CLOTHING PROCESSING APPARATUS

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 6767 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 objects, a 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 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 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 duct body configured to receive the evaporator and the condenser therein, and an air discharge portion which extends backwards from the duct body to guide air introduced into the duct body to an outside of the circulation duct, and wherein a diameter of the air discharge portion is smaller than a width of the duct body.

The air discharge portion may include an air extension pipe which extends backwards from the duct body to guide air in the duct body, and an air discharge pipe which extends backwards to discharge the air in the duct body to an outside of the duct body.

An interior cross-sectional area of the air extension pipe may decrease in a direction in which the air extension pipe extends, and an interior cross-sectional area of the air discharge pip may increase in a direction in which the air discharge pipe extends.

An inside diameter of the air extension pipe may decrease in a direction in which the air extension pipe extends, and an extent to which the inside diameter of the air extension pipe decreases may decrease in the direction in which the air extension pipe extends.

A gradient of an inner surface of the air extension pipe relative to a direction in which the air extension pipe extends may be different from a gradient of an inner surface of the air discharge pipe relative to a direction in which the air discharge pipe extends.

An inside diameter of a portion at which the air extension pipe and the air discharge pipe are connected to each other may be smallest among inside diameters of other portions of the air extension pipe and the air discharge pipe.

The circulation duct may further include a heat exchanger installation portion which is provided in the duct body and in which the evaporator and the condenser are installed, and a length of the air extension pipe in a forward/backward direction may be less than a length of the heat exchanger installation portion in the forward/backward direction.

The circulation duct may further include an installation partition wall which projects from an inner lateral surface of the duct body and is disposed in front of the evaporator, and a length of the air extension pipe in a forward/backward direction may be less than a distance between the installation partition wall and the air extension pipe.

The installation partition wall may partially support a front surface of the evaporator.

The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a fan installation portion which is coupled to the air discharge portion so as to allow the inner case to communicate with the circulation duct and to circulate air in the laundry treatment space.

The air discharge portion may include an air extension pipe which extends backwards from the duct body to guide air in the duct body, and an air discharge pipe which extends backwards from the air extension pipe to discharge the air in the duct body to an outside of the duct body, and the fan installation portion may be coupled to the air discharge pipe.

The base may include a compressor installation portion configured to provide a space in which the compressor is installed, and the compressor may be installed to the compressor installation portion and may be disposed so as to overlap the air discharge portion in a width direction of the base.

The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a controller which is provided in the machine compartment so as to control the compressor, and the air discharge portion may be disposed so as to overlap the controller in a height direction of the cabinet.

The circulation duct and the base may be integrally formed.

The duct body and the air discharge portion may be integrally formed.

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 specifically illustrates the structure of the sump of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section (S-S′) of the circulation duct which is cut in the height direction;

FIG. 11 illustrates a slope structure associated with the sump;

FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of the controller installation portion provided on the base of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of the air discharge portion of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates the installation structure of the steam supply;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the circulation duct and the base cover of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates the circulation duct and the base according to the present disclosure when viewed from above;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the circulation duct according to of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates the controller installation portion and the controller according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the fan installation portion according to the present invention when viewed from the front;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the fan installation portion according to the present disclosure when viewed from the rear;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circulation duct, the base, and the fan installation portion according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates the cross-section of the circulation duct according to the present disclosure which is viewed from above; and

FIG. 23 illustrates the coupled state of the steam supply according to the present disclosure when viewed from the rear.

BEST MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, 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 disclosure 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. 16) 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 specifically illustrates the structure of the sump of the laundry treatment apparatus according to 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. In the course of passing through the evaporator 341, 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 in condensed in the evaporator 341.

The sump 326 may be a space which is formed by depressing the bottom surface of the duct body 321, and may form one lateral surface of the controller installation portion 313. Particularly, the lateral surface of the sump 326 may form a lateral surface of the controller installation portion 313.

The sump may be formed by depressing the bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 downwards.

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 to 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 drain pipe 3263 which discharges the water collected in the sump 326 to the outside.

The drain pipe 310 may project from the lower portion of the sump 326 to the outside of the circulation duct 320. The drain pipe 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 3261 is 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 structure of the controller installation portion provided at the base of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure.

(a) of FIG. 12 illustrates an aspect in which the controller 700 is installed to the controller installation portion 313.

The controller 700 may be configured to control all of the components required to perform an arbitrary course including laundry refresh procedure by the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure. Although the controller 700 may be embodied as a PCB, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be embodied as various devices for control.

The controller 700 may be inserted and seated in the controller installation portion 313.

The controller installation portion 313 may be disposed below the circulation duct 320.

The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 may define the upper surface of the controller installation portion 313. The controller installation portion 313 may be disposed lower than the lower portion of the air discharge portion 323.

The controller installation portion 313 may be formed integrally with the base bottom 311. The controller installation portion 313 may be formed as a recess depressed in the circulation duct while the circulation duct 320 is molded to the base 310.

The controller 700 may be moved in a sliding manner on the controller installation portion 313 toward the front from the rear.

The controller 700 may be provided therein with a bracket 3131 configured to surround the controller. The bracket 3131 may be disposed on and beneath the controller, and may prevent foreign substances from entering the controller.

Furthermore, the bracket 313 may prevent damage to the circuit board in the controller 700 caused by heat or vibration transmitted to the controller 700. The bracket 313 may be made of a metal material. Because the bracket 3131 is made of a metal material, it is possible to prevent fire propagation to the controller 700.

FIG. 12(b) illustrates the state in which the controller is installed to the controller installation portion.

As illustrated in the drawing, the controller 700 may be installed in a state of being sloped at a predetermined angle relative to the base bottom 311.

For example, the controller 700 may be disposed so as to be sloped toward the sump 326. Accordingly, when water is discharged to the upper portion of the controller 700, the water may promptly escape from the controller 700. The bottom surface of the circulation duct 320 may be molded so as to be sloped toward the sump 326.

The controller 700 may include a support 3132 which projects from a lateral surface thereof.

The controller installation portion 313 may include a rib 3134 which projects from two opposite lateral surfaces of the controller installation portion. The support 3132 of the controller may be disposed on the ribs 3134.

The support 3132 of the controller may support the total weight of the controller 700. When the support 3132 of the controller is disposed on the rib 3134 and is supported thereby, the controller 700 may be spaced apart from the base bottom 311 by a predetermined distance.

