EP4438796A1

EP4438796A1 - Clothes processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4438796A1
Application number: EP22901676.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hyungha KANG; Wansik NAM; Taejun YOON; Jongsung Kim
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2021-11-30
Filing date: 2022-11-24
Publication date: 2024-10-02
Also published as: WO2023101318A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet that forms the exterior; an inner case that forms a clothes processing space for accommodating clothes; a machine room located under the inner case, inside the cabinet; an evaporator and a condenser, which are provided inside the machine room; a heat supply unit that includes a compressor for supplying a compressed refrigerant to the condenser; and a circulation duct that accommodates the evaporator and the condenser and provides a passage through which air in the clothes processing space circulates, wherein the circulation duct comprises: a circulation duct bottom surface that forms a bottom surface of the passage through which the air in the clothes processing space circulates; and a water storage part in which one side of circulation duct bottom surface is recessed and water condensed in the evaporator is collected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, and more particularly to a laundry treatment apparatus capable of supplying hot air or moisture to laundry to perform deodorizing, drying and removal of wrinkles of the laundry.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a laundry treatment apparatus conceptually includes a washing machine configured to wet laundry with water and then to remove foreign matter from the wet laundry through chemical action of detergent and physical action such as rotation of a drum, and a dryer configured to dry the wet laundry using hot air and steam.
Recently, a laundry manager, which is designed to deodorize dried laundry in the state of not being wet with water or to remove moisture or wrinkles from the laundry, has been developed. This kind of laundry manager is able to perform a refresh procedure of deodorizing, drying or sterilizing laundry by supplying steam or hot air in the state in which the laundry is supported.
In a typical laundry treatment apparatus, it is possible to use a heat pump or a heater in order to dry laundry. A laundry treatment apparatus, which uses a heat pump, is designed to dehumidify moisturized air using an evaporator and a condenser and then to heat the air, thereby supplying high temperature dry air to laundry. Because a heat pump is able to create high temperature heat using a smaller amount of energy than a heater, it is excellent in energy efficiency's point of view.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional laundry treatment apparatus.
Referring to Korean unexamined patent publication No. 10-2016-0075157 , a conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 includes a casing 10 defining the appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus 1, and a door 20 which is rotatably provided at the casing 10 to open and close the opening formed in the front surface of the casing 10.
A treatment compartment 11 is formed in the casing 10 in order to treat laundry, and the lower portion of the treatment compartment 11 is provided with a machine compartment 12 in which devices configured to supply hot air or steam which are used to treat laundry are mounted.
Furthermore, the treatment compartment 11 may be provided with a hanger 30 by which laundry is supported. Laundry may be coupled to the hanger 30 in the state of being hung on a clothes hanger. Accordingly, the laundry may be treated in the treatment compartment 11 in a spread state.
A water supply container 41, which stores therein water for creation of steam which is used in treatment of laundry, may be mounted on the front surface of the machine compartment 12. Furthermore, a water drainage container 42, which stores therein condensed water which is generated during treatment of laundry, may be mounted on the front surface of the machine compartment 12.
Furthermore, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 may include a treatment compartment lower panel 50 which forms the lower surface of the treatment compartment 11. Through holes, which are in communication with the machine compartment 12 and the treatment compartment 11, may be formed through the treatment compartment lower panel 50.
The through holes may include a steam discharge hole 52 configured to supply steam created in the machine compartment 12 to the treatment compartment 11. Furthermore, the through holes may include a blowing hole 51 configured to move the air in the treatment compartment 11 to the machine compartment 12 or to move the air in the machine compartment 12 to the treatment compartment 11.
FIG. 2 illustrates a machine compartment of a conventional laundry treatment apparatus. Particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which components disposed in the machine compartment are assembled and a state in which the components are disassembled.
Referring to FIG. 2, components configured to create hot air or steam to be supplied to the treatment compartment 11 may be disposed in the machine compartment 12. The machine compartment 12 may be provided therein with a base 70 which forms the bottom surface of the machine compartment 12. Other components may be mounted on the base 70.
The inside of the machine compartment 12 may be provided with an air supply duct 65 into which the air in the treatment compartment 11 is introduced. The air supply duct 65 may be connected to a blower 64. The blower 64 may include a fan motor configured to generate an airflow. Furthermore, the blower 64 may be in communication with the air supply duct 65 so as to generate an airflow.
A heat pump module 61, which is configured to exchange heat with air, may be provided downstream of the blower 64. The heat pump module 61 may include an evaporator and a condenser. Consequently, the air, which is introduced into the heat pump module 61 by the blower 64, may be cooled in the evaporator and then be heated in the condenser.
A support 67 configured to support components may be mounted on the base 70. The support 67 may include a plurality of supports in order to more firmly support the components.
A controller 62 configured to control the components of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 may be mounted on the support 67. Furthermore, the support 67 67 may support a steam generation module 63 configured to create steam to be supplied to the treatment compartment 11.
In other words, the steam generation module 63 and the controller 62 may be supported by the support 67 which is separately mounted on the base 70.
Furthermore, a compressor 66 configured to compress refrigerant to be supplied to the heat pump module 61 may be mounted on the machine compartment 12. The compressor 66 may be connected to the heat pump module 61 so as to supply the compressed refrigerant to the heat pump module 61.
In summary, the air supply duct 65, the blower 64, and the heat pump module 61 may be connected to one another in that order so as to a flow channel along which the air in the treatment compartment 11 is circulated. Other components may be mounted outside the flow channel along which the air is circulated. The other components may be mounted in the machine compartment 12 via the support 67 separately mounted on the base 70, rather than being directly coupled to the base 70.
In other words, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 may be constructed such that various components configured to treat laundry as separate components are disposed in the machine compartment 12. Specifically, the various components are mounted on the base 70, which forms the bottom surface of the machine compartment 12, so as to form a flow channel along which air is circulated. In addition, in order to mount the controller 62 and the steam generation module 63, the additional support 67 must be mounted on the base 70.
Accordingly, because it is difficult to directly mount the components on the base 70, an assembly process become complicated. Furthermore, because the components are separate from each other, there is a problem in that structural stability is deteriorated.
Furthermore, because the compressor 66 applied to the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 is shaped such that the width thereof is greater than the height thereof, the compressor 66 occupies a large area on the base.
In addition, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 cannot ensure a space configured to separately store condensed water, in the heat pump module 61.
Furthermore, because the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 is constructed such that the blower 64 is disposed in the front of the machine compartment 12, there is a problem in which efficiency of airflow is deteriorated.
In addition, because the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 is constructed such that the flow channel along which air is circulated is constituted by a plurality of components, such as the air supply duct 65, the blower 64 and the heat pump module 61, there is the possibility of air leakage being generated.
Furthermore, because the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 has the possibility of flow loss being generated while the air introduced from the treatment compartment 1 moves downwards and then moves upwards through the blower 64.
In addition, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 is constructed such that the base 70 is made of a thin structure such as steel plate, there is a limit to reduction in vibration caused by the compressor 66.
Furthermore, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 is constructed such that the controller 62 is supported by the additional support 67 coupled to the base 70. Accordingly, the assembly process thereof becomes complicated, and there is a limit to ensuring structural stability in assembly.
In other words, because the conventional treatment apparatus 1 is constructed such that the components constituting the machine compartment are individualized, there are problems in which the number of assembly processes increases and the possibility of leakage of air or water being generated.

DISCLOSURE

TECHNICAL TASK

The object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of ensuring structural stability of the interior of a machine compartment by integrally forming a base, which provides the machine compartment with a space in which various components are mounted, and a circulation duct configured to define a flow channel in which air is circulated.
The object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying an assembly process of a machine compartment by integrally forming a base, which provides the machine compartment with a space in which various components are mounted, and a circulation duct configured to define a flow channel in which air is circulated.
The object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing the entire volume of the laundry treatment apparatus or ensuring a space configured to treat laundry by densely disposing components in a machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus.
The object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing manufacturing cost and production cost by simplifying a process of assembling various components in a machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus.

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

In order to solve the above problems, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet defining an appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus, an inner case provided in the cabinet, the inner case defining a laundry treatment space configured to receive laundry therein and having an opening through which the laundry is introduced and taken out, a machine compartment positioned at a lower portion of the inner case in the cabinet, a heat supply including an evaporator, which is provided in the machine compartment so as to remove moisture from air introduced from the laundry treatment space, a condenser configured to heat the air introduced from the laundry treatment space, and a compressor configured to supply compressed refrigerant to the condenser, a circulation duct provided in the machine compartment, the circulation duct receiving the condenser therein and defining a flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated, and a base provided in the machine compartment so as to support a lower portion of the circulation duct, wherein the circulation duct includes a circulation duct bottom surface defining a bottom surface of the flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated, and a sump, which is formed by depressing one side of the circulation duct bottom surface so as to collect therein water condensed in the evaporator.
The base and the circulation duct may be formed integrally each other.
The sump may be disposed so as to overlap the evaporator or the condenser in a height direction of the cabinet.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a controller disposed at the machine compartment to control the compressor, wherein the base may include a controller installation portion which is disposed at a lower portion of the circulation duct bottom surface and provides a space in which the controller is mounted, and the sump may be disposed so as to overlap the controller installation portion in a width direction of the base.
The base may include a compressor installation portion which provides a space in which the compressor is mounted, and the sump may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor installation portion in a forward/backward direction.
A with of the sump may be lass than a width of the compressor installation portion.
The circulation duct may include a duct body which extends toward the inner case from the base and receives the evaporator and the condenser, the duct body defining the flow channel, and an installation partition wall which projects from an inner lateral surface of the duct body and is disposed in front of the evaporator, wherein a portion of the installation partition wall is positioned at the sump.
The sump may include a sump bottom surface which is spaced downwards apart from the circulation duct bottom surface and forms a bottom surface on which the condensed water is stored, and the sump bottom surface may be sloped downwards in a direction in which the installation partition wall projects from the inner lateral surface of the duct body.
The sump may include a drainpipe which extends through one side of the circulation duct to allow the sump to communicate with an outside of the circulation duct, the installation partition wall may be disposed at one side of the sump in a width direction, and the drainpipe may be disposed at another side of the sump in the width direction.
The sump may include a drainpipe which extends through one side of the circulation duct to guide the condensed water stored in the sump to an outside of the circulation duct.
The sump may include a sump bottom surface which is spaced downwards apart from the circulation duct bottom surface and forms a bottom surface on which the condensed water is stored, and the circulation duct bottom surface and the sump bottom surface may be disposed so as to be sloped downwards toward the drainpipe.
The sump may include a sump recess which is formed by depressing one side of the sump bottom surface and may be positioned lower than the sump bottom surface, and the drainpipe may allow the sump recess to communicate with the outside of the circulation duct.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a water cover which is disposed on the circulation duct bottom surface and above the sump and which is disposed at a lower portion of the condenser so as to prevent the circulation duct bottom surface and the sump from being exposed.
The water cover may include a water body configured to support at least one of the evaporator or the condenser, and a support rib which extends downwards from the water body to space the water body apart from the circulation duct bottom surface.
The water cover may further include a water cover through hole which is formed through the water body so as to allow the water condensed in the evaporator to move to the circulation duct bottom surface.
The sump may include a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of the water collected in the sump, and a sensor insert hole which is formed through one side of the circulation duct and into which a portion of the water level sensor is inserted, and the sensor insert hole may be positioned higher than a maximum level of the water collected in the sump.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a water drainage container which is positioned outside the circulation duct and stores the water condensed in the evaporator, and a residual water treatment portion configured to move the condensed water collected in the sump to the water drainage container.
The residual water treatment portion may include a drain pump configured to provide power required to move the condensed water collected in the sump to the water drainage container, a first drain hose which allows the drain pump to communicate with the sump, and a second drain hose which allows the drain pump to communicate with the water drainage container.
The residual water treatment portion may include an introduction pipe which extends from one side of the circulation duct and to which the second drain hose is connected, a discharge pipe which extends from the one side of the circulation duct and allows the introduction pipe to communicate with the water drainage container, and a guide pipe which extends from the one side of the circulation duct and allows the water drainage container to communicate with the circulation duct to guide water flowing back from the water drainage container to an inside of the circulation duct.
The residual water treatment portion may further include a guide flow channel which extends toward the sump from the guide pipe along an inner lateral surface of the circulation duct to guide water introduced through the guide pipe to the sump.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

