may be rotated in direction A and moved in direction B. In addition, as the holder <NUM> rotates, the degree of compression of the elastic member <NUM> may be changed. With the front cover <NUM> closed, the holder arm 154b may be disposed to face the upper side.

When the front cover <NUM> is opened, the holder <NUM> may rotate in direction A. In this case, the holder arm 154b may be disposed to face the front side.

Since the holder <NUM> rotates in direction A while moving in direction B, an insertion hole 154c coupled to a second fastening portion <NUM> may approach a third portion 170c of the link member <NUM> through the second fastening portion <NUM>. That is, when the front cover <NUM> is open, the third portion 170c of the link member <NUM> and the insertion hole 154c may be disposed closest to each other.

The holder arm 154b may include the insertion hole 154c. The insertion hole 154c may be provided such that the link member <NUM> is coupled to the end of the holder arm 154b.

The link member <NUM> may include a first portion 170a, a second portion 170b, and a third portion 170c. One end of the first portion 170a may include a first fastening portion <NUM> to be connected to the front cover <NUM>. That is, the first portion 170a may be disposed adjacent to the front cover <NUM>. The second portion 170b may be disposed between the first portion 170a and the third portion 170c to connect the first portion 170a to the third portion 170c. A connection portion between the first portion 170a and the second portion 170b may be connected in a bent shape. In addition, a connection portion between the second portion 170b and the third portion 170c may be connected in a bent shape. One end of the third portion 170c may include the second fastening portion <NUM> to be connected to the holder arm 154b. That is, the third portion 170c may be disposed adjacent to the holder <NUM>. The insertion hole 154c provided in the holder arm 154b may be coupled to the second fastening portion <NUM> through press-fitting. The holder arm 154b and the second fastening portion <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the holder arm 154b and the second fastening portion <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other.

The front cover <NUM> may be coupled to the lint case <NUM> through a hinge portion <NUM> provided on one side thereof.

The case <NUM> may include a stopper <NUM>. That is, the stopper <NUM> may be provided at one side of the second case 181b to limit the rotation angle and distance of the holder <NUM>. When the front cover <NUM> is closed, rotation of the holder arm 154b in direction A may be limited by a first portion 184a of the stopper <NUM>. On the other hand, when the front cover <NUM> is opened, rotation of the holder arm 154b in direction A may be limited by a second portion 184b of the stopper <NUM>.

Due to the stopper <NUM>, the holder <NUM> may not be excessively rotated, and the opening and closing of the front cover <NUM> and the coupling and separation of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be effectively performed.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a view illustrating the coupling device separated from the driving device in the clothes dryer according to the another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may include coupling surfaces 151b and 152b and inclined surfaces 151c and 152c. That is, the first coupler <NUM> may include a first coupling surface 151b and a first inclined surface 151c, and the second coupler <NUM> may include a second coupling surface 152b and a second inclined surface 152c. The driving device <NUM> may include a driving motor 143b capable of rotating in both directions.

The use of the driving motor 143b capable of rotating in both directions may allow the coupling device <NUM> to be separated without a user directly separating the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM> from each other. The clothes dryer may further include a controller (not shown) to control the rotation direction of the driving motor 143b capable of rotating in both directions.

The first coupling surface 151b and the second coupling surface 152c may be engaged with each other so as to transmit power when the driving motor 143b rotates in the forward direction. In addition, the first inclined surface 151c and the second inclined surface 152c have an inclined shape such that the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are separated from each other while sliding when the driving motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction. The length of the outer circumferential surface of the inclined surface 151c and 152c may be longer than the length of the inner circumferential surface of the inclined surface 152c. In addition, the slope on the inner circumferential surface may be formed steeper than the slope on the outer circumferential surface. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the inclined surfaces may be formed in various shapes.

Since the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> each include the coupling surfaces 151b and 152b and the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c, power may be effectively transmitted with the coupling surfaces 151b and 152b engaged with each other during the forward rotation, and the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be easily separated from each other through the inclined surface 151c and 152c during the reverse rotation.

When the driving motor 143b capable of both direction rotations rotate in the forward direction, the rotation member <NUM> may rotate to scrape the lint film accumulated in the lint filter <NUM>. On the other hand, when the driving motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other while each sliding on an opposite one of the inclined surface 151c and 152c.

Since the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> have the inclined surfaces 151c and 152c, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other by a relatively small driving force of the driving motor 143b.

The first case 181a may include the first rotation shaft <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may be coupled to the first rotation shaft <NUM>.