The rib 3134 may be formed integrally with the base 310. The rib 3134 may be injection-molded together with the base 310 and may be formed integrally with components, such as the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320, at the time of injection molding of the base 310.

The controller 700 may be provided on the front surface thereof with a controller-seating protrusion 3136. The controller installation portion 313 may be provided on the inner lateral surface thereof with a guide 3133 which projects backwards. The controller-seating protrusion 3136 may be coupled to the guide 3133. The controller-seating protrusion may be inserted into the guide. The controller may be positioned in place in such a way as to couple the controller-seating protrusion to the guide when the controller is inserted into the controller installation portion 313. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the male and female relationships in the coupling between the controller and the controller installation portion may be changed.

The two opposite lateral surfaces of the controller may be determined according to the manner in which the support is seated on the rib, as described above. By virtue of the coupling procedure, it is possible to couple the controller to the controller installation portion in place without an additional fastening element.

FIG. 13 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. 14 illustrates the installation structure of the steam supply.

The steam supply 800 may be seated on the base cover 360 and be supported thereby.

The steam supply 800 may include a steam case 810, which is seated on the base cover 360 and stores therein water for creation of steam.

The circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the steam supply 800 in the height direction of the cabinet 100.

The steam supply 800 may further include an installation bracket 870 capable of fixing the steam case 810 to the base cover 360.

The installation bracket 870 may be coupled to the base cover 360 so as to fix the steam case 810.

The installation bracket 870 may include a lower panel 871 configured to support the lower surface of the steam case 810 and a lateral panel 872 configured to support two opposite lateral surfaces of the steam case 810 at the lower panel 871.

The installation bracket 870 may further include at least one holding clip 873 which extends from the lateral panel 872 to prevent separation of the steam case 810.

The holding clip 873 may be detachably attached to the upper portion of the lateral surface of the steam case 810.

The compressor 342 may be disposed lower than the steam supply 800.

The installation bracket 870 may be configured to block transmission of heat generated by the compressor or heat generated by the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the steam supply 800.

Furthermore, the installation bracket 870 may block transmission of fire to the steam supply 800 in the event of firing at the compressor 342.

The base cover 360 may include a fastening portion 3631 which is provided at a blocking body 363 and is detachably coupled to the steam supply 800. The fastening portion 3631 may have a structure configured to be detachably coupled to a projection projecting the lower portion of the steam case 810.

Consequently, even when a large amount of water is received in the steam case 810, the steam case 810 may be stably seated on the base cover 360.

Furthermore, because the steam case 810 is disposed higher than the circulation duct 320 such that the distance to the inner case 200 is reduced, it is possible to minimize condensation of steam created in the steam case 810 before the steam arrives the inner case 200.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the circulation duct, the base and the base cover of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the base 310 which is disposed at the lower portion of the machine compartment 300 so as to provide a space in which the compressor 342 is installed. Furthermore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the circulation duct 320 which extends from the base 310 to provide a space in which the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 are installed. The circulation duct 320 may provide a flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space 220 is circulated.

The circulation duct 320 may be constructed in such a fashion as to extend upwards from the base 310. In other words, the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally with the base 310. The circulation duct 320 and the base 310 may be injection-molded by means of a metal mold. Specifically, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be made of a material, such as synthetic resin or plastic, which is used in injection molding.

Both the circulation duct 320 and the base 310 may be defined as a base molding M. The base molding M may be made of various materials such as an injection-molding material. In the case in which an additional fastening portion is not present between the circulation duct 320 and the base 310, it is understood that the circulation duct 320 and the base 310 constitute the base molding M.

Because the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 are formed integrally, there is an effect of being capable of preventing air from leaking from the inside of the circulation duct 320. The circulation duct 320 and the base 310 may be connected to each other without using an additional connecting element. Accordingly, the circulation duct 320 may be more firmly supported by the base 310.

Because the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 are integrally formed, the height of the circulation duct 320 may increase. As the height of the circulation duct 320 increases, the height of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may increase. As the height of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 increases, the width of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 in the forward/backward direction may decrease. Because the height increases, it is possible to provide a designed heat exchange effect even when the width decreases.

As the width of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 in the forward/backward direction decreases, flow loss of air passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be reduced. Consequently, the overall efficiency of the laundry treatment apparatus may be improved.

Furthermore, when the circulation duct 320 extends from the base 310 and is formed integrally with the base 310, it is unnecessary to provide a process of additionally assembling the circulation duct 320 with the base 310. Accordingly, there is an effect of improving productivity of the laundry treatment apparatus.

The circulation duct 320 may include the duct body 321 which extends toward the inner case 200 from the base 310. The duct body 321 may extend upwards from the base 310. The duct body 321 may define a flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space 220 is circulated.

Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may include a duct opening 324 which is formed in the upper side of the duct body 321. In other words, the duct body 321 may form the lateral surface of the circulation duct 320. The duct body 321 may extend to define the lateral wall of the flow channel, and may include the duct opening 324 formed in the upper side thereof.

The evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be inserted through the duct opening 324. The evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be installed in the circulation duct 320 through the duct opening 324. The duct body 321 may be disposed so as to surround the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.

When the duct body 321 is formed integrally with the base 310, the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 may be more stably positioned in the duct body 321. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent leakage of air passing through the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.

The base cover 360 configured to shield at least a portion of the duct opening 324 may be coupled to the upper side of the duct body 321. The base cover 360 may define the flow channel for circulation of air, in conjunction with the duct body 321.

The base cover 360 may include the blocking body 363 configured to shield a portion of the duct opening 324, and an introduction body 361 which extends from the blocking body 363 and allows the circulation duct 320 to communicate with the laundry treatment space 220. The base cover 360 may include the introduction portion 362 which is formed in the introduction body 361 so as to allow air to pass therethrough.

The introduction body 361 may be disposed in front of the evaporator 341. In other words, the introduction body 361 may be positioned far away from the condenser 342 based on the evaporator 341.

The blocking body 363 may be disposed so as to overlap the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 in the height direction. The introduction body 361 may extend forwards from the blocking body 363, and may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the evaporator 341 or the condenser 343 in the forward/backward direction.

When the introduction body 361 and the evaporator 341 are disposed as described above, the air, which is introduced into the inside of the circulation duct 320 through the introduction body 361, may immediately flow in the internal space in the circulation duct 320 without coming into contact with the evaporator 341.