The present disclosure has an effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus capable of ensuring structural stability of the interior of a machine compartment by integrally forming a base, which provides the machine compartment with a space in which various components are mounted, and a circulation duct configured to define a flow channel in which air is circulated.
The present disclosure has an effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying an assembly process of a machine compartment by integrally forming a base, which provides the machine compartment with a space in which various components are mounted, and a circulation duct configured to define a flow channel in which air is circulated.
The present disclosure has an effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing the entire volume of the laundry treatment apparatus or ensuring a space configured to treat laundry by densely disposing components in a machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus.
The present disclosure has an effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing manufacturing cost and production cost by simplifying a process of assembling various components in a machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional laundry treatment apparatus;
FIG. 2 illustrates a machine compartment of the conventional laundry treatment apparatus;
FIG. 3 illustrates the appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the machine compartment of the laundry treatment according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of the base of the machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the circulation duct of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 describes the configuration of the circulation duct of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circulation duct;
FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of the sump of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure in detail;
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view (S-S') of the circulation duct, which is taken along the height direction of the circulation duct;
FIG. 11 illustrates a slope structure associated with the sump;
FIG. 12 illustrates the structures of the sump and the residual water treatment portion;
FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the residual water treatment portion of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a water cover;
FIG. 15 illustrates the state in which the water cover is mounted on the circulation duct;
FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed structure of the water cover;
FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of the air discharge portion of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 illustrates the structure of the base cover of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure
FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of the external air duct;
FIG. 20 illustrates flow of air through the circulation duct;
FIG. 21 illustrates the circulation duct and the base according to the present disclosure when viewed from above;
FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the controller installation portion according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 23 specifically illustrates the sump in the circulation duct and the base according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 24 illustrates the residual water treatment according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the sump according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 26 illustrates the external air duct according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 27 illustrates the external air damper according to the present disclosure; and
FIG. 28 illustrates an operation of the external air damper according to the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numbers even in different drawings, and a description thereof will not be repeated. Singular forms as used herein are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments disclosed herein, if it is decided that a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present disclosure would make the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear, such detailed description is omitted. The accompanying drawings are used merely to assist in easy understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the technical idea presented in this specification should not be construed as being limited by the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 illustrates the appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 3(a), the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a cabinet 100 defining the appearance of the apparatus and a door 400 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 100.
The door 400 may include a main body 410 defining the front surface of the cabinet 100 and an installation body 420 which extends from one side of the main body 410 and on which a display configured to display information on the laundry treatment apparatus is mounted.
The installation body 420 may be constructed so as to form a stepped portion 430 which extends in the backward direction of the cabinet 100 from the main body 410.
At least a portion of the installation body 420 may be disposed behind the main body 410 so as to overlap the main body 410 in the forward/backward direction. Consequently, the stepped portion 430 may serve as a handle.
The installation body 420 may be constructed so as to have a material or color different from the main body 410. Furthermore, the installation body 420 may be made of a semitransparent material which allows the light emitted from the display to be transmitted therethrough.
Referring to FIG. 3(b), the cabinet 100 may be provided therein with an inner case 200 having a laundry treatment space 220 configured to receive laundry therein. The inner case 200 may include an opening 210 through which laundry is introduced into and taken out of the inner case 200, and the opening 210 may be opened and closed by the door 300.
The inner case 200 may be made of plastic resin, more particularly, reinforced plastic resin which is not deformed even by air having a temperature higher than ambient air or heated air (referred to hereinafter as "hot air") and steam or moisture.
A width of the inner case 200 may be greater than a width thereof. As a result, laundry may be received in the laundry treatment space 220 in the state of being neither folded nor crumpled.
The laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may include a storage compartment 500 which enables laundry to be kept in the laundry treatment space 220 in the inner case 200.
The storage compartment 500 may include a hanging portion 510 which is provided on the upper surface of the inner case 200 so as to allow laundry to be hung thereon.
When laundry is hung on the hanging portion 510, the laundry may be disposed in the laundry treatment space 220 in the state of being suspended in midair.
The storage compartment 500 may further include a pressing portion 520 which is coupled to the inner surface of the door 400 to hold laundry.
The hanging portion 510 may be constructed so as to have a bar shape which is disposed in the width direction of the inner case 200 to allow laundry hangers including laundry hung thereon to be supported thereby. Furthermore, the hanging portion 510 may be constructed so as to have the shape of a laundry hanger to allow laundry to be directly hung thereon, as illustrated in the drawing.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include a vibration applicator configured to vibrate the hanging portion 510 to remove foreign matter such as fine dust from laundry.
The storage compartment 500 may include a pressing portion 520 which is provided at the door 400 to press and hold laundry. The pressing portion 520 may include a support 522, which is fixed to the inner surface of the door 400 so as to support one side of laundry, and a presser 521 configured to press the laundry supported by the support 522.
The presser 521 may be configured so as to move toward and away from the support 522. For example, the presser 521 may be rotatably provided on the inner surface of the support 522 or the door 400.
Consequently, the presser 521 and the support 522 are able to remove wrinkles from laundry or to create creases in the laundry by pressing opposite sides of the laundry.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a machine compartment 300 in which are installed various kinds of devices capable of supplying one or more of hot air and steam to the laundry treatment space 220 or of purifying or dehumidifying external air of the cabinet 100.
The machine compartment 300 may be disposed so as to be separated or partitioned from the inner case 200 in the state of being in communication with the inner case 200.
The machine compartment 300 may be disposed below the inner case 200. Consequently, when hot air and steam, which has a low specific gravity, is supplied to the inner case 200, the hot air and the steam may be naturally supplied to the laundry.
The machine compartment 300 may include a heat supply 340 capable of supplying hot air to the inside of the inner case 200. The heat supply 340 may be embodied as a heat pump system, or may be embodied as a heater configured to directly heat air using electrical energy.
When the heat supply 340 is embodied as a heat pump system, the heat supply 340 may be configured to dehumidify and heat the air discharged from the inner case 200 and then to supply the air to the inner case 200. A detailed description thereof will be given later.
The machine compartment 300 may include a steam supply 800 capable of supplying steam to the inside of the inner case 200. The steam supply 800 may be configured to directly supply steam to the inside of the inner case 200. A detailed description thereof will be given later.
To this end, the inner case 200 may include a plurality of through holes 230, which are formed through one surface of the inner case 200 so as to communicate with the machine compartment 300.
By means of the through holes 230, the air in the laundry treatment space 220 may be supplied to the machine compartment 300, and one or more of hot air and steam created in the machine compartment 300 may be supplied to the laundry treatment space 220.
The through holes 230 may include an introduction hole 231, which is formed through the lower surface of the inner case 200 so as to allow the air in the inner case 200 to be discharged or sucked into the machine compartment 300, and a discharge hole 232, which is formed through the lower surface of the inner case 200 so as to allow the hot air created in the machine compartment 300 to be discharged therethrough.
The discharge hole 232 may be disposed at the lower surface of the inner case 200 near the rear surface of the inner case 200. For example, the discharge hole 232 may be obliquely disposed with respect to the ground between the lower surface and the rear surface of the inner case 200 so as to be directed toward the hanging portion 510.
The introduction hole 231 may be disposed at the lower surface of the inner case 200 near the front surface of the inner case 200. Consequently, the introduction hole 231 may be spaced apart from the discharge hole 232.
The through holes 230 may include a steam hole 233 through which the steam created in the steam supply 800 is supplied. The steam hole 233 may be disposed at one side of the discharge hole 232.
A water supply container 301 capable of supplying water to the steam supply 800 and a water drainage container 302 configured to collect water condensed at the heat supply 340 may be provided at a front side of the machine compartment 300.
The water supply container 301 and the water drainage container 302 may be detachably provided at a front side of the machine compartment 300. Consequently, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may be freely installed, regardless of a water supply source or a water discharge source.
A drawer 303, which is configured to be drawn forwards and be retracted backwards and to have a separate receiving space, may be further provided at a front side of the machine compartment 300. The drawer 303 may store a steam generator or an iron therein.
FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 4(a) illustrates the machine compartment 300 when viewed from the front. FIG. 4(b) illustrates the machine compartment 300 when viewed from the rear.
Components, which are configured to supply hot air to the laundry treatment space, to circulate the air in the laundry treatment space, to supply steam to the laundry treatment space, and to purify air outside the cabinet, may be disposed in the machine compartment 300.
The machine compartment 300 may include a base 310 by which various components are supported or mounted. The base 310 may provide an area on which the various components are mounted.
A circulation duct 320, through which air introduced from the outside of the inner case 200 or the cabinet 100 flows, may be mounted on the base 310.
The base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally with each other. A base molding M (see FIG. 21) may be defined as a concept including both the base 310 and the circulation duct 320. Specifically, the base molding M may be used to denote both the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 which are integrally formed with each other. In other words, the base molding M may refer to a single injection-molded object.
The circulation duct 320 may be constructed to have a case shape which is open at the upper surface thereof and to allow some of the components of heat supply 340 to be mounted therein.
When the heat supply 340 is embodied as a heat pump system, the circulation duct 320 may include therein a heat exchanger 341 and 343, which will be described later, and a compressor 342 configured to supply high temperature and pressure refrigerant to the heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger 341 and 343 may be received in the circulation duct 320 so as to cool and thus dehumidify the air flowing in the circulation duct 320 and to heat the air to create hot air.
When the circulation duct 320 is configured to draw in air outside the cabinet 100, an external air duct 370 may be installed at the front side of the circulation duct 320.
The circulation duct 320 may communicate with the outside air duct 370 to selectively draw in external air.
The water supply container and the water drainage container may be detachably coupled to the front surface of the circulation duct 320. The water supply container 301 and the water drainage container 302 may be disposed and mounted on the upper portion of the external air duct 370
Although the circulation duct 320 may be constructed so as to be coupled to the base 310, the circulation duct 320 may also be constructed integrally with the base 310. For example, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be produced through injection molding.
The machine compartment 300 may include a base cover 360 configured to allow the circulation duct 320 and the introduction hole 231 to communicate with each other.
The base cover 360 may be coupled to the upper portion of the circulation duct 320 so as to guide the air drawn in through the introduction hole 231 to the inside of the circulation duct 320.
The base cover 360 may block the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to prevent the air inside the circulation duct 320 from being discharged to the outside. The lower portion of the base cover 360 and the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 may define one surface of the flow channel in the circulation duct 320.
The base cover 360 may include an introduction portion 362 which connects the introduction hole 231 to the circulation duct 320. The introduction portion 362 may be constructed to have a duct shape so as to serve as an intake duct configured to transfer the air in the inner case 200 to the circulation duct 320.
The machine compartment 300 may include the steam supply 800, which is connected to the water supply container 301 so as to receive water from the water supply container 301 to create steam and to supply the steam the inner case 200. The steam supply 800 may be disposed and mounted on the upper portion of the base cover 360.
The steam supply 800 may be disposed behind the introduction portion 362.
The machine compartment 300 may include a fan installation portion 350 configured to allow the circulation duct 320 and the inner case 200 to communicate with each other. The fan installation portion 350 may include a blower fan 353 configured to provide power required to move the air in the circulation duct 320 in one direction, and a fan housing 351 which receives the blower fan 353 therein and is coupled to or extends to the circulation duct 320.
The fan installation portion 350 may include a discharge duct 352 configured to allow the circulation duct 320 and the discharge hole 232 to communicate with each other.
The discharge duct 352 may extend toward the discharge hole 232 while maintaining a cross-sectional area at the fan housing 351 corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the discharge hole 232.