The first rotation shaft <NUM> may include a screw crest 182a. The terminal gear <NUM> may include a screw root 141b corresponding to the screw crest 182a. With such configuration, the terminal gear <NUM> and the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be effectively coupled to each other, and during rotation in direction A by the driving motor 143b, the terminal gear <NUM> may move in direction B along a portion in which the screw root 141b of the terminal gear <NUM> is coupled to the screw crest 182a of the first rotation shaft <NUM> is coupled. That is, due to the screw crest 182a and the screw root 141b, the terminal gear <NUM> may be easily rotated and move in direction B according to the coupling and separation of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> without path deviation.

The terminal gear <NUM> may be elastically biased by an elastic member <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of gears <NUM> to receive power from the motor. The terminal gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first coupler <NUM>. That is, power transmitted from the motor to the terminal gear <NUM> may be transmitted to the second coupler <NUM> to operate the rotation member <NUM>. The driving device <NUM> includes the terminal gear <NUM>, and the coupling device <NUM> includes the first coupler <NUM>, but when the terminal gear <NUM> and the first coupler <NUM> are integrally formed with each other, the terminal gear <NUM> and the first coupler <NUM> may be included in the driving device <NUM> and the coupling device <NUM> at the same time.

The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the first case 181a and the terminal gear <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a spring. When the driving motor 143b rotates in the forward direction and then the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are coupled to each other, the elastic member <NUM> may be in an uncompressed state. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the elastic member <NUM> may be provided on the second rotation shaft <NUM> and disposed between the second coupler <NUM> and the fin <NUM>.

When the driving motor 143b rotates in the reverse direction and the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are separated from each other, the elastic member <NUM> may receive a compressive force from the terminal gear <NUM> exerting toward the first case 181a. The elastic member <NUM>, upon receiving the compressive force, may be compressed until the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> slide through the inclined surface 151c and 152c to be completely separated. Accordingly, more and more force of the driving motor 143b may be used until the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are completely separated. The use of the elastic member <NUM> may increase the coupling stability of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are recoupled to each other, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be recoupled with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a view illustrating the coupling device separated from the driving device in the clothes dryer according to the still another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the clothes dryer according to the embodiment may include the holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may include a holder body 154a, a holder bar 154e, and a holder neck 154d. The holder body 154a, the holder bar 154e, and the holder neck 154d may be integrally formed with each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The holder bar 154e may serve as a handle that may be easily pressed and pushed by a user when coupling or separating the first coupler <NUM> to or from the second coupler <NUM>. The holder neck 154d is disposed to connect the holder body 154a to the holder bar 154e. The holder body 154a, the holder neck 154d, and the holder bar 154e may be integrally formed with each other, but are not limited thereto and may be formed as separate components.

By pressing the holder bar 154e in direction A, the holder <NUM> may be rotated along a first guider <NUM> so that the holder <NUM> may move in direction B while rotating in direction A. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed. As the holder <NUM> moves in direction B, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other.

The holder <NUM> may be provided to surround the first coupler <NUM> at an outside of the first coupler <NUM>.

The second case 181b may include the first guider <NUM> configured to allow the rotational motion (motion in direction A) of the holder <NUM> to be converted into a linear motion of the holder <NUM> (motion in direction B), and formed in an inclined shape to prevent the holder <NUM> from being separated.

Due to the functions of the holder <NUM> and the first guider <NUM> described above, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be easily coupled to and separated from each other.

The first guider <NUM> may be provided at an upper portion thereof with a guider groove 183a. When the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are coupled to each other, the holder <NUM> may be separated through the guider groove 183a.

The driving device <NUM> may include a terminal gear <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> may transmit power to the coupling device <NUM>. The terminal gear <NUM> according to the embodiment may not move, irrespective of the coupling and separation. The terminal gear <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of gears <NUM> to receive power from the motor 143a. The terminal gear <NUM> may have a protrusion 141a extending in the axial direction. The protrusion 141a may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the first coupler <NUM> so as to be coupled to the first coupler <NUM>. That is, the protrusion 141a may include a plurality of flanges 141b radially protruding from the protrusion 141a. The flange 141c may extend along the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 141a. In the drawing, the number of flanges 141c is not limited as shown in the drawings. Power transmitted from the motor 143a may be connected to the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> to operate the rotation member <NUM>.

Although not shown, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may each include coupling surfaces and inclined surfaces.