Specifically, the air, which is introduced into the circulation duct 320 through the introduction body 361, may be guided so as to sequentially pass through the internal space in the circulation duct 320, the evaporator 341, and the condenser 343. Consequently, there is an effect of being capable of improving heat exchange efficiency of air.

The base 310 may include the base bottom 311 which forms the support surface. The circulation duct 320 may extend upwards from the base bottom 311. The duct body 321 may extend upwards from the base bottom 311.

At least one of the water supply container 301 and the water drainage container 302 may be disposed on the base bottom 311.

The circulation duct 320 may include the installation partition wall 3211 which projects from the inner lateral wall of the duct body 321. The installation partition wall 3211 may be disposed in front of the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343.

The installation partition wall 3211 may concentrate the air in the duct body 321 toward the evaporator 341. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 is capable of preventing the air from escaping through a lateral side of the evaporator 341. The installation partition wall 3211 is capable of improving heat exchange efficiency in the inside of the duct body 321.

The base 310 may include the compressor installation portion 312 which provides a space in which the compressor 342 is installed. The compressor installation portion 312 may be formed on the base bottom 311. The compressor installation portion may be formed integrally with the base 310. The compressor installation portion 312 may be formed so as to project from the base bottom 311.

In other words, the compressor installation portion 312 may also be simultaneously formed at the time of formation of the base 310 and the circulation duct 320. For example, the compressor installation portion 312 may be formed on the base 310 by means of a metal mold.

FIG. 16 illustrates the circulation duct and the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above.

Referring to FIG. 16, 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. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the circulation duct and the base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is cut along a plane perpendicular to the forward/backward direction. Furthermore, FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the circulation duct, which is cut along a plane parallel to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 17, the circulation duct 320 may include a circulation duct bottom surface 325 which forms the bottom surface of the flow channel in which air is circulated. Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may include the sump 326 which is depressed from the circulation duct bottom surface 325 so as to store water condensed in the evaporator 341.

The base 310 may include the controller installation portion 313 which is formed at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320 to provide a space in which the controller 700 is installed. The circulation duct bottom surface 325 may form the upper surface of the controller installation portion 313. At least a portion of the controller installation portion 313 may be disposed at the lower portion of the circulation duct bottom surface 325.

A sump lateral surface 3265, which forms the lateral surface of the sump 326, may form a lateral surface of the controller 700. The controller installation portion 313 and the sump 326 may be disposed so as to overlap each other in the width direction of the cabinet 100. Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may be disposed so as to overlap the controller installation portion 313 in the height direction of the cabinet 100. Particularly, the circulation bottom surface 325 may be disposed so as to overlap the controller installation portion 313 in the height direction of the cabinet 100.

A metal mold, which is configured to form the inner lateral surface of the circulation duct, may be removed toward the duct opening 324. Accordingly, the width of the duct body may increase as the distance from the base 310 increases. When the width of the duct body 321 increases in an upward direction, it is easy to remove the metal mold.

Referring to FIG. 17 together with FIG. 7, the lower surface 321a of the duct body may be shorter than the upper surface 321b of the duct body. In other words, the distance between two opposing inner walls among the inner walls of the duct body 321 may increase as the same moves upwards. Furthermore, the distance between two opposing inner walls among the inner walls of the duct body 321 may increase in a direction in which the duct body 321 extends. In other words, the distance between two opposing inner walls among the inner walls of the duct body 321 may increase as the distance from the base 310 increases.

The duct body 321 may be sloped upwards in the outward direction of the duct body 321 in a direction in which the duct body 321 extends. In other words, the distance between the inner walls of the duct body 321 may increase in the upward direction. Particularly, the distance between two opposing inner walls of the duct body 321 may increase in the upward direction.

Referring to FIG. 17, the direction in which the metal mold is removed is denoted by “MR”. The direction in which the metal mold is removed may be a direction perpendicular to the base. Furthermore, the direction in which the metal mold is removed may be the height direction of the cabinet. In addition, the direction in which the metal mold is removed may be a direction parallel to the direction of gravitational force.

The angle defined between the direction in which the metal mold is removed and the inner wall of the duct body 321 is denoted by “m1” and “m2”.

The left inner wall of the duct body 321 may define the first body angle m1 relative to the metal mold removal direction MR. The first body angle m1 may be an angle which is sloped in an outward direction of the duct body 321 as the distance from the circulation duct bottom surface 325 increases.

The right inner wall of the duct body 321 may define the second body angle m2 relative to the metal mold removal direction MR. The second body angle m2 may be an angle which is sloped in an outward direction of the duct body 321 as the distance from the circulation duct bottom surface 325 increases.

Specifically, the first body angle m1 and the second body angle m2 may be angles which are sloped in different directions. By virtue of the first body angle m1 and the second body angle m2, the metal mold configured to form the left inner wall and the right inner wall of the duct body 321 may be easily removed.

The right inner wall of the sump 326 may be formed by the right inner wall of the duct body 321. Meanwhile, the left inner wall of the sump 326 may be separately formed by a metal mold. The sump lateral surface 3265, which forms the left inner wall of the sump 326, may define a third body angle m3 relative to the metal mold removal direction MR. The third body angle m3 may be an angle in which the sump lateral surface 3265 is sloped in the outward direction of the sump 326 as the distance from the base 310 increases.

In other words, the third body angle m3 may be sloped in the same direction as the first body angle m1. The third body angle m3 may be sloped in a direction different from the second body angle m2. When the third body angle m3 and the second body angle m2 are sloped in different directions, the metal mold, which forms the sump 326, may be more easily removed.

As described above, the installation partition wall 3211 may project from the inner wall of the duct body 321. The installation partition wall 3211 may be formed in a manner such that the outer wall of the duct body 321 is depressed in the inward direction of the duct body 321.

Here, the metal mold, which forms the installation partition wall 3211, may be inserted into the duct body 321 from the outside of the duct body 321, and may then be taken outwards out of the duct body 321 upon removal of the metal mold.

In other words, the metal mold, which is configured to form the inner surface of the installation partition wall 3211, may be removed upwards, and the metal mold, which is configured to form the outer wall of the installation partition wall 3211, may be removed in the width direction of the base 310.

Here, in order to allow the metal mold, which is configured to form the installation partition wall, to be easily removed, the installation partition wall 3211 may define a predetermined angle relative to the metal mold removal direction.