As a result, the air in the inner case 200 may be introduced through the base cover 360, may pass through the circulation duct 320, and may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 through the fan installation portion 350.
The base 310 may include a compressor installation portion 312 on which the compressor 342 configured to supply refrigerant to the heat exchanger 341 and 343 is mounted. The compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed outside the circulation duct 320.
A controller or a control panel 700, which is configured to control the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure, may be mounted on the base 310.
The base 310 may include a controller installation portion 313, which is provided at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320 to provide a space in which the controller 700 is inserted.
The controller 700 may be configured to control all the components, which are electronically controlled, such as the compressor 342, the steam supply 800 and the blower fan 353.
Because the controller 700 is inserted into the base 310 and is supported thereby, it is possible to reduce vibration or impact applied to the controller 700. Furthermore, because the controller 700 is disposed close to all the electronic components, it is possible to minimize occurrence of errors in control such as noise.
The steam supply 800 may be disposed at the upper portion of the circulation duct 320, and the controller 700 may be disposed at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320. Consequently, the circulation duct 320 may be linearly disposed between the steam supply 800 and the controller 700 so as to take the shape of a linear duct. As a result, it is possible to minimize the resistance to air flowing in the circulation duct 320.
The circulation duct 320, the external air duct 370, the steam supply 800, the controller 700, and the heat supply 340 may be provided at the base 310 in a modular fashion.
Consequently, the base 310 may be forwardly taken out of and backwardly put into the machine compartment 300, thereby facilitating installation and maintenance of the laundry treatment apparatus.
FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of the base of the machine compartment of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the base 310 when viewed from the front. FIGs. 5(b) and 5(c) are perspective views of the base 310 when viewed from the rear.
The base 310 may be mounted on the base cabinet defining the lower surface of the laundry treatment apparatus. The base 310 may also define the lower surface of the laundry treatment apparatus by itself.
The base 310 may include a base bottom 311 serving as a support surface. The base bottom 311 may define the lower surface of the laundry treatment apparatus. The base bottom 311 may be mounted on the upper surface of the bottom of the cabinet 100, which defines the lower surface of the laundry treatment apparatus.
The base 310 may be formed integrally with the circulation duct 320, which forms at least a portion of the flow channel through which air flows. The circulation duct 320 may extend upwards from the base bottom 311.
The circulation duct 320 may include a duct body 321, which extends from the base bottom 311 to define a flow channel, a heat exchanger installation portion 3212, which is defined in the duct body 321 so as to have a space in which the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 is mounted, and an air discharge portion 323, which is provided at the rear side of the duct body 321 so as to allow the air in the duct body 321 to be discharged therethrough.
The air discharge portion 323 may extend backwards from the duct body 321 in the shape of a pipe. The air discharge portion 323 may have a diameter smaller than the width of the duct body 321.
The air discharge portion 323 may be connected to the fan housing 351. The air discharged from the air discharge portion 323 may be guided into the inner case 200 through the fan housing 351.
The circulation duct 320 may include an external air intake portion 322, which is formed through the front surface of the duct body 321.
The external air intake portion 322 may be constructed so as to communicate with the external air duct 370. The external air duct 370 may be mounted on the front side of the external air intake portion 322 and be supported thereby.
The external air intake portion 322 may have a height greater than the width thereof. In other words, the external air intake portion 322 may extend in the width direction of the duct body 321. When the external air intake portion 322 is structured as described above, external air may be more efficiently introduced into the duct body 321.
The circulation duct 320 may be provided with an external air damper 373 configured to open and close the external air intake portion 322. Opening and closing of the external air damper 373 may allow and block introduction of external air into the circulation duct 320.
The base 310 may include the compressor installation portion 312 which has a space in which the compressor 342 is mounted. The compressor installation portion 312 may be formed at a portion of the base bottom 311, and may be formed integrally with the base bottom 311.
The compressor installation portion 312 may include a protrusion capable of supporting the compressor 342. The compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed at the rear side of the base 310. The compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the air discharge portion 323 in the width direction.
The compressor installation portion 312 may be provided with a shock absorber configured to reduce vibration transmitted from the compressor 342. The shock absorber may be fixed to the protrusion.
The base 310 may include the controller installation portion 313 on which the controller 700 is mounted. The controller installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320. The controller installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom 311 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The controller installation portion 313 may be disposed below the circulation duct 320, and may be constructed in the shape of a duct which is open at one of the front and rear sides thereof.
The structure of the controller installation portion 313 will be described later.
FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the circulation duct of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
The circulation duct 320 may define a flow channel which extends upwards from the base bottom and through which air flows. The circulation duct 320 may include the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 which has a space in which the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 are mounted. The heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be provided in the duct body 321.
The duct body 321 may be open at the upper surface thereof. The evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be introduced and mounted through the opening of the duct body 321.
The opening of the duct body 321 may be blocked by the base cover 360, and the base cover 360 and the duct body 321 may define the flow channel in the circulation duct 320.
The front surface of the duct body 321 may be disposed at a location which is spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base bottom 311.
Consequently, the base bottom 311 may ensure a support surface 3111 on which one or more of the water supply container 301, the water drainage container 302 and the external air duct 370 are mounted and supported.
The heat supply 340 may include the evaporator 341, which is provided in the circulation duct 320 and serves as the heat exchanger configured to cool and dehumidify the air introduced into the circulation duct 320, the condenser 343 serving as the heat exchanger configured to heat the air having passed through the condenser 341 to create hot air, the compressor 342, which is disposed outside the circulation duct 320 and which supplies refrigerant to the condenser 343 to exchange heat with the air, and an expansion valve 344 configured to expand and cool the refrigerant having passing through the condenser 343.
Because the duct body 32 is formed integrally with the base 310, the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may ensure a greater height, and the heights of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 may increase.
As a result, because the widths of the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 in the forward/backward direction are reduced, it is possible to reduce the number of refrigerant pipes which extend through the condenser and the evaporator. Consequently, there is an effect of reducing flow loss of air which passes through the condenser and the evaporator.
The sum of the length of the evaporator 341 in the forward/backward direction and the length of the condenser 343 in the forward/backward direction may be less than the length of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212. Consequently, the length of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be equal to or less than the half of the length of the duct body 321.
Accordingly, because the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 is sufficiently spaced apart from the external air intake portion, it is possible to ensure a sufficient space into which the air in the inner case 200 is introduced.
The inside of the duct body 321 may be provided with an installation partition wall 3211 configured to isolate the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 from the outside of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212. The installation partition wall 3211 may project from the lateral surface of the duct body 321 to support the front portion of the evaporator 341.
The duct body 321 may extend backwards while increasing in width based on the installation partition wall 3211.
As a result, the width of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be greater than the half of the width of the base 310. Furthermore, the width of the circulation duct 320 may be greater than the half of the width of the base 310.
In addition, the width of the condenser 343 and the width of the evaporator 341 may be greater than half the entire width of the base 310.
When the condenser 343 and the evaporator 341 have the widths as described above, there is an effect of ensuring a sufficient heat exchanging capacity.
The fan installation portion 350 may be disposed so as to overlap the condenser 343 or the evaporator 341 in the forward/backward direction. Consequently, the air having passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be introduced into the fan housing 351 without passing through a bent flow channel portion. In other words, because the air, which is introduced into the circulation duct 320, moves to the fan housing 351 without passing through a bent flow channel portion, there is an effect of minimizing flow loss of the air.
FIG. 7 illustrates the shape of the circulation duct of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
The base 310 may be formed through injection molding such that the base bottom 311 is formed integrally with the circulation duct 320.
The metal mold, which is configured to mold the inner surface of the duct body 321, may be taken upwards out of the duct body 321 and then be removed. At this point, in order for the metal mold to be easily taken out of the duct body, the wall surface of the duct body 321 may be sloped by a predetermined angle relative to the direction in which the meal mold is removed.
The width of the lower surface 321a of the duct body 321 may be less than the width of the upper surface 321b of the duct body 321.
Specifically, the distance between the wall surfaces of the duct body 321 which are opposed to each other may increase as the distance from the base bottom 311 increases. The distance between the left lateral surface and the right lateral surface of the circulation flow channel may increase in the direction in which the metal mold is taken out, thereby making it easy to remove the metal mold.
The air discharge portion 323 may include an air extension pipe 3231, which extends such that the diameter or width thereof decreases in the backward direction of the duct body 321, and an air discharge pipe 3232, which extends from the air extension pipe 3231 to define a hollow 3233 having a constant diameter. Because the air extension pipe 3231 may serve as a nozzle, it is possible to increase the velocity of the air discharged from the air extension pipe 3231.
The inside diameter of the air discharge pipe 3232 may increase with increasing distance from the duct body 321. The change in inside diameter of the air discharge pipe 3232 may be caused by the direction in which the metal mold is removed. In other words, it is considered that the removal of the metal mold is facilitated by the change in the inside diameter.
The metal mold configured to mold the air discharge portion 323 may be removed as illustrated in the drawing. Specifically, the metal mold may first be taken forwards out of the inside of the air discharge portion 323 toward the inside of the circulation duct 320, and may then be removed toward the upper open surface of the circulation duct 320. In this way, the structure capable of facilitating removal of the metal mold may be formed.
FIG. 8 illustrates the cross-section of the circulation duct.
The installation partition wall 3211 may be formed by projecting the inner wall of the duct body 321 inwards or by depressing the outer wall of the circulation duct inwards.
The heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may be formed between the heat exchanger installation partition wall 3211 and the air discharge portion 323.
The metal mold configured to mold the air discharge portion 323 may be taken forwards out of the air discharge portion 323 and then be pulled upwards for removal thereof. There is a need to prevent interference with the heat exchanger installation wall when the metal mold configured to mold the air discharge portion 323 is taken forwards out of the inside of the air discharge portion 323. To this end, there is a need to control the design value of the air discharge portion 323.
Specifically, when the air discharge portion 323 is molded, a metal mold configured to mold the front part of the air discharge portion 323 based on a parting line 3233 and another metal mold configured to mold the rear part of the air discharge portion 323 based on the parting line 3233 may be separately prepared. Accordingly, the directions in which both the metal molds are removed may be different from each other. Specifically, the metal mold configured to mold the front part of the air discharge portion 323 based on a parting line 3233 may be pulled forwards, and the other metal mold configured to mold the rear part of the air discharge portion 323 based on the parting lien 3233 may be pulled backwards.
Specifically, in order to prevent interference with the heat exchanger installation partition wall while the metal mold is pulled forwards, a first distance 323a in the drawing may be less than a second distance 321c in the drawing. The first distance 323a may mean the distance between the parting line of the air discharge portion 323 and the front end of the air discharge portion 323. Furthermore, the first distance 323a may mean the distance between the parting line of the air discharge portion 323 and the rear opening of the circulation duct. Meanwhile, the second distance 323c may mean the distance between the front end of the air discharge portion 323 and the heat exchanger installation partition wall. Furthermore, the second distance 323c may mean the distance between the rear opening of the circulation duct and the heat exchanger installation partition wall 3211.
FIG. 9 illustrates the detailed structure of a sump of the laundry treatment apparatus of the present disclosure.
In the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure, when the compressor 342 and the blower fan 353 are activated, the air supplied from the outside of the cabinet 100 and the air supplied from the inner case 200 are cooled while passing through the evaporator 341, with the result that the water vapor contained in the air is condensed.
The water condensed in the evaporator 341 may be collected on the lower surface of the circulation duct 320.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include the sump 326, which is formed by depressing a portion of the bottom surface of the duct body 321, in order to collect the water condensed in the evaporator 341.
The sump is a space, which is formed by depressing the bottom surface of the duct body 321 and which may define one lateral surface of the controller installation portion 313. Particularly, a lateral surface of the sump 326 may define a lateral surface of the controller installation portion 313.
The sump 326 may be depressed downwards from the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.
The sump 326 may be formed integrally with the circulation duct 320. The sump 326 may be formed by depressing a portion of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 while injection-molding the circulation duct 320 on the base 310.
At least a portion of the upper surface of the sump 326 may be disposed parallel to the heat exchanger installation portion 3212.
The base 310 may include a drainpipe 3263 through which the water collected in the sump 326 is discharged to the outside.