The terminal gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first coupler <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the first case 181a and the terminal gear <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a spring. As the first coupler <NUM> and the terminal gear <NUM> move in direction B, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed.

The use of the elastic member <NUM> may increase the coupling stability of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. In addition, since compression occurs during separation, when the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are recoupled to each other, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be recoupled with a small force due to the restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling device coupled to a driving device in a clothes dryer according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device coupled to each other in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the driving device and the coupling device separated from each other in the clothes dryer shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the frame member <NUM> may include a second guider <NUM> having a screw crest shape.

The holder <NUM> may be coupled to the frame member <NUM>. The second guider <NUM> may guide the rotation direction when the holder <NUM> is coupled to the filter frame <NUM>.

When a user rotates the holder arm 154b in direction A, the holder <NUM> may move in direction C along the second guider <NUM> formed on the filter frame <NUM>. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed. As the holder <NUM> moves in direction C, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other. That is, the A-direction rotational motion is converted into the C-direction linear motion to separate the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may provide a user with convenience of use when coupling or separating the first coupler <NUM> to or from the second coupler <NUM>, and due to the second guider <NUM> formed on the frame member <NUM>, the holder <NUM> may be stably coupled or separated without path deviation.

The terminal gear <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of gears <NUM> to receive power from the motor 143a. The terminal gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first coupler <NUM>. That is, the power transmitted from the motor 143a to the terminal gear <NUM> may be transmitted to the second coupler <NUM> to operate the rotation member <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may include the holder body 154a and the holder arm 154b. The holder body 154a may be formed in a circular shape. The holder arm 154b may be formed to radially protrude from the holder body 154a. The holder body 154a and the holder arm 154b may be integrally formed with each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the second coupler <NUM> and the rotation member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a spring.

In a state in which the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are coupled, the elastic member <NUM> may be in an uncompressed state. On the other hand, when the holder <NUM> rotates to separate the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may receive a compressive force exerting toward the rotation member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> upon receiving the compression force may be compressed until the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are completely separated from each other. Therefore, more and more force may be used until the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are separated from each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the coupling device <NUM> may include a lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> may be coupled to an outside of the second coupler <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may include a lever body 155a and a push bar 155b. A length from the lever body 155a to the push bar 155b is longer than a length from the push bar 155b to the lever body 155a. One end of the push bar 155b may be formed and bent. The lever body 155a and the push bar 155b are illustrated in a quadrangular shape, but are not limited thereto and may include various shapes. The lever body 155a and the push bar 155b may be integrally formed with each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

When a user presses the push bar 155b in direction C, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed.

The user may easily separate the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM> using the lever <NUM>.

In the drawing, the lever <NUM> is illustrated as being coupled to the outside of the second coupler <NUM>, but is not limited thereto, and may be coupled to the outside of the first coupler <NUM>. When the lever <NUM> is coupled to the outside of the first coupler <NUM>, the user may easily separate the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM> by pressing the push bar 155b in a direction opposite to direction C.

In a state in which the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are coupled to each other, the elastic member <NUM> may be in an uncompressed state. On the other hand, when a user presses the lever <NUM> to separate the first coupler <NUM> from the second coupler <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may receive a compressive force exerting toward the rotation member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> upon receiving the compression force may be compressed until the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> are completely separated from each other.

The lever <NUM> is pressed toward the second coupler <NUM> so that the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> may be separated from each other. The lever <NUM> may be disposed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by being pressed.

Claim 1:
A clothes dryer comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>);
a drum (<NUM>) rotatably supported in the cabinet (<NUM>);
a supply port (<NUM>) configured to guide air into the drum (<NUM>);
an exhaust port (<NUM>) configured to guide the air in the drum (<NUM>) to an outside of the drum (<NUM>); and
a lint removing apparatus (<NUM>) configured to remove lint from the air passing through the exhaust port (<NUM>),
wherein the lint removing apparatus (<NUM>) includes:
a lint filter (<NUM>) configured to capture lint;
a rotation member (<NUM>) rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint captured in the lint filter (<NUM>);
a driving device (<NUM>) configured to generate power;
a first coupler (<NUM>) connected to the driving device (<NUM>) to receive the power from the driving device (<NUM>); and
a second coupler (<NUM>) having a shape corresponding in shape to the first coupler (<NUM>) is coupled to the first coupler (<NUM>) to transmit the power to the rotation member (<NUM>) characterized in that
the second coupler (<NUM>) is arranged to couple with the first coupler (<NUM>) along a direction in which the rotation member (<NUM>) extends.