The metal mold, which forms the inner surface of the installation partition wall 3211, may be removed in the height direction of the cabinet 100. Accordingly, the inner surface of the installation partition wall may define a fourth body angle m4 relative to the metal mold removal direction MR. The fourth body angle m4 may be an angle which is sloped upwards relative to the metal mold removal direction MR toward the duct body 321 at which the installation partition wall 3211 is formed.

In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 may be constructed such that the cross-sectional area thereof decreases upwards. Specifically, the fourth body angle m4 may be an angle such that the cross-sectional area of the installation partition wall 3211 decreases moving upwards.

By virtue of formation of the fourth body angle m4, the metal mold configured to form the inner surface of the installation partition wall 3211 may be more easily removed.

Meanwhile, the metal mold, which forms the outer surface of the installation partition wall 3211, may be removed in the width direction of the base 310. The outer wall of the installation partition wall 3211 may define a fifth body angle m5 relative to the metal mold removal direction MR.

The fifth body angle m5 may be an angle such that the distance between two opposing outer surfaces of the installation partition wall 3211 increases in the metal removal direction MR.

The length of the installation partition wall 3211, in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the installation partition wall 3211 is depressed, may decrease in the direction in which the installation partition wall 3211 is depressed. In other words, the length of the installation partition wall 3211, in a direction perpendicular to the metal mold removal direction MR, may increase in the metal mold removal direction MR.

When the fifth body angle m5 is formed as described above, there is an effect of being capable of more easily removing the metal mold configured to form the outer surface of the installation partition wall 3211.

The directions or sloping directions of the above-mentioned body angles m1, m2, m3, m4 and m5 may not be limited to the above embodiment, and may be changed so as to allow metal molds configured to form the surfaces to be more easily removed.

When the body angles m1, m2, m3, m4 and m5 are provided as described above, there may be effects of allowing the metal molds configured to form the circulation duct 320 to be more easily removed and of reducing occurrence of defective circulation ducts.

Furthermore, since the metal mold is easily removed, there are effects of improving quality of the inner lateral surface and the outer lateral surface of the circulation duct 320 and of allowing air to smoothly flow overall.

FIG. 18 illustrates the controller installation portion and the controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Particularly, FIG. 18 illustrates the state in which the controller installation portion is separated from the controller, when viewed from the rear and from the front.

Referring to FIG. 18, the base 310 may be provided in the machine compartment, and may support the lower portion of the circulation duct 320. Furthermore, the base 310 may include the controller installation portion 313 which is disposed at the lower portion of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 so as to provide a space in which the controller 700 is installed.

The controller 700 may be installed to the controller installation portion 313 in such a manner as to be inserted into the controller installation portion 313. Specifically, the controller 700 may be installed to the controller installation portion 313, and may then be disposed at the lower portion of the circulation duct 320. More specifically, the controller 700 may be installed to the controller installation portion 313, and may then be disposed at the lower portion of the duct body 321.

As described above, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be formed integrally each other. As described above, the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 may be integrally injection-molded by means of a metal mold.

The controller installation portion 313 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the circulation duct 320 in the height direction of the cabinet 100. In other words, the controller installation portion 313 and the circulation duct 320 may be disposed in an up-and-down direction.

When the controller installation portion 313 and the circulation duct 320 are disposed in an up-and-down direction, it is possible to more efficiently utilize the internal space in the machine compartment. The controller installation portion 313 may be indirectly formed by formation of the circulation duct 320. In other words, it is understood that the controller installation portion 313 is naturally formed in the course of integrally forming the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 without providing an additional component to form the controller installation portion 313.

Accordingly, by virtue of the above-described construction, it is possible to omit a process of providing an additional bracket to mount the controller which would otherwise be used in manufacture of a conventional laundry treatment apparatus. That is, there is an effect of improving overall assembly efficiency of the laundry treatment apparatus.

Furthermore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the fan installation portion 350 which allows the inner case 200 to communicate with the circulation duct 320 to circulate the air in the laundry treatment space 220. Here, the controller installation portion 313 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the fan installation portion 350 in the forward/backward direction. Particularly, the controller installation portion 313 may be disposed so as to overlap the lower portion of the fan installation portion 350 in the forward/backward direction.

More specifically, the controller 700 may be fixed to the controller installation portion 313 by the fan installation portion 350. The detailed coupling structure thereof will be described later.

The controller installation portion 313 may be formed by depressing a portion of the circulation duct 320. Particularly, the controller installation portion 313 may be formed by depressing the rear side of the circulation duct 320 forwards. In other words, the controller installation portion 313 may be formed between the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320.

The controller 700 may include the bracket 3131 surrounding the outer lateral surface of the controller 700. The bracket 3131 may be made of a metal material. Furthermore, the bracket 3131 may be made of a non-flammable material. Consequently, the bracket 3131 may prevent propagation of fire to the circuit board, the PCB and the like, which constitute the controller 700.

The controller installation portion 313 may further include the guide 3133 which projects from the front surface of the inner lateral wall of the controller installation portion 313. The guide 3133 may project backwards from the front inner wall of the controller installation portion 313.

The controller may include the controller-seating protrusion 3136 which projects toward the guide. The controller may include the controller-seating protrusion 3136 which projects from the front surface of the controller. The controller-seating protrusion 3136 may be coupled to the guide 3133. Specifically, the controller-seating protrusion 3136 may be coupled to the guide 3133 so as to position the controller 700 in the controller installation portion 313.

Furthermore, the controller 700 may include a controller-fixing protrusion 3137 which projects from the rear surface of the controller. The controller-fixing protrusion 3137 may be formed at the side opposite to the controller-seating protrusion 3136. The controller-seating protrusion 3136 may secure the front side of the controller 700 while the controller-fixing protrusion 3137 may secure the rear side of the controller 700.

The forward/backward movement of the controller 700 may be limited by the controller-seating protrusion 3136 and the controller-fixing protrusion 3137. A detailed structure of the controller-fixing protrusion 3137 will be described later.

The description of the structure and the configuration of the controller-seating protrusion 3136 and the controller-fixing protrusion 3137 is merely given in connection with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, the projection or depression of the controller-seating protrusion 3136 and the controller-fixing protrusion 3137 may be appropriately changed.