The drainpipe 3263 may project to the outside of the circulation duct 320 from the lower portion of the sump 326. The drainpipe 3263 may discharge the water, stored in the sump, to the outside of the base. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the water collected in the sump 326 from stagnating or from flowing back to the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.
The circulation duct 320 may include the installation partition wall 3211 which extends from the inner surface of the duct body 321. The installation partition wall 3211 may project inwards from the inner wall of the circulation duct 320, or may project inwards by depressing the outer wall of the circulation duct 320 inwards. The installation partition wall 3211 may guide positioning of the heat exchanger 341 and 343, and may prevent the air entering the heat exchanger from detouring the heat exchanger.
The installation partition wall 3211 may be provided at the sump 326.
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view (S-S') of the circulation duct, which is taken in the height direction of the circulation duct.
The sump 326 may include a sump bottom surface 3261 on which water is collected, and a sump recess 3262 which is depressed downwards from the sump bottom surface 3261. The drainpipe 3263 may be disposed at a position on the outer surface of the circulation duct 320 corresponding to the sump recess 3262. As a result, the drainpipe 3263 may be disposed at the lowermost portion of the sump 326. The water collected in the sump 326 may flow to the drainpipe 3263 due to gravity.
FIG. 11 illustrates a slope structure associated with the sump.
FIG. 11(a) illustrates a vertical cross-section parallel to the width direction of the base, and FIG. 11(b) illustrates a vertical cross-section parallel to the forward/backward direction of the base.
The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and the bottom surface of the sump 326 may be sloped by predetermined angles.
Specifically, the circulation duct bottom surface 325 may be sloped toward the sump 326, and the sump bottom surface 3261 may be sloped toward the drainpipe 3263.
The circulation duct bottom surface 325 may be sloped toward the sump 326 by a first angle a relative to the bottom surface of the ground or the base 310.
Meanwhile, the circulation duct bottom surface 325 may be sloped downwards toward the drainpipe 3263 to the front from the rear. The circulation duct bottom surface 325 may be sloped by a second angle b relative to the bottom surface of the base 310 to the front from the rear.
As a result, the water condensed on the bottom surface of the circulation duct may move forwards toward the sump 326.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may also be sloped by a predetermined angle.
The drainpipe 3263 may be disposed on the inner surface of the sump 326 rather than the outer surface of the sump 326.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may have a slope which is lowered toward the inside of the circulation duct 320 based on the bottom surface of the base 310.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may be sloped by a third angle c relative to the bottom surface of the base 310, and the direction in which the sump bottom surface 3261is sloped may be opposite to the direction in which the circulation duct bottom surface 325 is sloped.
The third angle c may be an angle which is sloped downwards away from the installation partition wall 3211.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may have such a slope as to be lowered toward the drainpipe 3261.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may be lowered to the front from the rear so as to have a fourth angle d relative to the base 310.
The above-mentioned first to fourth angles may be formed by a metal mold in the course of molding of the base 310. The first to fourth angles may be formed by a metal mold in the course of molding of the circulation duct 320 or the sump 326. The second angle b and the fourth angle d may be sloped in the same direction.
The metal mold, which has been used to mold the sump 326, may be taken and removed upwards out of the sump 326. Here, in order to make it easy to remove the metal mold, the lateral walls of the sump 326 may be sloped. Specifically, the lateral walls of the sump 326 may be constructed such that the cross-sectional area of the sump increases in the direction in which the metal mold is taken out thereof. In other words, the perimeter of the upper surface of the sump 326 may be greater than the perimeter of the bottom surface of the sump 326.
The front surface of the sump 326 may be sloped forwards toward the top. The rear surface of the sump 326 may be sloped backwards toward the top. The left and right lateral surfaces of the sump 326 may be sloped leftwards and rightwards, respectively, toward the top.
FIG. 12 illustrates the structures of the sump and a residual water treatment portion.
FIG. 12(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sump which is taken in the forward/backward direction, and FIG. 12(b) illustrates the front and lower surface of the circulation duct 320.
The sump 326 may be constructed such that the sump bottom surface 3261 is sloped downwards and forwards, and the circulation duct 320 is constructed such that the circulation duct bottom surface 325 is sloped downwards and forwards.
The sump recess 3262 may be provided with a water discharge filter 3264 in order to prevent foreign matter from being discharged to the outside of the drainpipe 3263..
The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include the residual water treatment portion 330 configured to collect the water collected in the sump 326 into the water drainage container 302.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may include a drain pump 331 configured to discharge the water collected in the sump 326 to the water drainage container 302. The drainpipe 3263 and the drain pump 331 may be connected to each other via a first water drain hose 3351, and the water discharged from the drain pump 331 may move along a second drain hose 3352.
The drainpipe 3263 may be disposed higher than the drain pump 331. Consequently, the water collected in the sump 326 may be collected in the drain pump 331 due to gravity.
FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the residual water treatment portion of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
Because the condensed water collected in the sump 326 must be collected in the water drainage container 302, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include the residual water treatment portion 330 configured to collect the condensed water into the water drainage container 302.
Because the water drainage container 302 is provided at the front side of the duct body 321, it may be advantageous to also provide the residual water treatment portion 330 at the front side of the duct body 321.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may be constructed such that a portion of the component connecting the drain pump 331 to the water drainage container 320 is mounted on the base 310. Accordingly, when the water drainage container 302 is fully filled with water or the condensed water flows back from the water drainage container 302, it is possible to transfer the condensed water back to the inside of the base 310 and to circulate the condensed water to the sump 326. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from being discharged to the outside of the base 310.
The sump 326 may include the drainpipe 3263 configured to discharge the condensed water to the outside of the sump 326. The drainpipe 3263 may extend forwards from the base 310.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may include the drain pump 331 configured to supply power required to transfer the water discharged from the drainpipe 3263 to the water drainage container 302.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may include an introduction pipe 332 which extends from one side of the circulation duct and communicates with the drain pump 331.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may include a discharge pipe 334 which communicates with the introduction pipe 332 to transfer the condensed water to the water drainage container 302. The discharge pipe 334 may be formed integrally with the base 310.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may further include a guide pipe 333 disposed at the lower side of the discharge pipe 334. The guide pipe 333 may allow the water drainage container 302 to communicate with the circulation duct 320. When the water level in the water drainage container 302 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level, the guide pipe 333 may guide the water in the water drainage container back to the circulation duct 320.
The water, which is guided to the circulation duct 320, may be collected back to the sump 326, and may be guided to the water drainage container 302 through the residual water treatment portion 330.
As a result, even when the water drainage container 302 is fully filled with condensed water, the condensed water may be introduced into the inside of the circulation duct 320 through the guide pipe 333, thereby preventing the water in the water drainage container 302 from overflowing therefrom.
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a water cover.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include the water cover 327 mounted on the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The water cover 327 may be configured to support at least one of the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343, and may be configured to block movement of water condensed in the evaporator 341 to the condenser 343 and to guide the condensed water to the sump 326.
The water cover may prevent the bottom surface of the circulation duct from being exposed to the outside. The water cover may form a support surface by which the evaporator and the condenser are supported. The water cover may support the evaporator and the condenser in the state of being spaced apart from the bottom surface of the circulation duct. The water cover may close the upper surface of the sump. In other words, the water cover may server as a cover for the sump.
The water cover 327 may also close the upper portion of the sump 326. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the air introduced into the circulation duct 320 from being subjected to resistance due to the height difference between the sump 326 and the circulation duct 320.
The water cover 327 may include a water body 3271 which is configured to have the shape of a plate and to support at least one of the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343, and support ribs 3276 which extend downwards from the water body 3271 to maintain the height or the slope of the water body 3271.
One of the support ribs 3276 may be supported by the sump recess 3262 or the water discharge filter 3264. Consequently, the support rib 3276 may directly guide the water flowing along the water body 3271, to the drainpipe 3263.
FIG. 15 illustrates the state in which the water cover is mounted on the circulation duct.
The water cover 327 may be formed into the shape of a plate configured to cover at least a portion of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.
The water cover 327 may block exposure of the sump 326 to a region which is opposed to the introduction portion 362 or into which external air is introduced.
The water cover 327 may support the lower ends of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 342. By virtue of the water cover 327, the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be disposed at the same height even when the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 is disposed obliquely.
Furthermore, the water cover 327 may prevent the positions of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 from being changed.
The water body 3271 of the water cover 327 may be disposed at a slope parallel to the base 310. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the air introduced into the evaporator 341 from being subjected to resistance caused by a slope.
FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed structure of the water cover.
The water cover may include the water body 3271 which is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the circulation duct or the bottom surface of the sump. The water body 3271 may prevent the bottom surface 325 of the circulation duct or the bottom surface of the sump from being exposed to the outside.
The water cover 327 may include a seating rib 3274 which projects upwards from the water body 3271. The seating rib 3274 may be configured to secure at least one of the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 and to maintain the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 in the state of being spaced apart from each other.
The water cover 327 may include a through hole 3272 formed through the water body 3271. The through hole 3272 may be formed between the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. Consequently, the water condensed in the evaporator 341 may be guided to the lower portion of the water cover.
Furthermore, the through hole 3272 may be disposed below the evaporator 341. The through hole 3272 may be disposed so as to overlap the evaporator 341 in the height direction of the cabinet.
The water cover 327 may further include a water discharge hole 3275 which is formed through the water body 3271 and is spaced apart from the through hole 3272. The water discharge hole 3275 may be disposed in a region opposed to the sump 326.
The water discharge hole 3275 may discharge the water flowing along the upper surface of the water body 3271, to the sump 326..
Furthermore, the water discharge hole 3275 may guide the water overflowing from the water drainage container 302, to the sump 326.
The water cover 327 may include a spacing rib 3273 which extends from the water body 3271 and is supported by the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320. The spacing rib 3273 may be formed so as to correspond to the slope of the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 and to be in contact with the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320, thereby preventing air from moving between the water body 3271 and the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.
The spacing rib 3273 may be provided along the periphery of the water body 3271.
The water cover 327 may further include an escape portion 3277 configured to prevent interference with the installation partition wall 3211 of the circulation duct. The escape portion 3277 may be formed by depressing a lateral surface of the water body 3271. The escape portion 3277 may be formed so as to have a shape corresponding to the installation partition wall.
The water cover 327 may include the support rib 3276 which is supported by the sump 326. The support rib 3276 may be shaped so as not to shield the drainpipe 3263.
FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of the air discharge portion 323 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
The base 310 may include the air discharge portion 323 configured to discharge treated air toward the fan housing 351.
The air discharge portion 323 may be configured to allow the inside of the circulation duct 320 or the duct body 321 to communicate with the fan housing 351. The air discharge portion 323 may be formed so as to have the shape of a bell mouth. Because the air discharge portion 323 is formed so as to have the shape of a bell mouth, it is possible to reduce flow loss of air and to improve efficiency of air circulation.
The air discharge pipe 3232 of the air discharge portion 323 may be formed so as to have the shape of a pipe. In the course of removing the metal mold, the metal mold disposed ahead of the parting line 3233 is taken forwards out of the air discharge portion whereas the metal mold disposed behind the parting line 3233 may be taken backwards out of the air discharge portion.
The fan installation portion 350 may be coupled to the air discharge pipe 3232 and be supported thereby. The fan housing 351 may include a coupling hole which is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the air discharge pipe 3232 and in which the blower fan 353 is disposed.
The fan housing 351 may include the discharge duct 352 which extends to the discharge hole 232 from the outer circumferential surface or the outer side of the blower fan 353.
The fan housing 351 and the discharge duct 352 may together define therein a flow channel which accommodates the blower fan 353 and through which air flows.
The motor configured to rotate the blower fan 353 may be coupled to the outer side of the fan housing 351 and be supported thereby.
FIG. 18 illustrates the structure of the base cover of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.
The base cover 360 may be coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 to prevent the inside of the circulation duct 320 from being exposed.
The base cover 360 may include an introduction body 361, which is coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 so as to allow the inner case 200 to communicate with the circulation duct 320, and a shield body 363, which extends from the introduction body 361 to shield the circulation duct 320.