Furthermore, the controller 700 may include the support 3132 which projects from the lateral surface of the controller 700. The support 3132 may extend in the forward/backward direction. The controller installation portion may further include the controller rib 3134 which projects from the inner lateral wall of the controller installation portion 313.

The controller rib 3134 may extend in the forward/backward direction. The support 3132 may be positioned on the controller rib 3134. In other words, the controller rib 3134 may support the support 3132 at the lower side of the support 3132.

The inner lateral wall of the controller installation portion 313 may form a single surface together with the connecting partition wall 3127. The support 3132 may project from the inner surface of the controller installation portion 313 which forms a single surface together with the connecting partition wall 3127.

As illustrated in FIG. 18 the controller installation portion 313 may be formed integrally with the base bottom 311 and the circulation duct 320 by means of a metal mold. Here, the metal mold, which is configured to form the controller installation portion 313, may be removed backwards. FIG. 18 illustrates the metal mold removal direction MR in which the metal mold, which forms the controller installation portion 313, is taken out.

When the controller 700 is installed to the controller installation portion 313, the controller 700 may be inserted into the controller installation portion 313 in the direction opposite to the metal mold removal direction MR.

The laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a noise filter 390 configured to eliminate noise from an electrical signal which is transmitted to and received from the controller 700. The noise filter 390 may be configured to eliminate noise from electrical signals which are transmitted to and received from the compressor 342, the fan installation portion 350 and the like, in addition to the controller 700.

The noise filter 390 may be disposed close to the controller 700. When the noise filter 390 is disposed close to the controller 700, electrical connection may be facilitated. The noise filter 390 may be disposed behind the controller 700. Particularly, the noise filter 390 may be disposed close to the controller 700 in the forward/backward direction. Furthermore, the noise filter 390 may be coupled to the base 310.

The base 310 may include a noise filter installation portion 3138 which projects from the base bottom 311. The noise filter installation portion 3138 may be disposed behind the controller installation portion 313. The noise filter installation portion 3138 may also be formed by means of the metal mold configured to form the controller installation portion 313.

Here, in order to form the noise filter installation portion 3138 which projects from the base bottom 311, the controller installation portion 313 may include a noise filter guide 3139 configured to assist in removal of the metal mold. The noise filter guide 3139 may project from the base bottom 311, and may extend in the forward/backward direction. The noise filter guide 3139 may be disposed so as to overlap the noise filter installation portion 3138 in the forward/backward direction.

The noise filter guide 3139 may extend in the metal mold removal direction MR. Particularly, the noise filter guide 3139 may be constructed such that the cross-sectional area thereof decreases in the metal mold removal direction MR. Specifically, the noise filter guide 3139 may be constructed such that the cross-sectional area thereof increases as the distance from the noise filter installation portion 3138 increases. When the cross-sectional area of the noise filter guide 3139 varies in the above-described manner, there is an effect of allowing the metal mold configured to form the noise filter installation portion 3138 to be more easily removed.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the fan installation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front. FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the fan installation portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the rear.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

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 and is open at the upper surface thereof and which receives therein the evaporator and the condenser and provides the flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated, and the base 310, which is provided in the machine compartment and supports the lower portion of the circulation duct 320.

Furthermore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include the blower fan 353 configured to cause the air in the laundry treatment space 220 to be circulated, and the fan housing 351 configured to receive therein at least a portion of the blower fan 353 and to allow the circulation duct 320 to communicate with the laundry treatment space 220.

The fan housing 351 may be configured to allow the circulation duct 320 to communicate with the laundry treatment space 220. Specifically, the fan housing 351 may allow the circulation duct 320 to communicate with the laundry treatment space 220, thereby minimizing loss of flow caused by the blower fan 353.

In the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1, the fan housing does not connect the circulation duct to the laundry treatment space 220. Particularly, in the conventional laundry treatment apparatus 1, the fan configured to generate airflow is disposed in front of the circulation duct. Accordingly, there is a problem in that loss of airflow occurs. In contrast, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the fan housing 351 allows the circulation duct 320 to communicate with the laundry treatment space 220, thereby making it possible to prevent loss of flow.

The blower fan 353 may include a blower motor 3531, which is coupled to one side of the fan housing 351 and supplies power required to generate circulation of air, a blower shaft 3532, which extends from the blower motor 3531 and transmit the power of the blower motor 3531, and a blower blade 3533, which is connected to the blower shaft 3532 and is rotated by the power received from the blower shaft. Particularly, the blower shaft 3532 may extend through the fan housing 351.

The circulation duct 320 may include the duct body 321, which extend upwards from the base 310, receives the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343, and defines the flow channel in which the air in the laundry treatment space is circulated.

Furthermore, the circulation duct 320 may include the air discharge portion 323, which extends backwards from the duct body 321 and is coupled to the fan housing 351 so as to guide the air in the duct body to the fan housing 351.

Specifically, the air discharge portion 323 may serve to discharge the air in the duct body 321 to the outside of the circulation duct 320. The air discharge portion 323 may serve as a nozzle. Specifically, the air discharge portion 323 may be configured to have a smaller flow area than the duct body 321. Consequently, the speed of the air flowing through the air discharge portion 323 may increase. Furthermore, there is an effect of reducing loss of air flowing through the air discharge portion 323.

The duct body 321 and the air discharge portion 323 may be formed integrally with each other. Therefore, there is an effect of making it possible to prevent air leakage or loss of flow from occurring at the boundary between the duct body 321 and the air discharge portion 323.

The fan housing 351 may include a first housing 354, which is coupled to the air discharge portion 323, forms a portion a discharge flow channel configured to guide the air discharged from the air discharge portion 323 to the laundry treatment space 220, and includes a fan housing discharge portion 3544 configured to discharge the air toward the inner case.

Furthermore, the fan housing 351 may include a second housing 355, which is coupled to the first housing 354 so as to define the discharge flow channel in conjunction with the first housing 354.

The first housing 354 may be directly coupled to the air discharge portion 323 so as to define a portion of the discharge flow channel. The first housing may be open at the side thereof that faces the second housing 355. The second housing 355 may be configured to shield the open area of the first housing 354.

When the fan housing 351 is divided into the first housing 354 and the second housing 355, as described above, there is an effect of facilitating a procedure of assembling the blower fan 353 installed to the fan housing 351. In other words, since the fan housing 351 is composed of the first housing 354 and the second housing 355, assembly efficiency may be improved.

The first housing 354 may include a first housing body 3541 defining a portion of the discharge flow channel. The first housing body 3541 may receive a portion of the blower fan 353. Particularly, the first housing body 3541 may receive the blower blade 3533.

Furthermore, the first housing 354 may include a fan housing introduction portion 3542 which extends toward the air discharge portion 323 from the first housing body 3541. The fan housing introduction portion 3542 may extend to have the shape of a pipe. The fan housing introduction portion 3542 may be directly connected to the air discharge portion 323.

An introduction seal 3561 may be provided between the fan housing introduction portion 3542 and the air discharge portion 323 in order to prevent leakage of air at the connecting point therebetween. The introduction seal 3561 is capable of preventing the air, which flows toward the fan housing 351 from the air discharge portion 323, from leaking at the connecting region.

The circulation duct 320 may include a discharge coupler 3234 which projects toward the first housing from the outer side of the air discharge portion 323. The first housing 354 may include a duct coupler 3543 which extends parallel to the fan housing introduction portion 3542 from the first housing body 3541. The duct coupler 3543 may be coupled to the discharge coupler 3234.

The first housing 354 may be coupled to the circulation duct 320 by means of the duct coupler 3543. Particularly, the first housing may be coupled to the discharge coupler 3234 by means of the duct coupler 3543.

The first housing 354 may be coupled to the circulation duct 320 through the side thereof that faces the second housing 355, in the state in which the discharge coupler 3234 and the duct coupler 3543 are aligned with each other.

In an embodiment in which the circulation duct 320 is coupled to the first housing 354, the first housing may be firmly fixed to the circulation duct 320 by means of fastening element such as a screw in the state in which the duct coupler 3543 and the discharge coupler 3234 are aligned with each other so as to face each other.

Specifically, the fastening element may fix the first housing 354 in a forward direction from the rear side of the first housing 354 which has been normally positioned.

The first housing 354 may include a first housing fixture 3548 which projects from the first housing body 3541. The first housing fixture 3548 may project toward the controller 700 from the first housing body 3541. The first housing fixture 3548 may fix the controller 700 in the normal position. The detailed coupling procedure thereof will be described later.

The first housing 354 may include the fan housing discharge portion 3544 configured to discharge air toward the laundry treatment space 220. The fan housing discharge portion 3544 may be disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the blower fan 353. The fan housing discharge portion 3544 may be configured to discharge the air, introduced into the fan housing 351, upwards.

The fan housing discharge portion 3544 may be provided with a discharge seal 3563 configured to prevent air leakage. The discharge seal 3563 may be provided on the inner lateral surface of the fan housing discharge portion 3544. The discharge seal 3563 may be disposed between the fan housing discharge portion 3544 and the laundry treatment space 220 so as to prevent air leakage.

The first housing 354 may be provided at the rear side thereof with an open surface. The second housing 355 may be coupled to the first housing 354 so as to shield the open surface. The blower fan 353 may be coupled to the second housing.

Specifically, the blower fan 3521 may be coupled to the rear surface of the second housing 355. The blower shaft 3532 may extend through the second housing. The blower blade (not shown) may be positioned opposite to the blower motor 3531 based on the second housing. The blower blade may be connected to the blower shaft 3532 and be rotated thereby. Accordingly, the blower blade may be positioned in the first housing 354.

The first housing 354 may include a first housing fastener 3547. The first housing fastener 3547 may project from the periphery of the open rear surface of the first housing body 3541.

The second housing 355 may include a second housing body 3551 configured to shield the rear open surface of the first housing body 3541. Furthermore, the second housing 355 may include a second housing fastener 3552 which extends from the second housing body 3551.

The second housing fastener 3552 may be coupled to the first housing fastener 3547. The first housing fastener 3547 and the second housing fastener 3552 may be coupled to each other in a hook coupling manner. The structures of the first housing fastener 3547 and the second housing fastener 3552 may be reversed, unlike the structures shown in the drawing.

The first housing fastener 3547 and the second housing fastener 3552 may be coupled to each other in a hook coupling manner, thereby assembling the first housing 354 with the second housing 355.

The first housing fastener 3547 and the second housing fastener 3552 may be coupled to each other in a screw coupling manner as well as in a hook coupling manner.

A coupling seal 3562 may be provided between the first housing 354 and the second housing 355 in order to prevent air leakage through the connecting point therebetween. Specifically, the coupling seal 3562 may be manufactured into a shape surrounding the open rear surface of the first housing 354.

Referring to the enlarged view in FIG. 21, the circulation duct 320 may include the discharge coupler 3234, and the fan housing may include the duct coupler 3543 which is coupled to the discharge coupler 3234.

The circulation duct 320 may further include a discharge insert 3235, which is coupled to the first housing 354, in addition to the discharge coupler 3234. The discharge insert 3235 may project from one side of the duct body 321. Furthermore, the discharge insert 3235 may project from one side of the air discharge portion 323. The discharge insert 3235 may include a hole or a slit into which a certain component of the first housing 354 is insertable. The detailed coupling structure of the discharge insert 3235 will be described later.

The second housing 355 may include a protection rib 3553 which projects from the second housing body 3551. The protection rib 3553 may be disposed above the noise filter 390. The noise filter 390 may be configured to eliminate noise from an electrical signal which is transmitted to and received from the controller 700.

The hot air, which has passed through the condenser 343, may pass through the fan housing 351. At this time, dew drops may be generated on the outer side of the fan housing 351 due to the hot air. In addition, there is the possibility that moisture contained in air flowing through the fan housing 351 is condensed on the outer side of the fan housing 351.

When the second housing 355 is coupled in the normal position, the protection rib 3553 may be disposed above the noise filter 390. In other words, the protection rib 3553 may prevent moisture from falling to the noise filter 390.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circulation duct, the base, and the fan installation portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, FIG. 21 illustrates the cross-section perpendicular to the width direction of the base.

Referring to FIG. 21, the air discharge portion 323 may include an air extension pipe 3231 which extends backwards from the duct body 321. Furthermore, the air discharge portion 323 may include an air discharge pipe 3232 which extends backwards from the air extension pipe 3231.

The air extension pipe 3231 may be configured to guide the air in the duct body 321 in the backward direction. Meanwhile, the air discharge pipe 3232 may be configured to discharge the air in the duct body 321 to the outside of the duct body 321.