The introduction body 361 may be formed so as to have the shape of a duct which allows the introduction hole 231 in the inner case to communicate with the inside of the circulation duct 320. The introduction body 361 may project upwards farther than the shield body 363.
The introduction body 361 may be disposed in front of the evaporator 341 so as not to face the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343, and may be disposed in front of the installation partition wall 3211.
The introduction body 361 may serve as an introduction duct through which the air in the inner case 200 moves to the circulation duct 320.
The introduction body 361 may include therein the introduction portion 362 through which the air in the inner case 200 passes.
Specifically, the base cover 360 may include a first rib 362a, which extends in the width direction of the introduction body 361, and a second rib 362b, which is spaced backwards apart from the first rib 362a and extends in the width direction of the introduction body 361.
The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may be disposed parallel to each other. Each of the first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may be formed so as to have the shape of a plate which extends in a vertical direction and has a height corresponding to the height of the introduction body 361.
The front edge of the introduction body 361 and the first rib 362a may define a first introduction port 3621 therebetween. The first rib 362a and the second rib 362b may define a second introduction port 3622 therebetween. The second rib 362b and the rear edge of the introduction body 361 may define a third introduction port 3623 therebetween.
The first introduction port 3621 and the second introduction port 3622 may have the same area, and the third introduction port 3623 may have a smaller area than the area of each of the first introduction port 3621 and the second introduction port 3622.
The base cover 360 may include a damper portion 364 configured to open and close the introduction portion 362, and a driving portion 365 which is coupled to the damper portion 364 and controls opening and closing of the damper portion 364.
The damper portion 364 may include a first damper portion 3641 configured to open and close the first introduction port 3621, and a second damper portion 3642 configured to open and close the third introduction port 3623.
The first damper portion 3641 may be formed so as to have the shape of a plate which has a surface area corresponding to the first introduction port 3621, and may be rotatably coupled to two opposite lateral surfaces of the introduction body 361 in the first introduction port 3621.
The second damper portion 3642 may be formed so as to have the shape of a plate which has a surface area corresponding to the third introduction 3622, and may be rotatably coupled to two opposite lateral surfaces of the introduction body 361 in the third introduction port 3622.
The second introduction port 3622 may include a shield filter 366 configured to filter out foreign matter such as fine dust and lint but allowing air to pass therethrough.
The shield filter 366 may be inserted into the second introduction port 3622 so as to isolate the first introduction port 3621 and the third introduction port 3623. The shield filter 366 may extend from the second introduction port 3622 so as to contact the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320.
The shield filter 366 may be embodied as a filter capable of also filtering moisture. For example, the shield filter 366 may be embodied as a HEPA filter or the like.
In the case in which the shield filter 366 is inserted into the second introduction port 3622, a shield member configured to shield the second introduction port 3622 may further be coupled to the second introduction port 3622.
The driving portion 365 may include a motor configured to provide power required to selectively rotate the first damper portion 3641 and the second damper portion 3642, and a plurality of gears capable of selectively rotating the first damper portion 3641 and the second damper portion 3642.
By virtue of the driving portion 365, it is possible to selectively open the first introduction port 3611 and the third introduction port 3623.
By virtue of the driving portion 365, the air contained in the inner case 200 may be introduced into the circulation duct 320 through the first introduction port 3621 or through the second introduction port 3622.
Of course, the driving portion 365 may control the first damper portion 3641 and the second damper portion 3642 so as to open both the first introduction port 3621 and the second introduction port 3622 and to shield both the first introduction port 3621 and the second introduction port 3622.
As long as the driving port 365 is configured to be capable of rotating the first damper portion 3641 and the second damper portion 3642, the driving portion 365 may be embodied as any structure. For example, the driving port 365 may be embodied as a combination of a motor, a driving gear configured to be rotated by the motor, and a follower gear which is coupled both to the first damper portion and to the second damper portion and is rotated by the driving gear.
The base cover 360 may include the shield body 363 which extends from the introduction body 361 to shield the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343. The shield body 363 may be formed so as to have the shape of a plate.
The base cover 360 may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the circulation duct 320 via an introduction hook 3612 which extends from the lower surface of the introduction body 361.
The circulation duct 320 may include a coupler which is detachably coupled to the introduction hook 3612.
FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of the external air duct.
Referring to FIG. 19(a), the external air duct 370 may be coupled to the base 310.
The external air duct 370 may be configured to communicate with the external air intake portion.
The external air duct 370 may include an external air damper 373 configured to open and close the external air intake portion 322, and an external air driving portion 374 configured to perform control to rotate the external air damper 373 to selectively open the external air intake portion 322.
The external air damper 373 may be formed so as to have the shape of a plate capable of sealing the external air intake portion 322, and may be rotatably coupled to two opposite lateral surfaces of the external air intake portion 322.
The external air driving portion 374 may be embodied as an actuator which is coupled to the external air duct 370 or the circulation duct 320 to rotate the external air damper 373.
The external air duct 370 may include an extension duct 372 which extends forwards from the front side of the external air intake portion 322, and an air intake duct 371 which extends forwards from the extension duct 372 and into which external air is introduced.
The air intake duct 371 may extend from the lower portion of the extension duct 372 and on which the water supply container 301 and the water drainage container 302 are disposed. The water supply container 301 and the water drainage container 302 may be coupled to or seated on the air intake duct 371.
The air intake duct 371 may include an external air port 3711 which is provided at one end or the free end of the air intake duct 371 and through which external air is introduced, and a partition rib 3712 configured to partition the external air port 3711.
The external air port 3711 may be disposed lower than the door 400 so as not to be shielded by the door 400..
The partition rib 3712 may be configured to partition the inside of the external air port 3711 to prevent foreign matter or a user's body from entering the external air port 3711.
Referring to FIG. 19(b), when the external air driving portion 374 rotates the external air damper 373 to open the external air intake portion 322, the air intake duct 371 and the circulation duct 320 may communicate with each other.
At this time, when the blower fan 353 is activated, external air may be introduced into the circulation duct 320. When the compressor 342 is activated, the external air may be dehumidified while passing through the circulation duct 320 and may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200.
The door 400 may further include a discharge port configured to discharge the air in the inner case 200 to the outside, and a discharge damper configured to selectively open and close the discharge port. The discharge port may be disposed so as to face the receiving space in the inner case 200.
Consequently, the dehumidified air may be discharged through the discharge port.
The external air may be filtered while passing through the shield filter 366, and may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100.
FIG. 20 illustrates flow of air through the circulation duct.
Referring to FIG. 20(a), there is shown the state in which the external air damper 373 shields the external air intake portion 322 and the first damper 3641 opens the first introduction port 3621 whereas the second damper 3642 shields the second introduction port 3622.
When the blower fan 353 is activated, the air in the inner case 200 may be introduced into the first introduction port 3621, and may be filtered while passing through the shield filter 366.
When the compressor 342 is activated, the air having passed through the shield filter 366 may be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.
The air having passed through the condenser 343 may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 through the fan installation portion 350.
This state may be a state in which steam is not supplied to the inner case 200. When steam is supplied to the inner case 200, it is impossible to ensure the performance of the shield filter 366 because the shield filter 366 is wetted with the moisture.
Consequently, in the state in which steam is not supplied to the inner case 200, in the state before steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, or in the case in which humidity is lowered even after steam is supplied to the inside of the inner case 200, the air in the inner case 200 may be filtered while passing through the first introduction port 3641 and the shield filter 366, thereby eliminating foreign material, lint and the like.
Referring to FIG. 20(b), there is shown the controlled state in which the external air damper 373 shields the external air intake portion 322 and the first damper 3641 shields the first introduction port 3621 whereas the second damper 3642 opens the second introduction port 3622.
When the blower fan 353 is activated, the air in the inner case 200 may be introduced into the second introduction port 3622. Because the second introduction port 3622 is disposed downstream of the shield filter 366, the air introduced into the second introduction port 3622 may not pass through the shield filter 366.
When the compressor 342 is activated, the air having passed through the shield filter 366 may be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.
The air having passed through the condenser 343 may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 through the fan installation portion 350.
Consequently, in the case in which steam is supplied to the inner case 200 or the humidity in the inner case 200 is very high, the air in the inner case 200 may be introduced into the second introduction port 3622 but may be prevented from being introduced into the first introduction port 3621, thereby preventing the shield filter 366 from being exposed to moisture.
Referring to FIG. 20(c), there is shown the controlled state in which the external air damper 373 opens the external air intake portion 322 and the first damper 3641 shields the first introduction port 3621 while the second damper 3642 shields the second introduction port 3622.
When the blower fan 353 is activated, the air in the inner case 200 may be prevented from being introduced into the introduction portion 362, and only the external air outside the cabinet 100 may be introduced into the circulation duct 320 and may then pass through the shield filter 366. Consequently, foreign matter, such as fine dust and the like, contained in the external air may be filtered through the shield filter 366.
When the compressor 342 is activated, the air having passed through the shield filter 366 may be dehumidified while passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.
The air having passing through the condenser 343 may be supplied to the inside of the inner case 200 through the fan installation portion 350, thereby supplying fresh hot air to laundry.
Here, in the case in which a device configured to discharge the air in the inner case 200 to the outside is provided, external air outside the cabinet may be purified and dehumidified while passing through the shield filter 366 and the heat supply 340 and may then be discharged.
As a result, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the controller 700 controls the external air driving portion 374 and the driving portion 365 to select the direction in which the air in the inner case 200 flows and the direction in which external air outside the cabinet flows.
FIG. 21 illustrates the circulation duct and the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above.
Referring to FIG. 21, the duct body 321 may be disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base 310. In other words, the duct body 321 may be disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base bottom 311.
Because the duct body 321 is spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base, a space may be provided at the front side of the base bottom 311. At least one of the external air duct 370, the water supply container 301, and the water drainage container 302 may be disposed in the space.
Because the duct body 321 is disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base 310, there is an effect of being capable of utilizing the front space of the base 310 more efficiently.
The circulation duct 320 may further include the air discharge portion which extends from the duct body 321 and guides air to the outside of the circulation duct 320. The air discharge portion 323 may be connected to the rear wall of the duct body 321 and extend from the duct body 321. A width of the air discharge portion 323 may be less than the width of the duct body 321.
The circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor installation portion 312 in the forward/backward direction. Specifically, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed such that the right portion of the circulation duct 320 overlaps the left portion of the compressor installation portion 312 in the forward/backward direction. In other words, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor 342 in the forward/backward direction.
Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor installation portion 312 in the width direction of the base 310. The air discharge portion 323 may be disposed so as to overlap the compressor installation portion 312 in the width direction.
Because a conventional laundry treatment apparatus is constructed such that the space on the base which is occupied by a compressor is relatively large, a component corresponding to a circulation duct was disposed above the compressor. In other words, it is difficult to arrange the circulation duct and the compressor to overlap each other in the width direction or in the forward/backward direction.
However, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is changed in size of the compressor thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the space on the base 310 which is occupied by the compressor 342. Consequently, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap the compressor 342 or the compressor installation portion 312 in the forward/backward direction. Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap the compressor 342 or the compressor installation portion 312 in the width direction of the base 310.
As a result, there is an effect of allowing the components such as the compressor 342 to be more densely disposed on the base 310. In other words, there is an effect of being capable of increasing the laundry treatment space 220 by virtue of improvement in space availability.
FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the controller installation portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Particularly, FIG. 22 illustrates the cross-section of the base and the circulation duct, taken along a plane perpendicular to the forward/backward direction.
The circulation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the circulation duct bottom surface 325 which defines the bottom surface of the flow channel through which the air in the laundry treatment space 220 flows. Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may include the sump 326 which is depressed downwards from the circulation duct bottom surface 325 to collect therein the water condensed in the evaporator 341.
The controller installation portion 313 may be disposed so as to overlap the sump 326 in the width direction of the base 310. One lateral surface of the sump 326 may define one lateral surface of the controller installation portion 313.