The air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 may be formed integrally with the duct body 321. Particularly, the duct body 321, the air extension pipe 3231, and the air discharge pipe 323 may be formed integrally with one another using a metal mold.

Referring to FIG. 21 in conjunction with FIG. 7, the metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231 may be removed, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In other words, the metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231 may be removed forwards. Meanwhile, the metal mold configured to form the air discharge pipe 3232 may be removed backwards.

Accordingly, an air discharge pipe parting line 3236 may be formed at the point at which the air discharge pipe 3232 is connected to the air extension pipe 3231. Based on the air discharge pipe parting line 3236, the front side of the air discharge portion 323 may be defined as the air discharge pipe 3232, and the front side of the air discharge portion 323 may be defined as the air extension pipe 3231.

Accordingly, because the direction in which the metal mold for the air extension pipe 3231 and the direction in which the metal mold for the air discharge pipe 3232 are different from each other, the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 may be different from each other in gradient of the diameter. Particularly, the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 may be different from each other in gradient of the inside diameter.

Generally, the term “inside diameter” may mean the diameter of the inside of the pipe shape. In other words, the term “inside diameter” may mean the diameter of the pipe shape. However, the air extension pipe 3231 may be formed to have the shape of a bell mouth rather than the shape of a pipe. Accordingly, in this disclosure, the inside diameter may be understood to mean the cross-sectional area of the flow channel in which air flows.

In other words, in this disclosure, the inside diameter may be understood to mean the height or the width of the cross-section of the flow channel perpendicular to the direction in which air flows or in which the pipe extends. Specifically, when the flow channel in which air flows is cut along a plane perpendicular to the forward/backward direction, the width or the height of the cross-section of the flow channel may be referred to as inside diameter.

Each of the inside diameters of the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 may increase in the direction in which the corresponding metal mold is removed. For example, the metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231 may be removed in the forward direction. Here, the inside diameter of the air extension pipe 3231 may increase moving forwards.

Meanwhile, the metal mold configured to form the air discharge pipe 3232 may be removed in the backward direction. Here, the inside diameter of the air discharge pipe 3232 may increase moving backwards.

When both the pipes are constructed in the fashion described above, the inside diameter of the portion at which the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 are connected to each other may be smallest in the entire air discharge portion 323. Specifically, the inside diameter of the portion at which the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232 are connected to each other may be smallest in the air extension pipe 3231 and the air discharge pipe 3232. In other words, the diameter of the air discharge pipe parting line 3236 may be smallest among the inside diameters of the air discharge portion 323.

In other words, the interior cross-sectional area of the air extension pipe 3231 may decrease in the direction in which the air extension pipe 3231 extends, and the interior cross-sectional area of air discharge pipe 3232 may increase in the direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends. Here, the extension direction may mean the backward direction. Furthermore, the extension direction may mean the direction in which the air discharge portion 323 extends.

The first housing 354 may communicate with the air discharge pipe 3232. The fan housing introduction portion 3542 may be coupled to the air discharge pipe 3232 so as to communicate therewith. In other words, when the duct coupler 3543 and the discharge coupler 3234 are coupled to each other, the fan housing introduction portion 3542 and the air discharge pipe 323 may be disposed so as to communicate with each other.

FIG. 22 illustrates the cross-section of the circulation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, FIG. 22 illustrates the cross-section of the circulation duct which is cut in a direction parallel to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 22, the inside diameter D1 of the air extension pipe may decrease in a direction in which the air extension pipe extends, and the extent to which the inside diameter D1 of the air extension pipe decreases may be reduced in the direction in which the air extension pipe extends. Specifically, the inside diameter D1 of the air extension pipe may decrease with increasing distance from the duct body 321, and the reduction rate of the inside diameter of the air extension pipe may be reduced with increasing distance from the duct body 321.

In other words, with increasing distance from the duct body, the inside diameter D1 of the air extension pipe may steeply decrease in a region close to the duct body and may gently decrease in a region far away from the duct body.

When the air extension pipe is constructed so as to have the above-mentioned reduction rate of the inside diameter D1, the interior of the air extension pipe may have the shape of a bell mouth. By virtue of this shape, the flow rate of air passing through the air extension pipe 3231 may be improved. Furthermore, there is an effect of reducing flow loss of air flowing through the air extension pipe 3231.

The inside diameter D3 of the air discharge pipe may increase with increasing distance from the duct body 321. Specifically, the inside diameter D3 of the air extension pipe 3232 may increase in a direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends.

In summary, the flow rate of the air discharged from the duct body 321 may increase while flowing through the air extension pipe 3231 the inside diameter of which decreases in the direction in which the air flows. Subsequently, the air having passed through the air extension pipe 3231 may be discharged to the outside of the circulation duct 320 through the air discharge pipe 3232 the inside diameter of which gradually increases.

In other words, the flow rate of the air discharged from the duct body 321 may initially increase, and may then decrease while being discharged from the circulation duct 320. Accordingly, there is an effect of reducing flow loss of air by virtue of the above-mentioned shape of the air extension pipe.

Furthermore, the gradient of the inner surface of the air extension pipe 3231 relative to the direction in which the air extension pipe 3231 extends may be different from the gradient of the inner surface of the air discharge pipe 3232 relative to the direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends.

Here, the direction in which the air extension pipe 3231 extends and the direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends may refer to the forward/backward direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the air extension pipe 3231 extends and the direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends may refer to the direction in which the evaporator 341 and the condenser 343 are sequentially disposed.

Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 22, the gradient 3231r of the inner surface of the air extension pipe 3231 relative to the direction in which the air extension pipe 3231 extends may be different from the gradient 3232r of the inner surface of the air discharge pipe 323 relative to the direction in which the air discharge pipe 3232 extends.

Particularly, the gradient of the air extension pipe and the gradient of the air discharge pipe may be formed in different directions. Particularly, the gradient of the air extension pipe and the gradient of the air discharge pipe may be formed in opposite directions based on the parting line 3236 of the air discharge pipe.

Referring to FIG. 22 in conjunction with FIG. 8, the first distance 323a of the air extension pipe 3231 in the forward/backward direction may be less than the second distance 323c of the heat exchanger installation portion 3212 in the forward/backward direction.

The metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231 may be taken out forwards and then be moved upwards for removal. Specifically, the metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231 may be taken out forwards so as to be positioned in the duct body 321, and may then be moved upwards for removal.