More specifically, the sump 326 may include a sump lateral surface 3265 which defines a lateral surface of the space in which water is collected. The sump lateral surface 3265 may be formed by the same partition wall as the controller installation lateral surface 313c.
Particularly, the opposite side of the controller installation portion lateral surface 313c may define the sump lateral surface 3265. The opposite side of the sump lateral surface 3265 may define the controller installation lateral surface 313c. In other words, one side of a certain partition wall may form the controller installation portion 313, and the other side of the certain partition wall may form the sump 326.
As described above, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 may define a controller installation upper surface 313b. Specifically, the upper surface of a certain partition wall may form the heat exchanger installation portion 3212, and the lower surface of the certain partition wall may form the controller installation portion 313.
As described above, since the controller installation portion 313 and the sump 326 are densely disposed in a limited space, it is possible to utilize the internal space in the machine compartment more efficiently. Furthermore, since an additional part is not necessary to construct each of the components, it is possible to improve assembly efficiency. Furthermore, since both the controller installation portion 313 and the sump 326 are integrally formed on the base and the circulation duct 320, there is an effect of preventing water leakage.
FIG. 23 specifically illustrates the sump in the circulation duct and the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 23, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the circulation duct 320, which is provided in the machine compartment 300 so as to accommodate the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 and which provides a flow channel through which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated, and the base 310, which is provided in the machine compartment 300 and supports the lower portion of the circulation duct 320.
Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may include the circulation duct bottom surface 325, which defines the bottom surface of the flow channel through which the air in the laundry treatment space flows, and the sump 326, which is depressed from one side of the circulation duct bottom surface 325 so as to collect the water condensed in the evaporator 341.
The sump 326 may be formed integrally with the circulation duct bottom surface 325 and may be depressed from the circulation duct bottom surface 325. In other words, there is no need to couple or add an additional component in order to construct the sump 326.
The sump 326 may be formed together with the circulation duct 320 at the time of formation of the circulation duct 320. In other words, the metal mold configured to form the circulation duct 320 may also form the sump 326.
As described with reference to FIG. 25, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally with each other. In other words, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally with each other by means of a metal mold. In other words, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally so as to constitute the base molding M.
The metal mold configured to mold the sump 326 may be removed upwards. Specifically, the sump 326 may be sloped with respect to the direction in which the metal mold configured to mold the reservoir 326 is removed. By virtue of the slope, the metal mold configured to mold the sump 326 may be more easily removed. Accordingly, there is an effect of improving the quality of the sump 326, which is molded by the metal mold.
The sump 326 may be disposed so as to overlap the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 in the height direction. The conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1 was not provided with an additional space for storing water generated in the evaporator 341. However, the present disclosure provides the circulation duct bottom surface 325 with the sump 326, thereby conveying an effect of more efficiently collecting water generated in the evaporator 341 and of discharging the water to the outside.
Since the condensed water is efficiently discharged, there is an effect of solving a sanitary problem occurring due to remaining condensed water. Furthermore, in the case in which the evaporator 341 and the sump 326 are disposed so as to overlap each other in a height direction, the flowing line of condensed water generated in the evaporator 341 may be reduced.
Consequently, it is possible to prevent sanitation and performance problems caused by condensed water remaining at a position other than the sump 326.
The sump 326 may be disposed so as to overlap the controller installation portion 313 in the width direction of the base 310. Particularly, when viewed the front, the sump 326 may be disposed to the right of the controller installation portion 313.
As described above, in the case in which the sump 326 and the base 310 are disposed so as to overlap each other in the width direction, there is an effect of more efficiently utilizing the limited space in the machine compartment.
In a conventional laundry treatment apparatus, an additional sump 326 was not provided, and the controller 700 was fixed by a support which is additionally coupled to the base 310. Accordingly, it was difficult to dispose the sump 326 and the controller installation portion 313 to overlap each other in the width direction.
The sump 326 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor installation portion 312.
In a conventional laundry treatment apparatus, the evaporator was disposed above the compressor. Consequently, the water condensed in the evaporator was also generated above the compressor.
However, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be constructed such that the compressor 342 and the evaporator 341 are not disposed in an up-and-down direction but are spaced so as to be spaced apart from each other in the forward/backward direction. Consequently, the sump 326 and the compressor installation portion 312 may be disposed so as to overlap each other in the forward/backward direction.
As described above, in the case in which the compressor installation portion 312 and the sump 326 are disposed so as to overlap each other in the forward/backward direction, there is an effect of more efficiently utilizing the limited space in the machine compartment.
The width 326w of the sump may be set to be less than the width of the compressor installation portion 312. When the width 326w of the sump is set to be overly great, the space in which water can remain may be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the possibility of residual water being generated by setting the width 326w of the sump to be less than the width of the compressor installation portion 312.
The width 326w of the sump may be set to be less than the half of the width 321w of the duct body. In the case in which the width 326w of the sump is set to be greater than the half of the width 321w of the duct body, the area in which water can remain may be increased as described above.
Accordingly, when the width 326w of the sump is set to be less than the half of the width 321w of the duct body, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a sanitation problem occurring.
Furthermore, the width 326w of the sump may be set to be greater than the width 3211w of the installation partition wall. In the case in which the width 326w of the sump is set to be greater than the width 3211w of the installation partition wall, water present at the rear side of the installation partition wall 3211 may move to the front side of the installation partition wall 3211.
Each of the width 326w of the sump, the width 321w of the duct body, and the width 3211w of the installation partition wall may be construed as meaning both the maximum width and the minimum width. Furthermore, each of the widths may be construed as meaning a value between the maximum width and the minimum width.
The sump 326 may include the sump bottom surface 3261 which forms the bottom surface of the sump. The sump bottom surface 3261 may be disposed so as to be farther spaced apart from the inner case 200 than the circulation duct bottom surface 325. In other words, the sump bottom surface 3261 may be positioned lower than the circulation duct bottom surface 325. In other words, the sump bottom surface 3261 may be disposed closer to the ground than circulation duct bottom surface 325.
When the sump bottom surface 3261 is positioned closer to the ground, the water present on the circulation duct may be collected in the sump 326 by the influence of gravity.
As least a portion of the installation partition wall 3211 may be positioned at the sump 326. Specifically, the installation partition wall 3211 may project from the inner lateral surface of the duct body 321 and may extend upwards from the sump bottom surface 3261.
Since the installation partition wall 3211 is positioned at the sump 326, it is possible to prevent the air introduced into the evaporator 341 from moving through the sump 326. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 is able to improve efficiency of heat exchange in the evaporator 341.
The sump may be sloped downwards in the direction in which the installation partition wall 3211 projects from the inner lateral surface of the duct body 321. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 may project in a leftward direction in the drawing. Here, the sump bottom surface 3261 may be sloped downwards in a leftward direction.
When the installation partition wall 3211 is provided, residual water may be generated between the rear side of the installation partition wall 3211 and the inner lateral wall of the duct body 321. When the slope of the installation partition wall 3211 is formed as described above, there is an effect of preventing generation of residual water caused by the installation partition wall 3211.
The sump 326 may include the drainpipe 3263 which extends through one side of the circulation duct 320 to allow the sump 326 to communicate with the outside of the circulation duct. The drainpipe 3263 may extend through the duct body 321. The drainpipe may extend through the front surface of the sump 326.
The installation partition wall 3211 may be disposed at one side of the sump 326 in the width direction of the sump, and the drainpipe may be disposed at the other side of the sump 326 in the width direction of the sump. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 and the drainpipe 3263 may be disposed at different sides in the width direction of the sump 326.
For example, when the installation partition wall 3211 is disposed to the right of the sump 326, the drainpipe 3263 may be disposed to the left of the sump 326.
When the sump bottom surface 3261 is sloped downwards in the direction in which the installation partition wall 3211 projects, as described above, the water in the sump 326 may be collected in the projecting direction. Here, in order to more efficiently discharge the water in the sump 326 through the drainpipe 3263, the drainpipe 3263 must be positioned in the side in which water is collected.
Accordingly, when the installation partition wall 3211 and the drainpipe 3263 are positioned at opposite sides based on the slope, it is possible to prevent generation of residual water by virtue of the installation partition wall 3211. Furthermore, there is an effect of being capable of more efficiently discharging the water in the sump 326.
The sump bottom surface 3261 may be disposed so as to be sloped downwards toward the drainpipe 3263. The drainpipe 3263 may be a component configured to allow the water in the sump 326 to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, when the water in the sump 326 is intensively collected to the drainpipe 3263, it is possible to more efficiently remove the water in the sump 326.
Accordingly, when the sump bottom surface 3261 is sloped downwards toward the drainpipe 3263, the water in the sump 326 may be intensively collected to the drainpipe 3263. In other words, it is possible to easily discharge the water in the sump 326 and to efficiently prevent generation of residual water.
When the drainpipe 3263 is formed, for example, at a front and left side of the sump 326, the sump bottom surface 3261 may be sloped downwards in the forward direction. Furthermore, the sump bottom surface 3261 may be sloped downwards in the leftward direction.
The sump 326 may include the sump recess 3262, which is formed by depressing one side of the sump bottom surface 3261 and which is positioned lower than the sump bottom surface.
The sump recess 3262 may be positioned closest to the ground in the area of the sump 326. The sump recess 3262 may be positioned at the side toward which the sump bottom surface 3261 is sloped downwards. For example, when the sump bottom surface 3261 is sloped downwards toward the front and left side, the sump recess 3262 may be formed at the front and left side of the sump bottom surface 3261.
The drainpipe 3263 may be configured to allow the sump recess 3263 to communicate with the outside of the circulation duct 320. Specifically, the drainpipe 3263 may be formed at the side on which the water in the sump 326 concentrates, thereby allowing the water in the sump 326 to be more efficiently discharged.
The drainpipe 3263 may extend through one side of the circulation duct 320 at which the sump recess 3262 is located. In other words, the drainpipe 3263 may be configured to allow the lowermost portion of the sump 326 to communicate with the outside.
Referring to FIG. 23, the sump 326 may include a water level sensor 3266 configured to detect the water level of the water collected in the sump 326. The sump 326 may further include a sensor insert hole 3267, which is formed through one side of the circulation duct 320 and into which a portion of the water level sensor 3266 is inserted. Particularly, the sensor insert hole 3267 may be formed through a lateral surface of the circulation duct 320.
The sensor insert hole 3267 may be positioned higher than the maximum height of the water collected in the sump. In other words, the height HL of the sensor insert hole, which is a height between the sump bottom surface 3261 and the sensor insert hole 3267, may be greater than the maximum water level WL. The height HL of the sensor insert hole may mean the distance between the sump bottom surface 3261 and the lower end of the sensor insert hole 3267.
When the sensor insert hole 3267 is disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the maximum water level WL, it is possible to prevent water leakage through the sensor insert hole 3267.
The water level sensor 3266 may include a sensor body 3266c, which is positioned outside the circulation duct 320 and is connected to the controller 700, and a first sensor 3266a and a second sensor 3266b, which extend through the sensor insert hole 3267 from the sensor body 3266c and which are positioned in the circulation duct.
The first sensor 3266a and the second sensor 3266b may be inserted into the sensor insert hole 3267, and may be disposed in the circulation duct 320. The first sensor 3266a and the second sensor 3266b may measure the water level in the sump 326.
FIG. 24 illustrates the residual water treatment portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, FIG. 24 illustrates the residual water treatment portion provided at the circulation duct. More particularly, FIG. 24 illustrates the residual water treatment portion provided at the duct body.
Referring to FIG. 24 in conjunction with FIGs. 12 and 13, the residual water treatment portion 330 may include the drain pump 331 configured to provide power required to move the condensed water collected in the sump 326 to the water drainage container 302, the first drain hose 3351 configured to allow the drain pump 331 to communicate with the sump 326, and the second drain hose 3352 configured to allow the drain pump 331 to communicate with the water drainage container 302.
Furthermore, the residual water treatment portion 330 may include the introduction pipe 332, which extends from one side of the circulation duct 320 and which is connected to the second drain hose 3352, the discharge pipe 334, which extends from one side of the circulation duct 320 and allows the introduction pipe 332 to communicate with water drainage container 302, and the guide pipe 333, which extends from one side of the circulation duct 320 and allows the water drainage container 302 to communicate with the inside of the circulation duct 320 and which guides the water flowing back from the water drainage container 302, to the inside of the circulation duct.
Specifically, the water flowing back from the water drainage container 302 may move to the inside of the circulation duct 320 through the guide pipe 333. In other words, the water drainage container 302 may be configured to communicate with the guide pipe 333 and the discharge pipe 334. Water may be introduced into the water drainage container 302 through the discharge pipe 334, and may be discharged from the water drainage container 302 through guide pipe 333.
The guide pipe 333 may prevent back flow to the water drainage container 302, thereby preventing a sanitation or electrical problem caused by back-flowed water.