Here, when the first distance 323a is greater than the second distance 323c, it may interfere with the removal of the metal mold configured to form the air extension pipe 3231. Accordingly, when the first distance 323a is greater than the second distance 323c, there is an effect of enabling manufacture using a metal mold.

Furthermore, the first distance 323a of the air extension pipe 3231 in the forward/backward direction may be less than the distance between the installation partition wall and the air extension pipe. The distance between the installation partition wall 3211 and the air extension pipe 3231 may refer to the same distance as the second distance 323c. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned construction is implemented, there is an effect of facilitating manufacture of the air extension pipe 3231 using a metal mold.

The installation partition wall 3211 may be configured to support a portion of the front surface of the evaporator 341. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 may prevent air from being introduced through one surface of the evaporator 341. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the air passing through the evaporator 341 from leaking through a lateral surface of the evaporator 341 without sufficient heat exchange. In other words, the installation partition wall 3211 may have an effect of improving efficiency of heat exchange of the evaporator 341.

The air discharge portion 323 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor 342 in the width direction of the base 310. Because the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 are integrally formed and the compressor installation portion 312 and the base 310 are integrally formed, the compressor installation portion 312 may overlap the air discharge portion 323 of the circulation duct 320 in the width direction.

When the air discharge portion 323 overlaps the compressor 342 in the width direction, there is an effect of more efficiently utilizing the limited space in the machine compartment.

The air discharge portion 323 may overlap at least a portion of the controller 700 in the height direction of the cabinet 100. Because the controller installation portion 313 is capable of being disposed below the circulation duct 320, the controller 700 is also capable of being disposed in the height direction of the air discharge portion 323.

When the above-mentioned arrangement is embodied, it is possible to more efficiently utilize the limited space in the machine compartment. Accordingly, there is an effect of enlarging the laundry treatment space 220.

FIG. 23 illustrates the coupled state of the steam supply of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the rear. Particularly, FIG. 23 illustrates the coupled state of the disassembled components shown in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIG. 23 in conjunction with FIG. 4, the steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the compressor 342 in the height direction of the cabinet 100.

The conventional laundry treatment apparatus was constructed such that the steam supply and the compressor are disposed so as to overlap each other in the width direction. Because the conventional laundry treatment apparatus was constructed such that the circulation duct is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the base, it is difficult to cause the compressor and the steam supply to overlap each other in the height direction.

In contrast, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is constructed such that the base 310 and the circulation duct 320 are integrally formed and the surface area of the portion of the base 310 that is occupied by the compressor is reduced. Consequently, the configuration structure of steam supply 800 is also changed.

Due to the change of the configuration structure, the steam supply 800 may be disposed above the compressor installation portion 312. In other words, the steam supply 800 may be disposed above the compressor 342. The detailed configuration structure of the steam supply 800 will be described later.

Furthermore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the fan installation portion 350 which is coupled to the circulation duct 320 so as to allow the inner case 200 to communicate with the circulation duct 320 and to circulate the air in the laundry treatment apparatus 220.

The steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap at least apportion of the fan installation portion 350 in the width direction of the base 310. Because the steam supply 800 is installed to the base cover 360, the steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap the fan installation portion 350 in the width direction.

The fan installation portion 350 may include the blower fan 353 configured to generate airflow to circulate the air in the laundry treatment space 220, the fan housing 351 coupled to the circulation duct 320 to receive the blower fan 353 therein, and the discharge duct 352 which extends toward the inner case 200 from the fan housing 351 to allow the fan housing 351 to communicate with the inner case 200.

The discharge duct 352 may extend upwards from the fan housing 351. Specifically, the discharge duct 352 may be positioned closer to the inner case 200 than the blower fan 353.

The steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the discharge duct 352 in the width direction of the base.

Because the steam supply 800 is disposed on the base cover 360, the steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap the discharge duct 352 in the width direction.

The conventional laundry treatment apparatus was constructed such that the steam supply 800 was disposed below the circulation duct 320. Consequently, the steam supply 800 was positioned farther away from the inner case 200 than the circulation duct 320. In contrast, the steam supply 800 according to the present disclosure may be disposed above the circulation duct 320. Accordingly, the steam supply 800 may be disposed so as to overlap the discharge duct 352 in the width direction.

Both the discharge duct 352 and the steam supply 800 may communicate with the laundry treatment space 220 to supply hot air or moisture to the laundry treatment space 220. Accordingly, it is preferable that the discharge duct 352 and the steam supply 800 be disposed close to the laundry treatment space 220 in consideration of heat efficiency and the like.

Consequently, because the steam supply 800 is disposed so as to overlap the discharge duct 352 in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the steam created in the steam supply 800 from falling in the course of being moved to the laundry treatment space 220.

The steam supply 800 may include the steam case 810 configured to store water for creation of steam. Furthermore, the steam supply 800 may include the installation bracket 870 which surrounds at least a portion of the steam case 810 and positions the steam case 810 above the compressor 342.

Specifically, the installation bracket 870 may be coupled to another component in the machine compartment so as to position the steam case 810 above the compressor 342. In other words, the installation bracket 870 may position the steam supply 800 above the compressor 342.

The installation bracket 870 may be coupled to one lateral surface of the steam case 810 that faces the compressor. In other words, the installation bracket 870 may be coupled to the steam case 810 so as to surround the lower side of the steam case 810.

The installation bracket 870 may serve to protect the steam case 810. Because the compressor 342 is configured to discharge high temperature and pressure refrigerant, there may be the high possibility of firing. In addition, because the steam supply 800 also creates steam therein and is thus maintained at a high temperature, there may be the high possibility of firing.

Here, the installation bracket 870 may be disposed so as to surround one surface of the steam case 810 that faces the compressor 342, thereby preventing the steam case 810 from igniting due to the compressor 342.

As described above, in order for the installation bracket 870 to prevent ignition of the steam case 810, the installation bracket 870 may be made of a non-flammable material. Particularly, the installation bracket 870 may be made of a metal. The installation bracket 870 may not only serve to prevent ignition of the steam case 810 but also serve to maintain the position of the steam case 810. Accordingly, when the installation bracket 870 is made of a metal, there is an effect of being capable of more firmly supporting the steam case 810.

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.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10-2021-0169352	Nov 2021	KR	national
10-2022-0151851	Nov 2022	KR	national

CLOTHING PROCESSING APPARATUS

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