The residual water treatment portion 330 may further include a guide flow channel 337, which extends toward the sump 326 from the guide pipe 333 along the inner lateral surface of the circulation duct 320 and which guides the water introduced through the guide pipe 333, to the sump 326.
The guide flow channel 337 may allow the water, which is guided to the circulation duct 320 through the guide pipe 333, to move to the sump 326. The guide flow channel 337 may include a check rib 3373, which is disposed so as to face the guide pipe 333 in order to prevent the water, which is introduced into the guide pipe 333, from being introduced toward the evaporator 341.
The check rib 3373 may extend upwards beyond the guide pipe 333 from the inner lateral surface of the duct body 321. Accordingly, it is possible to more efficiently prevent the water introduced into the guide pipe 333 from moving toward the evaporator 341.
The guide flow channel 337may include a guide rib 3371 configured to allow the water introduced into the guide pipe 333, to move toward the sump 326 along the inner lateral surface of the duct body 321. The guide rib 3371 may project from the inner lateral surface of the duct body 321. Particularly, the guide rib 3371 may project from one inner surface of the duct body 321 at which the guide pipe 333 is provided.
The guide rib 3371 may extend toward the sump 326 from the guide pipe 333 in the state of being sloped downwards. The water introduced into the guide pipe 333 may move in the width direction of the base 310 along the guide rib 3371.
The guide rib 3371 may be positioned above the external air intake portion 322. In other words, the guide rib 3371 may be provided on one surface of the inner lateral surfaces of the duct body 321 at which the external air intake portion 322 is formed.
The guide flow channel 337 may include an induction rib 3372 which extends toward the sump 326 from the guide rib 3371. The guide rib 3371 may be configured to connect the check rib 3373 to the induction rib 3372.
The induction rib 3372 may extend from the guide rib 3371 in the height direction. Accordingly, the induction rib 3372 may extend in a vertical direction. The induction rib 3372 may be connected at one end thereof to the guide rib 3371 and at the other end thereof to the sump bottom surface 3261.
The induction rib 3372 may guide the water having passed through the guide rib 3371, to the sump 326. The induction rib 3372 may prevent the water having passed through the guide rib 3371 from splattering to the outside.
FIG. 25 illustrates the sump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 25, the sump 326 may be formed at one side of the inside of the circulation duct 320 remote away from the compressor installation portion 312. In other words, the sump 326 may be positioned at the side opposite to the sump shown in FIG. 23.
When the sump 326 is disposed at one side of the inside of the circulation duct 320 far away from the compressor installation portion 312, the distance between the residual water treatment portion 330 and the sump 326 may be reduced. Consequently, there is an effect of reducing the possibility of occurrence of water leakage while the water in the sump 326 moves through the residual water treatment portion 330.
Furthermore, the distance between the guide pipe 333 and the sump 326 may be reduced. Consequently, the length of the guide flow channel 337 as mentioned above may be reduced. Accordingly, there is an effect of efficiently reducing residual water remaining in the guide flow channel 337.
FIG. 26 illustrates the external air duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 26 in conjunction with FIG. 19, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the external air intake portion 322, which extends a portion of the circulation duct 320. Particularly, the external air intake portion 322 may extend through the duct body 321.
The external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to overlap the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 in the forward/backward direction. Specifically, the air introduced into the external air intake portion 322 may move through the evaporator 341 and the compressor 342.
The external air intake portion 322 may extend in the width direction of the duct body 321. In other words, the external air intake portion 322 may be shaped so as to have a height greater than a width thereof. Accordingly, air outside the cabinet 100 may be smoothly introduced into the circulation duct through the external air intake portion 322.
The air, which is introduced from the outside of the cabinet 100, may be introduced into the laundry treatment space 220 for ventilation of the laundry treatment space. Furthermore, it is possible to dehumidify air outside the cabinet 100 by means of the condenser 343 and the evaporator, which are provided in the circulation duct 320. Specifically, the external air intake portion 322 may serve to enable the laundry treatment apparatus 1 to fulfil dehumidification of the laundry treatment space.
The external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to overlap the fan installation portion 350 in the forward/backward direction. Furthermore, the external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to overlap the blower fan 353 in the forward/backward direction. Specifically, the air introduced through the external air intake portion 322 may move to the blower fan 353 with change in flowing direction in the flow channel. Accordingly, there is an effect of reducing flow loss of the air introduced into the external air intake portion 322.
The external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the sump 326. Furthermore, the external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the circulation duct bottom surface 325.
The external air intake portion 322 may be formed at the circulation duct 320. Accordingly, there is an effect of preventing occurrence of leakage during introduction of air outside the cabinet 100 into the external air intake portion 322.
Meanwhile, the duct body 321 may be disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base 310. Accordingly, the external air intake portion 322, which extends through duct body 321, may also be spaced backwards apart from the front end of the base 310.
In other words, the external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front surface of the machine compartment. Accordingly, the external air intake portion 322 may be disposed so as to be spaced backwards apart from the front surface of the cabinet 100. Because the external air intake portion 322 is spaced backward apart from the front surface of the cabinet 100, there may be a need to provide a component configured to guide air outside the cabinet 100 to the external air intake portion 322.
Accordingly, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the external air duct 370 configured to guide air outside the cabinet 100 to the external air intake portion 322.
The external air duct 370 may include the extension duct 372, which extends forwards from the front side of the external air intake portion 322, and the air intake duct 371, which extends forwards from the extension duct 372 and into which external air is introduced.
The air intake duct 371 may extend forwards from the lower portion of the extension duct 372. The air intake duct 371 may be connected at one end thereof to the extension duct 372, and may face the outside of the cabinet 100 at the other end thereof.
The extension duct 372 may be coupled to the external air intake portion 322 and may extend downwards therefrom, and the air intake duct 371 may extend forwards from the extension duct 372. Consequently, a space, in which the water drainage container 302 or the water supply container 301 is positioned, may be provided in front of the extension duct 372 and above the air intake duct 371.
In other words, the air intake duct 371 may be disposed below at least one of the water drainage container 302 or the water supply container 301. The extension duct 372 may be disposed behind at least one of the water drainage container 302 or the water supply container 301.
The front surface of the machine compartment 300 may be provided with an additional installation case (not shown) for installation of the water drainage container 302 and the water supply container 301. The installation case (not shown) may be disposed in the space in front of the extension duct 372 and above the air intake duct 371. The water drainage container 302 and the water supply container 301 may be coupled to the installation case (not shown), and may be disposed in front of or above the external air duct 370.
The extension duct 372 may be disposed relative to the external air intake portion 322 at a predetermined angle. The extension duct 372 may include a stopper surface 372s configured to prevent the external air damper 373 from being opened to a predetermined angle or greater while the external air damper 373 opens the external air intake portion 322.
The width 371w of the air intake duct may be less than the width 372w of the extension duct. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the flow channel defined in the external air duct 370 may be lesser in the air intake duct 371 than in the extension duct 372. By virtue of the variation in the cross-sectional area of the flow channel, the flow of air through the external air duct 370 may be stabilized. That is, there is an effect of reducing flow loss.
The extension duct 372 may include an extension duct exhaust port 3721, which is open at the side thereof that faces the external air intake portion 322. The area of the extension duct exhaust port 3721 may be larger than the area of the external air intake portion 322.
The extension duct exhaust port 3721 may be disposed so as to surround the external air intake portion 322. Accordingly, the air having passed through the extension duct 372 may be smoothly introduced into the external air intake portion 322.
The extension duct 372 may include an extension duct coupler 3722 configured to couple the extension duct 372 to the duct body. The extension duct coupler 3722 allows a fastening element, such as a bolt, to be coupled to the duct body. Consequently, the extension duct 372 may be coupled to the duct body 321 by means of the extension duct coupler 3722. Furthermore, the extension duct 372 may be coupled to the external air intake portion 322 by means of the extension duct coupler 3722.
The extension duct 372 may include a hose receiver 3724 which extends from one side of the extension duct 372. The hose receiver 3724 may be configured to receive the second drain hose 3352 therein. The hose receiver 3724 may define a space configured to receive the second drain hose 3352, in conjunction with the front surface of the duct body 321.
Furthermore, the extension duct 372 may include a damper shaft receiver 3723, which is formed on the other surface of the extension duct 372 and into which at least a portion of the external air damper 373 is inserted. The damper shaft receiver 3723 may provide an area in which the external air damper 373 is installed.
The air intake duct 371 may include the external air port 3711, which is provided at one end or the free end of the air intake duct 371 and into which external air is introduced, and the partition rib 3712 configured to partition the external air port 3711.
The external air port 3711 may be disposed lower than the door 400 so as not be shielded by the door 400. The partition rib 3712 may be configured to partition the inside of the external air port 3711 so as to block entry of foreign matter or a user's body into the external air port 3711.
The partition rib 3712 may include a main partition rib 3712, which extends along the air intake duct 371, and a sub partition rib 3712, which is disposed below the extension duct 372. The main partition rib 3712 may be longer than the sub partition rib 3712.
FIG. 27 illustrates the external air damper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, FIG. 27 illustrates the external air damper when viewed from the front and when viewed from the rear.
Referring to FIG. 27, the external air damper 373 may include an external air damper body 3731 configured to be rotatable relative to the external air intake portion 322, and an external air damper seal 3732 coupled to one surface of the external air damper body 3731 that faces the external air intake portion 322. The external air damper seal 3732 may seal the external air intake portion 322 and the external air damper body 3731.
The external air damper seal 3732 may be made of a material such as rubber, and may be in close contact with the periphery of the external air intake portion 322, thereby preventing leakage through the periphery of the external air intake portion 322.
The external air damper 373 may include an external air damper protrusion 3733 provided at one side of the external air damper body 3731 in the width direction. The external air damper protrusion 3733 may be supported by the external air duct 370 or the duct body 321. The external air damper protrusion 3733 may support rotation of the external air damper body 3731.
The external air damper 373 may include an external air damper shaft 3734 provided at the other side of the external air damper body 3731 in the width direction. The external air damper shaft 3734 may be connected to the external air driving portion 374 configured to provide power required to rotate the external air damper body 3731.
The external air driving portion 374 may include a driving shaft configured to transmit rotative force, and may be connected to the external air damper shaft 3734 serving as the driving shaft to rotate the external air damper body 3731 together with the external air damper seal 3732 coupled to the external air damper body 3731. At least a portion of the external air damper shaft 3734 may be received in the damper shaft receiver 3723. The damper shaft receiver 3723 may prevent separation of the external air damper shaft 3734.
FIG. 28 illustrates an operation of the external air damper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the external air damper closes the external air intake portion and a state in which the external air damper opens the external air intake portion.
The extension duct 372 may include a stopper surface 372s, which is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the external air intake portion 322 and is configured to prevent the external air damper 373 from being opened to the predetermined angle or greater in the state in which the external air damper 373 opens the external air intake portion 322. The stopper surface 372s may define a space configured to receive the external air damper 373. The stopper surface 372s may limit the open angle of the external air damper 373.
Referring to FIG. 28(a), there is shown a state in which the external air damper 373 closes the external air intake portion 322. The external air damper body 3731 may be disposed parallel to the external air intake portion 322. When the external air damper 373 closes the external air intake portion 322, introduction of air outside the cabinet 100 into the circulation duct 320 is restricted.
In other words, when the external air damper 373 closes the external air intake portion 322, a laundry treatment operation in which air in the laundry treatment space 220 is circulated may be performed.
Referring to FIG. 28(b), there is shown a state in which the external air damper opens the external air intake portion 322. The external air damper body 3731 may be disposed parallel to the stopper surface 372s. Here, the external air intake portion 322 may be open, and air outside the cabinet 100 may be guided to the external air intake portion 322 through the external air duct 370, and may then move to the inside of the circulation duct 320.
In the state in which the external air damper 373 opens the external air intake portion 322, an operation of ventilating the inside of the laundry treatment space 220 or of dehumidifying air outside the cabinet 100 may be performed.
A space may be defined between the external air duct 370 and the base bottom 311. Particularly, the air intake duct 371 may be spaced apart from the base bottom 311. Specifically, the air intake duct 371 may extend forwards from the extension duct 372 while being disposed so as to be sloped downwards. Accordingly, an external air duct lower space 370s may be defined between the air intake duct 371 and the base bottom 311.
The discharge pipe 334 may be disposed between the external air duct 370 and the base 310. In other words, the discharge pipe 334 may be positioned in the external air duct lower space 370s. Furthermore, the discharge pipe 334 may be disposed between the air intake duct 371 and the base bottom 311.
The first drain hose 3351 connected to the discharge pipe 334 may be disposed in the external air duct lower space 370s. Specifically, the first drain hose 3351 may be disposed in the external air duct lower space 370s, and may extend in the width direction of the base.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this present disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A laundry treatment apparatus comprising:
a cabinet defining an appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus;

an inner case provided in the cabinet, the inner case defining a laundry treatment space configured to receive laundry therein and having an opening through which the laundry is introduced and taken out;

a machine compartment positioned at a lower portion of the inner case in the cabinet;

a heat supply comprising an evaporator, which is provided in the machine compartment so as to remove moisture from air introduced from the laundry treatment space, a condenser configured to heat the air introduced from the laundry treatment space, and a compressor configured to supply compressed refrigerant to the condenser;

a circulation duct provided in the machine compartment, the circulation duct receiving the condenser therein and defining a flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated; and

a base provided in the machine compartment so as to support a lower portion of the circulation duct,

wherein the circulation duct comprises:
a circulation duct bottom surface defining a bottom surface of the flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated; and

a sump, which is formed by depressing one side of the circulation duct bottom surface so as to collect therein water condensed in the evaporator.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base and the circulation duct are formed integrally with each other.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sump is disposed so as to overlap the evaporator or the condenser in a height direction of the cabinet.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller disposed at the machine compartment to control the compressor,
wherein the base comprises a controller installation portion which is disposed at a lower portion of the circulation duct bottom surface and provides a space in which the controller is mounted, and

wherein the sump is disposed so as to overlap the controller installation portion in a width direction of the base.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a compressor installation portion which provides a space in which the compressor is mounted, and
wherein the sump is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor installation portion in a forward/backward direction.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein a width of the sump is less than a width of the compressor installation portion.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circulation duct comprises:
a duct body which extends toward the inner case from the base and receives the evaporator and the condenser, the duct body defining the flow channel; and

an installation partition wall which projects from an inner lateral surface of the duct body and is disposed in front of the evaporator,

wherein a portion of the installation partition wall is positioned at the sump.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sump comprises a sump bottom surface which is spaced downwards apart from the circulation duct bottom surface and forms a bottom surface on which the condensed water is stored, and
wherein the sump bottom surface is sloped downwards in a direction in which the installation partition wall projects from the inner lateral surface of the duct body.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sump comprises a drainpipe which extends through one side of the circulation duct to allow the sump to communicate with an outside of the circulation duct, and
wherein the installation partition wall is disposed at one side of the sump in a width direction, and the drainpipe is disposed at another side of the sump in the width direction..
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sump comprises a drainpipe which extends through one side of the circulation duct to guide the condensed water stored in the sump to an outside of the circulation duct.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sump comprises a sump bottom surface which is spaced downwards apart from the circulation duct bottom surface and forms a bottom surface on which the condensed water is stored, and
wherein the circulation duct bottom surface and the sump bottom surface are disposed so as to be sloped downwards toward the drainpipe.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the sump comprises a sump recess which is formed by depressing one side of the sump bottom surface and is positioned lower than the sump bottom surface, and
wherein the drainpipe allows the sump recess to communicate with the outside of the circulation duct.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water cover which is disposed on the circulation duct bottom surface and above the sump and which is disposed at a lower portion of the condenser so as to prevent the circulation duct bottom surface and the sump from being exposed.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 13, wherein the water cover comprises:
a water body configured to support at least one of the evaporator or the condenser; and

a support rib which extends downwards from the water body to space the water body apart from the circulation duct bottom surface.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 14, wherein the water cover further comprises a water cover through hole which is formed through the water body so as to allow the water condensed in the evaporator to move to the circulation duct bottom surface.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sump comprises:
a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of the water collected in the sump; and

a sensor insert hole which is formed through one side of the circulation duct and into which a portion of the water level sensor is inserted, and

wherein the sensor insert hole is positioned higher than a maximum level of the water collected in the sump.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a water drainage container which is positioned outside the circulation duct and stores the water condensed in the evaporator; and

a residual water treatment portion configured to move the condensed water collected in the sump to the water drainage container.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 17, wherein the residual water treatment portion comprises:
a drain pump configured to provide power required to move the condensed water collected in the sump to the water drainage container;

a first drain hose which allows the drain pump to communicate with the sump; and

a second drain hose which allows the drain pump to communicate with the water drainage container.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 18, wherein the residual water treatment portion comprises:
an introduction pipe which extends from one side of the circulation duct and to which the second drain hose is connected;

a discharge pipe which extends from the one side of the circulation duct and allows the introduction pipe to communicate with the water drainage container; and

a guide pipe which extends from the one side of the circulation duct and allows the water drainage container to communicate with the circulation duct to guide water flowing back from the water drainage container to an inside of the circulation duct.
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 19, wherein the residual water treatment portion further comprises a guide flow channel which extends toward the sump from the guide pipe along an inner lateral surface of the circulation duct to guide water introduced through the guide pipe to the sump.